- The Liberia Maritime Authority has issued a Marine Operations Note outlining essential guidelines regarding the development and maintenance of inventories of hazardous materials (IHM).
- This note provides crucial information to ensure a streamlined and quality-focused approach to IHM compliance, emphasizing the importance of IHM in protecting human health, safety, and the environment.
Key Requirements for IHM Part I Conformity
1. Background: The Hong Kong Convention, ratified by Liberia in June 2023, mandates the development of IHM for ships, with specific requirements for new and existing vessels. The IHM aims to document hazardous materials onboard and ensure safe recycling practices.
2. Combining Compliance Inspections: Liberia aims to streamline compliance inspections by aligning with both the Hong Kong Convention and the EU Ship Recycling Regulation, reducing administrative burdens for shipowners and operators.
3. Development of IHM: Shipowners are required to develop IHM for approval prior to entering EU ports or before the entry into force of the Hong Kong Convention. The IHM should cover materials specified in both regulations and be verified by accredited laboratories.
4. Maintenance and Updating: IHM Part I must be maintained throughout the ship’s operational life, with updates required for any changes in equipment or materials. Continuity and conformity of information should be ensured, especially during changes in ownership or flag.
Conformity Assurance Process for IHM Part I
1. Material Declaration (MD): Suppliers must declare the presence of hazardous materials in their products, providing essential information such as product name, declaration date, and mass of each constituent material.
2. Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity (SDOC): The SDOC confirms that the Material Declaration complies with specified requirements and identifies the responsible entity. It includes details like issuer information, subject identification, statement of conformity, and signature of authorized personnel.
The Marine Operations Note by Liberia Maritime Authority underscores the significance of IHM compliance for the maritime industry’s environmental and safety standards. By adhering to these guidelines and ensuring IHM Part I conformity, shipowners contribute to sustainable and responsible ship recycling practices while meeting regulatory requirements.
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Source: Safety4sea
