2018 Regulatory Update

Amendments to SOLAS – Life-saving Appliances and arrangements
The following new paragraph 5 is added after the existing paragraph 4: “Notwithstanding paragraph 4.2, for all ships, not later than the first scheduled dry-docking after 1 July 2014, but not later than 1 July 2019, lifeboat on-load release mechanisms not complying with paragraphs 4.4.7.6.4 to 4.4.7.6.6 of the Code shall be replaced with equipment that complies with the Code.” The Code referred to here is Life Saving Appliances Code, which, in the specified sections, details the requirements for the release mechanism of lifeboats.

Amendments to SOLAS – FSS Code Breathing apparatus
Each compressed air breathing apparatus is to be fitted with an audible alarm and a visual or other device which will alert the user before the volume of the air in the cylinder has been reduced to no less than 200 liters.

MARPOL Annex VI – Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI)
EEDI reflects the amount of CO2 generated per tonne-mile (cargo carrying capacity). It constitutes a uniform approach to calculating a ship’s energy efficiency during design and building of new ships and will be used to control CO2 levels emitted for future ships by encouraging improvements in ship design. The CO2 reduction level includes three phases. Phase 3 starts on 01/01/2025.

Required EEDI parameters
Regulation 21 of MARPOL Annex VI is revised by imposing a 20% offset to the EEDI reference line parameters. A constant threshold value for Ro-Ro Cargo ships of 17,000 DWT and above, and for Ro-Ro Passenger ships of 10,000 DWT, and above.

MARPOL VI Regulation 13 – ECAs
MARPOL VI, Regulation 13.5.3 is revised to clarify the recording of engine status upon entry/exit of a NOx Tier III emission control area.

Endorsement of Surveys on the IBWM Cert
BWM Convention Regulations E-1 & E-5 have been amended to clarify that: (a) “Additional surveys” are not to be endorsed on the IBWM Certificate; and (b) regulations governing the early completion of “Annual Surveys” are also applicable for early completion of “Intermediate Surveys”.

MARPOL Annex VI – Sulphur Oxides (SOx)
According to the resolution, the sulphur content of any fuel used on board ships shall not exceed 0.50% m/m on or after 1st January 2020. This date will be reviewed and confirmed in 2018 after verifying that there are sufficient supplies of ultra-low sulphur fuel.