RECALLING Article 28(a) of the Convention of the International
Maritime Organization concerning the functions of the Maritime Safety
Committee,
HAVING ADOPTED, by resolution MSC.99(73), amendments to
chapter V of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at
Sea, 1974 (hereinafter referred to as the “Convention"), in
particular, regulation V/20 concerning
the carriage requirements of voyage data recorders (VDRs),
NOTING that the aforementioned amendments to the Convention
do not include requirements for existing cargo ships to carry VDRs,
1 DECIDES that a study should be carried out,
as a matter of urgency, to assess the feasibility of installing VDRs
on existing cargo ships;
2 INVITES Member States concerned to:
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.1 submit data to enable the NAV Sub-Committee
to conduct a feasibility study of mandatory carriage of VDRs on existing
cargo ships of sizes to be recommended; and
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.2 encourage shipowners to install VDRs on existing
cargo ships on a voluntary basis, so that wide experience may be gained
from their use.
3 INSTRUCTS the NAV Sub-Committee, in co-operation
with other sub-committees as appropriate:
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.1 carry out the feasibility study, taking into
account such factors as:
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.1 practicability;
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.2 technical problems relating to the retrofitting
of VDRs;
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.3 adequacy of existing performance standards,
including the possible development of simplified standards;
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.4 experience in the use of VDRs on ships already
fitted with them, including data that could not have been obtained
without VDR; and
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.5 relevant financial implications, including
a cost benefit analysis.
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.2 if the study clearly demonstrates the compelling
need for mandatory carriage of VDRs on existing cargo ships, to prepare
appropriate draft amendments to chapter V of the Convention and associated
performance standards, for consideration by the Committee and action
as appropriate; and
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.3 finalize the study not later than 1 January
2004.