Additional Safety Measures For Bulk Carriers - SOLAS Chapter XII
Bulk carriers were developed in the 1950s to carry large quantities of non-packed commodities such as grains, coal and iron ore. Some 5,000 bulk carriers trade around the world, providing a crucial service to world commodities' transportation. Bulk carrier operators must be aware of the specific safety concerns related to this type of ship.
Inventory of Hazardous Materials
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) responded to environmental and safety concerns in the wrestling industry by introducing the "Green Passport", now known as the Inventory of Hazardous Substances (IHM). This requirement addresses hazardous materials on board ships that pose risks to health, safety, and the environment. Finally, the Hong Kong Convention was adopted in 2009 and will enter into force in June 2025.
GMDSS requirements for radio installations on board SOLAS ships - 2024
The Sub-Committee on Navigation, Radio-Communications and Search and Rescue (NCSR), at its ninth meeting (21-30 June 2022), considering amendments to Chapter IV of SOLAS, resolution MSC.496(105) adopted, according to which, the circular No. COMSAR.1/Circ.32/Rev.1 related to the modernization of radio equipment (GMDSS) and harmonizing the requirements related to them. In this technical article, the second edition (COMSAR.1/Circ.32/Rev.2) of this directive is explained, which has become effective from January 1, 2024 for all ships subject to the SOLAS Convention.
The Engine International Air Pollution Prevention Certificate (EIAPP Certificate)
The Engine International Air Pollution Prevention Certificate (EIAPP Certificate) plays a pivotal role in addressing Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) emissions from marine engines. This certification, governed by the NOx Technical Code, employs prescribed test cycles and measurement methods to calculate NOx emissions, emphasizing compliance with stringent environmental standards.
Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB)
Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs) play a crucial role in maritime safety by facilitating rapid distress signal response. Regulation 14.1 of the International Convention for the Safely of Life at Sea (SOLAS), 1974, as amended, concerning radio-communications for the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS), which require, inter alia, that all radio equipment shall conform to appropriate performance standards not inferior to those adopted by the Organization.
Sampling point in the ballast water discharge line
In accordance with article 9 of the Convention, a Party may sample the ship’s ballast water for the purpose of determining whether the ship is in compliance with the Convention in accordance with these Guidelines. Although the Convention contains no requirements for provision of sampling points, the Guidelines for approval of ballast water management systems (G8) adopted by resolution MEPC. 174(58) do expressly call for the provision of sampling facilities, not only for the purpose of type approval, but also for the purpose of other required sampling process.
Remote Inspection Techniques (RIT) in Maritime Industry
Remote Inspection Techniques (RIT) offer a survey method that allows the examination of various structure parts without requiring direct physical access by the surveyor. With the development of remote inspection techniques (RITs), such as remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and real-time sensors which are carried by drones, the maritime industry is increasingly applying remote inspection techniques (RITs).
Goal-based ship construction standards for bulk carriers and oil tankers
The SCF(Ship Construction File), as outlined in IMO guidelines, details how functional requirements of ship construction standards are applied, must be provided at delivery, kept on board, and updated as needed during the ship's service.
The MARPOL requirements of oil residues (sludge) tanks
In accordance with MARPOL/Annex I/Reg. 12, ships with a gross tonnage of 400 and above are mandated to be equipped with a tank or tanks of sufficient capacity. The capacity should be determined with consideration given to the type of machinery and the duration of the voyage, ensuring the proper reception of oil residues (sludge).
Lifeboat releasing mechanisms
There are different types of lifeboats used on board a ship on the basis of the type of ship and other special requirements. Not all the lifeboats have the same type of releasing mechanisms, for the launching of a lifeboat depends on several other factors. In this article, we will take a look at the main types of “lifeboat releasing mechanisms”.
Oil Mist Detector
A device that measures the oil mist concentration by inserting an oil mist detector into the crankcase of a marine engine. The sensor converts the measured mist concentration into an electronic signal and sends it to the monitor. If the mist concentration exceeds a certain value, an alarm will be issued.
Emergency towing arrangements
The emergency towing arrangements should be so designed as to facilitate salvage and emergency towing operations on tankers primarily to reduce the risk of pollution. The arrangements should at all times be capable of rapid deployment in the absence of main power on the ship to be towed and easy connection to the towing vessel.
Requirements within emission control areas (The latest amendment)
Refer to MARPOL Annex VI, Reg. 14, While a ship is operating within an emission control area, the Sulphur content of fuel oil used on board that ship shall not exceed 0.10% m/m.
In this article, we tried to collect the exact definitions of the SECA for our readers, as a reference.
Introduction to Inert Gas Systems (IGS)
Inert gas system is the most important integrated system for oil tankers for safe operation of the ship. Inert gas is the gas which contains insufficient oxygen (normally less than 8 %) to suppress combustion of flammable hydrocarbon gases.
Requirement of standard discharge connections for Sludge & Sewage
Both oil residues (sludge) and sewages collected on board must be delivered to the reception facilities, regularly.
In this regard, there are two types of standard discharge connections. This article mentions the specifications and requirements of this connections based on the MARPOL Convention.
Guidance on ballast water record-keeping and reporting
The Marine Environment Protection Committee, at its eightieth session (3 to 7 July 2023) approved the Guidance on ballast water record-keeping and reporting to assist in bringing clarity to the record-keeping and reporting process under the BWM Convention, including guidance on completing the Ballast Water Record Book. This BWRB format will enter into force on 1 February 2025.
Position of navigational lights
This article outlines essential guidelines for the placement and characteristics of navigational lights on vessels. These lights, including masthead, sidelights, stern lights, and others, are crucial for ensuring maritime safety and collision prevention, particularly during low visibility conditions. Specific requirements for the height, visibility, and positioning of these lights are provided, with a focus on adherence to international regulations.
The latest amendment on the ESP code (2024)
The latest amendment on the ESP code has been adopted on Nov. 2022 and will be entered into force on 01. July.2024. (The 106th session of the Maritime Safety Committee was held from 2 to 11 November 2022)
In this article, we will discuss these amendments in summary.
Navigation Bridge Visibility
Ships of not less than 55 m in length (Overall Length) and constructed on or after 1 July 1998 shall meet the below requirement in relation to the navigation visibility and according to the SOLAS 2006 Amend / Chapter V / Reg. 22.
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