IMSML Website Article 10/2023: Resolution MSC.526(106) - Amendments to the International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk (IBC Code)

This article deals with the 7th Resolution found in Annex 1 of Malaysian Shipping Notice MSN 03/2023 issued by the Marine Department (MARDEP). Resolution MSC.526(106 was made by the Maritime Safety Committee at its 106th Session (MSC 106) at the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).

The summary of Resolution MSC.526(106) provided by MARDEP stipulates that: Firstly, provisions concerning watertight doors on cargo ships in Chapter 2 of the IBC Code have been amended. Chapter 2 concerns ship survival capability and location of cargo tanks of the IBC Code. Second, the amendments provide harmonisation of consideration of watertight doors in damage stability calculations across MARPOL Annex I, Loadline Convention, IBC Code and IGC Code. Note that these amendments only apply to ‘new ships’. Third, the amendments will enter into force on 1 July 2024.

Today’s article will be short. The IBC Code introduced new survival requirements for for bulk carriers. There is a new Paragraph 2.9.2.1 in Chapter 2 on ‘Ship Survival Capability and Location of Cargo Tanks’. The main point about this provision is the waterline on bulk carriers, in particular:

[1] The waterline shall be below the lower edge of any opening through which progressive flooding or down flooding may take place;

[2] Sinkage, heel and trim shall be taken into account;

[3] Opening targeted include:

(i) air pipes;

(ii) openings which are closed via weathertight doors of hatch covers;

Note: Openings closed by means of manhole covers may be excluded.

(iii) watertight flush scuttles;

(iv) small watertight cargo tank hatch covers which maintain the high integrity of the deck;

(v) remotely operated sliding watertight doors;

(vi) hinged watertight access doors with open/closed indication locally;

(vii) at the navigation bridge, of the quick-acting or single-action type that are normally closed at sea;

(viii) hinged watertight doors that are permanently closed at sea;

(ix) sidescuttles of the non-opening type.

Thank you for reading IMSML Website Article 10/2023

Stay tuned for the next IMSML Website Article 11/2023: Resolution MSC.527(106) - International Code for the Safety of Ships Carrying Industrial Personnel (IP Code)

Signing-off for today,

Dr Irwin Ooi Ui Joo, LL.B(Hons.)(Glamorgan); LL.M (Cardiff); Ph.D (Cardiff); CMILT

Professor of Maritime and Transport Law

Head of the Centre for Advocacy and Dispute Resolution

Faculty of Law

Universiti Teknologi MARA Shah Alam

Selangor, Malaysia

Monday, 28 August 2023

Note that I am the corresponding author for the IMSML Website Articles. My official email address is: uijoo310@uitm.edu.my