IACS submits minor corrections to SOLAS regulations

The International Maritime Organization has informed that IACS has submitted minor corrections to SOLAS regulations II-2/11.2 and II-2/11.4.1.

Document SSE 10/19 (Sub-committee on ship systems and equipment, 10th session, agenda item 19) was released on 7 September 2023. SSE 10 will be held from 4 - 8 March 2024.

This document proposes minor corrections to SOLAS regulations II-2/11.2 and II-2/11.4.1 with a view to ensuring consistent implementation of this provision for passenger ships and cargo ships.

Introduction

SOLAS chapter II-2 has been comprehensively updated by resolution MSC.99(73), which was adopted on 5 December 2000 and entered into force on 1 July 2002. The update included SOLAS regulation II-2/11.2 on material of hull, superstructures, structural bulkheads, decks and deckhouses.

Discussion

2. SOLAS regulation II-2/11.2 states:

"2 Material of hull, superstructures, structural bulkheads, decks and deckhouses
The hull, superstructures, structural bulkheads, decks and deckhouses shall be constructed of steel or other equivalent material. For the purpose of applying the definition of steel or other equivalent material as given in regulation 3.43 the 'applicable fire exposure' shall be according to the integrity and insulation standards given in tables 9.1 to 9.4. For example, where divisions such as decks or sides and ends of deckhouses are permitted to have 'B-0' fire integrity, the 'applicable fire exposure' shall be half an hour."

SOLAS regulation II-2/11.2 is based on former SOLAS regulation II-2/23.1 (requirements for the structure of the hull, superstructure, structural bulkheads, decks and deckhouses of passenger) and modified SOLAS regulation II-2/42.1 (requirements for the structure of the hull, superstructure, structural bulkheads, decks and deckhouses of cargo ships).
Former SOLAS regulation II-2/23 referred to the tables of SOLAS regulations II-2/26 (paragraphs 26.1 to 26.4; ships carrying more than 36 passengers) and II-2/27 (paragraphs 27.1 to 27.2; ships carrying not more than 36 passengers) that became modified tables 9.1 to 9.4 of SOLAS regulation II-2/9.2.2 (resolution MSC.99(73)).
Former SOLAS regulation II-2/42 (Fire safety measures for cargo ships) stated:

"In addition to complying with the specific provisions for fire integrity of bulkheads and decks mentioned elsewhere in this Part, the minimum fire integrity of bulkheads and decks shall be as prescribed in tables 44.1 and 44.2",
where referenced tables became modified tables 9.5 and 9.6 of SOLAS regulation II-2/9.2.3 (resolution MSC.99(73)).
As current SOLAS regulation II-2/11.2 applies to all types of ships, and taking into account document FP 46/INF.4, it is understood that a reference to the tables dedicated to cargo ships and tankers should have also been introduced in SOLAS regulation II-2/11.2.
Further, SOLAS regulation II-2/11.4.1 states:

"Crowns and casings of machinery spaces of category A shall be of steel construction and shall be insulated as required by tables 9.5 and 9.7, as appropriate".
As with SOLAS regulation II-2/11.2, SOLAS regulation II-2/11.4.1 applies to all types of ships; therefore, IACS understands that a reference to the tables dedicated to the insulation of passenger ships should also be made in SOLAS regulation II-2/11.4.1.
In summary, the cross-reference list relating to the existing and new SOLAS chapter II-2 requirements is as follows (FP 46/INF.4):

Proposal

10. Based on the above discussion, IACS is of the view that during the comprehensive review of SOLAS chapter II-2, unintentionally not all regulations were amended with references as deemed appropriate. As shown above, the mentioned references became necessary only due to the re-arrangement of text and tables.

Therefore, IACS proposes corrections to the two regulations as set out in the annex. If the Sub-Committee agrees with this proposal, and noting paragraph 3.2(vi) of document C/ES.27/D, i.e.

"... it being understood that minor corrections/issues could continue to be considered by the committees under the agenda item 'Any other business",

the Sub-Committee is further invited to consider if the most efficient means of proceeding would be for the Sub-Committee to provide its technical advice to MSC 108 on this matter so that the Committee may decide as appropriate.

Action requested of the Sub-Committee

12. The Sub-Committee is invited to consider the proposal in paragraph 11, the suggested corrections in the annex and take action, as appropriate.

Annex: Proposed corrections to SOLAS regulations II-2/11.2 and II-2/11.4.1

Corrections are proposed as follows:

"Regulation 11 – Structural integrity

....

Material of hull, superstructures, structural bulkheads, decks and deckhouses.

The hull, superstructures, structural bulkheads, decks and deckhouses shall be constructed of steel or other equivalent material. For the purpose of applying the definition of steel or other equivalent material as given in regulation 3.43, the "applicable fire exposure" shall be according to the integrity and insulation standards given in tables 9.1 to ~~9.4~~9.8. For example, where divisions such as decks or sides and ends of deckhouses are permitted to have "B-0" fire integrity, the "applicable fire exposure" shall be half an hour.

"4.1 Crowns and casings.

Crowns and casings of machinery spaces of category A shall be of steel construction and shall be insulated as required by tables 9.1 and 9.3 for passenger ships or tables 9.5 and 9.7 for cargo ships, as appropriate."

Tracked changes are indicated using "strikeout" for deleted text and "bold" to highlight all modifications and new insertions, including deleted text.

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