Ship Systems and Equipment Sub-Committee 11th (SSE 11) Summary Report

The Sub-committee agreed with a view to approval by MSC 110 and adoption by MSC 111 to:

• a new paragraph 4.7.7 of the LSA Code containing provisions for simulated launching of free-fall lifeboats (for existing and new ships with expected application by 1/1/2031);
• consequential amendments to paragraphs 6.2.3 and 6.2.7 of resolution MSC.402(96) concerning free-fall lifeboats, and to resolution MSC.81(70), concerning the testing of the release system under load without launching the free-fall lifeboat into the water;

• consequential amendments to: 
   

  1. MSC.1/Circ.1205/Rev.1 (revised guidelines for developing operation and maintenance manuals for lifeboat systems);

  2. MSC.1/Circ.1529 (unified interpretation related to the implementation of the requirements relating to lifeboat release and retrieval systems);

  3. MSC.1/Circ.1578 (revised guidelines on safety during abandon ship drills using lifeboats);

  4. MSC.1/Circ.1630/Rev.3 (revised standardized life-saving appliance evaluation and test report forms (survival craft));

• revised Code of practice for atmospheric oil mist detectors (MSC.1/Circ.1086);
• four unified interpretations: (detailed in item 10);
• revision of MSC.1/Circ.1628/Rev.3 on Revised standardized life-saving appliance evaluation and test report forms (personal life-saving appliances).

SSE 11 also validated draft revised Model Course 3.05 on Survey of Fire Appliances and Provisions.

SSE 11 progressed on :

• ventilation requirements of partially enclosed lifeboats (LSA Code);
• functional requirements and expected performances for the "Alarm" phase;
• functional requirements for the "Proceed to Embarkation in SOLAS III and LSA Code;
• draft unified interpretation on sounding pipes of tanks for flammable oils other than oil fuel and lubricating oil (SOLAS regulation II-2/4.2.4);
• localization and confirmation of fires for containerships (SOLAS II-2/10.7.3.);
• draft guidelines for the design, performance, testing and approval of water mist lances used on containerships;
• water mist lances and fixed and mobile water monitors in SOLAS II-2/10.7.3;
• a draft action plan for enhancing fire safety on ships carrying new energy vehicles.

SSE 11 noted the discussions on :

• the definition of make, type, model and series to clarify the implementation of resolution MSC.402(96) and the need for manufacturers to determine how they can be authorized as service providers for their own equipment;
• the scope of application of the requirements for chapters III and IV of the LSA Code regarding the self-righting or canopied reversible liferafts.