This circular provides details of the AGM of the Association which will take place in Singapore at 9am on 30th October 2017 and the arrangements for voting by proxy.

Members are informed that BIMCO and ISCO (the International Spill Control Organisation), have launched two standard contracts, RESPONSECON and US RESPONSECON, for the hire of specialised spill response services and equipment.

At their meeting in May 2017, the Directors closed the 2014 policy year. The surplus was transferred to the reserves. The 2014 policy year was closed and open years developing in line with expectations.

STOPIA and TOPIA have had their 10 years' period review with participation of ship and oil cargo interests.

At their meeting on 30th January 2017, the Directors reviewed the basis on which special war risks P&I cover could be made available to Members in accordance with the proviso to Rule 5E, and determined that this cover should be made available to Members for the 2017 policy year in accordance with the terms of the attached Directors' Resolution of 30th January 2017.

China has ratified the Nairobi International Convention on the Removal of Wrecks 2007 and the Convention will enter into force in China from 11 February 2017. The Chinese MSA published a notice on the application procedure for WRC Certificates.

The Ballast Water Management Convention 2004 will enter into force on 8 September 2017. The International Group has prepared an update and guidance on compliance with this Convention and with US BWM Regulations. Further updates and guidance will be provided as and when necessary.

Proposed amendments to rules and Directors' remuneration. Please attached papers for a Special General Meeting to be held on 19th January 2017 in Bermuda.

The International Group today announced that it had concluded terms for 2017 in respect of the excess of loss reinsurance.

For the 2017 policy year, the Club retention will remain $10 million. The Group Pooling retention will remain unchanged at $80 million and continues to be insured by the Group captive, Hydra, and pre-funded by a premium contribution from each club. This premium is included in the reinsurance rates.

Mutual Premium Discount of 3 per cent on the total mutual premium for the 2015 policy year. Standard deductible will be $12,000 per event for the 2017 policy year. Any change in the cost of the International Group reinsurance will be passed on to the mutual Members. An explanation of the financial background to the Board's decisions can be found in the "Autumn Review 2016" which accompanies this Circular.