SOLAS 2010

ssMaritime.com & ssMaritime.net

With Reuben Goossens

Maritime Historian

SOLAS 2010

Safety Of Life At Sea

NEW at the bottom of this page - the …

52ndSession Agenda item 17 (amendments)

DE 52/17/ - 9 January 2009

Many have enquired regarding the new regulations that come in force in 2008 / 2010, will mean the decline of so many fine classic ships that are still with us today. This page contains the details of some of the new regulations but obviously not everything. However, I stress that the document hereunder is technical and certainly complicated but I have included it on ssMaritime by requests.

--dddddddddddddddd--

International Maritime Organisation

Sub-Committee On Ship Design And Equipment

The “December 2006 Amendments”

Entry into force: 1 July 2008/1 October 2010

Please Note: SOLAS 2010 will take effect as off October 2010

But there may be a short buffer zone available under certain circumstances

Revised passenger ship safety standards

The package of amendments to SOLAS were the result of a comprehensive review of passenger ship safety initiated in 2000 with the aim of assessing whether the current regulations were adequate, in particular for the large passenger ships now being built.

The work in developing the new and amended regulations has based its guiding philosophy on the dual premise that the regulatory framework should place more emphasis on the prevention of a casualty from occurring in the first place and that future passenger ships should be designed for improved survivability so that, in the event of a casualty, persons can stay safely on board as the ship proceeds to port.

The amendments include new concepts such as the incorporation of criteria for the casualty threshold (the amount of damage a ship is able to withstand, according to the design basis, and still safely return to port) into SOLAS chapters II-1 and II-2. The amendments also provide regulatory flexibility so that ship designers can meet any safety challenges the future may bring. The amendments include:

	·	Alternative designs and arrangements;
	·	Safe areas and the essential systems to be maintained while a ship proceeds to port after a casualty, which will require redundancy of propulsion and other essential systems;
	·	On-board safety centres, from where safety systems can be controlled, operated and monitored;
	·	Fixed fire detection and alarm systems, including requirements for fire detectors and manually operated call points to be capable of being remotely and individually identified;
	·	Fire prevention, including amendments aimed at enhancing the fire safety of atriums, the means of escape in case of fire and ventilation systems; and
	·	Time for orderly evacuation and abandonment, including requirements for the essential systems that must remain operational in case any one main vertical zone is unserviceable due to fire.

The amendments are expected to enter into force on 1 July 2010.

Fire regulations on balconies
Amendments to SOLAS chapter II-2 and to the International Code for Fire Safety Systems (FSS Code) to strengthen the fire protection arrangements in relation to cabin balconies on passenger vessels were developed in response to the fire aboard the cruise ship Star Princess, while on passage between Grand Cayman and Montego Bay, Jamaica, in March 2006. The fire began on an external balcony and spread over several decks.

The amendments to SOLAS chapter II-2 are aimed at ensuring that existing regulations 4.4 (Primary deck coverings), 5.3.1.2 (Ceilings and linings), 5.3.2 (Use of combustible materials) and 6 (Smoke generation potential and toxicity) are also applied to cabin balconies on new passenger ships.

For existing passenger ships, relevant provisions require that furniture on cabin balconies be of restricted fire risk unless fixed water spraying systems, fixed fire detection and fire alarm systems are fitted and that partitions separating balconies be constructed of non combustible materials, similar to the provisions for new passenger ships.

The amendments are expected to enter into force on 1 July 2008.

Prevention of accidents involving lifeboats
An amendment to SOLAS regulation III/19.3.3.4 concerns provisions for the launch of free-fall lifeboats during abandon-ship drills. The amendment will allow, during the abandon-ship drill, for the lifeboat to either be free-fall launched with only the required operating crew on board, or lowered into the water by means of the secondary means of launching without the operating crew on board, and then manoeuvred in the water by the operating crew. The aim is to prevent accidents with lifeboats occurring during abandon-ship drills. The amendment is expected to enter into force on 1 July 2008.

Protective coatings
Amendments to SOLAS regulations II-1/3-2 make mandatory Performance standard for protective coatings of dedicated seawater ballast tanks on all new ships and of double-side skin spaces of bulk carriers.

The SOLAS amendments are expected to enter into force on 1 July 2008 and the performance standard will apply to ships for which the building contract is placed on or after 1 July 2008; or, in the absence of a building contract, the keels of which are laid on or after 1 January 2009, or the delivery of which is on or after 1 July 2012.

Other amendments

	·	Amendments to the FSS Code relating to fire extinguishers, specifically portable foam applicators; fixed foam fire-extinguishing systems; fixed-pressure water-spraying and water-mist fire-extinguishing systems, fixed fire detection and fire alarm systems for cabin balconies. Entry into force on 1 July 2008.
	·	Amendments to the International Life-Saving Appliance Code (LSA Code), including those related to life rafts, life boats and rescue boats, particularly in relation to stowage and release mechanisms. Entry into force on 1 July 2008.
	·	Amendments to the International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk (IBC Code), relating to fire protection and fire extinction, and the revised chapters 17 (Summary of minimum requirements), 18 (List of products to which the code does not apply) and 19 (Index of Products Carried in Bulk). Entry into force on 1 January 2009.
	·	Amendments to the International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk (IGC Code), to update the references to SOLAS regulations and to add two more chemicals to the list of products in chapter 19 (Summary of minimum requirements). Entry into force on 1 July 2008.
	·	Amendments to the International Codes of Safety for High-Speed Craft (1994 HSC Code and the 2000 HSC Code), to update them in line with relevant SOLAS amendments and, in the case of the 2000 HSC Code, to revise requirements relating to testing and calculations for buoyancy, stability and subdivision. Entry into force on 1 July 2008.
	·	Amendments to the Protocol of 1988, relating to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, to include in the Record of equipment for the relevant safety certificate an entry regarding the long-range identification and tracking system. Entry into force on 1 July 2008.
	·	Amendments to the Protocol of 1988 relating to the International Convention on Load Lines, 1966, including amendments of a reference in regulation 22 (Scuppers, inlets and discharges) and an amendment in regulation 39 (Minimum bow height and reserve buoyancy). Entry into force on 1 July 2008.
	·	Amendments to the Dynamically Supported Craft (DSC) Code to update it in line with relevant amendments to SOLAS. Will become effective on 1 July 2008.
	·	Amendments to the Gas Carrier (GC) Code, to update it in line with certain fire safety requirements in SOLAS. Will become effective on 1 July 2008.
	·	Amendments to the Revised recommendation on testing of life-saving appliances (resolution MSC.81(70)), including revisions to prototype tests for lifebuoys, lifejackets, immersion suits, anti-exposure suits and thermal protective aids, liferafts, lifeboats, rescue boats and fast rescue boats, launching and embarkation appliances, position-indicating lights for life-saving appliances and hydrostatic release units; and revisions to production and installation tests for survival craft, launching and stowage arrangements. The amendments will become effective on 1 July 2008.

--dddddddddddddddd--

International Maritime Organisation

Sub-Committee On Ship Design And Equipment

52ndSession Agenda item 17

DE 52/17/ - 9 January 2009

CONSIDERATION OF IACS UNIFIED INTERPRETATIONS

Effective dates for amendments to SOLAS III, FSS Code and LSA Code

Submitted by the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS)

SUMMARY
Executive summary:	IACS submits for the Sub-Committee’s consideration draft understandings which are suggested to clarify the application of regulations contained in resolutions MSC.216(82), MSC.217(82), MSC.218(82), MSC.201(81) MSC.207(81) and MSC.272(85).
Strategic Direction:	2
High-Level Action:	2.1.1
Planned Output:	2.1.1.5
Action to be taken:	Paragraph 7
Related documents:	Resolutions MSC.216(82), MSC.217(82), MSC.218(82), MSC.201(81), MSC.207(81) and MSC.272(85)

Background

1. The entry into force dates for the amendments to regulations set out in Annex 1, Annex 2 and Annex 3 to resolution MSC.216(82) are specified as 1 July 2008, 1 January 2009 and 1 July 2010, respectively.

2. The entry into force dates for the amendments to regulations set out in Annex 1 and Annex 2 to resolution MSC.217(82) are specified as 1 July 2008 and 1 July 2010, respectively.

3. The entry into force date for the amendments, set out in resolution MSC.218(82), is specified as 1 July 2008.

4. The entry into force date for the amendments, set out in resolution MSC.201(81), MSC.207(81) and MSC.272(85) , is specified as 1 July 2010.

Discussion

5. New requirements introduced by amendments to SOLAS are normally only applicable to ships the keels of which are laid on or after the date of coming into force of the respective amendments, unless specifically stated otherwise.

6. IACS suggests three draft understandings, as provided at Annex 1 to this paper, regarding the entry into force dates of the amendments contained in resolutions MSC.216(82), MSC.217(82), MSC.218(82), MSC.201(81), MSC.207(81) and MSC.272(85). Annex 2 to this paper provides the technical background/explanation for the understanding related to resolution MSC.216(82).

Action requested of the Sub-Committee

7. The Sub-Committee is invited to consider the issues discussed above, and the suggested draft understandings provided at Annex 1, and decide as appropriate.

Annex 1

1. Effective dates for amendments to SOLAS Chapter III (Resolution MSC.216(82) – Annex 1 and Resolution MSC.201(81))

1.1 Paragraph 3 of resolution MSC.216(82) reads:

“3. INVITES SOLAS Contracting Governments to note that, in accordance with article VIII(b)(vii)(2) of the Convention:

(a) the amendments, set out in Annex 1, shall enter into force on 1 July 2008;

(b) the amendments, set out in Annex 2, shall enter into force on 1 January 2009; and

(c) the amendments, set out in Annex 3, shall enter into force on 1 July 2010,

upon their acceptance in accordance with paragraph 2 above;”

IACS understanding

The amendments in Annex 1 of resolution MSC.216(82) with regard to SOLAS Chapter III are, in general, applicable to ships the keels of which are laid on or after 1 July 2008. However, the amendments to SOLAS regulations III/19, III/20, III/32, and III/35 shall apply to all ships, and the amendment to SOLAS regulation III/14.1 shall apply to ships the keels of which are laid on or after 1 July 1986.

1.2 Paragraph 3 of resolution MSC.201(81) reads:

“3. INVITES SOLAS Contracting Governments to note that, in accordance with article VIII(b)(vii)(2) of the Convention, the amendments shall enter into force on 1 July 2010 upon their acceptance in accordance with paragraph 2 above;”

IACS understanding

The amendments to SOLAS regulation III/7 shall apply to all ships.

2. Effective dates for amendments to IMO FSS Code (Resolution MSC.217(82))

2.1 Paragraph 3 of resolution MSC.217(82) reads:

“3. INVITES SOLAS Contracting Governments to note that, in accordance with

article VIII(b)(vii)(2) of the Convention:

(a) the amendments, set out in Annex 1, shall enter into force on 1 July 2008; and

(b) the amendments, set out in Annex 2, shall enter into force on 1 July 2010, upon their acceptance in accordance with paragraph 2 above;”

IACS understanding

"Enter into force on 1 July 2008" means that the amendments, set out in Annex 1 of resolution MSC.217(82), shall apply to ships the keels of which are laid or which are at a similar stage of construction on or after 1 July 2008.

"Enter into force on 1 July 2010" means that the amendments, set out in Annex 2 of resolution MSC.217(82), shall apply to ships the keels of which are laid or which are at a similar stage of construction on or after 1 July 2010.

3. Effective dates for amendments to IMO LSA Code (Resolutions MSC.207(81), MSC.218(82) and MSC.272(85))

3.1 Paragraph 3 of resolution MSC.218(82) reads:

“3. INVITES Contracting Governments to note that, in accordance with article VIII(b)(vii)(2) of the Convention, the amendments shall enter into force on 1 July 2008 upon their acceptance in accordance with paragraph 2 above;”

IACS understanding

"Enter into force on 1 July 2008" means that the amendments, set out in resolution MSC.218(82), shall apply to ships the keels of which are laid or which are at a similar stage of construction on or after 1 July 2008.

3.2 Paragraph 3.2 of resolution MSC.207(81) reads:

“3.2 INVITES Contracting Governments to note that, in accordance with article VIII(b)(vii)(2) of the Convention, the amendments shall enter into force on 1 July 2010 upon their acceptance in accordance with paragraph 2 above;”

IACS understanding

“Enter into force on 1 July 2010” means that the amendments, set out in resolution MSC.218(82), shall apply to ships the keels of which are laid or which are at a similar stage of construction on or after 1 July 2010.

3.3 Paragraph 3 of resolution MSC.272(85) reads (as per the adopted text in document MSC 85/WP.4 Annex 6)

“3. INVITES Contracting Governments to note that, in accordance with article VIII(b)(vii)(2) of the Convention, the amendments shall enter into force on 1 July 2010 upon their acceptance in accordance with paragraph 2 above;”

IACS understanding

“Enter into force on 1 July 2010” means that the amendments, set out in resolution MSC.272(85), shall apply to ships the keels of which are laid or which are at a similar stage of construction on or after 1 July 2010.

Annex 2

TECHNICAL BACKGROUND/EXPLANATION OF THE IACS UNDERSTANDING PROVIDED AT PARAGRAPH 1.1 OF ANNEX 1 (Effective dates for amendments to SOLAS Chapter III)

1. The entry into force dates for the amendments, set out in Annex1, Annex 2 and Annex 3 to resolution MSC.216(82), are 1 July 2008, 1 January 2009 and 1 July 2010 respectively. The entry into force date for the amendments set out in resolution MSC.201(81) is 1 July 2010.

2. New requirements introduced by amendments to SOLAS are normally only applicable to ships the keels of which are laid on or after the date of coming into force of the respective amendments, unless specifically stated otherwise.

3. Looking at each amended regulation in MSC 216(82) (except SOLAS regulations III/19 & III/20), the following comments are considered relevant.

- SOLAS regulation III/6.4.3: The subject requirement is moved from paragraph 7.2.1.1 in the LSA Code to SOLAS. Therefore this amendment has no practical consequences.

- SOLAS regulation III/11.7: Little practical difference between new and old requirements.

- SOLAS regulation III/14.1: By its nature this requirement should apply to all ships the keels of which are laid on or after 1 July 1986 (ships constructed before this date are not required to have a rescue boat).

- SOLAS regulation III/21: The deletion of paragraph 1.3 and the amendment to paragraph 3.2 do only have relevance for passenger ships the keels of which are laid on or after 1 July 2009 as a consequence of new damage stability requirements applicable to passenger ships from that date.

- SOLAS regulation III/21.1.4: Just underlines what has always been the practice for all passenger ships.

- SOLAS regulation III/21.2.3: Just underlines what has always been the practice for passenger ships the keels of which are laid on or after 1 July 1986.

- SOLAS regulations III/26.3.1 & III/3.2: The subject requirements are moved from SOLAS to the LSA Code. Therefore these amendments have no practical consequences.

- SOLAS regulation III/31.1: These amendments underline what has always been the practice for cargo ships.

- SOLAS regulation III/31.2: Just underlines what we believe has always been the practice for cargo ships the keels of which are laid on or after 1 July 1986.

- SOLAS regulation III/32.3.2: By its nature this requirement would apply to all cargo ships.

- SOLAS regulation III/32.3.3: By its nature this requirement would apply to all cargo ships.

- SOLAS regulation III/35.5: By its nature we would say that this requirement would apply to all ships.

4. Looking at amended SOLAS regulation III/7 in resolution MSC.201(81), the following comments are considered relevant.

- SOLAS regulation III/7: By its nature this requirement would apply to all ships

5. As a consequence of the above, the understanding has been developed that the amendments in MSC.216(82) Annex 1 to SOLAS Chapter III are in general applicable to ships the keels of which are laid on or after 1 July 2008. However, the amendments to SOLAS regulations III/19, III/20, III/32, and III/35 shall apply to all ships, and the amendment to SOLAS regulation III/14.1 shall apply to ships the keels of which are laid on or after 1 July 1986. MSC.216(82) Annex 3 enters into force on 1 July 2010, while Annex 2 does not apply to SOLAS Chapter III. The amendments in MSC.201(81) shall apply to all ships.

END.

***************************************************

Use the Back button on your browser or Close the Page to return to the previous page
or go to our INDEX

Who is the Author of ssMaritime?

Commenced in the passenger Shipping Industry in May 1960

ssMaritime.com & ssMaritime.net

Where the ships of the past make history & the 1914 built MV Doulos Story

Also visit my …

“Save The Classic Liners Campaign” & “Classic Ocean Voyages” pages

Photographs on ssmaritime and associate pages are by the author or from the author’s private collection. In addition there are some images that have been provided by Shipping Companies and private photographers or collectors. Credit is given to all contributors. However, there are some photographs provided to me without details regarding the photographer/owner concerned. I hereby invite if owners of these images would be so kind to make them-selves known to me (my email address may be found on www.ssmaritime.com only), in order that due credit may be given. I know what it is like, I have seen a multitude of my own photographs on other sites, yet these individuals either refuse to provide credit or remove them when asked, knowing full well that there is no legal comeback when it comes to the net. However, let us show these charlatans up and do the right thing at all times and give credit where credit is due!

This notice covers all pages, although, and I have done my best to ensure that all photographs are duly credited and that this notice is displaced on each page, that is, when a page is updated!

Free Counter