IMO Regulatory Update for 2013

The present publication is an effort to gather and summarize all new IMO regulations that entered or are to enter into force during 2013. Active links to relevant documents/circulars/resolutions have been also included to make it easier for the reader to have a direct reference to the actual text of each regulation, or to documents analyzing the regulatory requirements.

2013.07.22 - IMO Regulatory Update for 2013

From the below, perhaps one of the most important regulations that are to enter into force during 2013 is the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), which is considered by many as the 4th pillar of the major maritime compliance conventions (the other three are SOLAS, MARPOL and STCW). Apart, from the MLC, the amended MARPOL Annex V regarding new garbage discharge rules as well as cargo hold and deck washing water discharges is also considered to be of significant importance. Other subjects requiring attention, is new requirements for the maintenance and inspection of fire protection systems and appliances which will have an impact on the planned maintenance schedule of such devices. Moreover, new emission control areas have been defined for 2013 affecting as a result the ship’s operation in terms of the fuel oil that should be used. Finally, another regulation worth mentioning is the requirement to have a SEEMP onboard.

A PDF version of this post is also available to download. Please click the following link in order to download OOW IMO Regulatory Update for 2013. The PDF version of the 2013 regulatory update can be also found in the OOW profile in Scribd by clicking HERE.

For any queries, suggestions or feedback regarding the present publication please contact us by sending a direct message to info@officerofthewatch.com.

# Subject / Regulatory Reference Applicable to Vessel’s
Type / Size / Age
Entry into
Force Date
Brief Description of Requirements
1. DISCHARGE OF GARBAGE

MARPOL Annex V

MEPC.201(62) Amendments to MARPOL Annex V

MEPC 219(63) Guidelines for the implementation of MARPOL Annex V

MEPC.220(63) Guidelines for the development of garbage management plans

All Ships

Reg.10 par.1 applies to ships Length ≥ 12m

Reg.1 to Reg.7 applies to ships GRT ≥ 0

Reg.10 par.2 applies to ships 400 > GRT ≥ 100

Reg.10 par.3 applies to ships GRT ≥ 400

Reg.10 par.2 & 3 apply to ships with Persons ≥ 15

New & Existing Ships

01/01/2013

Annex V “Prevention of Pollution by Garbage from Ships” has been revised limiting the discharge of garbage. The Garbage Record Book form has been updated. The amendment to MARPOL Annex V set a general prohibition of discharges to sea. Food waste excluding cooking oil and cargo residues may be discharged to sea under certain conditions.

Regarding MARPOL Annex V Reg.10 par.2 requirements on Garbage Management Plans the following can be used as reference for their development:

An extensive analysis on what has changed from the previous MARPOL Annex V can be found in the following OOW article Ships Garbage Management Under Revised MARPOL ANNEX V

2. ATTAINED & REQUIRED EEDI

MARPOL Annex VI Ch.II Reg. 5 & Ch. IV Reg. 20 & 21

MEPC.203(62) Amendments to MARPOL Annex VI, Reg.5 New par.4, New Chapter IV on Energy Efficiency of Ships Reg. 20 & 21

MEPC.212(63) Attained EEDI Guidelines

MEPC.214(63) Guidelines on Survey and Certification of the EEDI

MEPC.215(63) Guidelines for Calculation of Reference Lines for use with the EEDI

MEPC.224(64) Amendments to the 2012 guidelines on the method of calculation of the attained EEDI

MEPC.1 Circ.795 Unified Interpretations to MARPOL Annex VI regarding definition of “New Ships” and how this will affect calculations to the Required EEDI through Table 1 of Reg. 21

MEPC.1 Circ.796 Interim guidelines for the calculation of the coefficient Fw for decrease in ship speed in a representative sea condition

New Ships

Bulk Carrier / Gas Tanker / Container Ship / General Cargo Ships (excluding Livestock Carrier, Barge Carrier, Heavy Load Carrier, Yacht Carrier,Nuclear Fuel Carrier) / Reefer / Combination Carrier / Passenger Ships / Ro-Ro Cargo Ship (Vehicle and Volume Carrier)

GRT ≥ 400

Building Contract ≥ 01/01/2013

or

Keel Laid ≥ 01/07/2013

or

Delivery ≥ 01/07/2015

01/01/2013

New ships, or ships that have undergone a major conversion, are required to have an Attained EEDI as well as a Required EEDI. EEDI is a design index for a ship’s energy efficiency. The Attained EEDI is initially checked at the design stage of the vessel and is then confirmed during sea trials. The Required EEDI derives from emission factors associated with the fuel consumed by the vessel’s main engine, nominal auxiliary engine power as well as auxiliary generator power.

The Flag Administration may waive the EEDI requirement for up to 4 years approximately.

BIMCO has developed the BIMCO EEDI calculator for the application of the calculation methodology contained in the relevant IMO guidelines:

Although the EEDI applies to new ships some industry organizations have developed an EEDI for existing ships. Although it is not a mandatory requirement of any applicable regulation, considering the trend for more energy efficient ship operations, as well as the fact that an EEDI for existing ships may be used from charterers, as reference, in order to decide whether to charter a ship or not the following publications should be taken into consideration:

3. SEEMP

MARPOL Annex VI Ch. II Reg. 5 New Par. 4 & Ch. IV Reg. 22

MEPC.203(62) Amendments to MARPOL Annex VI, Reg.5 New par.4, New Chapter IV on Energy Efficiency of Ships Reg. 22

MEPC.213(63) 2012 Guidelines for the development of a ship energy efficiency management plan (SEEMP)

All Ships

GRT ≥ 400

New & Existing Ships

01/01/2013  Ships should have a Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP) onboard. The SEEMP should address ship-specific energy efficiency measures.

The presence of the SEEMP onboard will be verified at intermediate and renewal surveys required for the International Air Pollution Prevention Certificate. (IAPP Certificate).

SAMPLE SEEMPs that can be used as references can be found in the following links:

4. INTERNATIONAL ENERGY EFFICIENCY (IEE) CERTIFICATE

MARPOL Annex VI Reg.6 new par. 4 & 5

MEPC.203(62) Amendments to MARPOL Annex VI Reg.6 new par. 4 & 5

Cargo Ships & Passenger Ships

GRT ≥ 400

New & Existing Ships

01/01/2013

The International Energy Efficiency (IEE) Certificate is being introduced. The certificate will be issued for newbuildings upon the initial survey before the ship is put in service and for ships in service following the first intermediate or renewal MARPOL Annex VI survey, whichever is first on or after 2013-01-01.

The issuance of the certificate also requires the availability of the Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP) as well as the availability of Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI), which is required only for newbuildings as per MARPOL ANNEX VI Ch. 4 reg. 19 par. 5.

5. DESIGNATION OF NEW ECAs & MARPOL ANNEX VI AMENDMENTS

MARPOL ANNEX VI Reg. 13 & Reg. 14

MEPC.202(62) Amendments to MARPOL ANNEX VI Reg. 13 & Reg. 14

MEPC.1 Circ.755 Information On The United States Caribbean Sea Emission Control Area Under MARPOL ANNEX VI

Cargo Ships & Passenger Ships

GRT ≥ 0

New & Existing Ships

01/01/2013

Amended MARPOL ANNEX VI designates the US Caribbean ECA for NOx and SOx.

Nevertheless, as per MEPC.1/Circ.755 and MEPC.202(62) reg. 14 new par. 7, the SOx requirements within the US Caribbean ECA  will take effect on 01/01/2014.

Finally, ships powered by propulsion boilers as described in reg. 14.4.4 are exempted from the North America and US Caribbean ECA SOx requirements until 01/01/2020.

6. CARGO OIL TANKS CORROSION PROTECTION

SOLAS Ch. II-1 Part A-1 New Reg. 3-11

MSC.291(87) Amendments to SOLAS Ch. II-1 Part A-1 New Reg. 3-11

MSC.288(87) Performance standard for protective coatings for cargo oil tanks of crude oil tankers

MSC.289(87) Performance standard for alternative means of corrosion protection for cargo oil tanks of crude oil tankers

MSC.1 Circ.1381 Par.1 item 2 Minor Amendments to MSC.288(87) on Conductivity Measurements Standards

MSC.1 Circ.1399 Guidelines on procedures for in-service maintenance and eepair of

coating systems for cargo oil tanks of crude oil tankers

MSC.1 Circ.1421 Guidelines on exemptions for crude oil tankers solely engaged in the carriage of cargoes and cargo handling operations not causing corrosion

Crude Oil Tankers

DWT ≥ 5000

Building Contract ≥ 01/01/2013

or

Keel Laid ≥ 01/07/2013

or

Delivery ≥ 01/07/2016

01/01/2013

All cargo oil tanks of crude oil tankers shall be coated during the construction of the ship in accordance with the performance standard for protective coatings for cargo oil tanks of crude oil tankers (MSC.288(87)).

Alternative means of corrosion protection may also be applied always in accordance with the performance standard for alternative means of corrosion protection for cargo oil tanks of crude oil tankers (MSC.289(87)).

Exemptions from the Flag Administration may be allowed under specific conditions. These conditions are either the use of novel prototype alternatives or if the ship is to be engaged in the carriage of cargoes and cargo handling operations that are not causing corrosion.

LR has developed a document giving guidance for shipowners and operators, manufacturers and ship builders regarding cargo oil tanks corrosion protection LR Guidance Corrosion protection of crude oil cargo tanks New IMO regulations

7. CARRIAGE OF SOLID BULK CARGOES

IMSBC Code Appendix 1

MSC.318(89) Amendments to the IMSBC Code

MSC.268(85) Adoption of the IMSBC Code

Cargo Ships Carrying Solid Bulk Cargoes

Bulk Carrier / General Cargo Ship etc

GRT ≥ 500

New & Existing Ships

01/01/2013 Schedules of solid bulk cargoes have been updated. More specifically some schedules have been modified while some other new schedules have been introduced.
8. LIFEBOAT ON LOAD RELEASE MECHANISMS

SOLAS Ch. III Reg.1 New Par. 5

MSC.317(89) Amendments to SOLAS Ch. III Reg. 1 New Par. 5

MSC.1 Circ.1392 Guidelines for evaluation and replacement of lifeboat release & retrieval systems

MSC.1 Circ.1393 Early application of SOLAS Ch. III Reg.1 New Par. 5

LSA Code Ch. IV par.4.4.7.6

MSC.320(89) Amendments to LSA Code Ch. IV par.4.4.7.6

MSC.81(70) Revised Recommendation on Testing of Life-Saving Appliances Par. 6.9

MSC.321(89) Amendments to the revised recommendation on testing of life-saving appliances (MSC.81(70)) par. 6.9

Cargo Ships

GRT ≥ 500Ships Engaged in International Voyages

Passenger Ships

GRT ≥ 0

Ships Engaged in International Voyages

New & Existing Ships

01/01/2013

SOLAS Ch. III Reg. 1 new par. 5 requires existing lifeboat on-load release mechanisms that do not comply with the LSA code new par. 4.4.7.6.4 to 4.4.7.6.6 regarding hook stability, locking devices and hydrostatic interlock etc to be replaced/modified with appropriate compliant equipment. Additionally, amendments to the revised recommendation on testing of life-saving appliances (MSC.81(70)), as amended by MSC.321(89) give more details for testing of operating mechanism and release mechanism on lifeboats and they also introduce a test of the second release mechanism on lifeboats.

Although requirements are entering into force in 01/01/2013 their implementation will be effected in 01/07/2014 for new ships and during the first scheduled dry-docking for existing ships.

It should be noted that for existing ships MSC.1/Circ.1393 requires that an appraisal of the on-load release mechanism should be completed well before the dry-dock date but not later than 01/07/2013.

9. MAINTENANCE & INSPECTION OF FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS & APPLIANCES

SOLAS Ch. II-2 Reg.14 par. 2.2.1

MSC.1 Circ.1432 Revised guidelines for the maintenance & inspection of fire protection systems & appliances

All Ships

GRT ≥ 0

New & Existing Ships

31/05/2013 The guidelines give new maintenance and inspections intervals for fire protection equipment. Moreover, maintenance procedures and inspections may be performed by competent crew members who have completed an advanced fire-fighting training course, while others should be performed by people specially trained in the maintenance of such systems.A quick overview of the requirements and how the maintenance intervals have changed is given in the following Lloyd’s Register publication LR On-board Maintenance and Inspection of Fire Protection Systems and Appliances
10. BRIDGE NAVIGATIONAL WATCH ALARM SYSTEM (BNWAS)

SOLAS Ch. V Reg. 19 Par. 2.2

MSC.282(86) Amendments to SOLAS Ch. V Reg. 19 Par. 2.2 New Subpar. 3 & 4

MSC.128(75) Performance standards for a bridge navigational watch alarm system (BNWAS)

Cargo Ships

Bulk Carrier / Oil Tanker / Chemical Tanker / Gas Tanker / Container Ship / General Cargo Ships / Reefer / Combination Carrier / Ro-Ro Cargo Ship etc

3000 > GRT ≥ 500

Keel Laid < 01/07/2011

01/07/2013

A Bridge Navigational Watch Alarm System (BNWAS) (complying with MSC.128(75)) is required to be installed onboard and shall be in operation whenever the ship is underway at sea, no later than the 1st survey on or after 01/07/13. First survey means the first annual survey, the first periodical survey or the first renewal survey, whichever is due first after the date specified. A BNWAS is a system to monitor bridge activity and detect operator disability which could lead to marine accidents.

At the discretion of the Flag Administration a BNWAS installed prior to 1 July 2011 may be exempted from full compliance with the standards of MSC.128(75).

11. ELECTRONIC CHART DISPLAY & INFORMATION SYSTEM (ECDIS)

SOLAS Ch. V Reg. 19

MSC.282(86) Amendments to SOLAS Ch. V Reg. 19 par. 2.1 subpar. 4 & new par. 2.10 & 2.11

MSC.232(82) Revised performance standards for electronic chart display and information systems (ECDIS)

New Cargo Ships

Bulk Carrier / Container Ship / General Cargo Ship / Reefer / Combination Carrier etc

GRT ≥ 10000

Keel Laid ≥ 01/07/2013

01/07/2013 New cargo ships, other than tankers engaged on international voyages shall be fitted with an Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS).
12. BELTREP AREA SHIP REPORTING

SOLAS Ch. V Reg. 11

MSC. 332(90) Amendments to the existing mandatory Ship Reporting System “in the Storebelt (Great Belt) traffic area (BELTREP)

All Ships

GRT ≥ 500, Air Draught ≥ 15m

New & Existing Ships

01/07/2013 Mandatory ship reporting for vessels passing through or proceeding to and from ports and anchorages in the BELTREP area. The BELTREP system was established to protect the fixed link over the Great Belt which consists of two major bridges and a tunnel, and further on to assist ships’ safe navigation in the area. The Great Belt area is the entrance to the Baltic Sea.
13. IAMSAR MANUAL

SOLAS Ch. V Reg.21

MSC.1 Circ.1415 Amendments to the IAMSAR Manual

All Ships

GRT ≥ 0

New & Existing Ships

01/07/2013 The amendments reflect recent changes made to the carriage requirements for radio-communication equipment on ships, and include significant updates to volume III of the Manual.
14. STCW 2010 MANILA AMENDMENTS TRAINING PROGRAMME

STCW Manila Amendments (STCW/CONF.2/33)

STCW Annex Manila Amendments (STCW/CONF.2/34)

STCW.7 Circ.16 Clarification of transitional provisions relating to STCW 2010 Manila Amendments

All Ships

GRT ≥ 0

New & Existing Ships

01/07/2013

Switch over of the training programme as per STCW 2010 Manila amendements requirements.

Seafarers who commenced approved seagoing service, an approved education and training programme or an approved training course after 1 July 2013 the validity of any certificate issued may extend beyond 1 January 2017.

The following ITF publication explains what are the changes of  the STCW 210 Manila Amendments ITF STCW A Guide for Seafarers

15. SCR DEVICES CERTIFICATION

MARPOL Annex VI Ch.III Reg. 13NOx Tech. Code par. 2.2 Engine pre-certification

MEPC.217(63) Amendments to Nox Tech. Code

MEPC.198(62) Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) Guidelines par.3.1.1 and par.6 Scheme B test procedures

All Ships

GRT ≥ 400

Keel Laid ≥ 01/01/2000

All diesel engines fitted with SCR devices and output ≥ 130 kW

01/08/2013

Par. 2.2.4 wording does not change but it has been replaced by par. 2.2.4.1 & 2.2.4.2 giving a better overview of the onboad tests requirements.

Par. 2.2.5.1 has been replaced giving more details regarding Nox reducing (SCR) devices certification. More specifically if engines cannot be pre‐certified either on a test bed or on board, then, subject to the agreement of the Flag Administration, Scheme B of the SCR Guidelines (MEPC.198(62)) should be used. Mentioned Scheme B allows analytical modeling tools to be used.

16. MARITIME LABOUR CONVENTION 2006

MLC 2006 TextMLC 2006 FAQ

MLC 2006  Model National Provisions

MLC 2006  Social Security for Seafarers

PSCO  inspections under the MLC 2006

Flag State inspections under the MLC 2006

All Ships

*Except fishing vessels, dhows, junks & warships

GRT ≥ 0

GRT ≥ 500 need also an MLC certificate

New & Existing Ships

20/08/2013

The Maritime Labour Convention, among others, will require verification on standards such as seafarer payment of wages, hours of work or rest, recruitment and placement,  manning levels,  accommodation recreational facilities,  food and catering, health, safety & accident prevention, handling of seafarers complaints etc.

Regarding MLC Reg.  5.2.1 “Inspections in Port” an analysis can be found in the following OOW article MLC 2006 Enforcement Through Port State Control Inspections In Ports (MLC Regulation 5.2.1)

Implementation of the MLC can be achieved in various ways, one of them is to develop a separate stand alone manual integrated in the company’s SMS Implementing ILO MLC 2006 with a Separate Stand-Alone Manual

All abovementioned information have been gathered and prepared by Stavros Kairis, developer of the OOW blog, Mechanical Engineer and Maritime HSSEQ Specialist. Special thanks, for their various contributions during the preparation of this article as well as the relevant publication, should also be given to Nikos Kairis, Naval Architect & Marine Engineer and to Maria Papadopoulou undergraduate student of Maritime Studies. More information on the officerofthewatch.com initiative can be found in About OOW.

Information contained in this post may be updated from time to time since new regulatory developments might occur affecting regulations to enter into force during 2013.

Comments

  1. sir, thanks for the above info,
    i urgently need d brief details abt it for my competency orals, if possible pls do forward on my email atul01shukla@yahoo.com

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