RECALLING Article 38 of the Convention of the International
Maritime Organization concerning the function of the MEPC,
HAVING adopted the amendments to Annex
I of MARPOL 73/78 which would accelerate the phase-out of single-hull
oil tankers, prohibit the carriage of heavy grade oil in single-hull
oil tankers, and extend the Condition Assessment Scheme,
REALIZING that these new requirements would increase the
number of the vessels to be recycled within a specific period of time,
which implies an increased need for ship recycling facilities and
capabilities,
NOTING the growing concerns about environment, safety, health,
and welfare matters in ship recycling industry, and the need to reduce
the environmental, occupational health and safety risks related to
ship recycling at the same time securing the smooth withdrawal of
ships that have reached the end of their operating lives,
NOTING ALSO the role of the International Labour Organisation
(ILO), the Basel Convention and other stakeholders in ship recycling
and on-going co-operation by these organizations and the IMO,
RECOGNIZING that in order to contribute towards improvements
in ship recycling, it is necessary to consider the full life cycle
of the ship, and that the adoption of the IMO Guidelines on Ship Recycling
by the twenty-third Assembly makes a first step for the IMO to this
direction,
1. RECOMMENDS that Member Governments, especially
the Governments of countries with shipbuilding, ship recycling and
other shipping interests:
-
(a) take initiatives to maintain adequate ship
recycling facilities at world-wide level, based on the evaluation
of the impact of the amendments to Annex I
of MARPOL 73/78 on the demand for ships to be recycled; and
-
(b) endeavour to promote research and development
programmes to improve environment and safety level in ship recycling
operation,
2. REQUESTS the Secretary-General:
-
(a) to consider any further action which may be
taken to assist Member Governments and particularly developing countries
in facilitating ship recycling and reducing environmental and safety
risks involved in recycling operations; and
-
(b) to continue and strengthen co-operation with
ILO and the appropriate bodies of the Basel Convention, and take initiatives
as a co-ordinating body among related agencies in addressing problems
within the respective competence of these organizations, bearing in
mind the potential impact which various guidelines and regulations
would have on ship recycling.