Safety Construction

Requirements applicable to all ships

Requirements applicable to all ships

Considering that all Convention requirements governing the issuance of the Safety Construction Certificate are covered by Classification (except for items bound to the Structural Fire Protection which fall under the scope of the Classification only if the Class notation F is granted), it is obvious that the Safety Construction Certificate shall be issued only to Recognised Organisation (RO) classed ships. The Safety Construction Certificate shall not have a validity longer than the Classification Certificate.

Documents : Stability. Damage Control Plan

Intact stability

When ships are put into service, Surveyors shall attend inclining experiments carried out by the yard. They shall check that contents of reports are in conformity with the test conditions. They also shall check that stability documents are written in a language which the crew understands, and that the documents have been handed to the Master. In case of CAC and/or Class re-instatement, a copy of the intact stability file shall be sent to the CM. If a ship is subject to changes likely to noticeably modify the contents of the documents in the Master's possession, then updated information shall be provided.

Stability documents shall be approved by the Flag Administration or, on its behalf, by the Society.

The stability booklet includes the information enabling the Master to obtain accurate guidance as to the ship's stability (see the related survey procedure) that generally is:

• General arrangement plan,

• Capacity plan including geometric characteristics of each compartment,

• Characteristics of compartments in relation to actual filling level,

• Hydrostatic curves,

• Cross curves,

• Justification of lightship particulars,

• Detailed loading conditions,

• Position of openings considered for determining the down-flooding angle.

It should be noted that, in addition to a stability booklet showing information pertaining to the stability field, a ship also hold a "Loading Booklet" or "Loading Manual" showing information pertaining to structure and strength. It does happen that both booklets are combined in a single one.

Damage stability

A damage stability investigation is required by IMO instruments such as :

• International Loadline Convention, Reg. 27, and associated IMO Res. A.320(IX) and Res. A. 514(13),

• International Bulk Chemical Code and BCH Code,

• International Gas Carrier Code and other Gas Carrier Codes.

Under provisions of Part B-1, SOLAS 1974, Chap. II-I, any cargo ship of 100 metres in length or more, which is constructed on/after 1 February 1992, and any cargo ship of 80 metres in length or more, constructed on/after 1 July 1998, if not subjected to a damage stability study in accordance with another IMO instrument, is required to comply with the subdivision and damage stability requirements based on the probabilistic concept of survival. It also requires reliable stability information based on these requirements to be provided on board the ship (SOLAS, Reg.II-1/25-8) :

• Curve of minimum operational metacentric heights (GM) versus draught or curve of maximum allowable centres of gravity (KG) versus draught,

• Instructions concerning the operation of cross-flooding arrangements,

• Data deemed necessary to maintain stability after damage.

The Regulations also include requirements relating to the number and type of openings in internal and external boundaries of watertight compartments and the means of closing them (SOLAS, Reg.II- 1/25-9 and II-1/25-10). This information must be available to the crew in a plan permanently exhibited as well as in the afore-mentioned stability document (Reg. II-1/25-8.2).

Damage Control Information (Damage Control Plan and Damage Control Booklet)

Requirements

The damage control plan and damage control booklet are intended to provide ship’s officers with clear information on the ship’s watertight subdivision and equipment related to maintaining the boundaries and effectiveness of the subdivision so that, in the event of damage to the ship causing flooding, proper precautions can be taken to prevent progressive flooding through openings therein and effective action can be taken quickly to mitigate and, where possible, recover the ship’s loss of stability.

1. Damage Control Plans shall be permanently exhibited, or readily available on the navigation bridge.

2. In addition, Damage Control Booklets shall be made available to the officers of the ship.

   NB: The Damage Control Booklet has to be produced by the Owner based on the information given on the Damage Control Plan. Usually, the Damage Control Booklet includes the Damage Control Plan in a smaller format in addition to the different information as requested by MSC.1/Circ 1245 “Guidelines for Damage Control Plans and Information to the Master”.

Application

The availability of the Damage Control Booklet and Damage Control Plan on-board of ship is required for :

• SOLAS Passenger and Cargo ships to which reg. II-1/19, as amended by resolution MSC.216(82), applies. Which means Passenger ships and Cargo ships (i.e. : cargo ships, container ships, bulk carriers, but also tankers, supply vessels,.... ) of 500 GT and above, regardless of the length of the ship, the keels of which are laid or which are at a similar stage of construction on or after 1 January 2009.

Also, as per SOLAS 74, it is required as follows:

• Dry cargo ships (container ships, bulk carriers,....) of 500GT and above, regardless of the length of the ship, as per 1989 amendements to SOLAS 74, II-1/23.1, constructed on or after 1 february 1992.

• Passenger Ships as per 1981 amendements to SOLAS 74, II-1/23 and before SOLAS 74, II-1/20, constructed on or after 25 may 1980.

Survey / Approval of the Damage Control Information

1. New ships

   DA-STAB / LPO requires approval/review of the Damage Control Plan and Damage Control Booklet for new ships.

2. Existing ships

   The availability of the Damage Control Booklet and Damage Control Plan on-board the ship is to be reported during Safety Construction Surveys, using the ASMS items DCC011, DCC12, DCP020, DCP021.

   In case of the modification of the plan / booklet or on voluntary basis, the review / approval of these documents may be carried out by DA-STAB / LPO upon owner’s request.

Reporting

The presence of the stability file and its status of approval shall be clearly recorded in the adequate part of the survey report. Should a change of flag occurs, it is considered that an approval granted by the Society still remains valid on behalf of the new flag unless clearly provided otherwise by the new Administration (NIS as an example). Likewise, where applicable, the posting of the Damage Control Plan or the availability of booklets shall be reported.

Lost of anchors and cables

Untitled

Where both anchors are lost and cannot be replaced, a conditionally issued safety construction certificate may be granted for a specific voyage to the port of replacement. The certificate should be endorsed to require tug escort in confined and shallow waters and in busy navigational channels.

Untitled

Where a single anchor is lost and cannot be replaced, the Master shall be instructed by letter that, in confined, shallow or busy navigational channels, he must give due consideration to obtaining a tug escort, and to changing the remaining anchor to the side which will procure the optimum benefit when manoeuvring.

Water level detectors in single hold cargo ships (SOLAS 1974, Reg. II-1/23-3)

SOLAS II-1 Reg. 23-3 (Resolution MSC.194 (80)) is entering into force on 1 January 2007

It applies to all single hold cargo ships other than bulk carriers falling under the scope of SOLAS Convention (i.e. of 500 GRT and over), as follow:

• if less than 80 m and constructed on or after 1 July 1998; or

• if less than 100m and constructed before 1 July 1998

It does not apply to Bulk Carriers as defined in section 2.16.1 of the related survey procedure, or in ships having watertight side compartments each side of the cargo hold length extending vertically at least from inner bottom to freeboard deck.

Reg. II-1/23-3 provides that single hold cargo ships as defined above are equipped with water level detector in the hold.

The provisions of both regulations have been entered in the Recognised Organisation (RO) Rules and Regulations and are therefore also class items. Refer to the related survey procedure, section 2.17.

Deck insulation iwo electrical switchboards

Where necessary, non-conducting mats or gratings shall be provided at the front and rear of medium power (i.e. 220V and above) electrical switchboards. (SOLAS II-1/45. 2)

Non-conducting deck coverings, such as non-conducting mats or gratings, suitable for the specific switchboard voltage should be installed for personnel protection at the front and rear of the switchboard and should extend the entire length of and be of sufficient width to suit, the operating space.

Emergency generators

Starting instructions

Concise starting instructions for the emergency generator shall be clearly displayed

Each emergency generating set arranged to be automatically started shall be equipped with starting devices approved by the administration with a stored energy capability of at least three consecutive starts. A second source of energy shall be provided for an additional three starts within 30 minutes unless manual starting can be demonstrated to be effective. (SOLAS II-1/44.2)

Emergency generator reserve fuel tank.

The generator should be capable of providing full load requirements for at least 18 hours. (SOLAS II 1/43.2)

If necessary, the emergency generator fuel tank should be charged with fuel designed for use in sub zero temperatures.

Every oil fuel pipe, which, if damaged, would allow oil to escape from a storage, settling or daily service tank situated above the double bottom, shall be fitted with a cock or valve directly on the tank capable of being closed from a safe position outside the space concerned in the event of a fire occurring in the space in which such tanks are situated. (SOLAS 74 II-2/15.2.5)

Oil fuel pipes, which if damaged would allow oil to escape from a storage, settling or daily service tank having a capacity of 500 litres and above situated above the double bottom, shall be fitted with a cock or valve directly on the tank capable of being closed from a safe position outside the space concerned in the event of a fire occurring in the space in which such the tanks are situated. (SOLAS 2004 II-2/4.2.2.3.4)

The controls for remote operation of the valve for the emergency generator fuel tank shall be in a separate location from the controls for remote operation of other valves for tanks located in machinery spaces. (SOLAS 2004 II-2/4.2.2.3.4)

Atmosphere testing instrument for enclosed spaces

Untitled

Revised SOLAS regulation III-19 paragraph 3.6.2 (resolution MSC.350(92) - which enters into force on 1 January 2015), requires each enclosed space entry and rescue drill to include checking and use of instruments for measuring the atmosphere in enclosed spaces. Refer to the related survey procedure for the Emergency training and drills

Untitled

New SOLAS regulation XI-1/7(resolution MSC.380(94)), enters into force on 1 July 2016. It requires that all ships (on or after 1 July 2016), shall carry an appropriate portable atmosphere testing instrument or instruments.

As a minimum, these shall be capable of measuring concentrations of oxygen, flammable gases or vapours, hydrogen sulphide and carbon monoxide prior to entry into enclosed spaces. Instruments carried under other requirements may satisfy this regulation. Suitable means shall be provided for the calibration of all such instruments, refer to Suitable means for the calibration (MSC.1/Circ.1561) below.

The IMO guidelines to facilitate the selection of portable atmosphere testing instruments for enclosed spaces (MSC.1/Circ.1477) are intended to be read in conjunction with new SOLAS regulation XI-1/7.

Suitable means for the calibration (MSC.1/Circ.1561)

MSC 97 approved a unified interpretation of SOLAS regulation XI-1/7, as set out in the Circular MSC.1/Circ.1561:

Compliance with the provision "suitable means shall be provided for the calibration of all such instruments" in SOLAS regulation XI-1/7, as adopted by resolution MSC.380(94), may be achieved by portable atmosphere testing instruments being calibrated on board or ashore in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.For the avoidance of any doubt, the above clarification refers to the calibration of portable atmosphere testing instruments, as required by SOLAS regulation XI-1/7, and not to any pre-operational accuracy tests as recommended by the manufacturer.

Enhanced Surveys

Enhanced Surveys (SOLAS 1974, Reg.XI/2)

Untitled

Bulk carriers (Reg.XII/6) and oil tankers (Reg.II-1/2.12) are subjected to an enhanced programme of inspections in line with the Guidelines adopted by IMO, Resolution A.744(18) as may be amended.

This programme of inpections is both an IMO and an IACS requirement which has been duly introduced within Recognised Organisation (RO) Rules.

When carrying such enhanced inspections, Surveyors refers to the related survey procedure and the class renewal survey procedure as appropriate.

Untitled

Upon completion of the renewal survey a Hull Condition Evaluation Report, endorsed by the Society (CM) on behalf of the Flag Administration is placed on board.

Means of access for inspection (SOLAS II-1 Reg. 3-6)

Solas II-1/ Reg. 3-6 Access to and within spaces in the cargo area of oil tankers and bulk carriers

References :

MSC 151(78)

MSC 158(78)

IACS UISC 191 : interpretation of MSC 158(78)

IACS Recommendation 91

Background

Structural members subject to the close-up inspections and thickness measurements shall be provided with a permanent means of access (except those in double bottom spaces). Permanent means of access should as far as possible be integral to the structure of the ships.

Application

This regulation applies to:

• oil tankers of 500 gross tonnage and over, having integral tanks for carriage of oil in Bulk, constructed on or after 1 January 2006.

• bulk carriers, as defined in regulation IX/1, of 20,000 gross tonnage and over, constructed on or after 1 January 2006.

It is not normally applied to FPSO or FSO unless otherwise stated by the Administration

Alternative means of access

Alternative means of access may be allowed, subject to prior approval by the Flag Administration.

Alternative means of access include, but are not limited to, such devices as:

1. hydraulic arm fitted with a stable base (“cherry pickers”);

2. wire lift platform;

3. staging;

4. rafting;

5. robot arm or remotely operated vehicle (ROV);

6. portable ladders more than 5 m long shall only be utilized if fitted with a mechanical device to secure the upper end of the ladder;

7. other means of access, approved by and acceptable to the Administration.

Means for safe operation and rigging of such equipment to and from and within the spaces shall be clearly described in the Ship Structure Access Manual.

Where lashing devices are used to secure the movable means of access, these devices are to be accompanied with certificates bearing their SWL and BL, views and scantling of reinforcement fitted underneath as necessary, and calculation note providing maximum forces exerted on them.

Devices commonly used being fixed devices (lashing eyes, plugs or cones) and portable ones (lashing wires, lashing chains).

Inspection

Verification of mean of access is part of safety construction survey for continued effectiveness of the mean of access in that space which is subject to the statutory survey.

If the means of access is found deficient, the scope of survey shall be extended as appropriate.

Deterioration found which affect safe use is to be determined as “substantial damage” and measures are to be taken to ensure that the affected section(s) are not to be further used prior effective repair.

Any changes of the permanent, portable, movable or alternative means of access within the scope of the regulation and the Technical provisions are subject to review and approval by the Administration or by the organization recognised by the Administration.

Ship Structure Access Manual

The access manual shall contain at least the following two parts:

• Part 1: Plans, instructions and inventory as follow. This part is to be approved by the Administration or the organization recognised by the Administration.

  • plans showing the means of access to the space, with appropriate technical specifications and dimensions;

  • plans showing the means of access within each space to enable an overall inspection to be carried out, with appropriate technical specifications and dimensions. The plans shall indicate from where each area in the space can be inspected;

  • plans showing the means of access within the space to enable close-up inspections to be carried out, with appropriate technical specifications and dimensions. The plans shall indicate the positions of critical structural areas, whether the means of access is permanent or portable and from where each area can be inspected;

  • instructions for inspecting and maintaining the structural strength of all means of access and means of attachment, taking into account any corrosive atmosphere that may be within the space;

  • instructions for safety guidance when rafting is used for close-up inspections and thickness measurements;

  • instructions for the rigging and use of any portable means of access in a safe manner;

  • an inventory of all portable means of access

• Part 2: Form of record of inspections and maintenance, and change of inventory of portable equipment due to additions or replacement after construction. This part is to be approved for its form only at new building.

Bulk Carriers' requirements

General provisions for single side bulk carriers

SOLAS 1974, Chapter XII, Additional Safety Measures for Bulk Carriers, in force since 1 July 1999, imposes specific measures intended to improve the safety of bulk carriers addressing, on the one side, the damage stability and the structural strength and, on the other side, operational proceedings. Bulk carriers falling under the scope of Chapter XII are those of single-side skin construction, with a freeboard length of 150 m or above, carrying solid bulk cargoes having a density of 1,000 kg/m3 or above if constructed on/after 1 July 1999, or carrying solid bulk cargoes of 1,780 kg/m3 or above if constructed before 1 July 1999.

Those measures are therefore retroactive, when applicable to bulk carriers constructed before 1 July 1999.

Content of Chapter XII confirms the measures already enforced by the Society and other IACS members as from 1 July 1998 as structural and other measures enforced by SOLAS Chapter XII are, in fact, IACS Unified Interpretations. Damage stability provisions applicable to bulk carriers now are also a Class condition.

A bulk carrier which is in a regular Class position complies with the provisions of Chapter XII regarding, inter alia, damage stability and structural strength.

Reg. II-1/3-1 (Structural, mechanical and electrical requirements for ships) provides for that :

"... ships shall be designed, constructed and maintained in compliance with the structural, mechanical and electrical requirements of a classification society which is recognised by the Administration in accordance with the provisions of Regulation XI/1..."

Therefore, the Society understands that a ship who is not in a regular Class position is not, de facto, complying with the SOLAS provisions for the maintenance of her Cargo Ship Safety Certificate.

Implementation schedule

All bulk carriers classed with the Society shall comply with the applicable measures required by the Classification in accordance with the pertinent scheme. For the sake of good order, the implementation schedule of Chapter XII is nevertheless reminded :

Bulk carriers constructed before 1 July 1999 to which Reg. XII/4 (Damage stability) and XII/6 (Structural and other requirements) apply shall comply with the applicable provisions in accordance with the following schedule (reference is made to the ESP programme, Reg. XI/2) :

1. Ships which are 20 years of age and over on 1 July 1999, by the date of the first intermediate survey or the first periodical survey after 1 July 1999, whichever comes first,

2. Ships which are 15 years of age and over but less than 20 years of age on 1 July 1999, by the date of the first periodical survey after 1 July 1999 but not later than 1 July 2002,

3. Ships which are less than 15 years of age on 1 July 1999, by the date of the first periodical survey after the date on which the ship reaches 15 years of age, but not later than the date on which the ship reaches 17 years of age.

Application of SOLAS reg. XII/3, XII/7 and XII/11 - Meaning of the term "Periodical Survey"

As per MSC.1/Circ.1463, the meaning of the term "periodical survey" in the context of SOLAS regulations XII/3, XII/7 and XII/11 is the same as "renewal survey" or "intermediate survey" of a ship, as referred to in SOLAS regulation I/10, as modified by the 1988 SOLAS Protocol.

Bulk carriers of single side skin: structural requirements

Definition

"Bulk carrier of single side skin construction" means a bulk carrier where one or more cargo holds are bound by the side shell only or by two watertight boundaries, one of which is the side shell, which are less than 760 mm apart in ships constructed before 1 January 2000 and less than 1,000 mm apart in ships constructed on or after 1 January 2000. The distance between the watertight boundaries shall be measured perpendicularly to the side shell.

Bulk carriers constructed before 1 July 1999

Bulk carriers of 150 m in length and upwards of single side skin construction, carrying solid bulk cargoes having a density of 1,780 kg/m3 and above shall meet the following conditions :

1. Be able to withstand flooding of any one cargo hold and remain afloat in a satisfactory condition of equilibrium (Reg. XII/4.2),

2. The transverse bulkhead between the two foremost cargo holds and the double bottom of the foremost cargo hold shall have sufficient strength to withstand flooding of the foremost cargo hold (Reg. XII/6.2), i.e. IACS UR S19 and S22,

3. Any restriction imposed on the carriage of solid bulk cargoes having a density of 1,780 kg/m3 and above shall be identified and recorded in the Bulk Cargoes Booklet (loading, unloading and stowage) as required by Reg. VI/7.2 (Reg. XII/8)

4. The ship sides shall be permanently marked amidships with a solid triangle (see paragraph Measures applicable to all single side skin bulk carriers).

Possible relaxation

Relaxation from provisions of Reg. XII/4.2 and XII/6.2 could be granted by the Administration provided that :

1. inspection of the foremost cargo hold prescribed for the annual survey in the ESP programme be replaced by those prescribed by intermediate survey,

2. in all cargo holds or in cargo conveyor, tunnels are provided with bilge high water level alarms giving audible and visual alarm on the navigation bridge,

3. detailed information, accompanied by detailed instruction on evacuation preparadness under Section 8 of ISM Code, on specific cargo hold flooding scenarii are provided (Reg. XII/9).

This relaxation is primarily intended for bulk carriers of a specific design configuration of the cargo holds, such as self-unloading bulk carriers. It shall not be understood as an invitation to by-pass the provisions of Chapter XII.

Bulk carriers of 10 years of age and over

A bulk carrier of 10 years of age and over shall not carry solid bulk cargoes having a density of 1,780 kg/m3 and above unless a periodical enhanced survey of the ship or of all cargo holds is carried out

(Reg. XII/7).

Bulk carriers not complying with all the requirements for carrying cargoes of 1,780 kg/m3 and over

A bulk carrier which does not comply with all the relevant requirements applicable to the carriage of solid bulk cargoes having a density of 1,780 kg/m3 and over shall not load any cargo declared to have a density within the range of 1,250 kg/m3 to 1,780 kg/m3 unless the density is tested by an accredited testing organisation (Reg. XII/10.2).

Bulk carriers constructed on or after 1 July 1999

In ships constructed on or after 1 July 1999, the requirements for damage stability under Reg. XII/4.1 and of structural integrity under Reg. XII/5 should be complied with in respect of cargo holds with single side skin construction.

Bulk carriers of 150 m in length and upwards of single side skin construction carrying solid bulk cargoes having a density of 1,000 kg/m3 shall :

• be able to withstand flooding of any one cargo hold and remain afloat in a satisfactory condition of equilibrium (Reg. XII/4.1),

• have sufficient strength to withstand flooding of any one cargo hold (Reg. XII/5), i.e. IACS UR S17, S18 and S20.

Measures applicable to all single side skin bulk carriers

In addition to the above, all bulk carriers of 150 m in length and upwards of single side skin construction are subjected to the following :

• The booklet required by Reg. VI/7.2 (Loading, Unloading and Stowage of bulk cargoes) shall be endorsed to show compliance with Reg. XII/4, XII/5, XII/6 and XII/7 as appropriate (Reg. XII/8.1),

• In addition to providing cargo information required by Reg. VI/2, the shipper shall declare the density of the cargo prior to loading bulk cargo (Reg. XII/10.1),

• A loading instrument capable of providing information on hull girder shear forces and bending moments shall be fitted (Reg. XII/11). Bulk carriers constructed before 1 July 1999 shall comply with this requirement not later than first intermediate or periodical survey carried out after 1 July 1999.

Verification of compliance - LPOs and CMs' action

Marine Centres shall make sure that bulk carriers comply with the applicable provisions of Chapter XII, in accordance with the implementation schedule (Reg. XII/3).

Compliance with damage stability and structural strength is checked by the LPO. In order to allow the Marine Centres to make sure that any bulk carrier falling under the scope of Chapter XII is in compliance with the applicable provisions, a check-up form has been prepared and is in the attached file : “Check up form.doc “

Loading/operating restrictions - Marking of Bulk carriers.

The below procedure is used to determine if triangle marks are required and relevant Sketch SBC 97A showing the marks to be engraved and painted on the ship's side in pursuance of Reg. XII/8.3, where restriction on the carriage of solid bulk cargoes having a density of 1,780 kg/m3.

Annex 2 to Resolution MSC 89(71)

SOLAS Reg. XII/8.3 requires a triangle to be marked on the side shell of the ship when compliance with Reg. XII/6.2 imposes loading/operating restrictions as described in Reg. XII/6.3. Such operating restrictions are necessary only for solid bulk cargoes having a density of 1,780 kg/m3 and above. The following interpretations shall be followed when determining if triangle marks are required :

1. When the loading booklet restricts the ship to solid bulk cargoes having a density of less than 1,780 kg/m3, a triangle mark is not required, provided that all references to carriage of solid bulk cargoes having a density of 1,780 kg/m3 and above are removed from the loading booklet. The loading booklet shall clearly specify that the ship is barred from carrying solid bulk cargoes having a density of 1,780 kg/m3 and above.

2. When a ship's deadweight is restricted, but the loadline assignment permits deeper draughts, and operating restrictions in the form of draught or deadweight limits are imposed on the ship to obtain compliance with the requirements, the loading booklet shall clearly specify the operating restrictions and a triangle shall be permanently marked on the ship sides. If the ship's loadline and loading booklet are revised to limit the ship's draught at all times, operating restrictions and the triangle marks are not required.

3. Where restrictions, other than a general restriction to homogeneous loading, are imposed on the distribution of cargo in the two foremost cargo holds as a condition of compliance, then the loading booklet is to clearly specify the applicable operating restrictions and a triangle shall be permanently marked on the ship's sides.

4. Where restrictions are imposed on the maximum mass of packaged cargoes to be carried in the foremost cargo hold as a condition of compliance with the Standards for the evaluation of allowable hold loading of the foremost cargo hold, as contained in annex 2 to 1997 SOLAS Conference Resolution 4, the loading booklet shall clearly state these limits, but the triangle marks are not required.

5. Where a homogeneous distribution of cargo in the two foremost cargo holds is required as a condition of compliance, then the loading booklet is to clearly specify the applicable operating restrictions and a triangle is to be permanently marked on the ship sides.

The Sketch SBC 97A (See attached file : “Bulk carriers Sketch SBC 97A.doc “) shall be used for marking the side shell of the ship.

Water level detectors and availability of pumping systems (Reg.XII/12 & 13)

Both regulations are part of the SOLAS 2002 Amendments and have entered into force on 1 July 2004

They apply to bulk carriers, whatever is their date of construction.

Reg. XII/12 provides that bulk carriers are equipped with water level detectors in holds, ballast tanks forward of the collision bulkhead and void spaces, other than chain cable lockers extending forward the of the foremost cargo hold.

Reg. XII/13 requires specific arrangement of the controls of the means for draining and pumping ballast tanks forward of the collision bulkhead and bilgs of dry spaces extending forward of the foremost cargo hold.

The provisions of both regulations have been entered in the Recognised Organisation (RO) Rules and Regulations and are therefore also class items. Refer to the related survey procedure Section 16.

Restriction from sailing with any hold empty (Reg.XII/14).

SOLAS Chapter XII was subjected to a further revision and a new Chapter XII (Resolution MSC.170(79)) was adopted by the Maritime Safety Committee at its 79th session (December 2004).

The aim of the revision was to include provisions addressing double side skin bulk carriers and to apply additional requirements to single side skin bulk carriers in pursuance of the conclusions of a FSA study conducted under the co-ordination of the UK (1998-2003).

A new regulation XII/14 (Restriction from sailing with any hold empty) aims to prohibit a number of single side skin bulk carriers not meeting specificl technical requirements to sail with any hold empty.

Entry into force : 1 July 2006.

Regulation SOLAS XII/14 Restriction from sailing with any hold empty

SOLAS Reg.XII/14 reads :

Bulk carriers of 150 m in length and upwards of single-side skin construction, carrying cargoes having a density of 1,780 kg/m3 and above, if not meeting the requirements for withstanding flooding of any one cargo hold as specified in regulation 5.1 and the Standard and criteria for side structure of bulk carrier of single-side skin construction,adopted by the Organization by resolution MSC.168(79), as may be amended by the Organization, provided that such amendments are adopted, brought into force and take effect in accordance with the provisions of article VIII of the present Convention concerning the amendments procedures applicable to the Annex other than Chapter I, shall not sail with any hold loaded to less than 10% of the hold’s maximum allowablecargo weight when in the full load condition, after reaching 10 years of age. The applicable full load condition for this regulation is a load equal to or greater than 90% of the ship’s deadweight at the relevant assigned freeboard.

Classification

The above SOLAS requirements are also classification requirements.

Actions addressing the implementation of these requirements are displayed in the related survey procedure Section 20.

Emergency towing arrangement

Emergency towing arrangement

1994 Amendments to SOLAS 1974 have provided for fitting of an emergency towing arrangement (ETA) at both ends (stem and stern) of any oil tanker, chemical tanker and gas carrier having 20000 tdw or more.

The design and the construction shall be approved on basis of the "Guidelines on Emergency Towing Arrangements for Tankers" (Res. MSC. 35(63)). Provisions of these Guidelines have been entered into the Society's Rules.

Tankers, chemical tankers and gas carriers fitted with emergency towing arrangements can be granted the additional notation ETA.

Emergency towing procedures on ships

In addition to the above, the following shall be provided with a ship-specific emergency towing procedure.

1. all passenger ships, not later than 1 January 2010;

2. cargo ships constructed on or after 1 January 2010; and

3. cargo ships constructed before 1 January 2010, not later than 1 January 2012.

Such a procedure shall be carried aboard the ship for use in emergency situations and shall be based on existing arrangements and equipment available on board the ship.

The procedure shall include:

1. drawings of fore and aft deck showing possible emergency towing arrangements;

2. inventory of equipment on board that can be used for emergency towing;

3. means and methods of communication; and

4. sample procedures to facilitate the preparation for and conducting ofemergency towing operations.

The MSC.1/Circ.1255 (see attached file : “MSC.1-Circ.1255 guideline on emergency towing.pdf.zip “) has been issued to assist owners/operators in preparing ship-specific emergency towing procedures for ships subject to SOLAS regulation II-1/3-4. The procedures should be considered as part of the emergency preparedness required by paragraph 8 of part A of the International Safety Management (ISM) Code.

Safe access to tanker bow

Safe access to tanker bow

Reg. II-I/3-3 (Safe access to tankers bow) requires that any tanker must be provided with means to enable the crew to have safe access to the bow, even in severe conditions.

The means of access shall be approved on the basis on the "Guidelines for safe access to tanker bows" (Res. MSC 62(67). For more detail, refer to IACS Unified Interpretation LL50, Rev.4.1.

Stability instruments

Definition

A stability instrument is an instrument installed on board a particular ship by means of which it can be ascertained that stability requirements specified for the ship in Stability Booklet are met in any operational loading condition. A stability instrument comprises hardware and software.

Software approval

The accuracy of the computational results and actual ship data used by the programmes should be verified for the particular ship on which the programmes will be installed. This ship specific approval of on-board loading instruments is required for all ships equipped with a stability instrument.

Tolerance

Programmes which use only pre-programmed data from the approved stability information as the basis for stability calculations should have zero tolerances for the printouts of input data. Output data tolerances should be close to zero, however, small differences associated with calculation rounding or abridged input data are acceptable. Additionally differences associated with the use of hydrostatic and stability data for trims that differ from those in the approved stability information are acceptable subject to review by the Administration.

Programmes which use hull form models as their basis for stability calculations may have tolerances for the printouts of basic calculated data established against either data from the approved stability information or data obtained using the authority's approval model.

Stabilily instruments for tankers

Refer to the related survey procedure Annex A28.

Fire structural protection

SOLAS Cargo ships

Reference is made to SOLAS Ch. II-2, Reg.9 and to the following requirements:

- Tables 9.5 and 9.6 for cargo ships except tankers, related to fire integrity of bulkheads (9.5) and decks (9.6) separating adjacent spaces

- Tables 9.7 and 9.8 for tankers, related to fire integrity of bulkheads (9.7) and decks (9.8) separating adjacent spaces

The provisions for the fitting of A-60 integrity are found essentially for “control stations” and “machinery spaces of category A” (but also for other spaces).

For such spaces, the Surveyor is to verify, by visual examination and as far as practicable, that the insulation is in place as required and in satisfactory condition.

When no insulation is found, the Surveyor is to consult the approved Structural Fire Protection Plan, or equivalent.

Safe mooring - revised SOLAS reg.II-1/3-8 (res. MSC.474(102))

Untitled

Revised SOLAS regulation II-1/ 3-8 will enter into force on 1 January 2024.This revised regulation includes as it was previously, some design & arrangement provisions applicable to ship constructed on or after 1 January 2007.In addition, for ship constructed on or after 1 January 2024, the amendments introduced (res. MSC.474(102)) new requirements for mooring arrangements and equipment, including mooring lines, aiming to recognize the importance of the design of mooring arrangements and the selection of appropriate mooring equipment and fittings for safe mooring operations. And for all ships (meaning ship constructed on and after 1 January 2009) some provisions in relation to inspection and maintenance.

IMO adopted circular MSC.1/Circ.1362/Rev.2 on Unified interpretation of SOLAS chapter II-1, providing an interpretation of SOLAS regulation II-1/3-8, clarifying the documentation which was necessary to support an Administration or RO in verifying compliance with SOLAS regulation II-1/3-8 (Towing and mooring equipment). Refer to MSC.1/Circ.1362/Rev.2

Overview and application of the requirements

Untitled

Below summarizes the construction aspect of this revised regulation:

Untitled

Below summarizes the maintenance and inspection aspects of this revised regulation:

Verification of retroactive requirements for maintenance and inspection (SOLAS regulation II-1/3-8.9)

New inspection and maintenance requirements apply to new and existing ships.In order to confirm compliance with the requirements of SOLAS regulation II-1/3-8.9, the provisions of circular MSC.1/Circ.1362/Rev.2, Annex, para.5 and 6 apply.

From 1 January 2024, all ships (i.e. new and existing) are required to establish and maintain management plans and procedures for inspection and maintenance of mooring equipment including lines in accordance with the guidelines set out in circular MSC.1/circ.1620.

Management plans and procedures:

All Ships shall be fitted with a consolidated document gathering the below information and describing how this information is filed and collected:1. Procedures for mooring operations, inspection and maintenance of mooring equipment including mooring lines (ref. MSC.1/Circ.1620 paragraph 3.1),2. Procedures allowing identification and control of mooring lines, tails, and associated attachments (ref. MSC.1/Circ.1620 paragraph 3.3),3. On board maintenance plan or equivalent maintenance management system which includes the periodic inspection of mooring lines, mooring line tails and associated attachments (ref.MSC.1/Circ.1620 paragraph 4.1.1),4. Manufacturer’s criteria for replacement of mooring lines (ref. MSC.1/Circ.1620 paragraph 4.3.1),5. Records of original design concept, equipment, arrangements, and specifications. (ref. MSC.1/Circ.1620 paragraph 4.4.4),6. Manufacturer’s test certificates for mooring lines, joining shackles and synthetic tails which should be properly linked back to the equipment (ref. MSC.1/Circ.1620 paragraph 6.2)

Availability of the above documentation will be confirmed by the surveyor at the initial survey for new ships or at the first annual survey for the issuance of the Cargo Ship Safety Construction Certificate or renewal survey for the issuance of the Passenger Ship Safety Certificate after 1 January 2024 for existing ships (ref. MSC.1/Circ.1362/rev.2 para.5)

Record keeping:

Records of inspection and maintenance of mooring equipment and inspection and replacement of mooring lines should be kept updated and available on board (ref. MSC.1/Circ.1620 paragraph 4.4.3 and 6.1).

→ Compliance will be confirmed by the surveyor at the periodical survey for endorsement/issue of the Cargo Ship Safety Construction Certificate or the renewal survey for the Passenger Ship Safety Certificate after 1 January 2024 for existing ships (ref. MSC.1/Circ.1362/rev.2 para.6)

Lifting appliances and anchor handling winches and their loose gears– New SOLAS reg. II-1/3-13

Untitled

SOLAS Amendments – new regulation II-1/3-13

Untitled

Untitled

IMO adopted new mandatory safety requirements (resolution MSC.532(107)) for onboard lifting appliances and anchor handling winches and their associated loose gear through new SOLAS Regulation II-1/3-13.These amendments, which enter into force on 1 January 2026, aim to prevent accidents, enhance safety, and establish uniform standards for the design, construction, installation, and maintenance of this equipment.

Definition

1. Lifting appliance means any load-handling ship's equipment (SOLAS reg. II-1/2.30):

   .1 used for cargo loading, transfer, or discharge;.2 used for raising and lowering hold hatch covers or moveable bulkheads;.3 used as engine-room cranes;.4 used as stores cranes;.5 used as hose handling cranes;.6 used for launch and recovery of tender boats and similar applications; and.7 used as personnel handling cranes.

2. Anchor handling winch means any winch for the purpose of deploying, recovering and repositioning anchors and mooring lines in subsea operations (SOLAS reg. II-1/2.31).

Supporting IMO Guidelines

To ensure a uniform approach towards the application of SOLAS regulation II-1/3-13, IMO approved 2 supporting guidelines:MSC.1/Circ.1662 - GUIDELINES FOR ANCHOR HANDLING WINCHESMSC.1/Circ.1663 - GUIDELINES FOR LIFTING APPLIANCES

MSC.1/Circ.1663/Corr.1 – In table 2, in the "Test load, in tonnes" column, in the second row, the value "0.993" is replaced by "0.933".

Application

Untitled

The new regulation applies to lifting appliances and anchor handling winches on board ships certified under the SOLAS Convention. However, this regulation does not apply to (ref. SOLAS reg. II-1/3-13.1.2) :.1 lifting appliances on ships certified as MODUs;.2 lifting appliances used on offshore construction ships, such as pipe/cable laying/repair or offshore installation vessels, including ships for decommissioning work, which comply with standards acceptable to the Administration;.3 integrated mechanical equipment for opening and closing hold hatch covers; and.4 life-saving launching appliances complying with the International Life-Saving Appliance (LSA) Code.

Lifting appliances with SWL < 1,000 kg

Flag Administrations shall determine to what extent the new requirements do not apply to lifting appliances which have a safe working load below 1,000 kg. In the absence of such specification from the Flag State, Recognised Organisation (RO) will apply SOLAS Chapter II-1, Regulations 3-13.2.1 and 3-13.2.4 to all Lifting Appliances, irrespective of their safe working load. Refer to flag procedures for specific Flag State policy in that respect.

Requirements

New vs Existing Lifting Appliances

SOLAS Regulation II-1/3-13 distinguishes the following categories of lifting appliances.New Lifting Appliances: 1. Any installation date of Lifting Appliances onboard ships for which the keel is laid or which are at a similar stage of construction on or after 1 January 2026 (see SOLAS Chapter II-1/2.33.1); or2. the contractual delivery date, or if no contractual delivery date has been specified, the actual delivery date of the Lifting Appliances on or after 1 January 2026 (SOLAS Chapter II-1/2.33.2);Existing Lifting Appliances:Lifting Appliances installed onboard all ships before 1 January 2026The flowchart in Figure helps determine whether a lifting appliance can be classified as new or existing.

* The "contractual delivery date" is the primary criterion. However, in the absence of a contractual delivery date, the actual delivery date of the lifting appliance to the ship on or after 1 January 2026 will be considered.

Lifting appliances installed on or after 1 January 2026 (i.e. New)

Lifting appliances installed on or after 1 January 2026 shall be designed, constructed, and installed in accordance with the requirements of a recognized classification society or standards acceptable to the Administration which provide an equivalent level of safety. Prior to first use, they shall undergo a load test and a thorough examination. Additionally, they shall be permanently marked and provided with documentary evidence for the safe working load (SWL).

Retroactive requirements for lifting appliances installed before 1 January 2026 (i.e. Existing)

Lifting appliances installed before 1 January 2026 shall fulfil the following requirements no later than the date of the first renewal survey* on or after 1 January 2026 to comply with SOLAS Chapter II-1, Regulation 3-13.2.4:a) be tested and thoroughly examined in accordance with MSC.1/Circ.1663;b) be permanently marked with the Safe Working Load (SWL); andc) be provided with documentary evidence of the SWL.

Anchor Handling Winches installed on or after 1 January 2026 (i.e. New)

Anchor handling winches installed on or after 1 January 2026 shall be designed, constructed, installed and tested to the satisfaction of the Administration, based on the Guidelines set out in MSC.1/Circ.1662.

Retroactive requirements for Anchor handling winches installed before 1 January 2026 (i.e. Existing)

Anchor handling winches installed before 1 January 2026 shall fulfil the following requirements no later than the date of the first renewal survey* on or after 1 January 2026 to comply with SOLAS Chapter II-1, Regulation 3-13.2.5:a) be tested and thoroughly examined in accordance with MSC.1/Circ.1662;

Class & Statutory certification

When delegated for statutory certification by the Flag State:

• The SOLAS Certification of lifting appliances and their loose gears is based on the relevant provisions of NR 526 (the Appliances are not necessarily classed)

• The SOLAS certification of anchor handling winches and their loose gears is covered through Classification, assigning them the relevant Service Notation anchor handling, offshore support vessel (anchor handling) and wind farm operation vessel (anchor handling) (the Anchor handling Winches and their loose gears are classed). Ships built before 1 January 2026, not assigned the service notation anchor handling, but performing anchor handling operations are to comply with the requirements of NR467 Part A Ch 4, Sec 8, [10] by the first renewal survey after 1 January 2026.

Implementation aspects

IACS REC 198 - Onboard Lifting Appliances

IACS developed a REC to support the implementation of SOLAS Chapter II-1/3-13 for lifting appliances.

Among others this REC provides guidance on: • Scope of equipment covered and not covered by the SOLAS regulation• Requirements for existing lifting appliances, including testing, examination and marking• Management of loose gear, including proof load testing and certification and addressing of existing loose gear• Dual use appliances serving both lifesaving and lifting functions• Major modifications, documentation and potential re-certification• Survey and testing regimes, including alignment with the Harmonized System of Survey and Certification (HSSC)

The provisions of these recommendations apply unless otherwise instructed by the Flag.Refer to attached file “IACS REC 198”

Survey and Certification

Survey of Lifting appliances and associated loose gear

Untitled

Verification that thorough examination and load testing of lifting appliances including the loose gear utilized with the lifting appliances have been conducted/completed, should take place during the renewal survey under SOLAS regulation I/7 (i.e. for the issuance of PSSC) or the annual/intermediate/renewal survey under SOLAS regulation I/10 (i.e. for the issuance of SafCon Certificate), as applicable.In addition, the following ASMS Survey code shall be used for witnessing the thorough examination and load testing, as appropriate:HSLT- Harmonized SOLAS Lifting Appliances Load Test, HSLA - Harmonized SOLAS Lifting Appliances Annual Thorough Examination, HSLP - Harmonized SOLAS Lifting Appliances Five-yearly Thorough Examination HSLO - SOLAS Lifting Appliances Occasional survey

Survey window

To enhance flexibility in conducting thorough examinations and load tests of lifting appliances and associated loose gears and to facilitate alignment with other ship surveys, it is recommended that thorough examinations and load tests may be held during the respective survey windows under SOLAS regulation I/7 or SOLAS regulation I/10, as appropriate, unless otherwise instructed by the ship’s Administration.Nevertheless, for lifting appliances subjected to ILO Convention No. 152 no survey windows are foreseen by the convention. In this context each flag administration may have different instructions regarding the application of survey windows

Survey of Anchor Handling Winches and associated loose gear

Thorough examination and test of Anchor handling winches and associated equipment shall be witnessed as part of Class annual and renewal survey for hull. In addition, as per MSC.1/Circ.1662 it shall be part of annual surveys required by SOLAS regulations I/7 for passenger ships and I/10 for cargo ships, before re-entering service, after any structural repairs or modifications of major character and after load testing. The following ASMS Survey codes shall be used, as appropriate: ASH, ASHR, SSH

Recording of thorough examination and load testing

Register of lifting appliances

MSC.1/Circ.1663, paragraph 3.2.3.1 outlines that a record of thorough examination and load testing should be maintained in a register of lifting appliances and should be available on board. Unless otherwise instructed by the Flag State, Recognised Organisation (RO) will:

• issue the Recognised Organisation (RO) “REGISTER OF SHIP’S LIFTING APPLIANCES AND CARGO HANDLING GEAR” for which the template is available in ASMS 2 Certificate.

• record in this Register, thorough examination and load testing of all lifting appliances and associated loose gears .

• provide to the ship owner a template of the Part II of the “REGISTER OF SHIP’S LIFTING APPLIANCES AND CARGO HANDLING GEAR” which is related exclusively to the records for maintenance, inspection and operational testing. See attached file “Register of Ship Lifting Appliances Part II - Template”.

• for all ships to which the digital “REGISTER OF SHIPS LIFTING APPLIANCES AND CARGO HANDLING GEAR” is issued with ASMS2, a scanned copy of the existing hard-copy of the previous Register of Ship’s lifting appliances and cargo gear shall be attached to the “COVER PAGE OF REGISTER OF SHIPS LIFTING APPLIANCES AND CARGO HANDLING GEAR”, available in ASMS2 Certificates in section Initial records, to maintain a digital record of the testing history.

Refer to guidance for using the Register of Lifting Appliances in ASMS 2 for Ships with Existing Lifting appliances (installed before 01 January 2026) in attached file “Guidance for using the REGISTER OF SHIP’S LIFTING APPLIANCES AND CARGO HANDLING GEAR in ASMS 2 for Ships with Existing Lifting appliances“

Certificate of test and thorough examination

Upon satisfactory completion of test and thorough examination of

• Lifting appliance(s), a certificate of test and thorough examination of lifting appliances shall be issued (Model as per MSC.1/Circ.1663),

• Loose gear(s), a certificate of test and thorough examination of loose gear shall be issued (Model as per MSC.1/Circ.1663),

• Anchor Handling winche(s), a certificate of test and thorough examination of Anchor Handling winches shall be issued (Recognised Organisation (RO) Model),

• Loose gear(s), a certificate of test and thorough examination of loose gear (for Anchor Handling Winches) shall be issued (Recognised Organisation (RO) Model),

These certificates are valid for 5 years. The templates are available in ASMS 2 Certificate.

Factual Statement of non-certified existing lifting appliances installed before 1 January 2026 (MSC.1/Circ.1696 / IACS UI SC310)

For existing lifting appliances installed before 1 January 2026 without valid certificates of the test and thorough examination under another international instrument (e.g. ILO Convention concerning Occupational Safety and Health in Dock Work (No. 152)), compliance with SOLAS regulation II-1/3-13.2.4 (i.e. test and thorough examination) can be demonstrated by means of a "factual statement", in the format set out in appendix to this unified interpretation of SOLAS reg. II-1/3-13.2 (MSC.1/Circ.1696 / IACS UI SC310). The template of this statement is available in ASMS 2 Certificate.

Protection against noise

Non mandatory Code on noise levels on board ships -Res. A.468(XII)

(Former regulation ChII-1 Reg.36 - New regulation II-1 / 3-12.2)

New Regulation ChII-1 Reg.3-12.2 contains the same provisions of the regulation ChII-1 Reg.36, which will be deleted and left blank at the entry into force of SOLAS amendments (i.e. res.MSC.338(91) entry into force 1 July 2014).As per new Regulation ChII-1 Reg.3-12.2, for ships delivered before 1 July 2018 and:

• 1 contracted for construction before 1 July 2014 and the keels of which are laid or which are at a similar stage of construction on or after 1 January 2009 but before 1 January 2015; or

• 2 in the absence of a building contract, the keels of which are laid or which are at a similar stage of construction on or after 1 January 2009 but before 1 January 2015

measures* shall be taken to reduce machinery noise in machinery spaces to acceptable levels as determined by the Administration

* Refer to the Code on Noise levels on board ships, adopted by the Organization by resolution A.468(XII).

Ships for which the keels are laid on or after 1 September 1984 but before 1 January 2009 are to comply with the former regulation ChII-1 Reg.36.Refer to each specific Flag requirements in the flag procedure

Mandatory Code on noise levels on board ships Res. MSC.337(91)

(New regulation ChII-1 Reg.3-12.3)

New Regulation ChII-1 Reg.3-12 contains new provisions applicable to ships of 1,600 gross tonnage and above:

• 1 for which the building contract is placed on or after 1 July 2014; or

• 2 in the absence of a building contract, the keels of which are laid or

• 3 the delivery of which is on or after 1 July 2018,

Those ships shall be constructed to reduce onboard noise and to protect personnel from the noise in accordance with the Code on noise levels on board ships, adopted by the Maritime Safety Committee by resolution MSC.337(91). Refer to MSC.1/Circ.1509 - Unified Interpretations of Code on noise levels on board ships (resolution MSC.337(91)).The Code does not apply to:.1 dynamically supported craft;.2 high-speed craft;.3 fishing vessels;.4 pipe-laying barges;.5 crane barges;.6 mobile offshore drilling units;.7 pleasure yachts not engaged in trade;.8 ships of war and troopships;.9 ships not propelled by mechanical means;.10 pile driving vessels; and.11 dredgers.

Noise Survey Report

A noise survey report shall be made for each ship. The report shall comprise information on the noise levels in the various spaces on board. The report shall show the reading at each specified measuring point. The points shall be marked on a general arrangement plan, or on accommodation drawings attached to the report, or shall otherwise be identified.The noise survey report shall always be carried on board and be accessible for the crew.

Guidance on the application of SOLAS regulation II-1/3-12 to ships delivered before 1 July 2018 – MSC.1/Circ.1547

Ships for which the building contract was placed before 1 July 2014 and the keels of which were laid or which are at a similar stage of construction on or after 1 January 2015, and the delivery of which is before 1 July 2018, do not fall either under paragraph 1 or 2 of SOLAS regulation II-1/3-12 as amended by res.MSC.338(91).

MSC97 adopted resolution MSC.409(97) providing amendments to SOLAS regulations II-1/3-12 which will enter into force on 1 January 2020.However, MSC 96, with a view to providing, in the interim period following approval and until the amendment enters into force guidance on the application of SOLAS regulation II-1/3-12, as provided in resolution MSC.338(91), to ships for which the building contract is placed before 1 July 2014, the keels of which are laid or which are at a similar stage of construction on or after 1 January 2015 and delivered before 1 July 2018, approved the following guidance (circular MSC.1/Circ.1547):On ships:.1 for which the building contract is placed before 1 July 2014; and.2 the keels of which are laid or which are at a similar stage of construction onor after 1 January 2015; and.3 the delivery of which is before 1 July 2018,measures* should be taken to reduce machinery noise in machinery spaces to acceptable levels as determined by the Administration. If this noise cannot be sufficiently reduced the source of excessive noise should be suitably insulated or isolated or a refuge from noise should be provided if the space is required to be manned. Ear protectors should be provided for personnel required to enter such spaces, if necessary. * Refer to the Code on noise levels on board ships (resolution A.468(XII)).

Therefore, unless otherwise instructed by the Flag, in such case, resolution A.468(XII) is applicable instead of resolution MSC.337(91).

Offshore service ships

Untitled

In case of a unit assigned with the notation “Offshore Service Ship - Oil Storage”, the Cargo Ship Safety Construction Certificate may be issued with different ship types, such as “Cargo ship other than any of the above”. This decision is to be taken on a case by case basis in consultation with the CM. The ship’s Flag State Administration is to be consulted for confirmation of the type of ship to be indicated in the Safety Construction Certificate.

Ships using low-flashpoint fuels - IGF Code

General

IMO adopted International Code of Safety for Ships using Gases or other Low-flashpoint Fuels (IGF Code- resolution MSC.391(95), along with SOLAS amendments (resolution MSC.392(95)) to make the Code mandatory. IGF Code and related SOLAS amendments enter into force on 1 January 2017.

Untitled

The IGF Code contains mandatory provisions for the arrangement, installation, control and monitoring of machinery, equipment and systems using low-flashpoint fuels, focusing initially on LNG.

Untitled

The amendments to SOLAS include:A. Chapter II-1 (Construction – Structure, subdivision and stability, machinery and electrical installations), Amendments to Part F Alternative design and arrangements, to provide a methodology for alternative design and arrangements for machinery, electrical installations and low-flashpoint fuel storage and distribution systems; New Part G Ships using low-flashpoint fuels, to add new regulations to require ships constructed after the date of entry into force of 1 January 2017 to comply with the requirements of the IGF Code, B. Chapter II-2 – related the use low-flashpoint fuels C. Amendment to Certificate forms

Application of IGF Code - SOLAS regulation II-1/56 and 57

Untitled

Part G of SOLAS (which adds new regulations to require ships to comply with the requirements of the IGF Code) shall apply to ships using low-flashpoint fuels :.1 for which the building contract is placed on or after 1 January 2017;.2 in the absence of a building contract, the keels of which are laid or which are at a similar stage of construction on or after 1 July 2017; or.3 the delivery of which is on or after 1 January 2021.

Untitled

Ships which convert to using low-flashpoint fuels and ships which undertake to use low-flashpoint fuels different from those which it was originally approved are subject to compliance with IGF Code.

Untitled

However Part G of SOLAS shall not apply to:A. gas carriers, as defined in regulation VII/11.2:.1 using their cargoes as fuel and complying with the requirements of the IGC Code, as defined in regulation VII/11.1; or.2 using other low-flashpoint gaseous fuels provided that the fuel storage and distribution systems design and arrangements for such gaseous fuels comply with the requirements of the IGC Code for gas as a cargo.B. ships owned or operated by a Contracting Government and used, for the time being, only in Government non-commercial service. However, ships owned or operated by a Contracting Government and used, for the time being, only in Government non-commercial service are encouraged to act in a manner consistent, so far as reasonable and practicable, with this part.

Test for gas fuel tank’s high level alarm (IACS UI GF1)

The IGF Code, MSC Res.391(95)., at paragraph 15.4.2.3 states:“The position of the sensors in the liquefied gas fuel tank shall be capable of being verified before commissioning. At the first occasion of full loading after delivery and after each drydocking, testing of high level alarms shall be conducted by raising the fuel liquid level in the liquefied gas fuel tank to the alarm point.”As per IACS UI GF1, The expression "each dry-docking" refers to:- the survey of the outside of the ship’s bottom required for the renewal of the Cargo Ship Safety Construction Certificate and or the Cargo Ship Safety Certificate, for cargo ships.- the survey of the outside of the ship’s bottom to be carried out every 60 months according to IMO Resolution A.1104(29, paragraphs 5.10.1 and 5.10.2), for passenger ships.This IACS UI applies unless otherwise instructed by the ship’s Flag.

Amendments - Resolution MSC.551(108) – Entry into force on 1 January 2026

Untitled

IMO adopted Amendments to the IGF Code (Resolution MSC.551(108)). These amendments provide numerous of improvements based on experience gained with the code since its entry into force in 2017, including regulations pertaining to specific requirements for ships using natural gas as fuel; bunkering operations; and manufacture and testing for the fuel containment system. These amendments enter into force on 1 January 2026. While they generally apply to new ships constructed on or after 1 January 2026, some provisions retroactively apply to existing ships.

Retroactive requirements

Bunkering manifold (Part A-1para.8.1)

Some clarification on the specific requirements or standards that should apply to the connection of bunkering manifolds, the new requirements apply from 1 January 2026.

Portable dry powder extinguisher in the fuel preparation room (Part A-1 para. 11.6.2)

Para. 11.6.2 has been amended to require, in addition to any other portable fire extinguishers that may be required elsewhere in IMO instruments and the one required to be located near the bunkering station, an additional portable dry powder extinguisher of at least 5 kg capacity to be located in the fuel preparation room.For ships constructed before 1 January 2026, the portable dry powder extinguisher shall be provided in the fuel preparation room not later than the first survey on or after 1 January 2026.

Certificate Editor – Amendment to SOLAS CERTIFICATES

In association with the development of the IGF Code, amendments to SOLAS Appendix were adopted to revise the form of :1. CARGO SHIP SAFETY CONSTRUCTION CERTIFICATE 2. CARGO SHIP SAFETY CERTIFICATE 3. PASSENGER SHIP SAFETY CERTIFICATEso that the information about the application of the IGF Code is stated.

For ships not subject to Part G of SOLAS, “N.A.” shall be entered in concerned paragraph of the Certificate;