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)

The article is on the fifth subject-matter of Appendix 1 of MSN 12 / 2023. It deals with Resolution MSC.537 made by the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) of IMO at its 107th Session. This resolution implements Chapter 7 on ‘Fire Safety’ of the 2000 HSC Code. It deals with prohibition of fire-fighting foams containing perfluoro octane sulphonic acid (PFOS) for craft built on or after 1 January 2026. Types of immersion suits form the main subject-matter of Annex 1 which contain the ‘Form of High-Speed Craft Safety Certificate and Record of Equipment’. The amendments of the resolution enter into force on 1 January 2026.

ANNEX (see Annex 7, p 2)

CHAPTER 7 - FIRE SAFETY

Part A - General

Under Paragraph 7.9.4, restrictions apply for the use, storage or disposal of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) which are similar to those found in the previous Resolution MSC.536(107). The following restrictions for PFOS apply:

[1] Prohibition on use or storage of PFOS for craft constructed on or after 1 January 2026, see Paragraph 7.9.4.1.1;

[2] Comply with the prohibition no later than the ‘first survey’ on or after 1 January 2026, see Paragraph 7.9.4.1.2;

Note, in this context, ‘first survey’ is defined in accordance with SOLAS regulations, see MSC.1/Circ.1290.

[3] The prohibited substances shall be delivered to the appropriate shore-based reception facilities when removed from the craft, see Paragraph 7.9.4.1.3.

ANNEX 1 - FORM OF HIGH-SPEED CRAFT SAFETY CERTIFICATE AND RECORD OF EQUIPMENT (see Annex 7, p 2)

Annex 1 provides for a ‘Record of Equipment for High-Speed Craft Safety Certificate’. Two new details are added to ‘Details of life-saving appliances’:

[1] Number of immersion suits;

[2] Number of anti-exposure suits.

Thank you for reading IMSML Website Article 39/2024

Stay tuned for the next IMSML Website Article 40/2024: Resolution MSC.538(107) - Amendments to the International Code for Ships Operating in Polar Waters (Polar 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,  30 July 2024

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