SOLAS Update
A set of amendments to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and the associated Codes are entering into force in 2024. This article highlights the changes that have been adopted for the 2024 update of SOLAS and its associated Codes.
Regulations coming into force on 1 January 2024
IMDG code amendments (41-22) – MSC.501(105)
Updates to the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) code, which were applicable on a voluntary basis since 1 January 2023, will enter into force on 1 January 2024.
These amendments are in line with the updates to the United Nations Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, 22nd edition, which set the recommendations for all transport modes.
Based on these amendments, the following revised circulars will also be applicable from 1 January 2024:
- Revised recommendations on the safe use of pesticides in ships applicable to the fumigation of cargo transport units (MSC.1/Circ.1361/Rev.1) and
- Revised Emergency Response Procedures for Ships carrying dangerous goods (EmS Guide) (MSC.1/Circ.1588/Rev.2).
Owners who are involved in the transport of dangerous goods in packaged from a recommended to ensure compliance with the latest amendments.
Amendments to SOLAS regulation II-1/3-8 on towing and mooring equipment – MSC.474(102)
The objective of these amendments is to improve mooring safety by establishing new requirements for the selection, arrangement, inspection, maintenance, and replacement of mooring equipment, including lines. Documentation pertaining to the design of mooring arrangements and the selection of mooring equipment will be required to be provided and retained on board.
These requirements are incorporated in SOLAS regulation II-1/3-8 on towing and mooring equipment, and are supported by the following guidelines:
- Guidelines on the design of mooring arrangements and the selection of appropriate mooring equipment and fittings for safe mooring (MSC.1/Circ. 1619)
- Guidelines for inspection and maintenance of mooring equipment including lines (MSC.1/Circ.1620)
- Revised guidance on shipboard towing and mooring equipment (MSC.1/Circ. 1175/Rev.1)
- Unified interpretation of SOLAS Chapter II-1 (MSC.1/Circ.1362/Rev.2)
The design requirements will apply to new cargo and passenger ships constructed on or after 1 January 2024 that are above 3000 GT and should also apply to ships of 3000 GT and below as far as reasonably practicable. However, the maintenance and inspection requirements will be applied retroactively for all ships.
Owners with new-built ships (i.e., building contract signed on or after 1 January 2024, or in the absence of a building contract if keel laid on or after 1 July 2024, or if the ship is delivered on or after 1 January 2027) are recommended to refer to the Class rules on design requirements and be guided accordingly.
Existing ships are recommended to refer to review their current procedures for the inspection and maintenance of mooring equipment and lines, to ensure that they are in line with the above-mentioned guidelines. (read more) Source – IMO/Maritime Cyprus.