Sub-Committee on Implementation of IMO Instruments (III)

In demonstrating its ongoing commitment to support the work of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), and within its remit as the Organization’s principal technical advisor, IACS will participate in the ninth session of the IMO’s Sub-Committee on Navigation, Communications, and Search and Rescue (NCSR 9) which will meet from 21 to 30 June 2022.

IACS has submitted paper NCSR 9/19/1 which considers SOLAS regulation V/22 (requirements for navigation bridge visibility), specifically paragraphs 1.2 providing the provisions for blind sectors caused by cargo, cargo gear, and other obstructions outside of the wheelhouse forward of the beam obstructing the “view of the sea surface” as seen from the conning positions.

IACS considers that “the view of the sea surface” (SOLAS regulation V/22.1.1) outside of the range forward of the bow to 10° on either side from the main conning position and obstructions, which cause blind sectors within that range, are open to interpretation and proposes a unified interpretation of SOLAS regulation V/22 in respect of “the view of the sea surface”.

IACS will also provide advice and comments to the Sub-Committee under agenda item 12 (Response to matters related to the ITU-R Study Groups and ITU World), item 16 (Revision of ECDIS Guidance for good practice (MSC.1/Circ.1503/Rev.1) and amendments to ECDIS performance standards) and item 18 (Development of SOLAS amendments for mandatory carriage of electronic inclinometers on container ships and bulk carriers).

On the other hand, The Sub-Committee on Implementation of IMO Instruments (III) brings together flag, port, and coastal States to consider implementation issues, including the analysis of consolidated audit summary reports from the mandatory IMO Member state Audit Scheme.

The Sub-Committee has a key role in casualty analysis and issuing lessons learned from marine incidents. The Sub-Committee receives and analyses port State control data and keeps under review the procedures for port State control.

Guidelines for survey and certification including the survey guidelines under the Harmonized System of Survey and Certification (HSSC) also come under the remit of this Sub-Committee.