Recycling and bridge procedures guidelines published:

In the wake of EU regulations and the forthcoming IMO convention, shipping companies were being urged to use the recently launched ‘Transitional Measures for Shipowners Selling Ships for Recycling’ guidelines.

‘Transitional Measures’ – researched by an inter-industry working group led by the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) – was developed to help shipowners ensure, to the greatest extent possible, that their ships will be recycled at facilities that are compliant with the standards enshrined in the IMO Hong Kong Convention, in advance of the global regime entering into legal force. 

The measures set out detailed advice on the preparation and maintenance of inventories of hazardous materials, as required by the IMO Convention and a separate new EU regulation, which has already entered into force and which has implications for non-EU ships calling at EU ports. The Guidelines also address measures, which shipping companies are strongly recommended to take now when selling ships for recycling.

“The industry accepts its responsibility to promote the safe and environmentally sustainable disposal of ships in the world’s ship recycling yards, the majority of which are located in developing countries,” said ICS secretary general, Peter Hinchliffe. “Adherence to these ‘Transitional Measures’ should be seen as a sign of good faith prior to the entry into force of the IMO regime. But they will also help companies avoid falling foul of the separate EU ship recycling regime, which started to take effect on 31st December and which is also relevant to ships flying non-EU flags.”

The Guidelines were originally issued by the industry immediately after the adoption of the Hong Kong Convention in 2009, and have now been expanded to take account of subsequent detailed guidance issued by IMO.

“The Transitional Measures demonstrate that the shipping industry is playing its full part. It is disappointing that after six years the Hong Kong Convention has still only been ratified by a handful of IMO member states. Governments need to make this a far more urgent priority if they are serious about improving conditions in ship recycling yards on a global basis,” Hinchliffe warned.  

In addition to the ICS, these guidelines were developed with help from IACS, BIMCO, IPTA, Intercargo, Intertanko, OCIMF and the ITF. They are also supported by the Asian Shipowners’ Forum and the European Community Shipowners’ Associations (ECSA), the latter being closely engaged in the discussions concerning the adoption and implementation of the EU Regulation.

In addition, the fifth edition of the ‘ICS Bridge Procedures Guide’ will be published in February, 2016, the chamber said.

Widely acknowledged as the principal industry guidance on safe bridge procedures, the ICS claimed, the ‘Bridge Procedures Guide’ is used by Masters, watchkeeping officers, companies and training institutions worldwide.

The updated edition covers internationally agreed standards and recommendations adopted by the IMO and also addresses the 2010 amendments to the STCW Convention, introducing enhanced Bridge Resource Management training for all officers in charge of the navigational watch.

Additional features include additional bridge and emergency check lists, including for ECDIS.

The full list price will be £135 per copy, although payment will not be taken until the Guide is published. Companies that are members of ICS national shipowners’ associations are eligible for a 20% discount on the advertised price. Discount order forms can be obtained from ICS member associations. 

Source: tanker operator. 22 January 2016

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