IMO to Adopt Passenger Ship Safety Amendments

IMO The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is set to adopt revised safety requirements to ensure newbuild passenger ships remain afloat after a major incident. The revisions to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) chapter II-1, relating to subdivision and damage stability, follow a substantive review of SOLAS chapter II-1, focusing in particular on passenger ships. The review has taken into account recommendations arising from the investigation into the 2012 Costa Concordia incident. The revised requirements are among a set of amendments set for adoption by IMOs Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) which meets from 7-16 June. Also up for adoption is the latest set of amendments to the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes Code (IMSBC Code). Other items on MSCs agenda include goal-based standards, maritime security, including cyber security, and adoption of new and amended ships routeing measures. The MSC will also consider proposals for IMO to begin a scoping exercise to determine how the safe, secure and environmentally sound operation of autonomous ships might be introduced into IMO instruments.