IMSML Website Article 38/2024: Resolution MSC.536(107) - Amendments to the International Code of Safety for High-Speed Craft 1994 (1994 HSC Code)

In summary, Resolution MSC.536(107) adopts amendments to Chapter 7 on Fire Safety in the 1994 HSC Code. These amendments deal with the prohibition of fire-fighting foams containing perfluoro octane sulfonic acid (PFOS) for crafts built on or after 1 January 2026. The amendments also include a Form of High-Speed Craft Safety Certificate and Record Equipment in Annex 1 on the type of immersion suit. The amendments summarised above will come into force on 1 January 2026. Now on to the details of the Resolution.

CHAPTER 7 - FIRE SAFETY

Part A - General

Paragraph 7.9 - Miscellaneous

A new Paragraph 7.9.4 titled ‘Fire-Extinguishing Media Restrictions’ has been added. For usage of the chemical perfluoroocttane sulfonic acid (PFOS), the following restrictions apply to its usage, storage or disposal:

[1] On all craft, use or storage of extinguishing media containing PFOS should be prohibited. The date of the prohibition starts from the date of the first survey on or after 1 January 2026, see Paragraph 7.9.4.1.1.

[2] Substances prohibited in [1] above should delivered to appropriate shore -based reception facilities when removed from the craft, see Paragraph 7.9.4.1.2.

ANNEX 1 - FORM OF SAFETY CERTIFICATE FOR HIGH-SPEED CRAFT (see Annex 6, p 2)

The form in Annex 1 provides for a ‘Record of Equipment for High-Speed Craft Certificate’. There are new entries for ‘Details of Life-Saving Appliances’ for the following:

[1] Number of Immersion Suits;

[2] Number of Anti-Exposure Suits.

Thank you for reading IMSML Website Article 38/2024

Stay tuned for the next IMSML Website Article 39/2024: Resolution MSC.537(107) - Amendments to the International Code of Safety for High-Speed Craft 2000 (ie 2000 HSC 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

Tuesday,  23 July 2024

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