The Maritime & Port Authority (MPA) of Singapore recently published a shipping circular (No. 15 of 2008) providing guidance on shipboard operational matters approved by the 84th session of the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 84) of IMO.
The Maritime Safety Committee of IMO, at its 84th session (7–16 May 2008), approved the following MSC Circulars, which provide guidance to improve the safety and efficiency of some shipboard operations:
Towing procedures
MSC.1/Circ.1255 – Guidelines for owners/operators on preparing emergency towing procedures
The new SOLAS regulation II-1/3-4 Emergency towing arrangements and procedures requires ships to be provided with a ship-specific emergency towing procedure. The Guidelines are intended to help owners/operators to carry out the necessary steps in establishing emergency towing procedures, provide information on the scope of the emergency towing booklet and give guidance towards creating procedures for towage.
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. Hence, ship owners and managers should approach the class of their vessels’ safety management system (SMS) for details on the incorporation of the towing procedures into the existing SMS.
LRIT circulars
MSC.1/Circ.1256 – MSC.1/Circ.1259
These circulars relate to the Long-range identification and tracking of ships (LRIT).
Circulars arising from incidents
MSC.1/Circ.1261 – Prevention of maritime accidents due to driftwood
MSC.1/Circ.1280 – Night-time lookout – photochromic lenses and dark adaptation
These two circulars arose from incidents involving driftwood/floating obstacles and navigating officers wearing glasses with photochormic lenses respectively. Masters are advised to take note of the advice given in the circulars.
MSC-MEPC.7/Circ.7 – Guidance on near-miss reporting
The purpose of the circular is to encourage reporting of near-misses so that remedial measures can be taken to avoid recurrences. Further, the guidance would be useful for compliance with section 9 of the ISM Code with respect to reporting of hazardous situations. Shipowners are encouraged to use the guidance for reporting near-misses.
This circular will be available soon.
Fire protection
The MSC approved a number of guidance circulars developed by the Fire Protection subcommittee on various fixed fire-extinguishing systems. Ship owners and managers should approach the class of their vessels for further details. The circulars are as follows:
MSC.1/Circ.1267 – Amendments to the Revised Guidelines for the approval of equivalent fixed gas fire-extinguishing, systems, as referred to in SOLAS 74, for machinery spaces and cargo pump-rooms (MSC/Circ.848)
MSC.1/Circ.1268 – Guidelines for the approval of fixed pressure water-spraying and water-based fire-extinguishing systems for cabin balconies
MSC.1/Circ.1269 – Amendments to the Revised Guidelines for the approval of equivalent water-based fire-extinguishing systems for machinery spaces and cargo pump-rooms (MSC/Circ. 1165)
MSC.1/Circ.1270 – Revised Guidelines for the approval of fixed aerosol fire-extinguishing systems equivalent to fixed gas fire-extinguishing systems, as referred to in SOLAS 74, for machinery spaces
MSC.1/Circ.1271 – Guidelines for high-expansion foam using inside air for the protection of machinery spaces and cargo pump-rooms
MSC.1/Circ.1272 – Guidelines for the approval of fixed water-based fire-fighting systems for ro-ro spaces and special category spaces equivalent to that referred to in resolution A.123(V)
MSC.1/Circ.1274 – Guidelines for evaluation of fire risk of external areas on passenger ships
Dangerous Goods
MSC.1/Circ.1262 – Amendments to the Revised emergency response procedures for ships carrying dangerous goods (EmS Guide)
As the EmS Guide is a supplement to the IMDG Code, MPA will accept the application of the amendments by shippers shipping dangerous goods with effect from 1 January 2009, concurrent with the existing EmS Guide.
Use of Pesticides
MSC.1/Circ.1264 – Recommendations on the safe use of pesticides in ships applicable to fumigation of cargo holds
MSC.1/Circ.1265 – Recommendations on the safe use of pesticides in ships applicable to fumigation of cargo transport units
These recommendations address the hazards to personnel arising from the operations involved in the fumigation of cargo holds and the carriage of fumigated containers. Shipowners and Masters are advised to follow the guidance given in the two circulars.
Container safety
MSC.1/Circ.1263 – Revised Recommendation on safety of personnel during container securing operations
In view of the concerns at dangers to personnel engaged in the operation of securing containers at deck level, the MSC approved the Revised Recommendation on safety of personnel during container securing operations. Containership owners, container terminal operators and masters of containerships are urged to follow the recommendations in the circular.
DOC for dangerous goods
MSC.1/Circ.1266 – Document of compliance with the special requirements for ships carrying dangerous goods
The circular contains revised standard formats of the document of compliance recommended for use by ships and high speed craft carrying dangerous goods under SOLAS regulation II-2/19 and part D, chapter 7 of the 2000 HSC Code respectively. Shipowners are advised to use the revised standard format.
This circular will be available soon.
Lifeboat safety
MSC.1/Circ.1277 Interim Recommendation on conditions for authorization of service providers for lifeboats, launching appliances and on-load release gear
MPA has previously issued Shipping Circular No. 4 of 2006 on the periodic servicing of launching appliances and on-load release gear. That Shipping Circular makes reference to MSC/Circ.1093 which appears as MSC/Circ.1206 Annex 1 with slight changes. Paragraph 4(c) ofthe MPA Shipping Circular mentions that a Shipowner or Ship operator may permit a service provider to carry out the servicing of launching appliances and on-load release gear in cases where the manufacturer is unable to provide the service, if the Shipowner or Ship operator has determined that the service provider has sufficient technical knowledge and experience and is competent to do the work. IMO Circular MSC.1/1277 provides comprehensive guidance in determining if a service provider has sufficient technical knowledge and experience and is competent to carry out the servicing of launching appliances and on-load release gear and Shipowners and Ship operators should use MSC.1/1277 when seeking service providers. The service providers so engaged is still subject to acceptance by the Classification Society which issues the Cargo Ship Safety Equipment Certificate or the Passenger Ship Safety Certificate to the vessel.
MSC.1/Circ.1278 Guidance on wearing immersion suits in totally enclosed lifeboats
A recent incident highlighted the potential risks of wearing of immersion suits in totally enclosed lifeboats. The incident occurred in winter and although outside temperatures were frigid, a number of crew wearing immersion suits suffered from overheating and dehydration. Shipowners and Masters are advised to follow the guidance provided in the circular.
Protective coatings – Permanent means of access
MSC.1/Circ.1279 Guidelines for corrosion protection of permanent means of access arrangements
Currently, two resolutions cover Performance standard for protective coatings for dedicated seawater ballast tanks in all types of ships and double-side skin spaces of bulk carriers (resolution MSC.215(82)) and Performance standard for protective coatings for void spaces (resolution MSC.244(83)). The circular augments the two resolutions by providing guidelines for corrosion protection of permanent means of access arrangements, which may or may not form part of the structural strength elements in ballast tanks or void spaces. Shipowners and shipbuilders are advised to take into consideration the guidance provided in the circular.
Radar
SN.1/Circ.271 – Guidelines for the installation of shipborne radar equipment
