2018 Regulatory Update

Amendments to SOLAS regarding carriage requirements for shipborne navigational systems and equipment. The amendments clarify that BNWAS is applicable to cargo ships ≤499gt but ≥150gt. Sucj cargo ships must not later than the first survey after 1st January 2018 be fitted with BNWAS, as specified in SOLAS Chapter V, regulation 19.

Amendments to the 2011 ESP Code - Reference to enclosed space entry recommendations
These amendments update the ESP Code to make reference to the IMO resolution A.1050(27) which is also concerned with enclosed space entry and will help ensure harmonization between the IMO and IACS requirements.

Amendments 38-16 to the IMDG Code
Some of the issues that the amendments 38-16 address are the new special provisions for the marine transports of vehicles, engines and machinery fitted with lithium batteries, the revision of the requirements for placarding containers to ensure durabilitiy for three months marine voyage, the new sections defining gases, flammable liquids, toxic substances and corrosives that are not accepted for transport and the new criteria and documentation requirements for assigning fireworks to hazard divisions.

Amendments 38-16 to the FAL Convention - Dangerous Goods Manifest
Amendments to the Dangerous Goods Manifest, Standard 2.8.1 and the relevant Form 7 of the FAL Convention with the IMDG Code consignment documentations requirements. Anong others, the request for the Master's personal information has been deleted, since this is not required by the IMDG Code or SOLAS. Additional information related to FAL Form 7 in order to assist users is under development and will be found in the Explanatory Manual to the FAK Convention (non-mandatory part).

New Chapter XIV added regarding Safety Measures for Ships Operating in Polar Waters
New chapter added to SOLAS making the Polar Code, as adopted by MSC.385(94), mandatory for vessels operating in Polar Waters. The Polar Code contains safety and environmental requirements. Existing vessels, which are to operate in Polar Waters, shall comply with the Polar Code requirements applicable to existing vessels.

MARPOL Annex I Revision to Form B of the Supplement to the IOPP Certificate
IOPP certificate supplement B contains design/arrangements that no longer exist. Amendments to the form Bof the supplement to the IOPP Certificate (sections 5.1, 5.2, 5.3 and 5.5). given in the Appendix to MARPOL Annex I, were adopted which simplify the current entry.

Amendments to MARPOL AnnexV, Regulation 10.3 and Appendix - Recording garbage discharges
Amendments to MARPOL Annex V are adopted and include the Clarification of the term "Estimated amount of Discharged or Incinerated", whether into the seaor to reception facilities in the Garbage Record Book (GRB), a new garbage category for E-waste, the split of the GRB into two parts, the additional space in the GRB to record exceptional dischargeor loss of garbage under regulation V/7 and the alignment od the regulation V/10.3 with the above amendments.

Carriage Requirements od ECDIS
This resolution requires that cargo ships, other than tankers, of 10,000gt and upwards, but less than 20,000gt constructed before 01 July 2013, not later than the first survey on or after 1^st July 2018 must be fitted with an ECDIS if engaged in international voyages.

Amendments to SOLAS - Fire Fighting
New requirement for carriage of two-way portable radiotelephone apparatus of explosion proof or intrinsically safe type for firefighters's communication.

Amendments to the STCW Convention and the STCW Code - Passenger ship safety training
Amendments to the STCW Convention and the STCW Code set a new requirement for training and emergency familiarisation of crew members on passenger ships and ask that all personnel have undergone relevant training before being assigned to shipboard duties. Specification of the minimum standards of competence for the passenger ship crowd management training is also developed.

Amendments to the STCW Convention and the STCW Code - Training requirements for ships operating in polar waters
These are a package of amendments relating to revised training requirements for Masters and Deck Officers onboard ships operating in polar waters.

Amendments to the 2011 ESP Code
The amendments address the requirements to execute the Thickness Measurements of the area sybject to Close Up Surveys, the exclusion of an internal check of box type hatch cover and they specify the minimum content of the tank testing procedure when this is to be carried out by the vessel's crew.

Amendments to MARPOL Annex VI, Appendix V - Bunker Dellivery Note
The revised bunler delivery note includes a new entry for the "purchaser's specified limit value" of the sulphur content.