Image Credit: Yahoo Images (01/24/2025).
The International Maritime Organization's (IMO) Sub-Committee on Ship Design and Construction (SDC) held its eleventh session from January 13 to 17, 2025. This session focused on several key developments aimed at enhancing maritime safety and environmental protection.
SOLAS Developments
Emergency Towing Arrangements for Non-Tanker Ships: The Sub-Committee advanced interim guidelines for emergency towing arrangements (ETAs) applicable to new ships, excluding tankers, of 20,000 gross tonnage and above. These guidelines outline standards for the design, construction, and readiness of ETAs, emphasizing timely deployment and appropriate strength parameters. The draft interim guidelines are slated for approval at the Maritime Safety Committee's 110th session in June 2025.
Safety Netting on Accommodation Ladders and Gangways: Amendments to the Guidelines for Construction, Installation, Maintenance, and Inspection/Survey of Means of Embarkation and Disembarkation (MSC.1/Circ.1331) were discussed, focusing on the rigging of safety netting. These updates aim to enhance crew safety during embarkation and disembarkation procedures.
Steering and Propulsion Requirements: The Sub-Committee continued its work on revising SOLAS chapters II-1 (Part C) and V to address both traditional and non-traditional propulsion and steering systems. This initiative seeks to ensure that regulations remain relevant amidst evolving maritime technologies.
Industrial Personnel Code (IP Code): Further developments were made to the IP Code and its associated guidance, aiming to establish comprehensive safety measures for ships carrying industrial personnel.
Fibre-Reinforced Plastics (FRP) in Ship Structures: Guidelines for the use of FRP within ship structures were advanced, focusing on integrating these materials while ensuring structural integrity and fire safety.
Amendment to the 1988 Load Line Protocol
Guard Rails on Deck Structures: A draft requirement was developed concerning the setting of guard rails on deck structures, aiming to enhance crew safety on exposed decks.
Passenger Ship Systems' Capabilities After a Fire or Flooding Casualty
The Sub-Committee revised the Interim Explanatory Notes for the Assessment of Passenger Ship Systems' Capabilities after a Fire or Flooding Casualty, providing updated guidance to improve passenger ship resilience in emergency situations.
Reduction of Underwater Noise from Ships
An experience-building phase was initiated to gather data and insights on reducing underwater radiated noise from shipping, reflecting the IMO's commitment to mitigating the environmental impact of maritime operations.
Unified Interpretations to Provisions of IMO Safety, Security, and Environment-Related Conventions
Escape Routes and Water Level Detectors: The Sub-Committee developed unified interpretations concerning escape routes from below the bulkhead deck and the location of escape trunks, as well as interpretations related to SOLAS regulation II-1/25-1 concerning water level detectors.
Other Developments
Amendments to the 2011 ESP Code: Revisions to the Enhanced Survey Program (ESP) Code were discussed to incorporate advancements in survey techniques and technologies.
Review of the 2009 Code on Alerts and Indicators: A review was conducted to update the Code on Alerts and Indicators, ensuring alignment with current maritime practices and technologies.
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