- MSC has made amendments on a working group on Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS).
- It also discussed a working group on goal-based new ship construction standards.
- The committee also discussed a working group on measures to enhance the safety of ships relating to the use of fuel oil.
- They also made recommendations for the drafting group on amendments to mandatory instruments.
The following recommendations have been suggested during IMO’s MSC session 101, said a press release.
Adoption of amendments
The MSC is expected to consider, for adoption, proposed amendments to the SOLAS Convention and to mandatory codes:
- Draft amendments to the appendix to SOLAS, to the record of equipment, relating to rudder, propeller, thrust, pitch and operational mode indicator.
- Draft amendments to the International Code for Fire Safety Systems (FSS Code), relating to inert gas systems.
- Draft amendments to the International Code of Safety for Ships using Gases or other low-flashpoint Fuels (IGF Code), including those relating to regulations on loading limit for liquefied gas fuel tanks, and fuel distribution.
- Draft amendments to the International Life-Saving Appliances Code (LSA Code), relating to general requirements for lifeboats and launching and embarkation appliances.
- A comprehensive set of draft amendments to the International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk (IBC Code).
- Consequential amendments to the Code for the construction and equipment of ships carrying dangerous chemicals in bulk (BCH Code) are also set to be adopted.
- The draft consolidated edition of the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes Code (IMSBC Code), incorporating amendment 05-19.
Regulatory scoping exercise on Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships
- The MSC will be updated on progress with the scoping exercise to look at how the safe, secure and environmentally sound operation of Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) may be introduced in IMO instruments.
- The Committee is also expected to consider proposals related to the development of interim guidelines for MASS trials.
- Provisional principles for the development of such guidelines were discussed during the last session, including ensuring that such guidelines should be generic and goal-based and taking a precautionary approach to ensuring the safe, secure and environmentally sound operation of MASS.
- A working group on MASS is expected to be established during the session.
Goal-based standards and safety level approach
- Since IMO adopted the Goal-based ship construction standards for bulkers and oil tankers (GBS) in 2010, a total of 13 Recognized Organizations have undergone successful initial verification of compliance by IMO GBS audit teams.
- The MSC will receive the latest status update in relation to verification audits.
- The MSC will consider proposals to amend the Generic guidelines for developing IMO goal‑based standards (MSC.1/ Circ.1394/Rev.1).
- This follows experience gained by the Sub-Committee on Ship Systems and Equipment (SSE) in applying the Generic Guidelines for the development of draft goals and functional requirements for onboard lifting appliances and anchor handling winches.
Safety of ships in polar waters
- The MSC is expected to approve draft guidance for navigation and communication equipment intended for use on ships operating in polar waters.
- This is expected to be an important tool in support of the implementation of the mandatory Polar Code.
- IMO’s Polar Code helps ensure that ships operating in the harsh Arctic and Antarctic areas take into account extremes of temperature and that critical equipment remains operational under those conditions.
- The Committee will also further consider how to move forward with developing requirements for ships operating in polar waters but not currently covered by the Polar Code.
- A proposed draft Assembly resolution urging the Member States to take steps, on a voluntary basis, to implement safety measures of the Polar Code on non-SOLAS ships will be considered by the MSC.
- The Polar Code is mandatory for certain ships under the SOLAS and MARPOL Conventions.
Fuel oil and the safety of ships
- The Committee will be invited to consider submissions under the agenda item “Development of further measures to enhance the safety of ships relating to the use of fuel oil“.
- This concerns, in particular, the potential need for guidance and advice on possible safety issues relating to the implementation of the 0.50% limit of the sulphur content of fuel oil (outside emission control areas).
- The 0.50% limit (reduced from 3.50% currently) on the sulphur content of ships’ fuel oil, in force from 1 January 2020 under IMO’s MARPOL treaty, will greatly benefit the environment and human health.
- The MSC is expected to concurrently approve a draft MSC-MEPC circular on delivery of compliant fuel oil by suppliers, already approved by MEPC 74.
- The MSC will consider further measures to enhance the safety of ships relating to the use of fuel oil, including possible enhancement of the SOLAS regulation relating to a flashpoint.
- Regulation 4.2.1 of SOLAS chapter II-2 includes fuel oil safety provisions related specifically to the minimum flash point requirement for marine fuel oil.
Piracy and armed robbery against ships
- The MSC will consider the latest figures on piracy and armed robbery against ships based on reports received by IMO.
- In 2018, 223 incidents occurred worldwide as compared to 204 incidents reported in 2017, an increase of about 9% at the global level. So far in 2019, incidents in West and Central African waters have accounted for about half of all reported incidents.
- The MSC is expected to consider the efforts made by Member States, industry, and other stakeholders to address this problem, and what more action may be needed.
E-navigation progress
The MSC is expected to approve a number of circulars related to the development of e-navigation. E-navigation is defined as “the harmonized collection, integration, exchange, presentation and analysis of marine information on board and ashore by electronic means to enhance berth to berth navigation and related services for safety and security at sea and protection of the marine environment“.
An updated IMO e-navigation Strategy Implementation Plan (SIP) was approved by MSC 99 in May 2018 (MSC.1/Circ.1595).
Domestic ferry safety
The MSC will be invited to consider including a new item on measures to improve domestic ferry safety on its agenda for the next session. In this connection, the MSC will be invited to consider a strategy for dealing with matters pertaining to domestic ferry safety and a plan of work. This could include:
- As an initial step, consulting with stakeholders to collate best practices and tested and tried domestic legislation in order to contribute to safer domestic ferry operations;
- Developing model regulations on domestic ferry safety;
- Developing online training material on domestic ferry safety;
- Strengthening the national capacity of some countries to incorporate legislation into national law, through technical assistance activities.
Approval of other draft amendments, guidance, and guidelines
The MSC is expected to adopt draft amendments to the Safety Certificate and the Record of Equipment for the Special Purpose Ship Safety Certificate of the SPS Code, Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk (BCH Code), Enhanced Programme of Inspections During Surveys of Bulk Carriers and Oil Tankers (ESP Code), SOLAS regulations and much more.
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Source: IMO
