The amendments to SOLAS regulations III/3 and III/20, introducing mandatory new requirements for the maintenance and inspection of lifeboats and rescue boats, are entering into force on 1 January 2020, to ensure safety of life-saving appliances and equipment.
The amendments were adopted during the 96th session of IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 96) in May 2016 and introduce mandatory new requirements for the maintenance and inspection of lifeboats and rescue boats, launching appliances and release gear to be carried out by ‘certified personnel’ as per Resolution MSC.402(96)).
The provisions aim to prevent accidents with survival craft and address longstanding issues, such as the need for uniform, safe and Continue reading “New requirement for maintenance of life-saving appliances enter into force in 2020”
The second Safety Digest of the year, edition 2/2019, has been published by the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB). It features the outcome of 25 incidents and accidents in digest format presented in a 71 page pdf which can be downloaded (see below).
Since the introduction of the first diesel-powered ships in the early 20th century, technology developments in shipping have been steady and incremental. This continuity will end as the industry approaches the year 2050. Decarbonization requirements and the opportunities offered by digitalization will bring about major change. The challenge for a ship built today is that this change will take place within its lifespan. Failure to account for foreseeable regulatory and technology developments may render a ship built today uncompetitive at best; in the worst case it may end up being prohibited from operating altogether. The technology choices made when building a new ship will therefore decide whether it will be future-proof.
