Latest edition of the Code of Safe Working Practices for Merchant Seafarers

Amendments to the IBC Code (MSC460(101) / MEPC318(74)), BCH Code (MSC463(101) / MEPC319(74)) and MARPOL 73/78 Annex II (MEPC315(74)) will enter into force on 1 January 2021, and all ships carrying dangerous chemicals and/or noxious liquid substances in bulk need to satisfy the revised requirements prior to the date of entry into force.

Major revisions of MARPOL 73/78 Annex II
- Prewash requirements for persistent floating products
- Revision of the standard format of P&A Manual

Major revisions of IBC Code, BCH Code
- Revision of carriage requirements (Chapter 17 & 18)
- Operational requirements for persistent floating products (Chapter 16)
- Special requirements of Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) detection equipment (Chapter 15)

The Marshall Islands Government has published a Notice of the special requirements for carriage of Medical Oxygen Cylinders onboard the Marshall Islands flagged vessels.

Entry into force of IMO Resolution MSC.402(96) on the 1st January 2020

The following amendments to SOLAS Chapter III enter into force on the 1st January 2020, through IMO Resolution MSC.404(96):

Maintenance, thorough examination, operational testing, overhaul and repair of lifeboats and rescue boats, launching appliances and release gear shall be carried out in accordance with IMO Resolution MSC.402(96).