GMDSS requirements for radio installations on board SOLAS ships - 2024

Regulations


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)

Regulations


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)

Navigational


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

Regulations


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

Regulations


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

Regulations


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

Regulations


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).

Anchor Windlass Design and Testing (IACS 2018 Requirement)

Machinery


A windlass used for handling anchors, suitable for the size of chain cable and complying with the Classification Society’s criteria is to be fitted to the ship. The design, construction and testing of windlasses are to conform to an acceptable standard or code of practice. To be considered acceptable, the standard or code of practice is to specify criteria for stresses, performance and testing.

Understanding UMA (UMS) Ships and Their Operational Requirements

Machinery


UMA (Unattended Machinery Area) ships, sometimes referred to as UMS, are designed for machinery and equipment operation without constant watch-keeping personnel. This article outlines the specific machinery included, stringent safety requirements, and the need for meticulous ship design. It emphasizes fire safety measures, prevention of flooding, alarm systems, and communication means, all crucial for ensuring safe and continuous operation.

Understanding Air Pipes on Ships and Load Line Convention Requirements

Regulations


Air pipes in ships maintain pressure equilibrium during tank filling. They are usually installed on the upper ceiling of the tanks. There are specific requirements for their height and structure, which are determined based on their positions. In this article, we will briefly introduce the air pipes and review the related regulations based on the International Load Line Convention.

Lifeboat releasing mechanisms

Fire & Safety


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

Machinery


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

Regulations


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)

Regulations


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)

Machinery


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.

The latest amendment on the ESP code (2024)

Regulations


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

Fire & Safety


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.

Requirement of standard discharge connections for Sludge & Sewage

Regulations


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.

Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP) PART I

Regulations


Regulation 26.1 of MARPOL Annex VI requires each ship of 400 gross tonnages and above, subject to Chapter 4 to keep on board a ship specific Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP). The purpose of Part I of SEEMP is to establish a mechanism for a company and/or a ship to improve the energy efficiency and reduce the carbon intensity of a ship's operation. Preferably, this aspect of the ship-specific SEEMP is linked to a broader corporate energy management policy for the company that owns, operates or controls the ship, recognizing that no two shipping companies are the same, and that ships operate under a wide range of different conditions.

Guidance on ballast water record-keeping and reporting

Regulations


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.