Security Takes Center Stage at IMO
Topping the agenda at the upcoming IMO Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) is, to little surprise, security. Specifically, the top line item will be the implementation of the maritime security measures adopted by IMO in 2002, when MSC meets at the in London from May 12-21, 2004. Other important issues on the MSC agenda include the consideration of the adoption of amendments to the SOLAS and SAR Conventions relating to the treatment of persons in distress at sea; and issues related to the safety of bulk carriers and to large passenger ship safety. Following are details of the various agendas. The MSC will consider issues relating to the implementation of the maritime security measures that enter into force on 1 July 2004. * the publication of the IMO/ILO Code of Practice on Security in Ports.
1988 SOLAS Protocol and MARPOL Amendments Enter Into Force
May 2000 amendments to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), 1974 SOLAS Chapter III, regulation 28.2 for helicopter landing areas is amended to require a helicopter landing area only for ro-ro passenger ships. The requirement for a helicopter landing area was originally meant for all passenger ships of 130 metres in length and upwards constructed on or after 1 July 1999, but in May 2000 IMO's Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) decided to amend the regulation to make this requirement applicable to ro-ro passenger ships only (constructed on or after 1 July 1999). Regulation 28.1 of SOLAS chapter III requires all ro-ro passenger ships to be fitted with a helicopter pick-up area.
New SOLAS Regulations Go into Effect
Amendments to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) affecting many aspects of ship safety go into effect on July 1, including a new revised SOLAS chapter on fire protection, fire detection and fire extinction, amendments to chapters II-1, IX and X (to make a new High-Speed Craft Code mandatory) and record of equipment attached to safety certificates. A revised SOLAS chapter II-2 (Construction - Fire protection, fire detection and fire extinction) enters into force, which also makes a new International Code for Fire Safety Systems (FSS Code) mandatory. The revised chapter was developed over eight years by…
