INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF DRILLING CONTRACTORS

Transcription

1 INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF DRILLING CONTRACTORS MEMORANDUM TO: FROM: SUBJECT: Distribution Alan Spackman, Vice President, Offshore Technical and Regulatory Affairs Report on 88 th Session of the IMO s Maritime Safety Committee DATE: 28 February 2011 The 88 th session of the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 88) was held from 24 November to 3 December 2011 under the chairmanship of Mr. N. Ferrer (Philippines). The session was attended by representatives of: 100 Member States; three Associate Members; two United Nations Agencies; 6 Intergovernmental Organizations; and 40 Non-Governmental Organizations. IADC was not represented at this session. The following is a summary of matters considered by the Committee with the potential to impact offshore industry operations: Adoption of amendments to mandatory instruments The following new mandatory instruments or amendments to mandatory instruments were adopted: The International Code for Application of the Fire Test Procedures Code, 2010 (2010 FTP Code), by resolution MSC.307(88); Amendments to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974 (SOLAS 74), regulations II-1 and II-2, and V, addressing electrical installations, making the 2010 FTP Code mandatory, AIS testing, and pilot transfer arrangements, by resolution MSC.308(88), to enter into force on 1 July 2012; Amendments to the 1988 SOLAS Protocol, addressing the form of certificates, by resolution MSC.309(88), to enter into force on 1 January 2012; Amendments to the International Convention for Safe Containers, 1972, annexes I, II and III, by resolution MSC.310(88), to enter into force on 1 January 2012; and Amendments to the International Code for Fire Safety Systems, regarding fire detection and alarm systems, by resolution MSC.311(88), to enter into force on 1 July Circulars The Committee adopted the Circulars listed below. Circulars are normally made available on the IMO website ( by following the link in the column on the left side of the page: Circular number MSC.1/Circ.1374 Information on prohibiting the use of asbestos on board ships MSC.1/Circ.1375 Unified interpretation of SOLAS regulation V/23

2 Page 2 Circular number MSC.1/Circ.1294/Rev.1 MSC.1/Circ.1375 MSC.1/Circ.1376 MSC.1/Circ.1377 MSC.1/Circ.1378 MSC.1/Circ.1379 MSC.1/Circ.1380 MSC.1/Circ.1381 MSC.1/Circ.1382 MSC.1/Circ.1383 MSC.1/Circ.1384 MSC.1/Circ.1385 MSC.1/Circ.1386 MSC.1/Circ.1387 MSC.1/Circ.1388 MSC.1/Circ.1389 MSC.1/Circ.1390 MSC.1/Circ.1391 Long-range identification and tracking system Technical documentation (Part II) Unified interpretation of SOLAS regulation V/23 (concerning the installation date for pilot transfer equipment and arrangements) Continuity of service plan for the LRIT system List of Application Service Providers authorized to conduct conformance tests and issue LRIT conformance test reports on behalf of the Administrations Unified Interpretation of the Performance Standard for protective coatings for dedicated seawater ballast tanks in all types of ships and double-side skin spaces of bulk carriers (resolution MSC.215(82)), concerning the term "assistant coating inspector" Unified interpretation of SOLAS regulation II-1/3-5, concerning new installation of materials containing asbestos Guidance for watertight doors on passenger ships which may be opened during navigation Modifications to footnotes in the coating performance standards adopted by resolution MSC.215(82) and MSC.288(87) Questionnaire on the availability of shore-based facilities in the GMDSS (superseding MSC/Circ.684) Unified interpretation of the International Code of Safety for High- Speed Craft, 1994, providing more specific guidance concerning the application of chapter 14 regarding the carriage requirements for distress panels and distress alert panels Guidelines for testing and approval of fixed high-expansion foam systems (which is related to the draft new chapter 6 of the FSS Code) Scientific methods on scaling of test volume for fire test on watermist fire-extinguishing systems Amendments to the Revised Guidelines for the approval of equivalent water-based fire-extinguishing systems for machinery spaces and cargo pump-rooms (MSC/Circ.1165) Revised Guidelines for the approval of fixed water-based local application fire-fighting systems for use in category A machinery spaces (MSC/Circ.913) Unified interpretation of chapter 12 of the FSS Code (to provide a specific date for implementation) Guidance on procedures for updating shipborne navigation and communication equipment Guidance for Company Security Officers Preparation of a company and crew for the contingency of hijack by pirates in the Western Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Aden Operating anomalies identified within ECDIS

3 Page 3 Circular number COLREG.2/Circ.62 COMSAR.1/Circ.52 SN.1/Circ.293 SN.1/Circ.294 SN.1/Circ.295 SN.1/Circ.266/Rev.1 New traffic separation schemes, including associated routeing measures, "Off the western coast of Norway" and "Off the southern coast of Norway" Questionnaire on the availability of SAR services New routing measures other than traffic separation schemes, including amendments to existing routing measures other than traffic separation schemes:.1 new Area To Be Avoided in the Atlantic Ocean, "Off the coast of Ghana";.2 new deep-water route including an associated precautionary area "In the approaches to the new port of King Abdullah port (KAP Port) in the Northern Red Sea";.3 amendments to the existing Area To Be Avoided, "Off the south-west coast of Iceland";.4 amendments to the existing deep-water route forming part of the "In the Strait of Dover and adjacent waters" traffic separation scheme; and.5 new interim recommendatory measure in the Singapore Strait New mandatory ship reporting system "In the Sound between Denmark and Sweden" (SOUNDREP),amendments to the existing mandatory ship reporting systems "In the Torres Strait region and the Inner Route of the Great Barrier Reef" (REEFREP) and "Off the south and south-west coast of Iceland" (TRANSREP) Guidelines for safety zones and safety of navigation around offshore installations and structures Maintenance of Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS) software MSC Resolutions The Committee adopted the additional MSC Resolutions listed below. These are annexed to the IMO report. Resolution number MSC.307(88) MSC.308(88) MSC.309(88) MSC.310(88) MSC.311(88) MSC.312(88) Adoption of the International Code for Application of Fire Test Procedures 2010 (2010 FTP Code) Adoption of amendment to the Protocol of 1988 relating to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, as amended Adoption of amendments to the Protocol of 1988 relating to the International Convention for the Safety of Live at Sea, 1974, as amended Adoption of amendments to the International Convention for Safe Containers, 1972 (1972 CSC Convention) Adoption of amendments to the International Code for Fire Safety Systems (FSS Code) Revised Guidelines on the prevention of access by stowaways and the allocation of responsibilities to seek the successful resolute of stowaway cases

4 Page 4 Resolution number MSC.313(88) MSC.314(88) MSC.315(88) MSC.316(88) Amendments to the Guidelines for the application of plastic pipes on ships (resolution A.753(18)) New mandatory ship reporting system In the sound between Denmark and Sweden (SOUNDREP) Amendments to the existing mandatory ship reporting system In the Torres Strait Region and the Inner route of the Great Barrier Reef (REEFREP) Amendments to the existing mandatory ship reporting system Off the south and south-west coast of Iceland (TRANSEP). IMO Maritime Security Manual The Committee established a Correspondence Group on the Review of the IMO Maritime Security Manual, under the coordination of Canada and the United States 1. The purpose of the manual is to consolidate existing IMO maritime security-related material into an easily read companion guide to SOLAS chapter XI-2 and the ISPS Code, intended both to assist SOLAS Contracting Governments in the implementation, verification of compliance with, and enforcement of the provisions of SOLAS chapter XI-2 and the ISPS Code, and to serve as an aid and reference for those engaged in delivering capacity-building activities in the field of maritime security. The report of the Group s deliberations will be considered at the next session. Testing of free-fall lifeboats The Committee considered a submission by the International Association of Classification Societies identifying an inconsistency between SOLAS regulations III/ and III/ concerning the testing of free-fall lifeboat release systems and suggesting that a clarification of the matter is necessary. The Ship Design and Equipment Sub-Committee s 54 th (DE 54) session acknowledged that recognized organizations needed clarity on how relevant SOLAS regulations should be implemented and had agreed with the view of the Chairman of the Sub-Committee that this matter could only be resolved by means of SOLAS amendments. The Committee noted views of delegations that a simulated launch, where the release mechanism is tested and the boat subsequently lowered by falls to the water and then boarded and maneuvered, was sufficient and that there was no merit in a full-scale test. Furthermore, a full launch with any crew on board would be in conflict with some Members' regulations, aiming at a safe working environment and protecting seafarers against unnecessary risk. The Committee, having noted support for IACS' view that a clarification of the issue was necessary, instructed DE 55 to consider the matter under its agenda item "Making the provisions of MSC.1/Circ.1206/Rev.1 mandatory" with a view to developing relevant amendments to SOLAS chapter III. In addition, DE 55 was instructed to consider perceived problems with the 110% load test of free-fall life boats. Draft amendments to the 2000 HSC Code The Committee approved draft amendments to the International Code of Safety for High-Speed Craft, 2000, concerning the testing of satellite EPIRBs and requested the Secretary-General to circulate the draft amendments for consideration at MSC 90 with a view to adoption. 1 Mssrs Marc Mes (Marc.Mes@dfo-mpo.gc.ca) and Kevin Kiefer (Kevin.C.Kiefer@uscg.mil)

5 Page 5 Amendments to chapters 5 to 8 of the FSS Code The Committee approved the draft amendments to chapters 5 to 8 of the FSS Code (regarding fixed gas and water-spraying fire-extinguishing systems for vehicle, ro-ro, container and general cargo spaces) and requested the Secretary-General to circulate the draft amendments for consideration at MSC 90 with a view to adoption. Amendments to SOLAS chapter II-2 The Committee approved the draft amendments to SOLAS regulation II-2/20, regarding fixed gas and water-spraying fire-extinguishing systems for vehicle, ro-ro, container and general cargo spaces and requested the Secretary-General to circulate the draft amendments for consideration at MSC 90 with a view to adoption. Model course on marine accident and incident investigation The Committee requested the Secretariat to review and update IMO Model Course 3.11 "Marine Accident and Incident Investigation" at the earliest convenience in co-operation with the Marine Accident Investigators' International Forum (MAIIF). Amendments to resolution A.953(23) on the World-wide radio navigation system The Committee approved a draft Assembly resolution on the World-wide radio navigation system, amending and revoking resolution A.953(23) to the 27 th session of the Assembly (A27) with a view to adoption. Draft Assembly resolution on Principles of minimum safe manning, and draft amendments to SOLAS regulation V/14 A number of delegations spoke on this issue. Some were of the view that a further review of SOLAS regulation V/14 and the draft Assembly resolution was necessary to ensure a formal process for the determination of safe manning levels which were truly mandatory and effective. The majority of delegations who took the floor were of the view that a review was not necessary, as both the STW and NAV Sub-Committees had debated the issues extensively. Consequently, the Committee approved:.1 the draft Assembly resolution on Principles of minimum safe manning for submission to A 27 with a view to adoption; and.2 the associated draft amendments to SOLAS regulation V/14. The Committee and requested the Secretary-General to circulate the draft amendments for consideration with a view to adoption at MSC 90. Carriage of speed log systems for ships of 50,000 gross tonnage and upwards IACS provided the Sub-Committee on Safety of Navigation (NAV) three alternative clarifications to the need for providing the two functions required by the two SOLAS regulation V/ (measuring and indicating speed through the water) and regulation V/ (measuring and indicating speed over the ground), by either independent devices or combined into a single device which might be less fault tolerant. However, the opinion in NAV was divided as to which of the alternatives was the preferred option. A clear majo rity of the Committee favored the use of two separate devices, one for measuring and indicating speed through water, and a separate device for speed and distance measuring over the ground. The Committee decided that this matter was best dealt with by NAV and referred the matter to the NAV s next session, bearing in mind that the resulting decision might require amending the Performance standard for speed and distance measuring equipment (resolution MSC.96(72)).

6 Page 6 Revised Guidelines for packing cargo transport units (CTUs) The Committee endorsed the view that future revisions of the IMO/ILO/UNECE Guidelines for packing cargo transport units (CTUs) should be under the coordination of this Organization and that the Secretariats of IMO, ILO and UNECE should be invited to work together on these matters. List of certificates and documents required to be carried on board ships The Facilitation Committee (FAL) had originally developed a list of certificates and documents required to be carried on board ships and that the presently available revised list, as approved by the Facilitation Committee, Maritime Safety Committee and Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) had been circulated by means of FAL.2/Circ.87-MEPC/Circ.426- MSC/Circ Having concurred with the decisions of FAL, the Committee approved the proposed amendments to the draft revised list, subject to further consideration by MEPC. The Committee further concurred with FAL and agreed, subject to concurrent decision by MEPC, with the suggestion that future revisions of the list should be initiated by the MSC on a regular basis. Approval of new work items The Committee agreed to the new or reinstated work items listed below. Subject Consideration of amendments to SOLAS chapter II-2 on location of emergency escape breathing devices (EEBDs) Development of amendments to SOLAS regulation II-2/20 and associated guidance on air quality management for ventilation of closed vehicle spaces, closed ro-ro spaces and special category spaces Development of amendments to SOLAS chapter II-2, the FTP Code and MSC/Circ.1120 to clarify the requirements for plastic pipes on ships Development of guidelines for wing-in-ground craft Development of Assembly resolution on World-Wide Met- Ocean Information and Warning Service Sessions to complete or target date 2013 FP (lead) 2013 FP (lead) 2013 FP (lead) Two sessions Assigned to DE (lead), FP, COMSAR, NAV, SLF, STW 2011 COMSAR Development of performance standards for inclinometers 2012 NAV Development of amendments to Part B of the 2008 IS Code on towing and anchor operations 2014 SLF (lead), DE Revision of testing requirements for lifejacket RTDs 2012 DE Preparation of guidelines for the implementation of the medical standards of the Manila Amendments 2013 STW Meeting weeks for the biennium The Committee approved the plan of 25.5 meeting weeks of the MSC and the MEPC and their subsidiary bodies for the biennium, as a basis for the preparation of the Secretary-

7 Page 7 General's relevant budget proposals. The Committee agreed that, for budgeting purposes, the number of Committee meeting days for the coming biennium be eight days for each session Arrangements for future sessions The 89 th session is tentatively scheduled to take place from 11 to 20 May 2011, and the 90 th session has been tentatively scheduled for May Committee agreed that working or drafting groups should be established on the following items at its 89 th session: Marine security and piracy; and Goal based standards and Formal Safety Assessment; and Consideration and adoption of amendments to mandatory instruments. A Capacity-Building Needs Analysis Group may also need to be established. Election of officers The Committee unanimously re-elected Mr. Neil Ferrer (Philippines) as Chairman, and Mr. Christian Breinholt (Denmark) as Vice-Chairman, for For those wishing further detail, the Committee s report, and its annexes, will be made available (as released by IMO) on the IADC website at: Some of the Circulars are not included in the Committee s report. These are generally made available on the public portion of the IMO s website. If they cannot be located, they can be provided by IADC to IADC members upon request. Please feel free to contact me by phone ( ) or (alan.spackman@iadc.org) for further information or with any questions you may have regarding this report.