Refers to: Owners and operators of ships that are subject to air emission controls under MARPOL Annex VI.
Action Date: March 1st, 2018
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) adopted the Resolution MEPC.282(70) on 28th October 2016 with amendments to chapter 4 of Annex VI of MARPOL, adding a new Regulation 22A on Collection And Reporting Of Ship Fuel Oil Consumption Data and new appendices covering Information to be submitted to the IMO Ship Fuel Oil Consumption Database. The new mandatory Fuel Oil Data Collection System applies to international shipping and is requiring ships above 5,000 gross tonnage to start collecting and reporting fuel consumption data to IMO Ship Fuel Oil Consumption Database from 2019.
These amendments are expected to enter into force on 1 March 2018, under the tacit acceptance procedure with the first reporting period being for the 2019 calendar year.
By virtue of these amendments,
• Ships with 5.000 GT and above will have to start collecting data on fuel consumption and transport work from 2019 according to the Methodology set out in the Ship Energy Efficiency Monitoring Plan (SEEMP) and submit the relative annual reports to their Flag Administration,
• New (2016) Guidelines for the Development of a Ship Energy Efficiency Monitoring Plan (SEEMP) were adopted with Resolution MEPC.282(70) which superseded the 2012 SEEMP Guidelines; the SEEMP of the vessels will have to be updated before 2019,
• Aggregated data on fuel consumption will be reported to the ship’s flag State after the end of each calendar year,
• Upon verification of the submitted data, the Administrations will issue to the ships a Statement of Compliance related to fuel oil consumption,
• The Administrations will submit aggregated data to IMO Ship Fuel Oil Consumption Database for anonymized publication.
Ship-owners and operators will need to start considering the means for collecting the fuel oil consumption data that is most appropriate for each ship and updating the SEEMPs of their ships to reflect this process.
Ship-owners and operators whose vessels call EU ports have to consider also the EU MRV regulations which will enter into force this year, for undertaking the appropriate actions for compliance with these requirements as well.
Find here the IMO Resolution MEPC.278(70) - 2016 Guidelines for the development of SEEMP as adopted at MEPC.70, for further information.
Additionally, IMO is also developing Draft Guidelines for Administration data verification procedures in order to assist Administrations with the verification of the reported data and the issuance of the Statement of Compliance.
MEPC.71 (July 2017) is expected to finalize and adopt these guidelines.
Do not hesitate to contact our office for any clarifications you may need on the above.
PHRS Head Office
NL 165/17 | Palau International Ship Registry - New and Revised Marine Circulars & Marine Notices
Refers to: Palau Ship Owners
Action Date: Various
We would like to inform you about the new and revised Marine Notices (MN) and Marine Circulars (MC) issued by the Palau International Ship Registry (PISR):
- MC 16-028: Maritime Labor Convention (MLC, 2006) Amendments (Resent with text of the amendments of 2014 to the Maritime Labor Convention, 2006 adopted by the Special Tripartite Committee on 11 April 2014).
- MN 16-031: Ballast Water Management 2004. (NEW)
- MC 16-032: Recognized Organizations for Polar Ship Certificates. (NEW)
Do not hesitate to contact our office for any clarification you may need on the above.
Phoenix Register of Shipping is proud to be among the Silver Sponsors of the Athens Money Show 2017, which will take place at Hilton Athens on January 9th 2017.
PH.R.S being one of the Silver Sponsors is going to actively support the organization of Money Show 2017, which is one of the largest multi-conferences in Europe regarding financial investments & development.
Athens Money Show will be held at Hilton Athens under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, the Hellenic- Chinese Chamber of Commerce and of the Athens Medical Accosiation.
Save the date and visit us at Athens Money Show 2017 on January 9th from 9 a.m!
Refers to: Ship Owners / Operators of Sierra Leonean Vessels, PH.R.S. Representatives
Action Date: Various
We would like to inform you about the policy adopted by the Sierra Leone Maritime Administration (SLMARAD) regarding new registrations of vessels trading in Paris/Med/Black seas.
It has been decided by the SLMARAD that vessels above 25 years of age will not be accepted for registration without having IACS Classification.
This policy has been adopted as a preventative measure to reduce the detentions received in the Paris/Med/Black MoUs. Please note that IACS Classification indicated above, refers solely to the Classification Certificate. The rest of the statutory certificates can be issued by any other approved RO.
Kindly also note that the below Maritime Circulars have been revised:
- Maritime Circular No.10 - Minimum Safe Manning Requirements
- Maritime Circular No.33* – Amendments of 2014 to the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006
* Please click here for the latest DMLC Part II which was amended to include the relevant changes.
Do not hesitate to contact our office for any clarification you may need on the above.
NL 159/16 | Amendments (03-15) to the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes (IMSBC) Code
Refers to: Ship Managers / Owners, PHRS Surveyors / Representatives
Action Date: January 1st 2017
Amendments (03-15) to the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes (IMSBC) Code will enter into force on 1 January, 2017, and may be implemented voluntarily since 1 January, 2016.
The amendments include the following individual schedules with specific carriage requirements for the following Group B cargoes (cargoes which possess a chemical hazard which could give rise to a dangerous situation on a ship):
- Amorphous Sodium Silicate Lumps
- Boric Acid
- Wood Pellets Containing Additives and/or Binders
- Wood Pellets not Containing any Additives and/or Binders. (The existing individual schedule for Wood Pellets was deleted)
Other changes to the IMSBC Code include the following:
- A new test procedure is to be used for determining the Transportable Moisture Limit (TML) of iron ore fines, a Group A cargo which is now included in the Code as it may liquefy if shipped at a moisture content in excess of its TML, and which has been associated with the loss of several vessels in the past years.
- Shippers will be responsible for declaring whether a solid bulk cargo is:
- HME (Harmful to the Marine Environment), in which case the relevant discharge restrictions should apply, or
- Non-HME, based on the criteria contained in new Section 14 ‘Prevention of pollution by cargo residues from ships’. (this provision is recommendatory)
- A fire safety risk assessment is required to be conducted by crew on ships with conveyor systems for self-unloading.
- For MHB (Materials Hazardous only in Bulk) cargoes, a notational reference will explain the specific chemical hazard(s) of the cargo and will be listed in the “Class” cell of the characteristics table for each individual schedule.
Certification against the IMSBC Code is voluntary. Ship-owners and operators can request from PHRS to include the new cargoes into their ship' IMSBC certificate after the application dates.
For more details on the amendments and a full list of the new cargoes added to the IMSBC Code, please see refer to the Resolution MSC.393(95).
NL 158/16 | Caribbean MOU Concentrated Inspection Campaign (CIC) on Crew Familiarisation with Enclosed Space Entry
Refers to: Ship Managers / Owners, PHRS Surveyors / Representatives
Vessel Type: All Vessels
Action Date: 1 Sept. 2016 - 30 Nov. 2016
The Caribbean MOU on Port State Control (CMOU) has announced a concentrated inspection campaign (CIC) on crew familiarisation for enclosed space entry. The CIC will run from 1 September 2016 to 30 November 2016.
The aims of the campaign are to ensure compliance with the applicable requirements of the SOLAS, STCW, MLC and ILO Conventions; ensure that masters, officers and crew members are familiar with relevant equipment and have received training in carrying out their duties; raise safety awareness among crew serving on board; and ensure that ships have effective procedures and measures in place to safeguard seafarers when entering and working in enclosed spaces on board ship.
During port state inspections, officers will check in detail the procedures and measures that are in place for enclosed space entry. Port state control officers will use a questionnaire to establish that crew members are familiar with the relevant equipment and have received training to identify and understand the hazards associated with enclosed space entry. A copy of the questionnaire is not publicly available but CMOU advise they “will not depart from standard inspections practices when it comes to SOLAS regulations with respect to enclosed space entry.”
If a deficiency is found, actions by the port state may vary from recording a deficiency and instructing the master to rectify it within a certain period to detention of the ship until the deficiency has been rectified. Any detention will be published in the monthly detention lists of the Caribbean MOU.
The results of the campaign will be analysed and the findings will be presented to the governing body of the CMOU for submission to the IMO.
PHRS’s team remains at your disposal for any information/clarification you may need on the above.
Refers to: Managers / Owners, PHRS Surveyors / Representatives
Vessel Type: All Vessels
Action Date: January 18th, 2017
The 2014 amendments to the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 will come into force on 18 January 2017.
The changes relate to financial security and are as follows.
Standard A2.5.2 – Financial Security
This standard requires a financial security system to be provided to assist seafarers in the event of abandonment. The standard defines abandonment as:
- when the shipowner fails to cover the cost of the seafarer’s repatriation; or
- when the shipowner has left the seafarer without the necessary maintenance and support; and
- when the shipowner has otherwise unilaterally severed their ties with the seafarer, including failure to pay contractual wages for a period of at least two months.
Ships will have to carry on board a certificate or other documentary evidence of financial security issued by the financial security provider. New Appendix A2-1 will detail the information required to be on the certificate or documentary evidence.
Standard A4.2.1 – Shipowner’s Liability
This standard sets out minimum requirements for a system of financial security that assures compensation in the event of a contractual claim (see the definition under Standard A4.2.2 below). Again, ships will be required to carry a certificate or other documentary evidence of financial security issued by the financial security provider.
Standard A4.2.2 – Treatment of Contractual Claims
This standard defines ‘contractual claim’ as “any claim which relates to death or long-term disability of seafarers due to an occupational injury, illness or hazard as set out in national law, the seafarers’ employment agreement or collective agreement.”
The standard also requires that effective means are in place to deal with and settle contractual claims for compensation.
Appendices A4-1 and B4-1
Appendix A4-1 details the evidence of financial security that is required. Appendix B4-1 details a model Receipt and Release Form, referred to in new Guideline B.4.2.2.
Where there is more than one financial security provider for repatriation or shipowner’s liability, documentary evidence from each provider shall be carried on board.
What the changes mean for the Declaration of Maritime Labour Compliance (DMLC)
Financial security for repatriation and financial security for shipowner’s liability are both areas that have to be inspected and approved when a ship is certified in accordance with Standard A5.1.3, paragraph 1. The DMLC Part I will need to be re-issued by the flag administration and the DMLC Part II will have to be updated by the shipowner.
Flag administrations have yet to confirm the form of financial security that will be acceptable but it is likely that most administrations will accept the proposal by the International Group of P & I Clubs.
Do not hesitate to contact us for any information/clarification you may need on the above.
Refers to: Managers / Owners, PHRS Surveyors / Representatives
Vessel Type: Panamanian Flagged Vessels
Action Date: August 2016
According to amended MMC-131 published from Panama Maritime Authority (PMA), starting from August 2016, the Panamanian Administration does not authorize the issuance of a Short Term International Ship Security Certificate (ISSC) after carried out the Initial Verification, except only after the Renewal ISSC Verification and in some cases described in point 9 of the said Circular.
Recognized Security Organizations (RSOs) will be able to issue a Short Term ISSC, with validity not exceeding a five (5) month period, ONLY in the following cases, according to point 9 of the Circular:
- After the successful completion of the Renewal ISSC Verification
- Change of vessel name
- Change of physical address of the operator company
- Change of name of the operator company
- Change of tonnage
- Change of type of vessel
- Change of Company IMO Number
All RSOs must coordinate with the operator/owner to complete all the inspections/audit or visits during the validity of the ISSC interim (validity no more than six months) taking into consideration that the company operator needs to apply for the ISSC Full Term to any Segumar technical Office.
Also, PMA requests from all RSOs and company operators to avoid requesting an ISSC certificate extension. The issuance of a second interim will not be allowed.
By virtue of the above-mentioned amendment to the procedure of the issue of the Full Term ISSC certificate by PMA, all PHRS surveyors, auditors, representatives and clients (owners/managers) are hereby informed as follows:
- The relative procedure for the issue of a Full Term ISSC certificate on Panamanian flagged vessels shall be fully enforced by PHRS with immediate effect. PHRS, as Panamanian Recognized Security Organization (RSO) collaborated from the vessels’ company operators should ensure to make all the necessary arrangements to complete the Initial verification in order to apply for the ISSC Full Term on time.
- Owners/Managers and PHRS Auditors are requested to submit all the pertinent documentation required from an Interim ISSC Audit according to the relative PHRS procedure (audit reports, SSP for review/approval, etc) as soon as possible but not later than 2 months from the issue of the Interim ISSC certificate (validity no more than six months).
- The Initial ISSC Verification should be carried out at least 1 month before the expiry of the Interim ISSC certificate in order to enable the smooth submission of the required documentation (according to MMC-205) to a Segumar technical Office, for the issue of a Full Term ISSC certificate, before the expiry of the Interim ISSC Certificate.
The relative PHRS procedural requirements (PHRS Instructions for ISPS Code certification) will be updated accordingly and will be distributed to all interested parties for their perusal.
Refers to: All Vessels
Action Date: 1st Sept. - 30th Nov. 2016
PHRS would like to inform that, according to the Press Release of July 28th 2016, Paris Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) on Port State Control will launch a Concentrated Inspection Campaign (CIC) on the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC,2006).
The aim of the CIC is to verify that the minimum standards for working and living conditions have been implemented on board. This inspection campaign will be held for a period of three months, commencing from 1 September 2016 and ending 30 November 2016.
The ship’s procedures and measures that are in place with respect to MLC,2006 will be checked in detail for compliance with the requirements during a regular Port State Control inspection.
Port State Control Officers (PSCOs) will use a list of 12 selected questions to ensure that the required certificates and documentation are present, in particular those related to the seafarers on board. Additionally there are questions aimed at verification of records of the inspections of the accommodation, food and catering, and whether a safety committee has been established.
When deficiencies are found, actions by the port State may vary from recording a deficiency and instructing the master to rectify it within a certain period of time to detaining the ship until serious deficiencies have been rectified. In the case of detention, publication in the monthly detention lists of the Paris MoU web sites will take place.
In the frames of the better performance of the ships against this CIC, PHRS will take the initiative to ensure compliance of all applicable ships with the relative requirements of the MLC 2006 Convention.
Therefore, all inspections which will be carried out onboard ships certified by PHRS in the period between 1 August 2016 and 30 November 2016 will require from the attending PHRS Surveyor the mandatory conduct of the CIC and the results will be brought to the attention of the ship Master, Owner/Manager for taking the appropriate remedial actions in case deficiencies may be found.
Click here to download the PHRS’ CIC Checklist.
For your further information please refer to the official Paris MOU’s Press Release and CIC Questionnaire.
Remaining at your disposal for any further clarification and/or assistance you may need.
Refers to: All SOLAS – certified vessels
Action Date: July 1st 2016
New regulation aimed at protecting seafarers who need to enter enclosed spaces, by requiring ships to carry portable atmosphere testing equipment on board, enters into force on 1 July 2016.
Seafarers may be called upon to enter enclosed spaces on ships to manage or obtain equipment, assist a colleague or to inspect vital engine parts.
Enclosed spaces are spaces that have limited openings for entry and exit, inadequate ventilation and are not designed for continuous worker occupancy. The atmosphere in any enclosed space may be oxygen-deficient or oxygen-enriched and/or contain flammable and/or toxic gases or vapours, thus presenting a risk to life.
The new regulation XI-1/7 Atmosphere testing instrument for enclosed spaces in the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), requires ships to carry an appropriate portable atmosphere testing instrument or instruments, capable, as a minimum, of measuring concentrations of oxygen, flammable gases or vapours, hydrogen sulphide and carbon monoxide, prior to entry into enclosed spaces.
Enclosed spaces covered by the regulation include, but are not limited to, cargo spaces, double bottoms, fuel tanks, ballast tanks, cargo pump-rooms, cofferdams, chain lockers, void spaces, duct keels, inter-barrier spaces, boilers, engine crankcases, engine scavenge air receivers, sewage tanks, and adjacent connected spaces. The list is not exhaustive and enclosed spaces should be identified and listed on a ship-by-ship basis.
Similar requirements for offshore drilling units enter into force, under amendments to the Code for the Construction and Equipment of Mobile Offshore Drilling Units (1979, 1989 and 2009 MODU Codes).
Associated Guidelines to facilitate the selection of portable atmosphere testing instruments for enclosed spaces as required by SOLAS regulation XI-1/7 (MSC.1/Circ.1477) have been agreed, to facilitate the selection of a portable atmosphere testing instrument for enclosed spaces.