- IACS to participate in SSE 11 (Feb 24-28, 2025), supporting IMO’s regulatory framework.
- Submitted proposals clarify SOLAS regulations, fire safety, lifeboat launch procedures, and maintenance.
- Aims to improve regulatory consistency with unified interpretations and compliance guidance.
- Proposes updates for SSE 12, focusing on plastic pipes and fire safety regulations.
As the principal technical advisor to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) reaffirms its dedication to ensuring clarity and consistency in maritime regulations. In line with its role, IACS will actively participate in the 11th session of the Sub-Committee on Ship Systems and Equipment (SSE 11), scheduled for February 24-28, 2025.
Recognizing the importance of compliance verification conducted by its members as recognized organizations (ROs) of IMO Member States, IACS has submitted a series of documents for discussion at SSE 11. These contributions address key regulatory matters, aiming to provide clarity and practical guidance for stakeholders across the maritime industry.
Key Submissions and Regulatory Enhancements
IACS has submitted various proposals and unified interpretations to facilitate the proper implementation of IMO regulations, including:
Lifeboat Launch Procedures
- Clarification on Free-Fall Lifeboat Simulated Launching: IACS seeks to confirm that proposed amendments to the Life-Saving Appliances (LSA) Code should not apply retroactively, ensuring a clear understanding of their scope.
Fire Safety and Protection Measures
- SOLAS Regulation II-2/9 Guidance Document: IACS proposes compiling explanatory figures from existing IMO circulars into a new guidance document to assist in the interpretation of fire safety requirements.
- Fire Protection in Cargo Pump Rooms and High-Risk Areas: IACS provides a unified interpretation of SOLAS provisions regarding fire safety measures for cargo pump rooms and other high-risk areas to enhance fire prevention efforts.
- CO₂ Fire-Extinguishing System Maintenance: A proposal to revise IMO guidelines (MSC.1/Circ.1318/Rev.1) to improve testing and inspection requirements for CO₂ cylinders used in fire suppression.
Structural Safety and Load Testing
- Escape Routes from Steering Gear Spaces: Revision of IACS UI SC 269 clarifies means of escape for crew members in cargo ship steering gear spaces.
- Regulation of Lifting Appliances: A revised unified interpretation of SOLAS regulation II-1/3-13.2.4 ensures uniform documentation and safety compliance for non-certified lifting appliances.
Piping and Equipment Standards
- Plastic Pipes on Ships: IACS proposes a revision of guidelines on the use of plastic pipes to align regulations with current industry practices and technological advancements.
- Construction Requirements for Gaskets in Fire Suppression Systems: A proposal to amend the FSS Code to ensure consistent standards for gaskets in protected spaces.
Standardization and Compliance Alignment
- IACS Unified Interpretations Not Yet Published by IMO: Submission of interpretations not yet formally adopted as IMO circulars, offering valuable technical guidance for regulatory updates.
- Harmonization of LSA Code and ISO Standards: Highlighting discrepancies between the LSA Code and ISO Standard 18813 (2006 and 2022 versions), ensuring alignment and reducing inconsistencies.
Future Engagement and Next Steps
In addition to the discussions at SSE 11, IACS has proposed key topics for the SSE 12 provisional agenda, including the revision of guidelines for plastic pipes and fire safety systems. These initiatives reflect IACS’s ongoing efforts to enhance maritime safety, regulatory clarity, and industry-wide compliance with IMO standards.
Through its technical expertise and collaboration with global maritime stakeholders, IACS continues to play a vital role in shaping the future of ship safety and regulatory effectiveness.
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Source: Safer and Cleaner Shipping- IACS
