- The 10th Session of the IMO Sub-Committee focused on developing strategies to mitigate fire risks on ships carrying new energy vehicles, particularly battery electric vehicles (BEVs), and enhancing life-saving measures.
- The meeting endorsed a roadmap and goal-based approach for fire safety systems and arrangements, and discussed various amendments to SOLAS chapters, including provisions for containerships and life-saving appliances.
The Sub-Committee endorsed a roadmap and goal-based approach to mitigate fire risks linked to ships carrying new energy vehicles, such as BEVs. Noting past fire accidents involving such vehicles, the approach aims to identify hazards, examine existing regulations, and formulate functional requirements to minimize fire risk and enhance fire detection and control capabilities.
Enhancing Fire Detection and Control on Containerships
Continuing its work on amending SOLAS chapter II-2 and the Fire Safety Systems (FSS) Code, the Sub-Committee focused on measures to detect and control fires in cargo holds and cargo decks of containerships. Given the recent attention on containership fires, including those involving ultra-large vessels, discussions included various risk control options and fire safety measures.
Revision of SOLAS Chapter III and LSA Code on Life-Saving Appliances
The Sub-Committee discussed revisions to SOLAS chapter III and the International Life-Saving Appliance Code (LSA Code) to enhance international requirements for life-saving appliances and arrangements. Draft amendments were proposed based on safety objectives, functional requirements, and expected performance, with plans for further development by an intersessional Correspondence Group.
Harmonizing Lifejacket Carriage Requirements for High-Speed Craft
Draft amendments to the International Code of Safety for High-Speed Craft (HSC Code) aimed to harmonize lifejacket carriage requirements for adults and infants onboard, aligning them with SOLAS chapter III provisions. These amendments, once approved, will contribute to ensuring consistent safety standards for high-speed craft operations.
Improving Free-Fall Lifeboats and Maintenance Procedures
The Sub-Committee agreed to draft amendments to enhance testing requirements for free-fall lifeboats’ release systems, ensuring compliance with safety standards. Additionally, discussions focused on reviewing maintenance, examination, and testing requirements for lifeboats and launching appliances to ensure consistent implementation.
Unified Interpretations of IMO Regulations
Draft unified interpretations (UIs) were developed to clarify and ensure consistent application of IMO regulations related to SOLAS chapters II-1, II-2, and III, as well as resolution MSC.402(96). These UIs aim to provide guidance on regulatory compliance and will be submitted for approval by MSC 109.
Other Matters
The Sub-Committee also elected new officers for 2025, including Mr. Hironori Eguro (Japan) as Chair and Vice-Admiral Cristiano Aliperta (Palau) as Vice-Chair, and finalized revisions to IMO Model Course 3.04 on Survey of Electrical Installations.
Overall, the meeting underscored IMO’s commitment to enhancing safety standards and addressing emerging challenges in the maritime industry, reflecting ongoing efforts to ensure maritime safety and environmental protection.
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Source Safety4sea
