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IMO DE 57 Summary Report (Overview)

@Lloyd’s Register 2013

IMO DE 57

Summary Report

Introduction

The 57th session of the IMO Sub-Committee on Ship Design and Equipment (DE 57) was held from 18 to 22 March 2013, at the IMO headquarters in London. This briefing summarises subjects under discussion which are relevant to the work of Lloyd's Register. Due attention should be made to the “Advice” and “Application” sections given under each subject. Due to the extensive agenda not all items were discussed during this session of DE. Outstanding items have been referred to the next session. Agenda items not discussed were 9 (thermal performance of immersion suits), 10 (amendments to the LSA Code for free-fall lifeboats with float free capability), 15 (revision of resolution A.761(18) the recommendation on conditions for the approval of servicing stations for inflatable liferafts), 14 (guidelines for wing-in-ground craft), 16 (testing of watertight compartments), 19 (general cargo ship safety) and parts of 3 (IACS unified interpretations) and 23 (any other business). Readers should note that regulations relating to SOLAS are generally, unless expressly provided otherwise, applicable to ships (cargo ships of 500 gross tonnage and above, and passenger ships irrespective of tonnage) engaged on international voyages. Similarly, Load Line regulations are applicable to ships over 24 metres in length which are engaged on international voyages.

Summary of discussions

The following agenda items are relevant to the work of Lloyd’s Register: Consideration of IACS unified interpretations (agenda item 3)

IACS presents its interpretations of unclear regulations to the appropriate sub-committees to advise the member delegations of the approach IACS members will take. IACS had submitted four unified interpretations under this agenda item. Two papers had been prepared by the IMO Secretariat, as requested by DE 56, presenting versions of draft circulars on unified interpretations of SOLAS chapters II-1 and XII and on unified interpretations of the performance standard for protective coatings for dedicated seawater ballast tanks which clearly identified proposed changes. These were extensively discussed in plenary which agreed to changes to the texts provided. The amended texts will be sent to MSC 92 for approval. There was time for discussion on lifeboat release and retrieval systems. A revised text was proposed by IACS which was agreed. However a final version of the unified interpretation would only be ready for submission to the next session. There was also time for discussion on the need for amendments to MARPOL Annex I regulation 12. After some debate an interim interpretation was agreed which will be sent to MEPC 65 for approval. Proposed amendments to the actual regulation in MARPOL would be prepared by the secretariat, based on papers produced during DE 57, for submission to the next session of DE where the matter would be further considered. Unified interpretations on fall preventer devices, fuel oil pumps where low sulphur fuels are used, and the maximum height for launching of lifeboats were agreed and will be submitted to MSC 92 for approval. Due to time constraints the remaining matters under this agenda item were not discussed and will be considered at the next session. Revision of the Standard specification for shipboard incinerators (resolution MEPC.76(40) (agenda item 4)

Ships, particularly passenger ships, are producing more sludge and garbage which needs to be incinerated



onboard. There is a standard specification for incinerators (MEPC.76(40) as amended by MEPC.93(45)) but this is limited to incinerators with a capacity of up to 1500 kW. The IMO had agreed that the current specification could be used for incinerators up to 4000 kW. However it was recognised that since the adoption of MEPC.76(40) amendments to MARPOL and SOLAS have been adopted which impact on MEPC.76(40). Additionally there was concern that a substantive change to some text might be needed. After discussion in plenary it was agreed that no substantive changes to the text were necessary and the secretariat was entrusted to make any changes to the MARPOL and SOLAS references which were necessary. It was agreed that the work on this agenda item was concluded. Development of amendments to SOLAS regulation II-1/40.2 concerning general requirements on electrical installations (agenda item 5)

This agenda item was raised following an incident where a serious fire was caused by an electrical fitting being replaced with one which was not of the correct standard. Although there was general support at DE 56 and DE 57 for the need to ensure that electrical fittings did not cause fires, it was considered that the proposed amendments to SOLAS had too wide a scope and contained too many vague phrases. Interested parties were encouraged to submit new proposals to the next session of DE. Making the provisions of MSC.1/Circ.1206/Rev.1 mandatory (agenda item 6)

DE has been discussing for some time whether to make MSC.1/Circ.1206/Rev.1, “Measures to prevent accidents with lifeboats” mandatory. A final text was agreed and will be sent to MSC 92 for approval and subsequent adoption. Related amendments to SOLAS were also agreed and will be submitted to MSC 92 for approval and subsequent adoption. The scope of application of the new resolution will focus on lifeboats, rescue boats and fast rescue boats, launching appliances and release gears for those boats and liferafts. The need for associated guidelines was noted but it was decided that this required a new work item and the relevant justification would have to be submitted to MSC. It was agreed that work under this agenda item was concluded. Development of a new framework of requirements for life-saving appliances (agenda item 7)

The LSA draft guidance containing the goals and functional requirements for LSA was agreed to be a tool for future amendments to the LSA Code and SOLAS Chapter III. At DE 56 minor provisional amendments were made to the draft guidance to include standardization of systems, and a roadmap was prepared detailing the necessary work to be completed. This includes a comprehensive review of SOLAS Chapter III and the LSA Code. This was extensively discussed in a working group, together with agenda item 8 (development of safety objectives and functional requirements of the guidelines on alternative design and arrangements for SOLAS Chapters II-1 and III) who developed some draft guidelines. These guidelines will be submitted to MSC when the work on the development of safety objectives and functional requirements of the guidelines on alternative design and arrangements for SOLAS chapters II-1 and III (agenda item 8) is finalized. A proposal on the linking of overhaul tests with the safety equipment renewal survey was discussed. IACS was requested to review its unified interpretation in conjunction with the HSSC guidelines and report back to the next session. Development of safety objectives and functional requirements of the Guidelines on alternative design and arrangements for SOLAS Chapters II-1 and III (agenda item 8)

At DE 56 it was agreed that this subject was covered by the roadmap which had been developed under the agenda item for “Development of a new framework of requirements for life-saving appliances”. No submissions to further progress the work had been submitted and DE 57 concluded that the work could be considered as part of the work being undertaken under agenda item 7 (development of a new framework of requirements for life-saving appliances). This was discussed in the working group on life saving appliances who only had time for a general review. This will not be further discussed intercessionally. Concrete proposals for text are to be submitted to the next session of DE. MSC had passed an issue raised by IACS on lifejacket lights to DE to consider under this agenda item. Some guidance on what was expected was provided and IACS will now develop a unified interpretation to cover the vague requirements. It was identified that there were matters which went beyond the scope of a unified interpretation which will require an appropriate justification for a new work item to be developed.



Development of amendments to the LSA Code for thermal performance of immersion suits (agenda item 9)

Two options are being explored to evaluate thermal performance for immersion suits; by using a reference test device (RTD) or by introducing a method specifying the minimum thermal resistance of immersion suits. In addition, the viability of using thermal manikins to replace a human subject when testing immersion suits is also under consideration. A correspondence group had discussed these matters and had agreed in principle to use thermal resistance as the criteria for acceptance of candidate immersion suits, based on the results of a calibrated test using RTDs. The group also agreed that it was premature to determine the clo values, that the thermal resistance criteria should further be considered and that the results of tests of RTDs using thermal manikins should be provided. A new requirement for provision of information in the draft amendments to MSC.81(70), in lieu of requirement for calibration of thermal performance test using RTDs was developed. Unfortunately due to time constraints these matters were not discussed during DE 57 and have been deferred to the next session. Development of amendments to the LSA Code for free-fall lifeboats with float free capabilities (agenda item 10)

The amendments to SOLAS III/31 to make mandatory the use of float free capabilities prepared at DE 46 (March 2003) were discussed at DE 47 (February 2004) at which point it was agreed to hold the amendments in abeyance until such a time as the relevant technology for float-free lifeboats has become available. The industry, represented by ILAMA, had reported that based on the discussions held in the past and based on information received from different manufacturers, they would advise this Sub-Committee not to seek solutions for the saving of life of people by means of a free-fall lifeboat at this time. Due to time constraints this matter was not discussed during DE 57 and has been deferred to the next session. Development of a mandatory Code for ships operating in polar waters (agenda item 11)

Some ships operate in polar waters (the Arctic or the Antarctic) and, although non-mandatory guidelines have been adopted, it is considered that mandatory requirements are needed. The DE Sub-Committee has been tasked with overseeing the development of a mandatory code, calling on other sub-committees as necessary. Some progress has been made and certain chapters of the draft code have been sent to the relevant sub-committees for review. A substantial number of papers have been submitted covering operations manuals, machinery requirements, ice classes and environmental issues. There was extensive discussion in a working group, particularly about the environmental matters. Some text of the draft Polar Code was agreed but much remains open for revision. A correspondence group was established to further progress the work intercessionally. A proposal for an intercessional working group was agreed and MSC will be requested to consider the establishment of one. Classification of offshore industry vessels and consideration of the need for a Code for offshore construction support vessels (agenda item 12)

The application of the MODU, SPS and OSV Codes to units which are used to construct offshore wind farms and subsequently maintain them was discussed under this item. After some detailed discussion in plenary, a drafting group was established to develop terms of reference for a correspondence group and to discuss the most appropriate way to resolve the problem. However, the terms of reference were not to include discussions on the definition of industrial personnel as it was felt that the issue was outside the remit of the Sub-Committee. They should be limited to units used in the offshore wind industry and the group should not be expanded to include all offshore construction vessels. After further discussion in plenary it was agreed to establish a correspondence group and to send a justification for a new unplanned output to MSC 92 to address the issue of carriage of industrial personnel. Revision of testing requirements for lifejacket RTDs in resolution MSC.81(70) (agenda item 13)

Since the introduction of reference test devices (RTDs) for lifejackets, a number of concerns have been raised with various Flag Administrations over their use. The DE Sub-Committee has reviewed the provisions to see what can be done to ensure that RTDs are used correctly. A number of changes to resolution MSC.81(70) as amended were agreed and will be submitted to MSC 92 for approval and subsequent adoption. The DE sub-committee agreed that work under this agenda item was concluded. A related issue about the number of test specimens was referred to the LSA working group who decided that a change was needed. Revised text for resolution MSC.81(70) has been prepared and will be sent to MSC 92 for approval.



Development of guidelines for wing-in-ground craft (agenda item 14)

In 2002 the IMO developed interim guidelines for wing-in-ground (WIG) craft, Circular MSC/Circ.1054. This circular now needs reviewing to take into account experience in its use since its introduction. At DE 56 a preliminary list of areas of concern was presented and some further technical points were made, particularly the relation with other regulatory bodies which have an interest in the area. A submission with a proposal for amendments to the circular was made to DE 57, however due to time constraints this was not discussed. Revision of the Recommendation on conditions for the approval of servicing stations for inflatable liferafts (resolution A.761(18)) (agenda item 15) There is a conflict regarding the replacement of expired items (or due to expire) between resolution A.761(18) (revision of the recommendation on conditions for the approval of servicing stations for inflatable liferafts) and MSC.1/Circ.1328 (guidelines for the approval of inflatable liferafts subject to extended service intervals not exceeding 30 months). Due to time constraints this matter was not discussed at DE 57 and has been deferred to the next session.

Amendments to SOLAS regulation II-1/11 and development of associated Guidelines to ensure the adequacy of testing arrangements for watertight compartments (agenda item 16)

Testing of watertight compartments has been required since the days when rivets were the usual form of construction. With the increased use of welding the existing requirements are being questioned. IACS, for example, has a unified requirement (UR S14) which covers the extent and type of tests required. This was not supported by delegations to DE 56 and further developments have been made over the past year. Unfortunately, despite definite textural proposals being available, this item was not discussed during DE 57 and it was not possible to establish a correspondence group to progress work intercessionally. In depth discussion has been deferred to the next session. Provisions for the reduction of noise from commercial shipping and its adverse impacts on marine life (agenda item 17)

There are concerns that the noise generated by ships is causing problems with the wildlife in the sea, which the IMO is investigating. After discussion in plenary a proposed set of non-mandatory guidelines was agreed and final text was prepared by a drafting group. Various measures which may be considered at the design stage which will reduce the noise generated by ships are provided in the guidelines. Designers and operators will be encouraged to use them. Some of the measures will also help improve efficiency. One paragraph in the preamble remains open for discussion. The text will be sent to MEPC 66 for approval and comments on the open text should be submitted in writing to that meeting. Development of requirements for onboard lifting appliances and winches (agenda item 18)

Lifting appliances have been used onboard ships for a long time to move stores and cargo. Although some Classification Societies have regulations concerning the design, installation and maintenance of lifting appliances, there are no statutory requirements for their approval, certification, regular survey or maintenance. A working group was established to determine the work which was needed and the scope of the application. It was agreed that there is still substantial work to be done to finalise a scope of work and possible deliverables. A correspondence group was established to progress the work intercessionally. Review of general cargo ship safety (agenda item 19)

A Formal Safety Assessment (FSA) was carried out on general cargo ship safety, which identified that certain risk control options (RCOs) should be further considered for possible implementation as regulations. It was noted that one of the major causes of general cargo ship losses was the failure of machinery leading to loss of essential systems. The DE sub-committee had been requested to consider whether measures to strengthen maintenance responsibilities for machinery are needed. Due to time constraints this item was not discussed at DE 57 and has been deferred to the next session. Development of amendments to SOLAS regulations II-1/29.3.2 and 29.4.2, clarifying the requirements for steering gear trials (agenda item 20)

Some ships, particularly container ships, are not able to reach their operating draught using ballast water only. This causes problems when the vessel is on sea trials as the SOLAS regulations for testing steering gear require



the vessel to be at the summer load draught. An IACS unified interpretation was recently adopted as an IMO unified interpretation (MSC.1/Circ.1425) as an interim measure, until a longer term solution (e.g. amendments to SOLAS) could be agreed. After some discussion proposed changes to SOLAS were agreed based on the submission with an amendment to clarify “maximum ahead service speed” and will be sent to MSC 92 for approval and subsequent adoption by MSC 93. The sub-committee agreed that work on this item was concluded. Any other business (agenda item 23)

Any matters which need to be brought to the attention of the sub-committee but do not fit under one of the agenda items will be discussed under this item. Documents were submitted on the following matters for consideration at this session:

The serious accident onboard the “Chicago Express”.

An apparent inconsistency in the 2000 HSC Code regarding the provision of rescue boats on high speed craft which are less than 30 metres in length.

An editorial amendment to MSC.81(70), as amended by resolution MSC.226(82), is required.

The BLG sub-committee has been revising the IGC Code and has requested that DE review a number of sections.

Equipment for man overboard situations With the exception of the IGC Code due to time constraints these matters were not discussed at this session of DE. The revised IGC Code which had been prepared by BLG was briefly discussed and the changes proposed were agreed. This revised Code will be sent to MSC 92 for approval. Development of amendments to the 2011 ESP Code (agenda item 24)

The 2011 ESP Code covers the survey requirements for oil tankers and bulk carriers. To a certain extent it follows the IACS requirements, however the IACS requirements are frequently updated and it is necessary to track the amendments which IACS makes to ensure consistency with the 2011 ESP Code. A procedure for ensuring that the ESP Code is kept up to date was agreed. Some changes to the 2011 ESP Code have been agreed and will be submitted to MSC 92 for approval and subsequent adoption at MSC 93.

LR IMO DE 57 Summary Report

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