- IACS reaffirms its commitment to supporting IMO’s work by actively participating in SDC 11, scheduled from 13 to 17 January 2025.
- Several key documents have been submitted to clarify and propose amendments related to safety, inspection, and operational guidelines for ships, including proposals for revisions in the ESP Code and SOLAS regulations.
- Notable proposals include amendments to guidance on safe return to port systems, remote inspection techniques, and unified interpretations for SOLAS regulations.
IACS Contribution to IMO’s Technical Work
In its role as the principal technical advisor to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) is preparing for its active participation in the 11th session of the Sub-Committee on Ship Design and Construction (SDC 11), scheduled from 13 to 17 January 2025. The organization’s involvement is in line with its ongoing support for the IMO’s mission and its responsibility as a recognized organization of IMO Member States. IACS plays a key role in verifying ship compliance with IMO requirements.
Ahead of SDC 11, IACS has submitted several important documents aimed at providing clarity and proposing necessary updates to various maritime safety standards. These documents include:
- SDC 11/3/2: Proposes amendments to MSC.1/Circ.1175/Rev.1 to update technical guidance.
- SDC 11/5/1: Suggests amendments to Appendix 1 of the Interim Explanatory Notes (MSC.1/Circ.1369) for the interpretation of safe return to port (SRtP) systems.
- SDC 11/5/2: Offers further proposals for specific items within Appendix 1 of the revised Explanatory Notes, stemming from the report of the Correspondence Group on the Revision of Interim Explanatory Notes.
- SDC 11/6: Presents the report of the Correspondence Group on Amendments to the 2011 ESP Code, recommending the use of remote inspection techniques.
- SDC 11/6/1: Proposes a revision of MSC.1/Circ.1502 to align with the latest amendments to the 2011 ESP Code.
- SDC 11/6/2: Provides comments on the use of remote inspection techniques in the revised ESP Code.
Additional documents submitted by IACS include proposals for unified interpretations of SOLAS regulations and updates to fire performance guidelines for Fibre-Reinforced Plastic (FRP) structures:
- SDC 11/10/1: Proposes unified interpretations of SOLAS regulation II-1/25-1 regarding the applicability of water level detectors in cargo holds.
- SDC 11/10/2: Offers a draft unified interpretation of SOLAS regulation II-1/12.6.2 to clarify “remotely operated valves.”
- SDC 11/10/3: Suggests revisions to MSC.1/Circ.1511/Rev.1 to clarify the term “lower part” in connection with means of escape from spaces below the bulkhead deck.
- SDC 11/10/4: Presents information on the deletion of IACS unified interpretations SC 4 and 5.
- SDC 11/11/2: Provides initial comments on the draft proposal for the revision of Interim Guidelines for the use of Fibre-Reinforced Plastic (FRP) composite structures, focusing on fire performance and testing.
- SDC 11/INF.5: Informs about the publication of IACS Recommendation No.181 on the Measurement of Underwater Radiated Noise from Ships.
IACS’s involvement in these discussions reflects its continuous efforts to ensure safety, operational efficiency, and regulatory clarity within the maritime industry. As the SDC 11 session approaches, these documents are expected to facilitate the IMO’s ongoing regulatory advancements and foster uniform and consistent implementation of maritime safety standards.
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Source: Safer and Cleaner Shipping – IACS
