Shipping: What’s new on the regulatory

agenda – news for 2016

in International Shipping News 06/10/2015

The end of the year 2015 is approaching fast, time to think about the upcoming regulatory
changes that will be mandatory from 2016. Get a quick overview what’s on the agenda
and find out more about some of the major amendments from 68th session of MEPC and
95th session of MSC.

MSC 93 SOLAS CHAPTER II-1 AMENDMENTS

Steering gear
Regulation II-1/29 has been amended to accept that all ships irrespective of date of
construction that cannot be ballasted during sea trials so that their rudder is fully
submerged, may demonstrate compliance with requirements for main and emergency
steering gear with alternative methods.
MSC.1/Circ.1482 invites for early implementation.
In force from 1 January 2016

MSC 93 SOLAS CHAPTER II-2 AMENDMENTS

Inert gas systems and operations
Regulation II-2/4.5.5 has been expanded also to include tankers between 8.000 dwt and
20.000 dwt constructed on or after 1 January 2016.
Chemical carriers having tank capacities ≤ 3,000 m³ are not required to be fitted with
such a system
There is a new option in Regulation II-2/16 for chemical tankers to postpone the
application of IG until after the loading. However, only N2 is acceptable as IG under this
provision.
In force from 1 January 2016

Ventilation systems
Regulation II-2/9.7 has been amended to addresses requirements for new ventilation duct
construction and arrangement for ships constructed on or after 1 January 2016.
For the purpose of implementation of this revised regulation, definitions of Fire damper,
Smoke damper and Vehicle carrier has been added to Regulation II-2/3.

Fire fighting
Regulation II-2/10 has been amended to require for new ships designed to carry
containers on deck to carry in addition to the required fixed fire-extinguishing systems
and appliances also at least one water mist lance to set the inside of a container under
water when connected to the fire main.
Ships able to carry five or more tiers of containers above the weather deck must have
mobile water monitors, dependent on ship’s breadth over 30 m (four mobile water
monitors) or under 30 m (two mobile water monitors).
In force from 1 January 2016

Means of escape from machinery spaces

Regulation II-2/13.4 (Means of escape from machinery spaces and workshops and control
rooms within machinery spaces) has been amended to require a continuous fire shelter for
such means of escape on new passenger and cargo ships.
The revised regulation also covers Inclined ladders and stairways in such means of
escape.
In force from 1 January 2016

Carriers for vehicles fuelled with hydrogen or natural gas

In addition to Regulation II-2/20, a new Regulation II-2/20-1 applicable to new vehicle
carriers, adds new requirements for electrical equipment and wiring as well as for
ventilation arrangement and portable gas detectors if the cargo spaces are intended for the
transport of motor vehicles with compressed hydrogen or natural gas in their tanks for
their own propulsion.
The shipper should
provide documentation that the vehicle fuel system has been checked for leak-tightness,
and;
that the vehicle is in proper condition for carriage prior to loading, and;
mark, label or placard each vehicle, accordingly.During loading, the crew should check
each vehicle for the shipper’s markings.
In force from 1 January 2016

MANDATORY CODES

AMENDMENTS TO THE FIRE SAFETY SYSTEMS (FSS) CODE – MSC 93

MSC 93 adopted amendments to the FSS Code by res. MSC.367(93)
FSS Code, Chapter 15 Inert Gas Systems was revised to correspond with the amendments
to SOLAS Regulation II-2/4.5.5.
These amendments enter into force 1 January 2016.

AMENDMENTS TO THE LIVE SAVING APPLIANCE (LSA) CODE – MSC 93

Amendments to the LSA Code in section 2.2 on the use of Reference Test Devices
(RTDs) are related to testing and approving of lifejackets.
Accordingly, Resolution MSC.81(70) has been amended and MSC.1/Circ.1470 on
Guidelines for validating the construction of a completed adult life jacket reference test
device (RTD) has been approved.
In force from 1 January 2016
MSC 93 AMENDMENTS TO THE IMDG CODE
The IMDG Code has been amended with regard to the 1972 CSC.
New requirements for the transport of dangerous goods may be applied from 1 January
2015 completely or in part on a voluntary basis, but they will be mandatory from 1
January 2016.

MSC 93 AMENDMENTS TO THE IBC CODE

New regulations introduce for new gas and chemical tankers approved stability
instruments capable of verifying compliance with the applicable intact and damage
stability requirements.
Existing chemical tankers need to comply with the new regulation at the first scheduled
renewal survey after 1 January 2016 but not later than 1 January 2021 but for gas carriers
these application dates are shifted by 6 months, i.e. need to comply at the first scheduled
renewal survey after 1 July 2016 but not later than 1 July 2021.
Other amendments to the IBC Code regulate purging and inerting of cargo tanks for
products that make use of oxygen-dependant inhibitors to be carried.
The maximum oxygen content to be maintained in tanks has been reduced from 8 % (still
applicable for existing oil and chemical tankers) to 5 % for new oil and chemical tankers.
Non-mandatory the BCH, EGC and GC Codes have been updated in accordance with
IBC Code changes.
In force from 1 January 2016

MSC 93 IBC CODE AMENDMENTS

Consequential amendments to the IBC Code due to new SOLAS Inert Gas requirements:
Chapter 8. A new paragraph (8.5) on purging of cargo tanks before gas-freeing has been
introduced. This applies to all chemical tankers when IG is required by SOLAS.
Chapter 15.13. For those products that require both an oxygen dependent inhibitor and
inert gas, it is not allowed to apply any inert gas until commencement of unloading. Only
nitrogen is acceptable as inert gas.
In force from 1 January 2016

MSC 93 AMENDMENTS TO THE IGC CODE

The revised IGC Code will enter into force 1 January 2016 but applies to ships whose
keels are laid on or after 1 July 2016. The major changes, in addition to reorganization of
requirement for clarification, are:
Guidance for handling LNG carriers periodically connected to a buoy and serving as
FLNG or FSRU units has been added.
Location of cargo tanks changed so that separation of cargo tanks from side shell has
been increased; impact on the design of fully refrigerated LPG carriers.
Cargo containment safety principles and requirements for partial secondary barrier and
small leak protection system have been added.
Design loads have been re-categorized as: permanent, functional, environmental or
accidental.
Revised fatigue criteria having impact on Independent Type B and membrane tanks
Design considerations, fatigue requirements and required design development testing for
membrane tanks have been revised.
New requirements for cargo sampling connections, cargo filters, water curtain and design
of high pressure fuel gas system piping have been added.
Requirements for thermal oxidization of vapours which would include boilers and gas
combustion units have been added.
A new provision has been added to allow for sequential lifting to reduce the amount of
vented cargo.
The requirements for material in pressure relief valves and means of emergency isolation
of such valves have been amended.
New requirements for vent piping system have been added.
Definitions for Zone 0, Zone 1 and Zone 2 Hazardous Areas have been added.
New requirement for piping and components in cargo area to be suitable for 925 degrees
C has been added.
Requirements for vent fans and spares outfits have been increased and minimum number
of air changes provided for fixed and portable ventilation equipment for spaces not
normally entered has been added.
New sections for automation systems and systems integration have been added.
Safety equipment for personal protection increased from two to three.
Definitions have been provided for filling limit, loading limit and reference temperature,
justification for permitting filling limits greater than 98% are specified and an absolute
maximum filling limit of 99.5 % is specified.
Detailed requirements for gas fired internal combustion engines and for gas turbine plants
have been added.
The use of fuels other than methane may now be accepted.
A Cargo Operations Manual is required and new requirements for cargo sampling have
been added.
A new section with very detailed requirements for cargo emergency shutdown systems
has been added.

MSC 93 AMENDMENTS TO 2011 ESP CODE

The 2011 ESP Code has been amended to cover corrosion and corrosion protection by
coating at the relevant surveys by Resolution MSC.371(93) Amendments to the
International Code on the Enhanced Programme of Inspections during Surveys of Bulk
Carriers and Oil Tankers, 2011 (2011 ESP Code).
In force from 1 January 2016

MSC 94 SOLAS CHAPTER II-2 AMENDMENTS- ADOPTED

Regulation 10 – Fire fighting
The title of existing paragraph 5.2 is replaced, as follows:
“5.2 Machinery spaces of category A containing internal combustion machinery”
In force 1 July 2016

MSC 94 SOLAS CHAPTER VI AMENDMENTS ADOPTED

Mandatory verification of the gross mass of a container carrying cargoes
Guidelines regarding verified gross mass of a container carrying cargo; MSC.1/Circ.1475
In force 1 July 2016
If the shipping document lacks the verified gross mass (VGM) of a packed container or
the master and the terminal representative have not obtained it, then the container shall
not be loaded on to the ship.

MSC 94 SOLAS CHAPTER XI-1/7 – ADOPTED

Atmosphere testing instrument for enclosed spaces
Every ship to which chapter I applies shall carry an appropriate portable atmosphere
testing instrument or instruments capable of measuring concentrations of oxygen,
flammable gases or vapours, hydrogen sulphide and carbon monoxide prior to entry into
enclosed spaces.
Instruments carried under other requirements may satisfy this regulation.
Suitable means shall be provided for the calibration of all such instruments.
MSC.1/Circ.1477 on Guidelines to facilitate the selection of portable atmosphere-testing
instruments for enclosed spaces
In force 1 July 2016
Early implementation of regulation XI-1/7 – on Flag by Flag basis (MSC.1/Circ. 1485)

The new Polar Code was adopted as well as amendments to SOLAS, introducing a new
chapter XIV to SOLAS, to make the Polar Code mandatory with entry into force on 1
January 2017.
SOLAS Appendix, Form C and Form E Record of Equipment for Cargo Ship Safety were
amended to state the total number of lifeboats (and whether it is of a davit launched type)
and the total number of persons accommodated by the lifeboats.

MSC 94 AMENDMENTS TO 1979, 1989 AND 2009 MODU CODES

Atmosphere testing instrument for enclosed spaces
All MODUs shall carry an appropriate portable atmosphere testing instrument or
instruments capable of measuring concentrations of oxygen, flammable gases or vapours,
hydrogen sulphide and carbon monoxide prior to entry into enclosed spaces.
Instruments carried under other requirements may satisfy this regulation.
Suitable means shall be provided for the calibration of all such instruments.
MSC.1/Circ.1477 on Guidelines to facilitate the selection of portable atmosphere-testing
instruments for enclosed spaces
In force 1 July 2016

MSC 94 AMENDMENTS, entering into force 1 January 2017

Adoption of the International Code of Safety for Ships using Gases or other Low-
flashpoint Fuels (IGF code) by amendments to SOLAS Chapters II-1 and II-2 to make the
new IGF Code mandatory entering into force 1 January 2017 and related amendments to
the 1978 and 1988 SOLAS Protocols (regarding IGF Code-related SOLAS certification)
requiring
for gas carriers, the principle of “one code, one ship” was decided, i.e. the IGC Code (not
the IGF Code) shall apply to gas carriers burning their cargo as fuel or other gaseous low
flashpoint fuel;
the IGF Code will not apply to governmental ships;
for ships using fuel covered by Part A-1, a risk assessment is only needed where
explicitly required by specific paragraphs in that part;
explosion pressure relief is only required for ESD protected machinery spaces;
minimum distances for tank location in passenger ships in order to clarify the distances in
the bottom and at the turn of the bilge;
the requirement that pressure relief valves are also sized with consideration to roll-over
effects was deleted;
the fuel handling manual required to include a description of the procedural actions in
case of fuel stratification resulting in rollover;
fully welded gas fuel vent pipes in mechanically ventilated spaces are exempted from the
requirement for double piping;
the area classification around the vent mast is intentionally not the same as in the IGC
Code;
temperature sensors are required in three locations of each fuel tank. Vacuum insulated
type C tanks with pressure build up fuel discharge are exempted. The temperature shall
be monitored from the bunkering control location.

IGF Code-related amendments to the STCW Convention, Part A of the STCW Code and
Part B of the STCW Code clarify training and certification requirements of ship’s
personnel

Further adopted amendments to SOLAS, expected to enter into force on 1 January

2017:
SOLAS regulations II-2/4.5.3.2.2, II-2/11.6.2 and II-2/11.6.3.2 on secondary means of
venting cargo tanks; and
SOLAS regulation II-2/20.3.1.2 on the performance of ventilation systems in vehicle,
special category and ro-ro spaces.

Amendments to the IMSBC Code were also adopted by the Committee further clarifying
provisions relating to fire safety risk assessments for self-unloading bulk carriers. These
amendments are expected to enter into force on 1 January 2017. However, these
amendments may be applied on a voluntary basis from 1 January 2016.
Source: DNV GL Maritime Academy