Regulation

Already established measures have paved the way for a more environmental-friendly shipping. A key example is the IMO NOx Tier III limits. These limits apply to engines installed on or after 1 January 2016, that are operating in Emission Control Areas and establish a strict limit on their emissions.

The Emergency Escape Breathing Devices are part of the critical safety equipment and are used for escape from a compartment that has a hazardous atmosphere. Their use has become mandatory under the new amendments to SOLAS 74 (Chapter II-2, Reg 16) for all ships to which the safety equipment certificate is required.

A new requirement for the carriage of two-way portable radiotelephone apparatus of explosion proof or intrinsically safe type for firefighter’s communication is effective from July 1st, 2018 according to SOLAS regulation II-2/10.10.4 The purpose of these fire-fighter radios is to provide a dedicated means of communication between a team of fire fighters entering the space, and the crew member located outside the space who is assigned to control this team.

As of 1st January 2019, amendments to the bunker delivery note have entered into force, relating to the supply of marine fuel oil to ships, which have fitted alternative mechanisms to comply with the IMO's 2020 sulphur cap. Other amendments that entered into force this year include the IMSBC Code 2017 amendment and the amendments to designate North Sea and Baltic Sea as ECAs.

Several amendments of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) agreed in 2016, 2017 and 2018 are entering into force in less than three months, marking reforms to SOLAS and to international codes made mandatory under the SOLAS Convention.

On 1 March 2018, the amendments to update Form B of the Supplement to the International Oil Pollution Prevention Certificate, in relation to segregated ballast tanks, entered into force. On 1 March 2018, the Ship fuel oil consumption data reporting requirements and the Garbage requirements under MARPOL Annex V also became effective.

Bureau Veritas focuses on SOLAS Chapter III amendments, which will be applied on January 1, 2020, including requirements for maintenance, thorough examination, operational testing, overhaul and repair of lifeboats and rescue boats, launching appliances and release gear.

IMO's MEPC 74 in May adopted resolution MEPC.315(74), amending regulations 1, 13, appendix IV and appendix VI of MARPOL Annex II concerning cargo residues and tank washings of persistent floating products with a high viscosity and/or high melting point in specific areas.

During the IMO SDC 5, held on 22-23 January, amendments to SOLAS Regulation II-1/3-8 and supporting guidelines for safe mooring operations were discussed among other issues. The Sub-Committee agreed to these draft amendments, with a view to submission to MSC 101 for approval. The draft amendments will be forwarded to MSC once the various Guidelines have been finalized.

The second set of amendments to the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) for improving crew safety and welfare have entered into force, as of 8 January 2019. The amendments, agreed in 2016, are comprised of additions to the guidelines of Regulation 4.3. They cover health and safety protection and accident prevention.