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FEATURE
Fire Alarm! Ship’s crew brave fire to win 2014 IMO award for Exceptional Bravery at Sea
NEWS
The magazine of the International Maritime Organization Issue 1 • 2015
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NEWS
IMO Secretary-General welcomes revised industry stance on ballast water
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FROM THE MEETINGS
Safety provisions in Polar Code adopted
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A right to safe passage – IMO joins UN organizations in pledge to address unsafe maritime migration
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CONTENTS
OPINION
NEWS
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Secretary-General welcomes revised industry stance on ballast water
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2015 World Maritime Day theme launched
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New World Maritime University president appointed
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Maritime law expert receives 2013 International Maritime Prize
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1 January 2015 – key date for SOLAS amendments
Maritime education and training – our World Maritime Day theme
FROM THE MEETINGS
Safety Committee (MSC); 14 Maritime 94th session; 17-21 November 2014
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IMO Award for Exceptional Bravery at Sea
right to safe passage – UN 36 Aagencies address unsafe maritime migration
ASSISTANT EDITOR Natasha Brown Email: nbrown@imo.org
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EDITORIAL PRODUCTION Mark Combe
Email: imonews@imo.org Website: www.imo.org
ADVERTISING Sally McElhayer Email: SMcElhay@imo.org Tel: +44 (0)20 7735 7611
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2nd session; 19-23 January 2015
News and stories from around the world on IMO’s work to promote safe, secure and sustainable shipping on clean oceans
MANAGING EDITOR Lee Adamson Email: ladamson@imo.org 4, Albert Embankment London SE1 7SR United Kingdom
on Pollution 20 Sub-Committee Prevention and Response (PPR);
IMO AT WORK
FEATURES
on Human 24 Sub-Committee Element, Training and Watchkeeping (HTW); 2nd session; 2-6 February 2015
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IMO NEWS • ISSUE 1 • 2015 A message from IMO Secretary-General, Mr Koji Sekimizu
OPINION IMO AT WORK
Maritime education and training – our World Maritime Day theme for 2015
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he value of good education and training cannot be overstated. Time spent learning is never time wasted and, in the maritime world, the need for high-quality, well-educated people at all levels and in all sectors, is as great as it has ever been. The world depends on a safe, secure and efficient shipping industry and, in turn, the shipping industry is dependent on an adequate supply of seafarers to operate the ships that carry the essential cargoes we all rely on. But this supply of manpower is by no means guaranteed. A shortfall of seafarer recruits, below the number required to sustain the industry, has long been predicted. And, while we have yet to see that shortfall materialize in such a way as to harm the industry, the warning signs are there for all to see. At the same time, a number of factors are combining to make ships themselves more complex and sophisticated than ever before. The modern ship’s officer needs to be far more than a navigator or an engineer, and the modern ship’s crewman needs to be far more than a manual labourer. A modern ship is a highly technical workplace operating on the tight margins of commercial viability – which means that, as well as a highly-advanced technical skill-set, shipboard staff now also need to be fully conversant with management and communication skills, I.T. knowledge, budget handling and so on.
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It is, of course, very beneficial that many of the skills now needed for a job at sea are also highly transferable to a continuing career ashore. Indeed, there now seems to be a greater awareness that, after a seagoing career in a responsible and demanding job, there are many opportunities ashore in related industries that rely on the skills and knowledge of those with seafaring expertise, and this is certainly a cause for encouragement. Many former professional seafarers are now serving in government departments, or are superintendents and managers in shipping companies, or perhaps working as maritime pilots or VTS operators or in rescue coordination centres. You can find them throughout the industry and in all parts of the world. There is, therefore, a challenge for trainers and employers to promote a full range of maritime subjects, such as naval architecture, marine engineering, maritime law and so on, as well as the attractions of a career in seafaring. It is important to plant an understanding about the enticing prospects of a life in the maritime and seafaring professions in the minds of children and younger people, who have yet to decide on their future endeavours and career paths. Shipping provides a wonderful career – exciting, rewarding and fulfilling. And, not only a satisfying and worthwhile career choice in itself, it can also open the doors to a great variety of related jobs ashore, jobs for which experience at sea provides an excellent grounding. effective standards of training All of which makes the importance of training and are the bedrock of a safe and secure shipping industry, an industry education for the ships’ crews of today and tomorrow greater than that needs to preserve the quality, ever before. It is in recognition of practical skills and competence of this growing importance that IMO qualified human resources, in order has selected “Maritime education and training” as the theme to ensure its sustainability for this year’s World Maritime Day. We will use this theme to highlight how important standards of training are. They are the bedrock of a safe and secure shipping industry, an industry that needs to preserve the quality, practical skills and competence of qualified human resources, in order to ensure its sustainability. In my role as Secretary-General, I have had the privilege to visit maritime education establishments in many countries, all over the world. I always find it inspirational to see members of the younger generations actively engaged in developing their knowledge base and skill-sets within their chosen career path. By so doing, they equip themselves to face the new challenges and increasing demands that will inevitably come their way. Such institutions, quite literally, hold the future of shipping in their hands.
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IMO Secretary-General welcomes revised industry stance on ballast water
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MO Secretary-General Koji Sekimizu has welcomed the reconsideration by the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) of its position towards the ratification by governments of the International Ballast Water Management (BWM) Convention. In its press release of 17 December 2014, ICS stated that it will “no longer actively discourage those governments that have not yet done so from ratifying the Convention, in order that it might enter into force sooner rather than later so that amendments to the Convention,
…take action as soon as possible to start preparations for installing ballast water management systems on board existing ships, in advance of the revised implementation schedule which the industry has requested, can then be adopted and implemented by governments as soon as possible.” In December, Mr Sekimizu met Mr. Masamichi Morooka, Chairman of ICS, for discussions on the matter. During their meeting, Mr Sekimizu expressed his wish that governments, and in particular those with a large merchant shipping tonnage under their flag, should take
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action to ratify the BWM Convention as soon as possible. Mr. Morooka and Mr Sekimizu agreed to encourage IMO Member Governments to start thinking how the requirements of the Convention could be improved, taking into account the experience gained and in order to formally reflect in the Convention those measures agreed by IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee in October 2014 and the revised implementation schedule adopted by the IMO Assembly. Speaking after the meeting, Mr Sekimizu said, “My personal message to the shipping industry is to take action as soon as possible to start preparations for installing ballast water management systems on board existing ships, in advance of the revised implementation schedule agreed by the IMO Assembly. This would avoid the risk of creating a bottleneck at shipyards during the initial implementation period, when the demand for retrofitting such systems is expected to be high.” He added, “The early entry into force of the BWM Convention and its global implementation under the framework of maritime governance at IMO will ensure that standards adopted and measures agreed at IMO will be implemented globally, thus creating a level playing field for
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2015 World Maritime Day theme launched The industry’s change of position on ballast water management may prompt further ratifications
the shipping industry.” “IMO Member States have a responsibility to ratify IMO Conventions,” said Mr Sekimizu. He concluded, “I recognise that the position of ICS has had a considerable influence over the decisions of IMO Member States during the last two years and, with the change of position of ICS triggered by the resolution adopted at the latest MEPC, I now sincerely hope that States will also change their position and take swift action to ratify the BWM Convention as soon as possible, so that we can make real progress in dealing with the problems of invasive species through ballast water on which IMO has spent enormous amounts of time, energy and serious effort over the last two decades, in order to protect the marine environment.”
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and influence within the maritime ecretary-General Koji Sekimizu community,” he said. launched this year’s World Maritime While seafarer training falls to training Day theme, “Maritime education and institutions recognized and authorised training”, at the World Maritime University by national authorities to meet STCW (WMU) in Malmö, Sweden, telling students standards, IMO as an organization supports and staff that maritime education and skills-based training events and the sharing training were essential for the long-term of technical knowledge, sustainability of the through its national sector, both at sea and and regional Integrated on-shore. we are unique among Technical Cooperation Addressing the UN agencies in having Programme (ITCP) class of 2015 posttwo affiliated educational training events and graduate students, institutions – the World workshops, which who have begun their Maritime University and first semester at WMU, the International Maritime provide short upgrading courses, based Mr. Sekimizu said that Law Institute typically on the IMO the university was a Model Courses. cornerstone of global maritime education On another level, the World Maritime and training and a vital and integral part of University and the IMO International the IMO family. Maritime Law Institute are at the forefront “At IMO, we are unique among UN agencies in having two affiliated educational of IMO’s capacity-building strategy, supporting post-graduate training in order institutions – the World Maritime University to maintain a cadre of high level managers, and the International Maritime Law Institute policy makers and other key personnel. (in Malta). We are very proud of these and of the many graduates they have produced who now hold positions of responsibility
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New World Maritime University president appointed
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MO and the World Maritime University (WMU) have announced the appointment of Dr. Cleopatra Doumbia-Henry as the new President of the Malmö, Sweden-based University. Dr. Cleopatra Doumbia-Henry, who has dual Dominican and Swiss nationality, is currently Director of the International Labour Standards Department of the International Labour Office of the International Labour Organization (ILO). She is expected to assume office as WMU President in July. IMO Secretary-General Koji Sekimizu, who is also Chancellor of WMU, announced Dr. Doumbia-Henry’s appointment as he welcomed students at the start of the new semester at WMU.
I am delighted that we have been able to secure such a distinguished and able individual to steer the WMU as it embarks on a new and exciting era “Dr. Doumbia-Henry has served the UN system with distinction for many years and, as Director of the International Labour Standards Department of the ILO, she was instrumental in working with governments and the shipowners’ and seafarers’ organizations to help ensure effective national legal implementation of the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006. She has had a longstanding commitment to the maritime sector and to education, beginning with her doctoral research on IMO Conventions. In addition, she has an excellent knowledge of the needs of developing countries and the difficulties which they may encounter in implementing and enforcing the provisions of maritime transport related multilateral treaties. I am delighted that we have been able to secure such a
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distinguished and able individual to steer the WMU as it embarks on a new and exciting era and I wish her, and the University, every success in the future,” Mr. Sekimizu said. Dr. Doumbia-Henry was heavily involved in the development of the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006. Since the late 1990s, she has been leading the ILO participation in a number of IMO/ILO interagency collaborations on several issues of common interest to IMO and ILO, including the Joint IMO/ILO Ad Hoc Expert Working Groups on Fair Treatment of Seafarers and on Liability and Compensation regarding Claims for Death, Personal Injury and Abandonment of Seafarers. Mr. Sekimizu thanked Professor Neil Bellefontaine, who has served as acting President since June 2014. Dr. Doumbia-Henry will be the seventh WMU President and will be the first female in the role, as well as the first from a developing country. The role of the WMU President is to manage the University, under the direction of its Board of Governors, the Executive Board and the Chancellor, who set the policies within the framework of the WMU Charter. Founded in 1983 by IMO, the WMU is a centre of excellence for maritime postgraduate education and research. WMU offers M.Sc. and Ph.D. programmes, postgraduate diplomas, and professional development courses with the highest standards in maritime affairs. Headquartered in Malmö, Sweden with additional M.Sc. programmes in Shanghai and Dalian, China, WMU promotes the international exchange and transfer of maritime ideas and knowledge. A total of 3,293 students from 165 countries have graduated from WMU to date.
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NEWS
1 January 2015 – key date for SOLAS amendments New requirements for musters of newly embarked passengers prior to, or immediately upon, departure came into force on 1 January 2015. Further SOLAS amendments entering into force on that date addressed enclosed-space entry and rescue drills and the code for recognized organizations.
Passenger muster
Maritime law expert receives 2013 International Maritime Prize Dr. José Eusebio Salgado y Salgado, Mexican academic and author of the Manual de Derecho Internacional Marítimo (Manual of International Maritime Law), has received the 2013 International Maritime Prize, for his significant contribution to the work and objectives of IMO. In a special ceremony on 1 December 2014, IMO Secretary-General Koji Sekimizu presented the award, in the form of a silver dolphin, to Dr. Salgado y Salgado. Mr. Sekimizu highlighted Dr. Salgado y Salgado’s distinguished career as an academic in international maritime law, during his 40-year tenure as a professor at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), and his long association with IMO, dating back to the 1980s when he regularly attended IMO meetings as part of the Mexican delegation.
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The amended regulation III/19 was adopted in 2013 in the wake of the Costa Concordia incident, to ensure that passengers undergo safety drills, including mustering at lifeboat stations, before a ship departs or immediately on departure. Previously, the requirement was for the muster of passengers to take place within 24 hours of their embarkation.
Enclosed-space entry and rescue drills An amendment to SOLAS regulation III/19, on emergency training and drills, makes mandatory the carrying out of enclosed-space entry and rescue drills, which will require crew members with enclosed-space entry or rescue responsibilities to participate in an enclosed-space entry and rescue drill at least once every two months. The International Code of Safety for High-Speed Craft
(HSC Code), the Code for the Construction and Equipment of Mobile Offshore Drilling Units (MODU Code) and the Code of Safety for Dynamically Supported Craft (DSC Code) have been similarly amended. The aim of the amendments is to reduce fatalities which might occur if crew enter enclosed spaces without adequate training or protection.
Code for Recognized Organizations The Code for Recognized Organizations (RO Code) became mandatory on 1 January 2015, under SOLAS, MARPOL and the Protocol of 1988 relating to the International Convention on Load Lines, 1966. Administrations (flag States) may delegate certain responsibilities for surveying and certification of ships to “recognized organizations” (often the classification societies), which can act on behalf of the flag State. The RO Code provides flag States with standard mechanisms for the oversight, assessment and authorization of recognized organizations (ROs) and clarifies the responsibilities of such organizations.
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FEATURE
Captain Andreas Kristensen accepting the IMO medal and certificate on behalf of his crew
Fire alarm! Ship’s crew brave fire to win 2014 IMO Award for Exceptional Bravery at Sea
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ne year to the day after surviving an explosive fire which threatened the lives of 32 people on board his vessel, Captain Andreas Kristensen and his crew of the Britannia Seaways received the 2014 IMO Award for Exceptional Bravery at Sea, at a special ceremony on Monday, 17 November 2014. Accepting the IMO medal and certificate on behalf of his crew, Captain Kristensen said the award should also be shared with the passengers, the Norwegian soldiers who assisted the crew during the fire-fighting, and the Norwegian rescue teams and firefighters who supported them. “As Captain, I watched the fire
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from the bridge, while the crew were fighting it on the open deck in high seas, facing an intense situation with extreme heat, or striving in the engine room to avoid a blackout which could have had fatal consequences for the ship, the persons onboard and the environment. Personally, I am very proud to be Captain of this crew which managed so well under those extreme circumstances,” Captain Kristensen said. Captain Kristensen and his crew were nominated by Denmark for their courage and determination in fighting explosions and fire on board the vessel, at great risk and danger to themselves.
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Dramatic photographs reveal the harsh conditions and the considerable extent of the fire damage aboard Britannia Seaways
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The sounding of the fire alarm aboard the Danish-flagged vessel Britannia Seaways, shortly after 19.00 on 16 November 2013, interrupted a routine voyage through heavy seas from Sørreisa to Bergen (Norway). Twenty crew and 12 passengers were on board the vessel, while the cargo included around 70 tonnes of diesel, aviation fuel and gasoline in jerrrycans and tank containers. The fire broke out on the open deck due to shifting of cargo and evolved aggressively with explosive eruptions and flames leaping 30 metres high. Captain Kristensen and his crew fought the fire for hours, battling extreme heat on a rolling ship, 70 nautical miles from shore, as fresh gales fanned the flames. Captain Kristensen took the decision not to evacuate all non-essential personnel by helicopter, as this would have exposed the fire-fighting crew and ship to more danger, since facilitating the evacuation (slow speed, turning the ship to windward) would have exacerbated the fire and risked further damage and possible pollution. Had the fire
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not been contained, there was a huge risk it would have spread to the maindeck below and raged out of control. An explosion below deck caused the engine control system to break down but the crew succeeded in transferring operations to manual mode and kept the engines, auxiliary engines and fire pumps running, while controlling the huge amounts of water coming into the cargo holds from the firefighting.
Heroic teamwork Thanks to heroic teamwork, risking their own lives in intense heat to avoid a more disastrous outcome, Captain Andreas Kristensen and his crew managed to manoeuvre the burning ship and head towards the Norwegian coast, taking shelter behind some coastal islands. A firefighting vessel attended the ship from 1.30 am and a firefighter team assisted from 4.30 am with the fire finally extinguished shortly before 8 am, some 13 hours after it broke out.
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Certificates of commendation Professional rescue workers from Argentina and the Republic of Korea also received certificates of commendation during the ceremony.
• Prefect Julio Alejandro Weimann, Principal Officer Jorge Luis De Zan, First Adjutant Silvio Ledesma, crew of the PA43 rescue helicopter (Dauphin AS 365N2) of the Comodoro Rivadavia Air Station, and Principal Officer Juan Burgoa and Second Adjutant Francisco Morales, rescue swimmers of the Comodoro Rivadavia Rescue Station, Argentine Coastguard, were nominated by Argentina, for rescuing, in strong winds, rough seas and darkness and at high risk to their own lives, two sailors from the capsized sailing vessel The Wild Rose. First Adjutant Silvio Ledesma was at the ceremony in person to receive his certificate, while the others were received on their behalf by Her Excellency Ms. Alicia Castro, Ambassador of Argentina
Congratulating all the recipients, IMO Secretary-General Koji Sekimizu said they had put their own lives on the line in some of the most dangerous situations that could be encountered at sea, in order to save others and prevent environmental catastrophe. “In a perfect world”, he said, “there would be no need for search and rescue, no need for environmental response, no need for brave men and women to risk their lives to save others. The principal objective of IMO is to ensure safety and the Maritime Safety Committee is meeting today with that objective. The 2014 World Maritime Day theme, ‘IMO conventions: effective implementation’, highlighted the truth that, if all IMO conventions were fully implemented, there would be far less need for search and rescue and environmental response operations. The 2015 theme – “Maritime education and training”, further reinforces that truth. But, as we all know, we are not there yet. And while IMO will continue to work on safety, we must call upon men and women to perform heroic acts, and, as the IMO
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to the United Kingdom and Permanent Representative of Argentina to IMO, and Prefect-Major Mario Farinón, Technical Adviser from the Argentine Coastguard at the Embassy of Argentina in London. • Inspector Lee Sung-Hee, Chief, and members of the 122 Rescue Team, Pohang Coast Guard Station, Korea Coast Guard, were nominated by the Republic of Korea, for rescuing, in heavy rain, gale-force winds and high swells, eight crew members of the cargo ship M/V Chenglu 15, which was sinking after hitting a sea wall, and for recovering the bodies of six other crew members who, unfortunately, did not survive the ordeal. Inspector Lee SungHee, Chief of the 122 Rescue Team was
at the ceremony in person to receive the certificate. • Inspector Sueng-Young Shin and Inspector Soon-Hyung Lee, Special Rescue Unit of South Regional Headquarters, Korea Coast Guard, were nominated by the Republic of Korea, for saving the bulk carrier M/V Captain Vangelis L, in high swells, by plugging a hole in one of its fuel tanks, caused by a collision with the M/T Green Plus, thus preventing a major pollution incident. Inspector Shin Sueng-Young and Inspector Lee Soon-Hyung attended the ceremony in person to receive their certificates.
Council has decided, we want to recognize them when they do.”
High-level safety focus Captain Kristensen also addressed the Maritime Safety Committee delegates, who were attending the ceremony at the end of the first day of the Committee’s 94th session. “You who are here today should feel included in the honour. Much improvement is due to the focus and attention on safety at the highest level. You set the framework that keeps driving safety improvements for the operations of ships throughout the globe. Standards that prevent fire or other accidents are just as important as the routines, training and equipment that shall enable us to handle the incident, once it occurs. We are all in this together,” Captain Kristensen said.
IMO Award for Exceptional Bravery at Sea This annual award was established by IMO to provide international recognition for those who, at the risk of losing their own life, perform acts of exceptional bravery, displaying outstanding courage in attempting to save life at sea or in attempting to prevent or mitigate damage to the marine environment. For the 2014 award, 35 nominations were received, from 12 IMO Member States and one non-governmental organization in consultative status.
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MARITIME SAFETY COMMITTEE (MSC) • 94TH SESSION • 17–21 NOVEMBER 2014
Safety provisions in Polar Code adopted The MSC adopted the International Code for Ships Operating in Polar Waters (Polar Code), and related amendments to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) to make it mandatory, marking an historic milestone in the Organization’s work to protect ships, seafarers and passengers in the harsh environment of the waters surrounding the two poles. The Polar Code covers the full range of design, construction, equipment, operational, training, search and rescue and environmental protection matters relevant to ships operating in the polar regions. Ships trading in the polar regions already have to comply with all relevant international standards adopted by IMO, but the newly adopted SOLAS chapter XIV “Safety measures for ships operating in polar waters”, adds additional requirements, by making
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mandatory the Polar Code (Preamble, Introduction and Part I-A (Safety measures)). The Polar Code highlights the potential hazards of operating in polar regions, including ice, remoteness and rapidly changing and severe weather conditions, and provides goals and functional requirements in relation to ship design, construction, equipment, operations, training, and search and rescue, relevant to ships operating in Arctic and Antarctic waters. As well as mandatory provisions, recommendations are also included, in a Part 1-B. The expected date of entry into force of the SOLAS amendments is 1 January 2017, under the tacit acceptance procedure. It will apply to new ships constructed after that date. Ships constructed before 1 January 2017 will be required to meet the relevant
requirements of the Polar Code by the first intermediate or renewal survey, whichever occurs first, after 1 January 2018. Because it contains both safety and environment-related provisions, the Polar Code will be mandatory under both SOLAS and the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL). In October 2014, IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) approved the necessary draft amendments to make the environmental provisions in the Polar Code mandatory under MARPOL. The MEPC is expected to adopt the Code and associated MARPOL amendments at its next session in May 2015, with an entry-into-force date to be aligned with the SOLAS amendments.
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FROM THE MEETINGS
MARITIME SAFETY COMMITTEE (MSC) • 94TH SESSION • 17–21 NOVEMBER 2014
Viking Grace, operated by Finland’s Viking Line is the world’s first gas-fuelled passenger ferry
SOLAS amendments to make IGF Code mandatory approved Work on passenger ship safety continued The MSC continued its ongoing work related to passenger ship safety and updated its long-term action plan on passenger ship safety, following consideration of the outcome of the Sub-Committee on Implementation of IMO Instruments (III) on the casualty report on the Costa Concordia and other proposals received. The updated long-term action plan includes, among others, a new item on the possible extension, to existing passenger ships, of the SOLAS requirement relating to computerized stability support for the master in case of flooding and a new item on watertight doors maintenance.
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The MSC approved, in principle, the draft International Code of Safety for Ships using Gases or other Low-flashpoint Fuels (IGF Code), and also approved proposed amendments to make the Code mandatory under SOLAS, with a view to adopting both the IGF Code and SOLAS amendments at the next session, MSC 95, scheduled to meet in June 2015. Associated draft amendments to the 1978 and 1988 Protocols were also approved. The IGF Code will provide mandatory provisions for the arrangement, installation, control and monitoring of machinery,
equipment and systems using lowflashpoint fuels, focusing initially on liquefied natural gas (LNG), to minimize the risk to the ship, its crew and the environment, having regard to the nature of the fuels involved. The Code addresses all areas that need special consideration for the usage of low-flashpoint fuels, based on a goal-based approach, with goals and functional requirements specified for each section forming the basis for the design, construction and operation of ships using this type of fuel.
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FROM THE MEETINGS
MARITIME SAFETY COMMITTEE (MSC) • 94TH SESSION • 17–21 NOVEMBER 2014
E-navigation strategy approved The MSC approved the e-navigation Strategy Implementation Plan (SIP), which provides a framework and a road map of tasks that would need to be implemented or conducted in the future to give effect to five prioritized e-navigation solutions: • improved, harmonized and user-friendly bridge design; • means for standardized and automated reporting; • improved reliability, resilience and integrity of bridge equipment and navigation information; • integration and presentation of available information in graphical displays received via communication equipment; and • improved communication of vessel traffic services (VTS) service portfolio (not limited to VTS stations). A number of tasks have been identified for development and completion during the period 2015 to 2019. The MSC approved Guidelines on Harmonization of test bed reporting, aimed at harmonizing the way the results of test beds are reported to the Organization. Harmonized and user-friendly bridge design is a key task under the Strategy Implementation Plan for e-navigation
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Adoption of SOLAS amendments The MSC adopted the following amendments, with an expected entry into force of 1 July 2016: • Amendments to SOLAS chapter VI to require mandatory verification of the gross mass of containers, either by weighing the packed container; or weighing all packages and cargo items, using a certified method approved by the competent authority of the State in which packing of the container was completed • Amendments to add a new SOLAS regulation XI-1/7 on Atmosphere testing instrument for enclosed spaces, to require ships to 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. Consequential amendments to the Code for the Construction and Equipment of Mobile Offshore Drilling Units (1979, 1989 and 2009 MODU Codes) were also adopted. The MSC also approved a related MSC Circular on Early implementation of SOLAS regulation XI-1/7 on Atmosphere testing instrument for enclosed spaces • Amendments to update the International Code on the Enhanced Programme of Inspections During Surveys of Bulk Carriers and Oil Tankers (2011 ESP Code), including revisions to the minimum requirements for cargo tank testing at renewal survey and addition of a new paragraph on rescue and emergency response equipment in relation to breathing apparatus.
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MARITIME SAFETY COMMITTEE (MSC) • 94TH SESSION • 17–21 NOVEMBER 2014
Cyber security matters considered The Committee considered a proposal to develop voluntary guidelines on cyber security practices to protect and enhance the resilience of cyber systems supporting the operations of ports, vessels, marine facilities and other elements of the maritime transportation system and agreed to coordinate its future work on this matter with the Facilitation Committee. The MSC also agreed that cyber security was an important and timely issue but that the Organization should not take unilateral action on this matter without consultation with other United Nations bodies and relevant international organizations such as the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). Member States and observer organizations were invited to consider the issue and submit proposals to the next session of the Committee.
With ship operations increasingly computerised, cyber security is growing in importance
MSC news in brief In connection with other issues arising from the reports of IMO sub-committees and other bodies, the MSC: • adopted a number of new and amended ships’ routeing measures and an amended ship reporting system • adopted amendments to the Code for the Construction and Equipment of Mobile Offshore Drilling Units, 2009 (2009 MODU Code), to allow an alternative procedure for lifeboat launching and manoeuvring drills • adopted an amendment to the recommendation on conditions for the approval of servicing stations for inflatable liferafts (resolution A.761(18)), in relation to checking date-expired items in the contents of packed inflatable liferafts • approved, for future adoption, draft amendments to SOLAS regulations II-2/4.5 and II-2/11.6, clarifying the provisions related to the secondary means of venting cargo tanks in order to ensure adequate safety against overand under-pressure in the event of cargo tank isolation valve being damaged or inadvertently closed, and SOLAS regulation II-2/20, with respect to the air quality control system • recognized the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS), operated by China, as a component of the WorldWide Radionavigation System (WWRNS)
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• approved an MSC Circular on the IMO/ ILO/UNECE Code of Practice for the Packing of Cargo Transport Units (CTU Code), following the approval of the CTU Code by the Inland Transport Committee of UNECE in February 2014, MSC 93 in May 2014 and the Governing Body of ILO in November 2014 • approved an MSC Circular on Informative Material related to the IMO/ ILO/UNECE Code of Practice for the Packing of Cargo Transport Units (CTU Code) • approved the revised Guide to recovery techniques • approved Interim guidance for in-service testing of automatic sprinkler systems • re-established a correspondence group to review and finalize draft Guidance on Development of National Maritime Security Legislation • approved the draft Assembly resolution on Revised guidelines for the onboard operational use of shipborne automatic identification systems (AIS), for submission to the next IMO Assembly for adoption, to update earlier guidelines (first adopted in 2001 and revised in 2003) • approved the revised MSC.1/ Circ.1210 on Guidance on Cospas-
Sarsat International 406 MHz Beacon Registration Database (IBRD) • decided that the International Maritime Satellite Organization (IMSO) should convene a group of experts to produce a technical and operational assessment of the satellite communications company Iridium as a Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) mobile satellite service provider • approved the MSC-MEPC.5 circular on Unified interpretation on keel laying date for fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP) craft • approved a number of amendments to LRIT-related circulars to improve the functioning and operation of the LRIT system and related procedures • reviewed progress made on the implementation of the goal-based ship construction standards for bulk carriers and oil tankers, noting that five audit teams had been established and verification audits on 13 Recognized Organizations had been initiated since July 2014. Further work continued with regard to the development of the draft Interim Guidelines for the Application of the Goal-based Standards Safety Level Approach to the IMO rule-making process.
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IMO NEWS
PPR
FROM THE MEETINGS
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2015
SUB-COMMITTEE ON POLLUTION PREVENTION AND RESPONSE (PPR) • 2ND SESSION • 19–23 JANUARY 2015
Draft amendments agreed to diesel engine guidelines Draft amendments to the 2011 Guidelines addressing additional aspects to the NOX Technical Code 2008 with regard to particular requirements related to marine diesel engines fitted with Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems (resolution MEPC.198(62)), for submission to MEPC 68, with a view to adoption. The amendments add a new paragraph under the Scheme B test procedure related to the calculation of gaseous emissions.
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Black Carbon definition recommended The Sub-Committee concurred with a working group’s view that the “Bond et al.” definition for “Black Carbon” should be recommended to the MEPC for approval as the definition of Black Carbon for international shipping, as this definition is measurement-method neutral, and widely supported by the scientific community. The Bond et al. definition describes Black Carbon as “a distinct type of carbonaceous material, formed only in flames during combustion of carbon-based fuels. It is distinguishable from other forms of carbon and carbon compounds contained in atmospheric aerosol because it has a unique combination of the following physical properties: • it strongly absorbs visible light with a mass absorption cross section of at least 5 m2g-1 at a wavelength of 550 nm; • it is refractory; that is, it retains its basic form at very high temperatures, with vaporization
temperature near 4000 K; • it is insoluble in water, in organic solvents including methanol and acetone, and in other components of atmospheric aerosol; and • it exists as an aggregate of small carbon spherules.” The Sub-Committee also noted that there was a need for measurement studies to be carried out and at this stage the focus should be on using the agreed definition to support data collection, to identify the most appropriate measurement method(s) for Black Carbon emissions from international shipping. The Sub-Committee further noted that the need for measurement studies meant that it was not possible at this stage to consider possible control measures to reduce the impact on the Arctic of emissions of Black Carbon from international shipping.
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IMO NEWS
FROM THE MEETINGS
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ISSUE 1
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2015
SUB-COMMITTEE ON POLLUTION PREVENTION AND RESPONSE (PPR) • 2ND SESSION • 19–23 JANUARY 2015
Correspondence group on OSV chemicals code The Sub-Committee continued its work on developing a draft Code for the Transport and Handling of Limited Amounts of Hazardous and Noxious Liquid Substances in Bulk in Offshore Support Vessels (OSV Chemical Code) and re-established the correspondence group to finalise the text. The aim is to develop a consistent regulatory framework for the transport and handling of limited amounts of hazardous and noxious liquid substances in bulk on offshore support vessels with a single certification scheme, taking into account the complex and continued evolution of the offshore industry as well as the unique design features and service characteristics of these vessels.
The unique design features of OSVs will be reflected in the new Code
Agreement reached on draft dispersant guidelines The Sub-Committee agreed Part III of the IMO Dispersant Guidelines, covering Operational and Technical information for Surface Application of Dispersants, developed for operational users with a view to providing the required knowledge for efficient dispersant application. The guidelines will be submitted to MEPC 68, for approval and publication, together with parts I and II of the IMO Dispersant Guidelines, which were previously approved by MEPC 65. A correspondence group was instructed to develop Part IV. The IMO Dispersant Guidelines are divided into four independent parts: • Part I - Basic Information on
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Dispersants and Their Application • Part II - Outline for a National Policy on the Use of Dispersants: Proposed Template for National Policy for the Use of Dispersants • Part III - Operational and Technical Sheets for Surface Application of Dispersants • Part IV - Sub-sea Dispersant Application (drafting still in progress) The correspondence group was also instructed to finalize the updated and revised section II of the Manual on Oil Pollution – Contingency Planning.
Amendments on gasfuelled engine testing agreed Draft amendments to the NOX Technical Code 2008, concerning revisions for the testing of gas fuelled engines and dual fuel engines for NOX Tier III, were agreed for submission to MEPC 68, with a view to approval and subsequent adoption. The Sub-Committee also agreed, in principle, a draft MEPC circular on Guidance on the application of regulation 13 of MARPOL Annex VI Tier III requirements to dual fuel and gas fuelled engines, for submission to MEPC 68 for approval. The guidance aims to assist in the uniform application of regulation 13 of MARPOL Annex VI Tier III requirements to dual fuel and gas fuelled engines, including when these engines are certified to meet both Tier II and Tier III requirements.
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IMO NEWS
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FROM THE MEETINGS
SUB-COMMITTEE ON POLLUTION PREVENTION AND RESPONSE (PPR) • 2ND SESSION • 19–23 JANUARY 2015
Guidance revised on hazardous materials inventory
The Inventory of Hazardous Materials is a key element of the Hong Kong Convention on ship recycling
Revised guidance for the Inventory of Hazardous Materials, an important requirement of the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships, 2009, was agreed by the SubCommittee for submission to the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) for adoption. The revisions to the previous (2011) guidelines include updates to the threshold values for asbestos, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB), polybrominated biphenyls (PBB), polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCN) and radioactive substances, as well as exemption and bulk listings. When the Hong Kong Convention enters into force, ships sent for recycling will be required to carry an inventory of hazardous materials on board, which will be specific to each ship. Three States (Norway, the Republic of the Congo and France) have ratified or acceded to the Hong Kong Convention so far. The treaty will enter into force when at least 15 States become Parties, representing at least 40 per cent of world merchant shipping tonnage. In addition, the combined maximum annual ship recycling volume of the contracting States, over the past 10 years, must be no less than 3 per cent of their combined gross tonnage.
Assistance in oil pollution incidents – guidelines agreed
Exhaust gas cleaning revisions The Sub-Committee agreed draft amendments to update the 2009 Guidelines for exhaust gas cleaning systems (resolution MEPC.184(59)), for submission for adoption by MEPC 68. The revisions update the guidelines with regards to measurement of CO2, SO2 and the pH discharge limit at the overboard monitoring position.
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The Sub-Committee agreed draft Guidelines on international offers of assistance in response to a marine oil pollution incident, for submission to MEPC 68 for approval and publication. The guidelines were developed initially through the former OPRC-HNS Technical Group and later by a correspondence group, in the wake of the Deepwater Horizon well blowout in the Gulf of Mexico (April 2010), which required an international response that far exceeded the response resources available within the United States. The complex response that ensued highlighted some significant gaps in managing offers of assistance from international partners within the US response regimes, as well as gaps in existing guidelines, such as how best to request and search for the resources
specifically needed, and who best to contact; how to evaluate and document the many generous, unsolicited offers and choose only those that meet operational needs; and how to manage the logistics once an offer is accepted (e.g. how to transfer the equipment, how to fund, how to manage the customs and coastal trading laws). The guidelines therefore include a series of key components that help establish a comprehensive system of mechanisms and procedures to manage such matters as: communication between governments and with regional and international bodies/ organizations; overall coordination of offers and requests for assistance; evaluation of offers; and management of the receipt of offers, once accepted.
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HTW
FROM THE MEETINGS
IMO NEWS
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ISSUE 1
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2015
SUB-COMMITTEE ON HUMAN ELEMENT, TRAINING AND WATCHKEEPING (HTW) • 2ND SESSION • 2–6 FEBRUARY 2015
Passenger ship training amendments endorsed
The review of the passenger ship training requirements is part of the long-term action plan on passenger ship safety agreed following the Costa Concordia incident in January 2012.
The Sub-Committee agreed, in principle, draft amendments to regulation V/2 and section A-V/2 of the STCW Convention and Code, related to Mandatory minimum requirements for the training and qualifications of masters, officers, ratings and other personnel on passenger ships. The amendments would require personnel serving on board passenger ships to have completed passenger ship emergency familiarization appropriate to their capacity, duties and responsibilities. They would also require masters, officers, ratings and other personnel designated on the muster lists to assist passengers in emergency situations to undergo crowd-management training. New sections in the STCW code Section A-V/2 would cover “Passenger ship emergency familiarization” and “Safety training for personnel providing direct service to passengers in passenger spaces”. The Sub-Committee agreed to further review the draft amendments which are expected to be finalized at the next session. The review of the passenger ship training requirements is part of the long-term action plan on passenger ship safety agreed following the Costa Concordia incident in January 2012.
ECDIS good practice guidance endorsed Provisions related to ECDIS training and the use of simulators in the draft MSC circular on ECDIS – Guidance for good practice, were endorsed, for approval by the MSC. The Guidance, which incorporates and updates previously-issued circulars relating to ECDIS, including advice on addressing operating anomalies, maintenance and training, had previously been endorsed by the Sub-Committee on Navigation, Communications and Search and Rescue (NCSR).
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IMO NEWS
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FROM THE MEETINGS
SUB-COMMITTEE ON HUMAN ELEMENT, TRAINING AND WATCHKEEPING (HTW) • 2ND SESSION • 2–6 FEBRUARY 2015
STCW revisions to accommodate Polar Code developed Requirements for the training and certification of personnel serving on board ships operating in polar waters were agreed by the Sub-Committee. The draft amendments provide training and certification requirements for officers and crew serving on board ships operating in polar waters in chapter V of the STCW Convention and Code to reflect the training requirements in the International Code for Ships Operating in Polar Waters (Polar Code), The STCW amendments will be forwarded to the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) for approval and subsequent adoption. The Polar Code was adopted by the MSC at its 94th session (MSC 94) in November 2014. The Polar Code and related SOLAS (and MARPOL) amendments are expected to enter into force on 1 January 2017.
A model course on oil tanker operations was approved by the Sub-Committee
Model courses validated The Sub-Committee validated three updated and revised model courses on: Advanced Training for Oil Tanker Cargo Operations; Advanced Training for Liquefied Gas Tanker Cargo Operations and Maritime English. The Sub-Committee also endorsed an MSC-MEPC circular on Guidelines for the development, review and validation of model courses for approval by the Committees, which aim to update and standardize the process by which model courses are developed, reviewed and validated.
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IMO NEWS
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2015
FROM THE MEETINGS
SUB-COMMITTEE ON HUMAN ELEMENT, TRAINING AND WATCHKEEPING (HTW) • 2ND SESSION • 2–6 FEBRUARY 2015
Seafarers do a tiring job. IMO guidelines on fatigue are to be reviewed
Revision of fatigue guidance initiated A review of the IMO guidelines on fatigue was initiated, with the SubCommittee agreeing the work should be completed over the next two sessions. It was agreed that the review should take a holistic approach, taking into account a risk-based approach; the impact of fatigue at all levels (i.e. on all stakeholders); and that the outcome should provide practical tools for fatigue management. IMO adopted Assembly resolution A.772(18) on fatigue factors in manning and safety, in 1993. This was followed with the development of comprehensive guidance on fatigue mitigation and management, including guidelines on fatigue in nine modules, which was issued in 2001. The MSC in 2014 agreed on the need to review and update the guidelines.
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ISM Code guidelines for PSC officers endorsed The Sub-Committee endorsed draft Guidelines for port State control officers on the ISM Code, for submission to the SubCommittee on Implementation of IMO Instruments (III) for review and then to MSC 96 and the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) for approval.
Dangerous goods guidelines endorsed The Sub-Committee endorsed training-related provisions in the draft MSC Circular on Guidelines on consolidated IMO provisions for the safe carriage of dangerous goods in packaged form by sea and invited the MSC to forward them to the CCC Sub-Committee for review and finalization.
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IMO NEWS
IMO AT WORK
Security assessment in Manila IMO’s Henrik Madsen led the maritime component of a visit by the UN Counter Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (UNCTED) to Manila, Philippines, to assess countermeasures put in place by the Government to prevent and manage maritime security incidents (10 to 12 December 2014). The delegation comprised UN and partner agencies with mandates in border management and law enforcement. (Picture: ICTSI)
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Training for Djibouti Code of Conduct In December 2014, an IMO team visited Djibouti for a series of meetings and events linked to the implementation of the Djibouti Code of Conduct, including a week-long course for maritime law enforcement personnel and meetings on the Djibouti Regional Training Centre (DRTC). The DRTC has supported the implementation of the Djibouti Code of Conduct by delivering training to more than 760 students on courses throughout the western Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden area.
Protecting Viet Nam’s seas A national workshop on Particularly Sensitive Sea Areas was held in Ha Noi, Viet Nam (11-12 December 2014), jointly organized by IMO and the Viet Nam Maritime Administration (VINAMARINE). The main objective of the workshop was to provide a deeper understanding of IMO tools to protect the marine environment of Viet Nam, with particular emphasis on PSSAs. More than forty participants (including organizers) attended the workshop, including participants from the Viet Nam Maritime Administration, the Vietnamese Academy of Science and Technology, the Ministry of Transport, Port Authorities, Viet Nam Oil and Gas Corporation, Viet Nam Shipping Industry Corporation, the Viet Nam Environment Administration, the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, and the Ministry of Environment.
Security strategies for Gulf of Guinea SecretariesGeneral meet IMO Secretary-General Sekimizu was visited by his counterpart at the International Telecommunication Union Secretary-General Dr Hamadoun Touré. (25 November 2014) ITU is the United Nations specialized agency for information and communication technologies, committed to connecting the world’s population.
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Strategies to deal with the threat of piracy were on the agenda at the G7++ Friends of the Gulf of Guinea (3-4 December 2014) meeting in Accra, Ghana. Gisela Vieira represented IMO and presented an update on IMO’s activities on maritime security for west and central Africa. The meeting was opened by the Minister of External Relations of Ghana, and attendees included the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL), the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and numerous regional and national bodies.
Security drill workshop in Hong Kong, China A four-day national workshop on maritime security drills and exercises was conducted in Hong Kong, China (16-19 December 2014) under IMO’s Integrated Technical Cooperation Programme (ITCP), in collaboration with the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) and the Marine Department of the Government of the Hong-Kong, China Special Administrative Region. The purpose of the workshop is to test the effectiveness of the maritime security measures as mandated by SOLAS chapter XI-2 and the ISPS Code by planning and conducting maritime security drills and exercises, with a view to improving the effectiveness of the port facility security plan (PFSP).
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INTERNATIONAL MARITIME ORGANIZATION
A Joint WMU - IMO - Arctic Council International Conference on
Safe and Sustainable Shipping in a Changing Arctic Environment
ShipArc 2015 25-27 August 2015 Malmö, Sweden I TL E I
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ShipArc 2015
An increasingly ice-diminished environment in the Arctic is accelerating interest and potential for new maritime trade routes, merchant transportation, and resource development such as mining, oil & gas exploration, tourism and fishing. The IMO and the Arctic Council have been focused on ‘Safe Arctic Shipping’ through the recently adopted Polar Code and as a key theme among the Arctic Council’s priorities. The World Maritime University plays a key role in conducting research on and building capacity in Arctic issues and governance. The pace of development in the Arctic marine environment is challenging our capacity to prepare for it in a safe and sustainable way. It is urgent to engage stakeholders in resource development, shipping, sustainable management, and those most likely impacted (e.g., coastal communities and indigenous peoples) in the ShipArc 2015 international conference to discuss a forward-looking regulatory, governance, research, and capacity-building agenda that will assist in achieving Safe and Sustainable Shipping in a Changing Arctic Environment. Themes • • • • • •
The Polar Code: Implementation & Compliance Assurance Beyond the Polar Code Arctic Governance Sustainable Arctic Business Development Protection of the Arctic Marine Environment Training, Capacity-Building, Science & Research
Call for Papers Papers under all themes will inform and enrich the conference discussions. The abstract submission deadline is 31 May 2015 to AbstractsShipArc2015@wmu.se
wmu.se/shiparc2015
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IMO NEWS
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2015
IMO AT WORK
Shipbuilding matters
IMO at Climate Change summit IMO was in Lima, Peru, to highlight IMO-adopted measures on energy efficiency for international shipping at the UN Climate Change Conference COP20 (1-12 December 2014). On Monday (1 December), IMO participated in a joint International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)/IMO side event on “International aviation and maritime transport: Addressing emissions from international bunker fuels” and presented the Third IMO Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Study 2014, which provides emissions estimates for international shipping for the period 2007–2012 and projections to 2050. IMO also provided a statement to the 41st session of the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice.
IMO’s Edmund Hughes attended the OECD Council Working Party on Shipbuilding in Paris (25 November 2014), to present an update of IMO’s regulatory work on air pollution and energy efficiency following the 2014 meetings of the Marine Environment Protection Committee, including NOX Tier III amendments, extension of the EEDI framework to additional ship types and adoption of the 2014 Guidelines on survey and certification of the EEDI.
Casualty investigation workshop in Ghana
Charting the way An IMO/International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) joint regional training course on Hydrography and Hydrographic Governance was held in Constanta, Romania (3 to 14 November 2014), with participants from: Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Georgia, Montenegro, Romania, and Ukraine. The course introduced the benefits of hydrography to coastal States, including national economic development and environmental management and described the need for national coordination of hydrographic functions and the roles of national hydrographic organizations within the framework of the global international hydrographic and maritime organizations. The course also developed a general understanding of cartographic practices used to represent hydrographic and safety of navigation information to users and developed skills in depicting information on nautical charts.
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A ten-day regional workshop on marine casualty and incident investigation was held in November 2014 at the Regional Maritime University in Accra, Ghana. It was part of IMO’s capacity-building activities for west and central Africa under the framework of the Flag-Port WACAF project, funded by the EU to support flag State implementation and port State control in the sub region. Capt. Dallas Laryea, IMO Regional Coordinator, west and central Africa (Anglophone) and Ms Mara Luciano, support staff expert for the Flag-Port WACAF Project, facilitated the workshop.
Combating emissions in the Pacific A three-day regional workshop on MARPOL Annex VI for Pacific States was held in Apia, Samoa (19-21 November 2014). The workshop addressed energyefficient ship design and technical energy-efficiency measures, further measures to enhance the energy efficiency of ships, shore power supply and green port initiatives, and MARPOL Annex VI guidelines. The workshop was hosted by the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) in partnership with IMO and the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA).
Training for ballast water compliance IMO’s Antoine Blonce took part in a regional training course on compliance, monitoring and enforcement of the Ballast Water Management Convention, in Dar Es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania (26-28 November 2014). The course was co-organized by IMO, the GloBallast Project and the Surface and Marine Transport Regulatory Authority (SUMATRA) of Tanzania. In addition to the hosts, participating countries were Comoros, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles and Somalia.
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IMO AT WORK
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Boosting port security IMO’s Gisela Vieira participated in an ISPS Code Port Security Legislation Workshop (13-14 November 2014) in Lima, Peru, organized by the Asia Pacific Economic Community Maritime Security Working Group. The objective was to promote a full understanding of the IMO maritime security regime, including the SOLAS Chapter XI-2 and ISPS Code requirements and limitations, and to assist Peru to develop and implement robust legal frameworks, including advanced port security regulations.
Focus on civil liability The civil liability regime provided the special focus for a regional seminar and interactive workshop conducted by IMO’s Dorota Lost and hosted by the Government of Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur (November 4-6 2014). The seminar consisted of training modules on the treaty-making process, maritime policies and legislative drafting, covering several IMO conventions. Participants came from 11 East Asian countries.
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Facilitation – making it easier Out front down under IMO Secretary-General Sekimizu delivered the keynote address to Australia’s Maritime 2014 conference (11 November). He stressed IMO’s credentials as a technical organization and, among other topics, focussed on the need to address passenger ferry safety and migrants being illegally and unsafely trafficked by sea. He said shipping was in a period of adjustment due to tonnage oversupply.
IMO held a sub-regional Seminar on Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic in Istanbul, Turkey, (11-13 November 2014). The seminar aimed to impart a thorough knowledge of the IMO Facilitation Convention and its benefits, promoting the ratification of the FAL Convention and achieving a better understanding of the concept, the processes and procedures that go with use of electronic data interchange and the implementation of the “single window” concept enabling all the information required by public authorities in connection with the arrival, stay and departure of ships, persons and cargo, to be submitted without duplication.
Whales – when giants collide IMO’s Lee Adamson spoke to BBC Radio 4 as part of its Shared Planet special on ship/whale collisions. He spoke about how IMO measures such as ship routeing schemes and areas-tobe-avoided are helping to prevent collisions with whales and other cetaceans. He also explained the process whereby member States can put forward such schemes for mandatory, global adoption.
Ballast water in focus in Singapore IMO’s Stefan Micallef delivered the keynote address at the 7th International Conference & Exhibition on Ballast Water Management 2014 (5-7 November) in Singapore. The conference was supported by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and the GEF-UNDP-IMO GloBallast Partnerships Programme.
Building maritime Somalia As part of IMO’s capacity-building programme for Somalia, the second technical workshop on assisting Somalia establish a national maritime administration was held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (10-13 November 2014). Senior technical personnel in legal, port management, administration and coastguard disciplines participated, from the Federal Government of Somalia, Somaliland, Puntland and Galmudug. The workshop focused on reviewing and updating the 1959 Somalia Maritime Code.
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IMO NEWS
IMO AT WORK
Secretary-General visits Egypt aritime education and training M were key themes during IMO Secretary-General Sekimizu’s official visit to Egypt (23-26 January), which included courtesy visits to the President, the Prime Minister, the Transport Minister, the Interior Minister and the SecretaryGeneral of the League of Arab States. The Secretary-General toured the facilities of the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport (AASTMT) and addressed students graduating from the Academy’s College of Maritime Transport and Technology.
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Maritime security strategy for Ghana
Promoting Asian women in the maritime world
An IMO team visited Accra, Ghana, to provide technical assistance for the development of a comprehensive national maritime security strategy for the Government of Ghana (15-19 December 2014), following a series of table-top exercises in the country since 2012.
IMO’s Pamela Tansey led a meeting of new members of the Women in Maritime Associations – Asia (WIMA-Asia) network during the First Regional World Maritime University (WMU) Alumni Conference held in Yangon, Myanmar (27-28 January). New WIMA-Asia members came from Myanmar, the Philippines and Viet Nam. The meeting was held to strengthen ties among women maritime professionals in the Asian region and to build the network within the WMU Women’s Association.
Environment issues at port seminar Oil spill response in Southeast Asia Member States of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) met at the Global Initiative South East Asia (GI-SEA) regional meeting to discuss and develop an action plan for the implementation of the ASEAN Oil Spill Response Action Plan MoU. IMO’s Colleen O’Hagan was in attendance at the meeting, which was hosted by the Marine Department of the Government of Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (17-19 December 2014).
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Maritime security systems seminar in Mauritius An IMO-led seminar on the Automatic Identification System (AIS), Long-Range Identification and Tracking of ships (LRIT), Ship Security Alert System (SSAS) and other communication systems for maritime security was held in Port Louis, Mauritius (27-28 January). IMO’s Javier Yasnikouski and Henrik Madsen led the event, which was attended by participants from the office of the Prime Minister and a range of national agencies, including the National Coast Guard, the Ministries responsible for shipping, fisheries and tourism matters, as well as the Mauritius Ports Authority, the Mauritius Maritime Training Academy and the Mauritius Shipping Corporation Ltd.
IMO’s Masao Yamasaki explained the regulatory context around the powering of ships in port at the Society of Maritime Industries Open Event Seminar: The Powering of Ships in Port, in London, United Kingdom (28 January). This meeting covered a broad range of issues on this subject such as the environmental and regulatory drivers, emission controls, the effect of scrubbers, alternative fuels, shore based power sources and shore side infrastructure requirements and considered the subject from the both perspective of the ship owner and the port and terminal operator.
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IMO NEWS
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IMO AT WORK
Bangladesh ship recycling project underway UNDP and IMO chiefs meet United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Administrator Helen Clark met IMO Secretary-General Sekimizu at IMO Headquarters (20 January). The two highlighted their common commitment to sustainable development and discussed the important role of maritime transportation in building the economies of developing countries. They noted the two highly successful multi-million dollar Partnerships Projects, executed by IMO in partnership with the UNDP, to address the threat of invasive species in ships’ ballast water. The first project was initiated in 2000 and this evolved into a second project – GloBallast Partnerships. The aims of the projects are to assist developing countries and their maritime industries in implementing international regulations on ballast water management and preventing risks arising from the transfer of harmful aquatic organisms in ships’ ballast water. Both projects have mobilized some US$13 million in financial support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and leveraged many times this in cash and in-kind co-finance. IMO is currently working with UNDP and the GEF on developing new comprehensive global partnerships on energy efficiency in the maritime transport sector and marine biodiversity protection.
IMO Project Coordinator Simone Leyers was in Dhaka, Bangladesh (30 January to 6 February) to establish the local project management office and kick-start activities under the Norad-funded project “Safe and Environmentally Sound Ship Recycling in Bangladesh – Phase I”. The project aims to enhance the development of safe and environmentally sound ship recycling in Bangladesh, with the aim of improving the standards and, therefore, the sustainability of the industry. The project also aims to facilitate the ratification/ accession and effective implementation of the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships, 2009, to ensure safe and environmentally sound ship recycling in Bangladesh.
Secretary-General visits Plymouth University IMO Secretary-General Sekimizu visited the UK’s Plymouth University (10 February). He met students and academic staff from the university and also had a chance to try the cutting-edge navigation simulator. During his visit Mr Sekimizu expressed his delight with the maritime heritage which, he said, the university “builds on to continue to provide well qualified professionals to the maritime industries”.
Search and rescue in east Asia IMO at African ministerial security meeting IMO’s Chris Trelawny attended the Second Ministerial Meeting on Maritime Safety and Security in Africa, Victoria, Seychelles, 8-9 February. The meeting was organized by the Africa Union in partnership with the European Union and was chaired by His Excellency Mr Joel Morgan, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Transport, Seychelles. Participants exchanged views on maritime safety and security in the Horn of Africa and the Gulf of Guinea, transnational organized crime, human trafficking, smuggling of migrants and other illicit criminal activity.
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Seafarer documentation experts meet IMO’s Fred Kenney attended the Tripartite Meeting of Experts on the Implementation of Seafarers’ Identity Documents Convention at the International Labour Organization in Geneva (4-6 February), reporting on IMO’s activities with regard to that Convention.
A regional seminar on the implementation of a global search and rescue (SAR) plan for east Asia was held in Jakarta, Indonesia (3-5 February), bringing together maritime and aviation search and rescue authorities in the East Asian Region with the aim of enhancing SAR cooperation in the region, improving existing national SAR services, and identifying needs for future capacity building activities. The IMO team was headed by Hans van der Graaf.
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A right to safe passage UN agencies to deliver as one on mixed migration by sea
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everal United Nations agencies have agreed to establish a mechanism to enhance existing inter-agency communication with respect to the maritime aspects of mixed migration by sea. Agencies concerned about the loss of life, injury, trauma and serious human rights violations affecting migrants, asylum-seekers and refugees traveling by sea met in London (4-5 March) at IMO headquarters. Building on the ‘Joint Statement on Protection at Sea in the Twenty-First Century’, that was agreed during the UN High Commissioner for Refugees’ Dialogue on Protection Challenges, held in Geneva on 10 December 2014, it was agreed to establish an interim, informal mechanism for enhancing inter-agency communication on the subject. The intention is that the mechanism would facilitate operational-level communication between relevant agencies bilaterally and multilaterally and provide a conduit for better informing the Global Migration Group (GMG) on maritime issues.
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Although precise details of the mechanism are yet to be finalised, it was envisaged that it might, for example, consider: the establishment of joint databases to share and collate information and statistics on irregular movements and suspect vessels; quantifying the effects of irregular and unsafe crossings on the shipping industry; improving maritime situational awareness; or any other maritime issues identified as being of relevance to the work of the GMG.
Serious concern Speaking at the meeting, IMO SecretaryGeneral Koji Sekimizu said, “The issue of mixed migration by sea, including irregular migration, has been a serious concern for decades – if not longer. But, in recent years, it has reached epidemic proportions, to the extent where the whole system for coping with such migrants is being stretched up to, and sometimes beyond, its breaking point,” and called for a collective effort to bring about continued on page 38
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FEATURE
NOW AVAILABLE
Updated Rescue at Sea guidance The updated and revised Rescue at Sea: A guide to principles and practice as applied to refugees and migrants is now available. It has been prepared jointly by IMO, the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). It provides guidance on relevant legal provisions, on practical procedures to ensure the prompt disembarkation of rescued persons, and on measures to meet their specific needs, particularly in the case of refugees and asylumseekers.
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ollowing events in February in which more than 2000 migrants were rescued from the Mediterranean Sea and several hundred lost their lives, Mr Sekimizu called for more concerted action to address the issue of criminals who organize illegal and unregulated sea passage by migrants, putting thousands of lives at risk. “We do not seek to prevent migration. People have the human right to migrate. But it is time to stop illegal, unregulated passage arranged by people smugglers. Not only do
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they put the lives of the migrants in danger, they also endanger the rescue services and merchant shipping which take part in the rescue operations. Something needs to be done against the smugglers or the situation will not improve. It is placing an intolerable strain on rescue services and on merchant vessels,” Mr. Sekimizu said. Mr Sekimizu noted with appreciation the efforts made by Italian and other authorities in the most recent rescue operations. However, he drew attention to the fact that
more than 200,000 people were rescued and more than 3,000 reported to have died in unsafe, irregular and illegal sea passages on the Mediterranean during 2014. “This is beyond acceptable limits and without the Italian efforts many more would have died. The efforts of Italian rescuers – and others – are greatly appreciated but we have reached the point where we need to focus more effort on the prevention side.”
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Media interest was high following the IMO-led meeting on mixed migration by sea
Mr Yuri Fedotov, UNODC and IMO Secretary-General Sekimizu
Mr Craig Mokhiber, OHCHR
Dr Volker Türk, UNHCR
Mr Bernd Hemingway, IOM
Mr Neil Buhne, UNDP
Mr Gilbert Houngbo, ILO
a solution to the problem of thousands of lives being placed in danger at sea. Estimates put the number of mixed movements by sea in Europe alone during 2014 at more than 218,000, with more than 3,500 deaths. Agencies saw the meeting as an opportunity to develop a positive, concerted approach. From the UN Office of Drugs and Crime, Executive Director Mr Yuri Fedotov said, “The first two months of 2015 alone have already seen several incidents in various parts of the world. These tragedies represent a major global challenge, requiring the urgent attention of States and international organizations. In this regard, I would like to thank the International Maritime Organization for hosting our meeting today and bringing together concerned agencies to address this issue. We need to ensure close inter-agency cooperation between our agencies in line with our respective mandates, and in cooperation with the private sector and civil society.” Mr Craig Mokhiber, from the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights added, “There is a broad recognition that this is a multi-dimensional problem that requires multidimensional solutions. The beauty of having the entire international system come together and talk about these issues is that you have the
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expertise, the experience and the perspectives from across the spectrum.” Dr Volker Turk, Assistant High Commissioner in the Office of the United Nations for Refugees, said “We are all trying to find what our role is and that has to be done in co-operation with each other. We look forward very much to collaborating further on this.”
‘Push’ factors Speaking for the International Organization for Migration, Mr Bernd Hemingway said, “Never before have we seen so many crisis situations and emergencies that displace people in huge numbers. There are immense ‘push’ factors which encourage people to move from one country to another. For us, contact with the other agencies, particularly on the maritime side, fills a gap that we are able to close now.” From the United Nations Development Programme, Mr Neil Buhne spoke of his organization’s efforts to foster and strengthen local and national capacities, thereby alleviating some of the ‘push factors’ prompting large-scale migration. But, he added, “No one organization or country can have all the answers.” Mr Gilbert Houngbo of the International Labour Organization stressed the importance of decent work as a factor in reducing the need for migration and added, “I believe
that together, equipped with our distinct yet complementary mandates and tools, we can help affected stakeholders face this increasingly growing challenge. I wish to thank again the IMO Secretary-General for providing us with the opportunity to move forward on a constructive and collaborative approach to addressing unsafe mixed migration by sea.” At the close of the meeting, IMO SecretaryGeneral Sekimizu reiterated the importance of a collective approach to the issue. “IMO stands ready to collaborate and give its support to all those who can play an active part in addressing this dreadful situation,’ he said. “We need to work together to develop impact-oriented actions. As an international community, we need to deliver as one.” Senior representatives from the following agencies participated in the meeting: International Labour Organization (ILO), International Maritime Organization (IMO), the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Division of Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea and the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
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