Imo Subcommittee News

Shipmanagement trade group InterManager is urging the shipping industry to increase its focus on safety amid a recent surge in deaths in enclosed spaces on ships.Three seafarers and five shore workers died over the past week in accidents in enclosed spaces, bringing this year’s known deaths to a total of 31, according to InterManager.The trade association keeps records of these incidents on behalf of the wider shipping community, sharing them with regulators in its role as a non-governmental organisation (NGO) member of the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

Ballast water management system manufacturer Techcross said it has opened the door to a new business: anti-biofouling technology.Having signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with a total of four customers, including three major domestic shipping companies and one Japanese shipping company at the end of last year, South Korea-based Techcross is working alongside each to research and develop technologies related to ship biofouling prevention and treatment equipment.Biofouling…

The IMO subcommittee on Navigation, Communications and Search and Rescue (NCSR) has extended the transition period for software updates to existing ECDIS for one year to August 31, 2017. The NCSR accepted the IHO’s proposal to give all ship owners using ECDIS more time to be able to obtain the correct software updates to the new IHO -52 presentation library and thus ensure compliance with the guidelines on Maintenance of ECDIS software contained in IMO MSC 1.circ 1503. The latest IHO Presentation Library (version 4.0) addresses the number one complaint leveled at ECDIS…

On February 4, 2014, the IMSO Director General launched an Consultancy Program inviting appropriate experts to assist in the evaluation of mobile satellite communications systems for the GMDSS. The IMO Maritime Safety Committee, at its 94th session in November 2014, agreed that IMSO should undertake the technical and operational evaluation of the Iridium mobile satellite system to assess compliance with the relevant criteria for recognition as GMDSS satellite provider, noting that IMSO would convene a Group of Experts from the abovementioned Consultancy Program. IMSO has formalized an agreement with Iridium Satellite LLC to perform such technical and operational evaluation and the IMSO Director General has reported progress to the IMO Sub-Committee on Navigation…

Iridium Communications Inc. today announced that its application to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) for the provision of mobile satellite communications in the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) was reviewed by the IMO Subcommittee on Navigation, Communications and Search and Rescue (NCSR). The application will now proceed to the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) at its next meeting in November, before advancing to a group of experts for comprehensive technical and operational evaluation. The delegates stated support for the United States position to advance Iridium's application to the next stage for evaluation. Final approval will be up to the Maritime Safety Committee, following review of the experts' report by NCSR, which is expected by mid-2016.

There are roughly 30 liquified natural gas (LNG)-powered marine vessels currently active in today’s global seas, with some estimates showing approximately 30 new builds expected by 2014. With new commitments and orders for LNG-powered ships taking place every month, the potential that LNG-powered vessels will play an important part in shaping the future of the maritime industry is no longer speculation – it is now a fact. Helping to drive the switch from diesel, steam and even…

The IMO Subcommittee on Ship Design and Equipment (DE) has made progress in its efforts to develop international environmental and safety regulations for navigation in polar regions. For the recent session of the Subcommittee on Ship Design and Equipment held in March 2013, Denmark had, together with other Arctic coastal States, submitted a proposal for a special chapter on marine environment regulations for the Polar Code. The Polar Code is a special set of regulations that ships must comply with to navigate polar waters.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has received a formal proposal co-sponsored by a broad array of industry organizations, labor, and governments to require loaded containers to be weighed to determine their actual weight. The proposal was submitted by Denmark, The Netherlands, the United States, BIMCO, the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH), the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), and the World Shipping Council (WSC).

Lifeboat manufacturer and service provider Schat-Harding says IMO and some parts of the shipping industry need to move more quickly to a consensus on vital lifeboat safety issues which have important consequences for the safety of seafarers. David Bradley, vice president operations, Schat-Harding Service says, “Good things are worth waiting for. But there is such a thing as waiting too long. The IMO debate over lifeboat hooks has gone on for too long. Seafarers deserve better.

RINA joined forces with leading cruise lines and shipyards as a founding member of the Cruise Ship Safety Forum. The Cruise Ship Safety Forum (CSSF) is a consortium of cruise ship operators, ship yards, classification societies, and the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) who have come together to advance cruise ship safety in a co-ordinated and focused manner. RINA is a member of the steering committee. Antonio Pingiori, head of the marine division of RINA says, “We are delighted to give our full support to this initiative which will improve safety for cruise ships. We have committed Claudio Abbate, who is responsible for our activities in North and Central America, to the CSSF and he will be given the resources to play a key role.

The role of vessel classification societies continues to change dramatically. As the role and relevance of class is hotly debated, MR/EN picked the brains of the industry's major classification societies to analyze both their individual and collective future. If class is to remain relevant, it must remake itself for the modern world, says ABS president and CEO Robert D. Somerville. He recently told delegates to the World Maritime Forum in St. Petersburg, Russia that "self regulation will continue to provide an effective method for establishing and enforcing standards only if all elements of the industry recognize that substantive overhaul is needed." Somerville highlighted the remarkable…

The Shipping Coordinating Committee, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, will meet in St. Pete Beach, Florida on May 20 to review the outcome of the recent meeting of the IMO Subcommittee on Radiocommunications and Search and Rescue (COMSAR) and to prepare for the upcoming meeting of the IMO Subcommittee on Safety of Navigation (NAV). 69 Fed. Reg. 22898 (HK Law).

The Shipping Coordinating Committee, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, will meet in Washington, DC on January 11, 2005 to prepare for the upcoming meeting of the IMO Subcommittee on Fire Protection. Topics on the agenda include large passenger ship safety; performance testing; performance criteria for fire doors; and evacuation analysis. 69 Fed. Reg. 76027 (HK Law).

The Shipping Coordinating Committee, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, will hold two meetings in Washington, DC. The first meeting (on February 8) is to prepare for the 48th session of the IMO Subcommittee on Ship Design and Equipment (DE). Topics on the agenda include longitudinal strength of tankers; large passenger ship safety; measures to prevent accidents with lifeboats; and protection of fuel tanks. The second meeting (on April 12) is to prepare for the 90th session of the IMO Legal Committee (LEG). Topics on the agenda include the Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Maritime Navigation; the draft Wreck Removal Convention; and the Provision of Financial Security. 70 Fed. Reg. 2450 (HK Law)

The Shipping Coordinating Committee, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, will hold two meetings in Washington, DC. The first meeting (on February 8) is to prepare for the 48th session of the IMO Subcommittee on Ship Design and Equipment (DE). Topics on the agenda include longitudinal strength of tankers; large passenger ship safety; measures to prevent accidents with lifeboats; and protection of fuel tanks. The second meeting (on April 12) is to prepare for the 90th session of the IMO Legal Committee (LEG). Topics on the agenda include the Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Maritime Navigation; the draft Wreck Removal Convention; and the Provision of Financial Security. Source: HK Law

The Shipping Coordinating Committee, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, will conduct three meetings in Washington, DC. On June 15, it will meet to prepare for the upcoming session of the IMO Subcommittee on Stability and Load Lines and on Fishing Vessels Safety. Topics on the agenda include passenger ship safety, intact stability, and offshore supply vessel guidelines. 70 Fed. Reg. 25644 (May 13, 2005). On June 9, it will meet to prepare for the upcoming session of the IMO Technical Co-operation Committee. Topics on the agenda include the Global Programme on Maritime Security, integration of women into the maritime sector, and electronic access to IMO instruments. 70 Fed. Reg. 25644 (May 13, 2005).

The Working Group on Radio Communications and Search and Rescue of the Shipping Coordinating Committee, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, will meet in Washington, DC on August 11. The purpose of the meeting is to prepare for the upcoming session of the IMO Subcommittee on Radiocommunications and Search and Rescue. Topics on the agenda include: maritime safety information on GMDSS; recognition of mobile satellite systems; emergency radiocommunications; and maritime security. 70 Fed. Reg. 39354 (HK Law)

The Shipping Coordinating Committee, sponsored by the Department of State, will meet in Washington, D.C. on September 8 to prepare for the upcoming session of the IMO Subcommittee on Dangerous Goods, Solid Cargoes and Containers. Matters to be considered include amendments to the IMDG Code; review of the Code of Safe Practice for Solid Bulk Cargoes (BC Code); and casualty and incident reports and analysis. 70 Fed. Reg. 46902 (HK Law)

In testimony before the U.S. House of Representatives on the matter of Cruise Ship Safety, U.S. coast Guard Rear Admiral Robert C. North, Assistant Commandant for Marine Safety and Environmental Protection, made some interesting observations. Central to his testimony, however, was a call for support of the USCG Deepwater recapitalization of cutters, aircraft and CFISR (command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, sensors, and reconnaissance), a bolstering of assets critical to offshore rescue operations, particularly if the offloading of thousands of passengers from today's large cruise ships, was ever needed. Following are select quotes from his testimony. •"Much of the history of the regulation of maritime safety has been reactive — disasters followed by legislation.

The U.S. of the Shipping Coordinating Committee. subcommittee structure. certification and watchkeeping. of the Maritime Safety Committee. (RTCM) in St. 49th session of the IMO Subcommittee on Safety of Navigation. 68 Fed. Reg.

The Department of State issued Notices of three upcoming meetings of the Shipping Coordinating Committee. All meetings will be held in Washington, DC. A meeting on March 12, 2003 will prepare for the eighth session of the IMO Subcommittee on Bulk Liquids and Gases. 68 Fed. Reg. 9107

The role of vessel classification societies continues to change dramatically. As the role and relevance of class is hotly debated, MR/EN picked the brains of the industry's major classification societies to analyze both their individual and collective future. If class is to remain relevant, it must remake itself for the modern world, says ABS president and CEO Robert D. Somerville. He recently told delegates to the World Maritime Forum in St. Petersburg, Russia that "self regulation will continue to provide an effective method for establishing and enforcing standards only if all elements of the industry recognize that substantive overhaul is needed." Somerville highlighted the remarkable…

Maritime Reporter solicited the opinions of two of the leading marine salvage companies to discover trends and challenges facing marine operators in the near future. The 2003 National Maritime Salvage Conference, sponsored by American Salvage Association (ASA), will take place September 9-11, 2003 at the Marriott Crystal City in Crystal City, VA. For more information visit www.americansalvage.org. George E. Senior Vice President Weeks Marine, Inc. MR: How has the industry/your company changed since 9-11? Wittich: The salvage industry has a critical role to play in assisting the various government entities manage their maritime security mission.