BRIEF INFORMATION ON IMO MEETING OF SHIP SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT SUB-COMMITTEE

4TH SESSION (SSE 4)

A. DECISIONS OF OTHER IMO BODIES (AGENDA ITEM 2)

Having regard the decision taken by MSC 97, the Sub-Committee noted that the Committee instructed
its subsidiary bodies and secretariat to keep the records updated in GISIS during the preparations to
draft amendments to SOLAS and related mandatory instruments, in respect of relevant decision taken
at the Committee or Sub-Committee level. In addition, MSC 97 also agreed to the draft amendments
the Committees guidelines in relation to the use of gender neutral terms as approved by MEPC 70.

B. SAFETY OBJECTIVES AND FUNCTIONAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE GUIDELINES ON

ALTERNATIVE DESIGN AND ARRANGEMENTS FOR SOLAS CHAPTERS II-1 AND III (AGENDA
ITEM 3)

Following the instruction from MSC 95, SSE 3 has developed 17 functional requirements for SOLAS
Chapter III and established correspondence groups with the terms of reference to check the
completeness of the draft functional requirements, develop the expected performance to each
functional requirement, and structure functional requirements and expected performance for SOLAS
Chapter III.
In order to continue the work of Sub-Committee, LSA working group is established and instructed to:
1. Finalize the functional requirements for SOLAS chapter III and the expected performance,
2. Report the experience gained on the application of MSC.1/Circ.1394/Rev.1 throughout this process
to the Sub-Committee for submission to the Committee.
Following the discussion in the Working Group, the final draft of functional requirements and expected
performances for SOLAS Chapter III were agreed and will be submitted to MSC 98 for consideration.
There are 13 functional requirements in this final draft, which comprises among others, the state of
readiness of all LSA, familiarization, provision of information depending on persons assignment,
internal and external communication during emergency, safe abandonment, survivability, access and
means to survival systems for all persons.

C. MAKING THE PROVISIONS OF MSC.1/CIRC.1206/REV.1 MANDATORY (AGENDA ITEM 4)

A proposal to amend the definition of simulated launching in the Guidelines for simulated launching of
free-fall lifeboats (MSC.1/Circ.1206/Rev.1, annex 2, appendix) was introduced in MSC 97. In the
Guidelines, it is stated that simulated launching includes activation of the release mechanism while the
lifeboat remains restrained at or close to the stowed position. Therefore, at SSE 4, it is proposed that
release mechanism shall not be activated during mandatory drills.

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 Following the discussion in plenary, Sub-Committee agreed, in principle, to the draft Guidelines which
is separating between the simulated launching for the purpose of testing and for the purpose of drill. In
order to prepare the draft amendment to MSC.1/Circ.1206/Rev.1 the Sub-Committee established the
Working Group on life-saving appliances.
After further discussion in working group, Sub-Committee agreed to the draft Guidelines on safety
during abandon ship drills using lifeboats and the associated MSC Circular, and decided to submit to
MSC 98 for approval.

D. UNIFORM IMPLEMENTATION OF PARAGRAPH 6.1.1.3 OF THE LSA CODE (AGENDA ITEM 5)

Paragraph 6.1.1.3 of the LSA Code explains that launching appliances shall not depend on any means
other than gravity or stored mechanical power which is independent of the ships power supplies. With
regards to this paragraph, since some rescue boats' launching mechanisms have been designed to be
operated manually, the draft amendments are proposed to accommodate this manual means. Sub-
Committee instructed the working group to finalize the draft amendments to paragraphs 6.1.1.3 and
6.1.2.2 of the LSA Code.
After further discussion, the Working Group agreed to allow the application of the proposed
amendment for rescue boats up to a limit of 700 kg. The group also agreed not to amend paragraph
6.1.2.2, and prepared the draft amendments to paragraph 6.1.1.3.
However, after discussion in plenary, some delegation expressed their concern with the safety of the
crew operating this 700 kg rescue boat manually. The draft amendments will be submitted to MSC 98
with several views expressed in this session.

E. REVIEW THE MODU CODE, LSA CODE AND MSC.1/CIRC.1206/REV.1 (AGENDA ITEM 6)

This review came from the lessons learned from the accident of Deepwater Horizon in 2010. The
issues have been discussed through working group and correspondence group established by the Sub-
Committee.
Following the discussion, a correspondence group was established at SSE 2 to prepare draft
amendments to MODU Code and report to SSE 3. In order to discuss and consider the report of
correspondence group, SSE 3 established two working group related to fire safety and life-saving
appliance. A consolidated draft amendments as the outcome of SSE 3 then submitted to SSE 4 for
consideration.
The amendments to MODU Code include:
1. Chapter 1: The addition of definition of H class division which meet the same requirements as A
class division.
2. Chapter 6: Requirements regarding shutdown logic system in disconnection or shutdown of
machinery and equipment necessary for maintaining the operability of the dynamic positioning
system.

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 3. Chapter 9: Requirements regarding structural fire protections, the addition of space containing
vital machinery and equipment on the list not to be located near hazardous area, and
requirements regarding means of escape.
4. Chapter 10: Requirements regarding survival craft, that lifeboat is no longer accepted as rescue
boat, and matters related to lifeboat occupants.
5. Chapter 14: The PIC of emergency procedures, man overboard drill should be conducted at least
quarterly, and requirements regarding david-launched liferaft.
After following discussion in plenary, Sub-Committee agreed with the draft submitted, and decided to
forward to MSC 98 with a view to adoption.

F. AMENDMENTS TO THE FSS CODE FOR CO2 PIPELINES IN UNDER-DECK PASSAGEWAYS

(AGENDA ITEM 7)

A proposal to amend the FSS Code was considered by MSC 96 in order to reduce the risk of CO2
leakage from pipe of fixed CO2 fire extinguishing systems. As CO2 is invisible, colorless and odorless,
it can cause a health problem to ships crew due to its leakage. Therefore, an updated proposal is
submitted to SSE 4 regarding additional requirement for CO2 pipes in under-deck passageways. The
Sub-Committee agreed, in principle, with this proposal and instructed the working group to further
discuss this issue.
The Working Group discussed the potential hazards and drawbacks related to flanged and welded
connection in the fire-extinguishing medium pipes in under deck passageways. The group also
consider the requirements on testing of fire-extinguishing medium pipes, practical experiences and
other limitations of the proposed amendments to under-deck passageways on containerships. Taking
into account the concerns expressed in plenary and the absence of any submitted about casualty
incidents and cost of welded joint, the group advised Sub-Committee that no further action should be
taken at this session.
However, interested delegations may submit information regarding incidents, practical experience in
using welded pipes on board large cargo ships, and cost analysis of welded connections, for
consideration at SSE 5.

G. REQUIREMENTS FOR ONBOARD LIFTING APPLIANCES AND WINCHES (AGENDA ITEM 8)

In order to address the issues on an increase in incidents with lifting appliances and their fittings failure,
IMO agreed that amendments to SOLAS with a goal and function based should be developed to
require the onboard lifting appliances and winches be designed, constructed and installed in
accordance with agreed requirements. With regard to this issue, Sub-Committee instructed the
Working Group to:

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 1. Further develop and finalize, if possible, the draft SOLAS regulations for onboard lifting appliances
and winches, which includes:
goals and functional requirements,
the necessary definitions,
the scope of application to the new and existing installations, and
the issue of validity of the SOLAS certification of the ship.
2. Further develop and finalize, if possible, the draft Guidelines for the safety of onboard lifting
appliances and winches, based on the draft set out in annex 3 to document SSE 4/8/1,
3. Consider whether it is necessary to re-establish a correspondence group and, if so, prepare terms
of reference for consideration by the Sub-Committee
After the discussion, the working group agreed with the following points:
- The needs to specify term winch to anchor handling winch in the heading of draft SOLAS Reg.II-
1/3-13, as the general term "winch" was considered to be an integral part of a lifting appliance.
- Definition of lifting appliances, anchor handling winch and loose gear,
- The Group decided to use term Goal in place of Purpose,
- Scope of application, agreed to be based on installation date and SWL,
- Functional requirements
Due to the time constraints, the group was unable to consider and further develop the draft Guidelines,
and agreed that will be forwarded to MSC 98 to note this discussion.

H. AMENDMENTS TO THE GUIDELINES FOR VESSELS WITH DYNAMIC POSITIONING (DP)

SYSTEMS (MSC/CIRC.645) (AGENDA ITEM 9)

The work on developing technical and operational guidelines for vessel with DP systems has been
carried out to replace MSC.1/Circ.645 in order to accommodate the advancement of DP technology
and operations. A report from correspondence group established at SSE 3 was submitted to be
reviewed by the Sub-Committee.
Following the discussion in plenary, Sub-Committee agreed with this proposal. This guideline will be
issued as a new set of guidelines, while the old one (MSC/Circ.645) still applied to existing ships.
In this context, Sub-Committee endorsed the draft guidelinesfor submission to MSC 98 with a view to
approval.

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I. REVISED SOLAS REGULATIONS II-1/13 AND II-1/13-1 AND OTHER RELATED REGULATIONS
FOR NEW SHIPS (AGENDA ITEM 11)

A proposal to introduce protection against the crushing of people during the daily operation of
watertight door, while retaining the existing SOLAS requirement to close watertight doors firmly in case
of an emergency was submitted in SSE 3. However, as no objective evidence of benefit/practicality of
application of anti-crushing protection (ACP) has been presented, the Sub-Committee decided to
establish a correspondence group on anti-crushing protection to watertight doors.
After discussion in plenary, Sub-Committee agreed that more information is necessary. At least a risk
assessment should be done to determine appropriate safety measures. Therefore, in order to continue
the consideration of this issue, the interested member states or international organization are invited to
submit, at least the following points, to SSE 5:
- Objective data/information
- Preferable with result of risk assessment
- Complete proposal for technical safety measures, taking into account that should be no negative
effect on damage stability.

J. UNIFIED INTERPRETATION OF PROVISIONS OF IMO SAFETY, SECURITY, AND ENVIRONMENT

RELATED CONVENTIONS (AGENDA ITEM 12)

The following unified interpretations were endorsed by Sub-Committee, submission to MSC 98

with a view to approval:
o Unified interpretations of provisions relating to inert gas systems on tankers.
o Unified interpretation on suitable means for the calibration of portable atmosphere testing
instruments as referred to in SOLAS regulation II-2/4.5.7.1.
o Unified interpretation on the fire integrity of the bulkheads between the wheelhouse and the
navigation lockers inside the wheelhouse.
o Draft unified interpretation on the application of SOLAS regulation II-2/9 to the spaces in the cargo
area of tankers (Endorsed only first paragraph).
Correction to MSC Circular:
o Clarification on the application of SOLAS regulation II-2/20.6.2 and MSC.1/Circ.1275 regarding the
arrangement of portable fire extinguishers for ro-ro spaces and vehicle spaces.
MSC.1/Circ.1275/Corr.1 will be issued.
The other submission and the decision of Sub-Committee:
o Mechanical, hydraulic and electrical independency of steering gear control systems. Waiting for
detail investigation on this issue, waiting for proposal in SSE 5.

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 o Testing of fire monitors and foam applicators with foam concentrate. Noted the intention of IACS,
with view to submitting proposal for consideration in SSE 5
o Unified interpretation on the minimum width of external escape routes on cargo ships. No action
taken in this session, as the access through stairways and corridor is not a direct access based on
SOLAS.
o Installation of manually operated call points (MOCPs) on cargo ships. No unified interpretation
could be developed based on understanding provided in this document.
o Unified interpretations on the fire test requirements for damping materials for reducing noise and
vibration level. As majority were not agreed, no action taken in this stage.
o Unified interpretation on single fall and hook system used for launching a lifeboat or rescue boat.
Reconsideration needed in SSE 5.
o Unified interpretation of arrangements for steering capability and function on ships fitted with
propulsion and steering systems other than traditional arrangements for a ship's directional control.
Take no action on this issue, IACS will provide submission in SSE 5.
o Unified interpretation of the LSA Code with regard to the specification of hardwood for steps of
embarkation ladders. No Action taken, due to document submitted by Japan in NCSR 4 regarding
this issue, that no need UI for this item.

K. DEVELOP NEW REQUIREMENTS FOR VENTILATION OF SURVIVAL CRAFTS (AGENDA ITEM 14)

This new output was agreed in MSC 97 in order to address the issue of the lack of ventilation in totally
enclosed lifeboats and requested SSE 4 to develop the requirements. Although the scope was
broadened to all survival crafts, requirements for totally enclosed lifeboats is in the highest priority. In
this regard, a proposal regarding the requirements of power ventilation for totally enclosed lifeboat
together with the draft amendments to the LSA code is submitted to SSE 4.
Following the discussion in plenary, Sub-Committee instructed the working group to:
1. consider the methods for improving microclimate inside totally enclosed lifeboats,
2. subject to the decision on such methods, consider the proposed draft amendments to the LSA
Code and the Revised recommendation on testing of life-saving appliances (resolution
MSC.81(70)), as amended.
Following the discussion on working group, the group agreed to consider passive ventilation provided
that such ventilation will provide the required performance. With regard to the proposed figures of a
ventilation volume, views on this topic were divided and the Group could not reach a decision.
Consequently, the Group agreed that it is not feasible to reach a conclusion at this session, a
correspondence group was established to further progress this issue intersessionally.

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L. ANY OTHER BUSSINESS (AGENDA ITEM 18)

Submission at SSE 4 that not covered by other agenda items, among others:
o Proposal to revise the amendments to paragraph 21 of the annex to MSC.1/Circ.1392 Guidelines
for evaluation and replacement of lifeboat release and retrieval systems to include a method of
assessment for backing plates and bolts to confirm that they are in "good condition". Following the
discussion, Sub-Committee agreed to this proposal. The amendment to the circular will be issued
by secretariat.
o Proposal to review the liferaft requirements of SOLAS chapter III that every liferaft on ro-ro
passenger ships shall either be automatically self-righting or be a canopied reversible liferaft. After
discussion in plenary, SSE 4 agreed that a new output will go to MSC 98, with addition regarding
training issue on this proposal.
o Proposal for minor correction in the Requirements for maintenance, thorough examination,
operational testing, overhaul and repair of lifeboats and rescue boats, launching appliances and
release gear (MSC.402(96)). The inconsistency found in the footnote on paragraph 6.3.2, regarding
the stability of lifeboat or craft when conducting testing. Following the discussion on plenary, Sub-
Committee agreed in principal, and a draft corrigendum will be submitted to MSC 98 to take
appropriate decision.

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