Sub-Committee on Ship Design and Construction (SDC), 5th session, 22-26 January 2018
Draft Guidelines on stability computers and shore-based support for existing passenger ships agreed
The Sub-Committee agreed draft Guidelines on operational information for masters in case of flooding for passenger ships constructed before 1 January 2014, for submission to the ninety ninth session of the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 99) for approval, in conjunction with the adoption of draft amendments to SOLAS regulations II-1/1 and II 1/8-1 on computerized stability support for the master in case of flooding for existing passenger ships.
The draft new SOLAS regulation II-1/8-1.3, requires that all passenger ships shall have an onboard stability computer or shore-based support to provide operational information to the master after a flooding casualty.
The draft Guidelines were developed to ensure that:
- an onboard stability computer is capable of receiving and processing data; or
- if a shore-based support is provided, the system comprises two-way communication links to the shore-based support with a stability computer capable of receiving and processing data,
The aim is to provide the master with regularly updated operational information on the residual damage stability of the ship after a flooding casualty.
Following the request of the Maritime Safety Committee to confirm when the draft new SOLAS regulation II-1/8-1.3 should apply to existing passenger ships constructed before 1 January 2014, the Sub-Committee recommended that such ships shall comply with SOLAS regulation II-1/8-1.3.1 not later than the first renewal survey after five years after the date of entry into force of the amendments.
Draft amendments to enhanced inspection of bulk carriers and tankers (ESP) Code agreed
The Sub-Committee prepared draft amendments to the International Code on the Enhanced Programme of Inspections during Surveys of Bulk Carriers and Oil Tankers, 2011 (2011 ESP Code), based on editorial changes proposed by the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) and the Secretariat to identify mandatory requirements and improve the format of the tables and forms, and recent updates to IACS Unified Requirements, related in particular to the goal-based ship construction standards for bulk carriers and oil tankers. The finalized draft amendments will be forwarded to MSC 99 for approval and subsequent adoption.
Draft Guidelines for wing in ground (WIG) craft finalized
Draft Guidelines for wing-in-ground (WIG) craft were finalized by the Sub-Committee, for submission to MSC 99, for approval.
The draft Guidelines apply to WIG craft carrying more than 12 passengers and/or having a full load displacement of more than 10 tonnes.
The Guidelines cover the full range of structural and operational issues (buoyancy, stability and subdivision; anchoring, towing and berthing; life-saving appliances and arrangements; navigational equipment; radiocommunications; aerodynamic stabilization systems; inspection and maintenance provisions; etc.).
IMO and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) have agreed that any WIG craft capable of flying outside the influence of ground effect at an altitude of more than 150 m, typically referred to as type C craft, should in such a flight be subject to the rules and regulations of ICAO. Other craft, including those with limited "fly-over" capability, should be covered only by the maritime regulatory regime.
The Guidelines will replace the Interim Guidelines issued by IMO in 2002 (and amended in 2004).
Safe mooring operations guidelines progressed
The Sub-Committee continued to develop draft guidelines and SOLAS amendments aimed at preventing accidents and injury when ships are being secured at their berth in a port.
The proposed draft SOLAS amendment would require ships to be provided with arrangements, equipment and fittings of sufficient safe working load to enable the safe conduct of all towing and mooring operations associated with the normal operation of the ship. Such arrangements would need to be approved by the Administration (flag State) or recognized organization acting on its behalf.
New draft guidelines being developed will cover the design of mooring arrangements and the selection of appropriate mooring equipment and fittings for safe mooring; and inspection and maintenance of mooring equipment including lines. The Sub-Committee is also updating and revising existing guidance on shipboard towing and mooring equipment.
A correspondence group was established to further develop the draft guidelines and revised guidance and consider any consequential amendments to relevant IMO instruments.
Mandatory code on carriage of more than 12 industrial personnel progressed
Further progress was made in developing a draft new SOLAS chapter and draft new code on the carriage of more than 12 industrial personnel on board vessels engaged on international voyages.
The requirements would apply to vessels transporting/accommodating persons for the purpose of offshore industrial activities that are performed on board other vessels and/or offshore facilities (e.g. personnel transported to work on offshore wind farms).
The correspondence group was re-established to continue the work.