The 102nd session of the IMO Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 102) was held from 4 to 11 November 2020 by video conference, due to the pandemic of COVID-19. The key subjects are the following:
-IMO endorses COVID-19 crew change protocols
–Agreed that a Global Integrated Shipping Information System (GISIS) module should be developed to register ports that facilitate crew changes and disseminate information provided by Member States regarding those ports, to enable shipping companies to easily plan and organize crew changes during the pandemic.
–Approved an MSC circular on Unified interpretation of SOLAS regulation II-1/3-10 concerning the term “unforeseen delay in delivery of ships.
-New safe mooring requirements adopted.
-Amendments to parts B-1, B-2 and B-4 of SOLAS chapter II-1 related to watertight integrity requirements.
-Amendments to the International Code of Safety for Ships using Gases or other Low-flashpoint Fuels (IGF Code), related to the fuel containment systems, fire safety, welding of metallic materials and non-destructive testing.
-Amendments to the International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk (IGC Code).
-Amendments to the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG Code) (amendment 40-20)
-Safety of ships using methyl/ethyl alcohol as fuel – interim guidelines approved
-Goal based ship construction standards
-Interim Guidelines for second generation intact stability criteria approved
–Safety of ships carrying industrial personnel
-Preventing accidents with lifting appliances and winches – draft amendments approved
-Revised Guidelines for Vessel Traffic Services approved
-Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) recognized
-Performance standards adopted
-Ships routing measures adopted
-Various technical matters were adopted/approved by IMO Maritime Safety Committee and can be reviewed through IMO website
Source: www.imo.org
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