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The scope of the Marine Rule Update publication is to inform the Shipping Sector about the most important marine regulations as well as to provide an overview of the most significant topics discussed during regular meetings of the various international and national regulatory bodies, e.g. the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS). For easy reading, the topics are subdivided into ship types. The list of topics dealt with in this publication does not intend to be exhaustive. Complete information can be found in the official publications of the regulatory bodies under consideration. More detailed information on topics of special interest can be requested by writing to the address indicated in the contact person box.

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IMDG Code amendments

OUTCOME OF THE 15th SESSION OF THE IMOSUBCOMMITTEE ON DANGEROUS GOODS, SOLID CARGOES AND CONTAINERS
For further information please contact: Giorgio DE SCIORA ISafety Maritime Labour and Dangerous Goods Technical Function RINA Head Office | via Corsica 12 | 16128 Genova tel +39 010 5385 268 fax +39 010 5351 000 e-mail: giorgio.desciora@rina.org

The Sub-Committee established an ad hoc drafting group in order to carry out the revision of the stowage and segregation provisions of Chapter 7.1 and 7.2 of the IMDG Code, including consequentional editorial changes to other chapters of the IMDG Code. The mentioned revision will be submitted to the E&T Group for consideration and action, as appropriate and, in order to facilitate the identification of those editorial corrections and text improvement of various paragraphs in the revised version, the changes were highlighted by using the track changes feature.

summary

A. Amendments to the IMDG code and supplements including harmonization of the IMDG code with the unrecommendations on the transport of dangerous goods pag 1 B. Amendment to the IMSBC code and e valutation of properties of solid bulk cargoes pag 2 C. Revision of the code of safe practice for ships carrying timber deck cargoes

pag 3

The 15th Session of the Sub-Committee on Dangerous Goods, Solid Cargoes and Containers of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) was held in London from 13 to 17 September 2010 under the chairmanship of Mrs. Olga P. Lefevre (France). Decisions taken by an IMO Sub-Committee, such as development of and amendments to mandatory instruments (SOLAS, MARPOL and associated Codes) and non-mandatory instruments (e.g. Guidelines) shall be approved and, in the case of mandatory instruments, subsequently adopted by the appropriate IMO Body (Maritime Safety Committee, MSC, or Marine Environment Protection Committee, MEPC).

Another aspect of harmonisation which the Subcommittee pursued was the harmonisation of future versions of IMDG Code and in this regard, a feedback mechanism in the form of a new IMDG Code module on the IMOs Global Integrated Shipping Information System (GISIS) for users to report cases of disparities of an editorial nature was introduced and it is expected to be ready and available for the users by the end of November 2010 A.1.2 Minimum safety requirements for the design, installation and use of security devices

D. E.

Amendments to the international for safe containers (CSC) 1972 pag 3 Revision of the recommendations for entering enclosed spaces aboard ships and related amendment to solas to mandate enclosed space entry and rescue drills

A.

pag 4

F.

detection of radioactive contaminated objects in port

Installation of equipment for

AMENDMENTS TO THE IMDG CODE AND SUPPLEMENTS, INCLUDING HARMONIZATION OF THE IMDG CODE WITH THE UNRECOMMENDATIONS ON THE TRANSPORT OF DANGEROUS GOODS
FOREWORD

pag 4

A.1

G.

Other Information

pag 5

The International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code was developed as an international regulatory instrument for the uniform transport of dangerous goods by sea covering such matters as packing, container traffic and stowage, with particular reference to the segregation of incompatible substances.

The Sub-Committee, considered the document submitted by Germany which proposed minimum safety requirements for the design, installation and use of security devices that may have an active power source when attached to cargo transport units and taking into account that such devices may be carried in cargo spaces together with dangerous goods, requested to bring the issue to the attention to ISO TC 104 with the view to requiring RFID devices to be constructed according to a certified-safe type. Furthermore, the Sub-Committee, noting that RFIDs attached to cargo transport units do not fall under the scope of the IMDG Code as these are not transported as cargoes, and as RFIDs are not only installed on cargo transport units carrying dangerous goods, but on cargo transport units carrying other cargoes as well, agreed that the proposal needed consideration in a wider context and therefore, could not agree on the need for associated amendments to the IMDG Code, as proposed by the delegation of Germany.

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decision of the Sub-Committee and to justify the guidance on the type of data required in support of carriage of such antidotes, at a future session of the proposed cargo schedules or at least, a standardised procedure on how a new schedule The Sub-Committee having agreed that the proposal Sub-Committee. should be duly submitted to the Sub-Committee for by Germany to have a definition for semi-trailers in order to clarify placarding requirements is an issue to B. AMENDMENTS TO THE IMSBC consideration and therefore all delegations were invited to submit documents to this effect for DSC 16. be highlighted and could benefit from clarification, CODE AND EVALUATION OF forwarded such proposal to the E&T Group for finalization taking into account definitions which may PROPERTIES OF SOLID BULK B.1.3 Use of the term Competent Authority be found in relevant instruments of other UN bodies. CARGOES Furthermore, the Sub-Committee instructed the group to verify the application of placarding A submission was made regarding the use of the FOREWORD requirements to other types of trailers when B.1 term competent authority in certain cargo schedules where it was not clear which of the considering the above proposal IMSBC Code (International Maritime Solid Bulk competent authorities, namely, the Administration, Cargoes Code), as well as the related draft Port Authority or the competent authority of the A.1.4 Cargo Transport Units containing amendments to SOLAS chapters VI and VII to make country of loading or discharging was referred to. dangerous goods the said Code mandatory, were finalized by 12th It was hence agreed in the working group and duly The Sub-Committee approved, in principle, the session of the DSC Sub-Committee with the primary aim to facilitate the safe stowage and shipment of approved by the Sub-Committee that for the purpose proposal by Belgium, to clarify provisions on the of clarity, the term competent authority is to be placarding of cargo transport units containing solid bulk cargoes and adopted by MSC 85 by resolution MSC.268(85) and related amendments to replaced by Administration in the following dangerous goods in limited quantities and agreed schedules:: that those provisions could benefit from improvement SOLAS Convention by resolution MSC.269(85). A.1.3 Definition of semitrailers and instructed the E&T Group to finalize the proposal and incorporate it in amendment 36-12, taking into account the fact that not all dangerous goods require placarding and that the provisions related to the placarding of cargo transport units containing dangerous goods in only limited quantities need also to be clarified where appropriate A.1.5 Stowage of dangerous goods in relation to foodstuff The Sub-Committee approved, in principle, the proposal by Germany of the revision of the provisions for the stowage of dangerous goods in relation to foodstuff, which is based on a human health risk assessment, and instructed the E&T Group to finalize and incorporate it in amendment 36-12, taking into account that it will be subsequently incorporated in the (under review) Part 7. The Sub-Committee instructed the E&T Group to also take into account the view of the SubCommittee that any reference to competent authority approvals should be avoided when finalizing the text. Taking into account the proposals, the Subcommittee instructed the E&T Group to further consider the above documents when preparing the amendment 36-12 and to advise DSC 16 accordingly A.1.6 Amendments to the MFAG Guide (Medical first aid guide) The Sub-Committee considered the submission by INTERTANKO regarding the proposal of the carriage of antidotes in the MFAG Guide and having noted that the guide was completely revised in 1998 and since that year until DSC 13 no concerns had been raised on the absence of antidotes on board ships, agreed not to review, at this stage, the current approach to the carriage of antidotes in the revised MFAG Guide and invited INTERTANKO to submit more information on the need to review the earlier B.1.1 IMSBC Code amendments The Sub-Committee established an ad hoc working group in order to discuss the amendments - Aluminium ferrosilicon powder UN 1395, to the IMSBC Code, including evaluation of - Aluminium ferrosilicon powder, uncoated, UN 1398 properties of solid bulk cargoes. Taking into account that IMSBC Code will become mandatory on 1 January 2011, the first set of amendments to such Code (numbered 01-11) were finalised at this session and submitted to MSC 89 (2011) for adoption, with a view to the new amendments coming into force on 1 January 2012 on a voluntary basis and from 1 January 2013 on a mandatory basis. B.1.2 New Cargoes to be added to Amendment 01-11 B.1.4 Classification criteria for solid bulk materials (MHB) and associated environmental hazards - Ferrosilicon, UN 1408 - Ferrosilicon, with 25% to 30% silicon, or 90% or more silicon

Differently that the IMDG Code which has a specific hazard classification system, there is no clear guidance or criteria in the IMSBC Code as to what Submissions relating to new cargoes to be listed in constitutes a MHB cargo or, for that matter, what are the IMSBC Code were discussed at the working the hazards of a MHB cargo. group and the following, with their respective Currently, the existing MHB cargoes in the IMSBC classifications, were approved for inclusion into Code are classified based on experience and history Amendment 01-11 to the IMSBC Code: of shipment. In view of the IMSBC Code becoming 1. Wet Fly Ash - Group A cargo mandatory on 1 January 2011, many delegations at 2. Magnesium Sulphate Fertilizers - Group C DSC 14 last year felt that a specific criteria should be cargo established for MHB to provide users of the IMSBC 3. Dried Distillers Grains with Solubles Group C Code with clear guidance on the classification of the cargo various types of solid bulk cargoes found inside the 4. Granular Ferrous Sulphate Group C cargo Code. 5. Ferrous Sulphate Heptahydrate Group C cargo . Such established criteria will also tie in with the new When the working group was considering the provisions in the IMSBC Code whereby a competent submissions of new schedules, it became apparent authority will assess the classification of any new that there were difficulties involved in the assessment cargo or any cargo not listed in the Code. of the schedules; in particular, in agreeing as to the type of technical data that should be submitted in During the working group it was agreed that a correspondence group would be set up with terms of support of these schedules, e.g. data relating to reference aiming at identifying the hazards of MHB toxicity, flammability, dust generation, production of criteria and defining the tests for such criteria. As the hazardous gases etc. work involved could be substantial, the SubFollowing an extensive discussion, the Sub- Committee decided that the terms of reference Committee decided that there is a need to develop would only be restricted to establishing the

MHB cargoes are defined in the IMSBC Code as any solid cargo which may possess chemical hazards other than materials classified as dangerous goods in the IMDG Code.

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classification criteria for MHB cargoes, leaving the re- where the circular was drafted taking into account of C.1.1 Amendments to the Code classification issue at a later stage. all of the above mentioned concerns and proposals. In order to replace outdated methods for securing The draft circular was than duly approved by the timber deck cargoes with new methods for safe, B.1.5 Carriage of iron ore fines Sub-Committee and will be forwarded to MSC 89 for rational and efficient securing of such cargoes, the endorsement of the course of action The Sub-committee discussed the shipment of iron work for the draft 2011 Code of Safe Practice for ore fines and the related problems surrounding the Ships Carrying Timber Deck Cargoes (TDC) was B.1.6 Amendments to MSC/Circ. 1146 List carriage of such cargo. carried out and completed by the ad hoc working of solid bulk cargoes for which a group established at this session and the following fixed gas fire-extinguishing system Two recent serious casualties in the monsoon observations were made: may be exempted season of 2009 plus many near misses reported by 1) the Cargo Securing Manual (CSM) is ship Masters on ships engaged with the carriage of mandatory under SOLAS whilst the TDC Code iron ore fines led the Indian Maritime Administration A new draft circular to supersede MSC/circ 1146 (IMA) to conduct safety investigations of these was prepared in the working group updating the is not. However, it is common practice that CSM incidents. The results of these findings were reported information in MSC/circ 1146, taking into account of is based on the guidelines contained in the TDC Code and in the context of visibility requirements to MSC 87 and one of the findings was the fact that the new cargoes admitted into the IMSBC Code and the cargo iron ore fines is not specifically listed in amendments made to the said Code accordingly. in SOLAS Reg. V/22 (section 2.7 of the Code), the IMSBC Code. The new draft circular approved by the Subthe group noted that a revision to the regulation Committee will be forwarded to MSC 89 for had been considered by the NAV SubIn view of the above Indias submission, the situation approval. Committee. was monitored and casualties appear to show no 2) with regard to the references to timber load lines signs of abating based on continuing alerts received B.1.7 Survey and certification provisions in from the P&I Clubs to its members as well as from stipulated in the 1966 Load Lines Convention the IMSBC Code other reporting casualty services, highlighting the and the 1988 Load Lines Protocol (hereinafter Load Lines Convention), it was confirmed that dangers of loading iron ore fines and the problems The issue of the absence of a common survey and the draft Code does not intend to contradict the associated with it; in particular, the liquefaction of this certification scheme within the IMSBC Code was requirements of the Load Lines Convention. cargo which had caused marine casualties, near brought up again for discussion. However, it was noted that the requirements of misses and detention of vessels. In considering the group's outcome on the industry's timber load lines in the Load Lines Convention It was noted that many shippers have declared this concerns regarding the may become obsolete due to the more stringent cargo under iron ore, which is classified as a Group absence of a survey and certification scheme within assignment of the enhanced (B-60) Summer C cargo, describing it as non-dangerous, harmless, the IMSBC Code, the Sub-Committee noted that freeboard for ships, and the working group and not liable to liquefy. But due to the nature of the several delegations had indicated that they currently recommended that the SLF Sub-Committee cargo, i.e. constituting all fine particles and containing have, or will require, certification on some aspects of (SLF) be invited to consider the matter, i.e. moisture, it thus has the tendency to liquefy if it the IMSBC Code. possible revision of the requirements of timber contains moisture enough to cause shifting of cargo, load lines in the Load Lines Convention. However, the Sub-Committee endorsed the majority and to eventually capsize a vessel. In addition, view of the group that the development of a common 3) It was noted that the SLF would be invited to experience with this cargo has made it necessary for survey and certification scheme was not necessary consider the problem of excessive stability of Masters to insist that shippers produce a certificate and that the existing system, using Statement of timber deck carriers when developing new indicating the cargo's moisture content and Compliance was sufficient and therefore the Subgeneration intact stability criteria. transportable moisture limit and to load the cargo as Committee requested the Secretariat to inform FSI if it was a Group A cargo (i.e., a cargo that may 19 accordingly of the above outcome. 4) regarding the related ISO standards, ISO would liquefy) and in accordance with the IMSBC Code be invited to consider the issue of the racking requirements for this group of cargoes. strength of timber deck cargoes when revising C. REVISION OF THE CODE OF In the light of the above, BIMCO had put forward a ISO 4472:1983. SAFE PRACTICE FOR SHIPS submission with the following proposals: The Sub-Committee therefore agreed that the above CARRYING TIMBER DECK finalized draft 2011 Code of Safe Practice for Ships calling for a review of the existing nonCARGOES Carrying Timber Deck Cargoes (TDC) would be hazardous iron ore cargo entry in the IMSBC forwarded to MSC 89 for approval and subsequent Code, which would need to be tightened in adoption by Assembly 27 terms of its description and size characteristics C.1 FOREWORD which seem to allow for fines to be classified under this entry; The Code of Safe Practice for Ships Carrying Timber D. AMENDMENTS TO THE Deck Cargoes is a non-mandatory instrument a new cargo schedule for iron ore fines to be INTERNATIONAL adopted by the IMO Assembly in November 1991 by listed in the IMSBC Code; and resolution A.715(17) with the purpose to ensure that CONVENTION FOR SAFE issuance of an immediate DSC circular to all timber deck cargoes are so loaded, stowed and CONTAINERS (CSC) 1972 concerned, on the carriage of iron ore fines and secured as to prevent as far as practicable, urging Member Governments to submit to DSC throughout the voyage, damage or hazard to the D.1 FOREWORD relevant information regarding its carriage ship and persons on board as well as loss of cargo requirements whilst the review and development overboard and it is to be applied to all ships of 24 The 1972 Convention for Safe Containers double of the above-mentioned cargo schedules are in meters or more in length, carrying a timber deck purpose is to maintain a high level of safety of cargo. progress. human life in the transport and handling of containers by providing generally acceptable test The submission was accepted by the Subprocedures and related strength requirements and to Committte and forwarded to the working group facilitate the international transport of containers by

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providing uniform international safety regulations, E. equally applicable to all modes of surface transport. In this way, proliferation of divergent national safety regulations can be avoided. D.2 AMENDMENTS TO THE CSC CONVENTION

Under this agenda item, it was agreed at DSC 14, that Administrations should maintain the list of the records of approved continuous examination programs and make them publicly available. A submission made under this agenda item discussed the practical problems involved in this exercise: the type of information required to be contained in such records and also the means of making these records publicly available. The Sub-Committee, recognising the need to harmonise these areas and noting the majority of the delegations who spoke in favour of considering this matter further, decided to invite member governments and international organizations to submit their comments and proposals to DSC 16 for further consideration.

The other outstanding issue from DSC 14 relating to the placing of containers with limited stacking and/or racking capacity in stacks on ships and how such containers could be brought to the attention of ship Masters in order for safe stowage and securing to be arranged was left with the ISO to develop the appropriate standards and specific marking criteria to denote such containers. At this session, the SubCommittee was informed by ISO that their relevant committee would be meeting in January 2011 to discuss this standard. Pending the outcome of the ISO meeting, the Sub-Committee extended the target completion date of this agenda item to 2011. After a lengthy and in-depth discussion in the working group, the recommendations were finalised with the following observations: D.3 ENTRY INTO FORCE OF THE 1993 CSC the need for mandatory provisions on the fitting AMENDMENTS of a low pressure audible alarm on breathing Considering the continued delay in enforcing the apparatus and to inform the FP Sub-committee 1993 CSC amendments, a circular letter had been for their consideration accordingly; distributed earlier to all Contracting Parties to to invite member governments and international complete a questionnaire on whether a Conference organizations to submit information on enclosed of Parties to the CSC Convention should be space entry incidents to the sub-committee; and convened to introduce the tacit acceptance procedure in order for these amendments to come further consideration needed in relation to the into effect expeditiously as well as to accommodate proposal of mandating enclosed space entry future amendments. The Contracting Parties were and rescue drills and to invite member urged at this session to complete and return the governments and international organisations to questionnaire no later than 1 October 2010 in order submit comments and proposals on this issue to for the Secretariat to report the outcome of the DSC 16. questionnaire/survey to MSC 88. The finalised recommendations were duly approved by the Sub-Committee and would be forwarded to MSC 89 for approval with subsequent adoption by the Assembly. Regarding the agenda item proposing amendments to SOLAS to mandate enclosed space entry and rescue drills to ensure that seafarers who enter such spaces are familiar with the precautions to be taken prior to entry and in the event of an accident, the Sub-Committee considered the proposal to have drills, at regular intervals, in enclosed space entry and rescue procedures that, at least, would cover the

following: 1) identification of all spaces where there may be an oxygen deficient, flammable and/or toxic atmosphere, including any risks associated with the particular ship, cargo or trade; 2) entry permit procedures; 3) checking of communication procedures; 4) ventilation and practising the atmosphere testing procedures; 5) practising the procedures to be followed to effect the rescue of an incapacitated person from the enclosed space; and The Sub-Committee considered the report of the 6) first aid and resuscitation techniques. correspondence group on Recommendations for Entering Enclosed Spaces Aboard Ships (the The Sub-Committee noted that the group, after an Recommendations) and it was noted that a extensive discussion, had agreed consensus could not be reached on the oxygen that the accidents associated with entry into content; therefore the Sub-Committee decided that enclosed spaces were due to a lack of a the existing provision relating to oxygen content properly functioning safety culture on board some (21%) is to be retained in the draft recommendations ships. In considering how best to proceed, some and should guidance be needed in terms of national delegations expressed the opinion that this issue regulations, then consequential amendments would should be addressed through the mandating of enclosed space entry drills, while others expressed be considered. the view that procedures incorporated through the In light of new submissions made to this session for ISM Code would be more appropriate. agenda item recommendations for entering enclosed spaces aboard ships as well as The Sub-Committee, having noted that consensus submissions made to agenda item Amendment to on a way forward could not be SOLAS to mandate Enclosed Space Entry and reached due to time constraints, invited Member Rescue Drills, Sub-Committee established an ad Governments and international hoc working group with a view to finalize the organizations to submit comments and proposals on recommendations and to consider the proposed this issue to DSC 16. amendments to SOLAS Convention aimed at making enclosed space entry and rescue drills F. INSTALLATION OF mandatory.

REVISION OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ENTERING ENCLOSED SPACES ABOARD SHIPS AND RELATED AMENDMENT TO SOLAS TO MANDATE ENCLOSED SPACE ENTRY AND RESCUE DRILLS

EQUIPMENT FOR DETECTION OF RADIOACTIVE CONTAMINATED OBJECTS IN PORT

The Sub-Committee recalled that MSC 86, having considered the Islamic Republic of Irans document which proposed to develop provisions for the installation of equipment for detection of radioactive sources and radioactive contaminated objects in ports, agreed to include, in the DSC SubCommittee's work programme, a high-priority item on "Installation of equipment for detection of radioactive sources or radioactive contaminated objects in ports", with a target completion year of 2011. The Sub-Committee also recalled that, at DSC 14, it considered the proposal by the Islamic Republic of Iran (DSC 14/18), concerning principles and guidelines relating to the installation of radiation detection devices to identify radioactive and contaminated materials in ports, and having noted the intervention made by the representative of the IAEA, agreed, rather than developing parallel IMO guidance, that IMO should work in close cooperation with the IAEA for the development of appropriate IAEA standards and other relevant guidance documents, which could be endorsed by reference

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in an MSC circular. Consequently, DSC 14 invited G. IAEA to report back to the Sub-Committee on this G.1 matter, when appropriate.

OTHER INFORMATION

The Sub-Committee had the following documents for consideration: The Sub-Committee unanimously re-elected Mrs. 1) Islamic Republic of Iran proposed that IMO Olga P. Lefvre (France) as Chairman and elected develop requirements for the installation of Mr. Arsenio A. Dominguez (Panama) as Viceequipment for detection of radioactive sources Chairman, both for the year 2011. and radioactive contaminated objects in ports, DSC 16 YEAR 2011 which will support the work of IAEA, taking into G.2 account that the IAEA Code of Conduct on the The sixteenth session of the Sub-Committee will be Safety and Security of Radioactive Sources held at IMO Headquarters, 4 Albert Embankment, does not fully address radioactive contamination London SE1 7SR from 19 to 23 September 2011. and threats emanating from the contamination The Sub-Committee agreed to establish at DSC 16 of people by radioactive materials; and 2) the International Atomic Energy Agency(IAEA) working groups on the following subjects: provided information on the activities by IAEA 1. amendments to IMSBC Code, including regarding the development of safety and evaluation of properties of solid bulk cargoes; security guidance on the detection of radioactive 2. amendment to SOLAS to mandate enclosed contaminated objects, in particular, reporting that space entry and rescue drills; and the IAEA Nuclear Security Plan for 2011-2013 3. consideration for the efficacy of Container foresees the completion of a comprehensive set Inspection Programme. of guidance documents for the prevention, detection and response to nuclear security The Sub-Committee agreed to establish events and that similar response guidance is correspondence groups due to report to DSC 16 on also already available for cases of detection of the following subjects: radioactive materials. 1. amendments to the IMSBC Code on criteria for classification of materials hazardous only in bulk; The Sub-Committee, having noted the information and provided by the Secretariat on IAEA draft Nuclear Security Recommendations on 2. consideration for the efficacy of Container Inspection Programme. Nuclear and other Radioactive Material out of Regulatory Control, and Nuclear Security Glossary, invited the Secretariat to submit these documents to DSC 16 for its consideration. In the context the SubCommittee noted that IAEA has invited the Organization to jointly sponsor the draft Recommendations..

ELECTION OF THE CHAIRMAN AND VICE CHAIRMAN FOR 2011