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SUBJECT: INTERNATIONAL MARITIME ORGANIZATION (IMO):
REPORT OF THE 82nd SESSION OF THE MARITIME SAFETY COMMITTEE
(MSC) 29 NOV ? 8 DEC 2006.


1. SUMMARY: The Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) of the
International Maritime Organization (IMO) held its 82nd
session at the Polat Renaissance Istanbul Hotel in
Istanbul, Turkey from 29 Nov ? 8 Dec 2006. The meeting was
chaired by MSC vice chairman Mr. N. Ferrar (Philippines) as
the Acting Chairman due to the sudden and untimely passing
of the Committee Chairman, Mr. I. Ponomarev (Russian
Federation). Eighty-nine member states, one state not a
member, three associate members, two United Nations
specialized agencies, and observers from seven
intergovernmental organizations and 29 non-governmental
organizations participated. All achievable U.S. objectives
were achieved. Major accomplishments of MSC 82 were:


A. QAdoption of amendments to the SOLAS Convention that
require protective coating on sea water ballast tanks and
double side skin space on bulk carriers;

B.QAdoption of amendments to Chapters II-1, II-2, and III
of SOLAS to enhance passenger ship safety including the
fire safety of cabin balconies on new and existing
passenger ships;

C.QAdoption of amendments to the International Code of
Fire Safety Systems (FSS Code), International Life Saving

Appliances Code (LSA Code), International Code for the
Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Dangerous
Chemicals in Bulk (IBC Code), International Code for the
Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquefied
Gases in Bulk (IGC Code) and the International Code of
Safety for High-Speed Craft, 1994 and 2000 (1994 HSC Code
and 2000 HSC Code);

D.QApproval of a new vessel traffic separation scheme for
the approach to Boston, Massachusetts;

E.QAgreement to consider and develop guidelines on
maritime security for ships that fall below the size
threshold of SOLAS and the International Ship and Port
Facility Security (ISPS) Code;

F.QSelection of the International Mobile Satellite
Organization (IMSO) for oversight of satellite
communications providers for GMDSS and as the Long Range
Identification and Tracking (LRIT) Coordinator;

G.QAgreement on a pilot project using the IACS Common
Structural Rules for tankers and bulk carriers to develop
the Tier III verification standard for the goal based new
ship construction standards under the coordination of the
United States;

H.QAgreement to reconsider the adoption of the proposed
revised text of Resolution A.888(21) at MSC 83 on the basis
of further comments and proposals from Member States along
with consideration by the COMSAR subcommittee of the
resolution and the proposals by the U.S. and Spain for
amendments to SOLAS Chapter IV to authorize additional
GMDSS communications providers; and

I.QConsideration of the reports of seven subcommittees.
END SUMMARY


2.QADOPTION OF AMENDMENTS

A.QAmended SOLAS regulation II-1/3-2 to require
protective coating of all dedicated salt water ballast
tanks on all ships and the double side skin spaces on bulk
carriers. In addition, the MSC approved the performance
standard for the protective coatings;

B.QAmended numerous regulations in SOLAS Chapters II-1,
II-2 and III to enhance the safety of passenger vessels.
Focus of amendments is to ensure the ship is ?its own best
lifeboat? by including requirements regarding propulsion
and other vital system functionality to withstand threshold
levels of damage and safely return to port or, for more
serious damage, ensure there is adequate time to safely
abandon the ship;

C.QAmended SOLAS Chapter II-2 by including fire safety
requirements pertaining to balconies on passenger ships;

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D. Amended SOLAS regulations II-1/55 and III/38 to include
standards for alternative design and arrangement of
machinery/engineering systems and lifesaving systems,
respectively, in order to foster innovation and enhance
safety;

E.QAmended SOLAS Chapter III in numerous places to
enhance the lifesaving requirements;

F.QAmended the requirements in the International Code for
Fire Safety Systems (FSS Code) pertaining to foam, water
spray and water mist fire extinguishing systems and fire
detection systems.

G.QAmended the requirements in the International Life-
Saving Appliance Code (LSA Code) pertaining to survival
craft (liferafts, lifeboats, rescue boats) and their
launching appliances;

H.QAmended the International Code for the Construction
and Equipment of Ships Carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk
(IBC Code) to update the fire protection and extinction
requirements, the summary of minimum requirements for
different chemicals, the list of products to which the Code
does not apply, and the index of products carried in bulk;

I.QAmended the International Code for the Construction
and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk
(IGC Code) in a number of locations, primarily focused on
the fire protection and extinction requirements in Chapter
11;

J.QAmended the International Code for Safety for High
Speed Craft, 1994 (1994 HSC Code), primarily to update the
lifesaving appliances and arrangement requirements in line
with the latest amendments to SOLAS Chapter III.

K.QAmended the International Code for Safety for High
Speed Craft, 2000 (2000 HSC Code) in numerous locations.
The most significant amendments are to Chapter 2, Buoyancy,
stability and subdivision and Chapter 7, Fire safety.



3. MARITIME SECURITY

The Committee established a Working Group on Maritime
Security (MSWG) under the Chairmanship of Mr. Jeremy
Parkinson (Australia) which was well attended by 57
Contracting Governments and 12 Non-governmental
Organizations and Intergovernmental Organizations.

The MSWG focused on security related to vessels which do
not fall within the scope of SOLAS chapter XI-2 and the
ISPS Code, and on security of closed cargo transport units
and of freight containers transported by ships. The
Committee approved the MSWG proposal advocated by the USDEL
to establish a correspondence group on security aspects of
the operation of ships which do not fall within the scope
of SOLAS chapter XI-2 and the ISPS Code. This
correspondence group will be coordinated by the United
Kingdom, with support by Japan and the United States. The
group will work to define the threats associated with non-
SOLAS ships and prepare draft guidelines, including a list
of possible security measures and best practices, for non-
SOLAS ships, and report to MSC 83 in October 2007.

The Committee also agreed to continue the work of the joint
MSC/Facilitation of Maritime Traffic (FAL) Committee
Working Group and tasked this joint working group to
conduct a comprehensive review of the need to amend SOLAS
and the ISPS Code to be consistent with World Customs
Organization (WCO) initiatives associated with the SAFE
Framework of Standards. The committee asked Contracting
Governments to provide further information and analysis to
facilitate such a review at the next meeting of the MSC/FAL
WG during FAL 34 scheduled for March 2007.

On other maritime security matters, the Committee approved
three MSC Circulars on the following subjects: (1)
Amendments to the IMO/ILO/UN ECE Guidelines for packing of
cargo transport units; (2) Revised recommendations on the
safe transport of dangerous cargoes and related activities

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in port areas; and (3) Interim Guidance on voluntary self-
assessment by Companies and company security officers
(CSOs) for ship security. The Committee also adopted a
resolution on the Revision of the guidelines for the
prevention and suppression of the smuggling of drugs,
psychotropic substances and precursor chemical on ships,
and agreed with the MSWG recommendation that it would not
be appropriate at this time to make it mandatory for ship
silent alarm systems (SSASs) to be included in the list of
times to be surveyed by radio inspectors.


4. Long Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT)

The Committee considered U.S. paper MSC 82/8/5 proposing
that IMO should, on an interim basis, take on the role of
LRIT Coordinator until an intergovernmental organization is
legally capable of fulfilling that role. Despite strong
interventions by USDEL that designation of the
International Mobile Satellite Organization (IMSO) was
premature, the Committee rejected the U.S. proposal and
designated IMSO as LRIT Coordinator by an overwhelming
majority of delegations present. USDEL pointed out that
IMSO does not have a ratified amendment to its convention
that would permit IMSO to perform the LRIT Coordinator role
at this time. USDEL recommended that the Committee
establish a contingency plan in the event that IMSO is not
able to obtain provisional acceptance of the amendment at
an extraordinary session of its assembly, currently
scheduled for the first quarter of CY 2007. By a wide
margin, the Committee specifically rejected the creation of
a contingency plan. The USDEL reserved its position on the
designation of IMSO and the lack of a contingency plan.
The USDEL stood alone in its reservation, and the decision
was otherwise universally accepted by the MSC Member
States. The Committee recommended that the IMO Legal
Division prepare draft Memoranda of Understanding to
address the selection of IMSO as LRIT Coordinator for
review by the Committee.

The Committee approved an MSC Circular on the technical
specifications for the LRIT Data Exchange, the
International Data Center and the communications within the
LRIT System network. Also included in the circular are the
protocols for the development testing of the LRIT System
and for testing the integration into the system of new LRIT
data centers as well as guidance on setting up and
maintaining the Data Distribution Plan. Recognizing that
the technical specifications required further expert
development by the ad hoc group to be established, the
Committee agreed to circulate the technical specifications
on an interim basis under MSC circular to the nominated
LRIT Coordinator and all Member States.

The Committee established a working group (WG) on
Engineering Aspects of LRIT to consider the steps necessary
to ensure the timely establishment of the LRIT system in
light of the impending entry into force date of the LRIT
requirements (1 JAN 2008). The WG used as its basis
resolution MSC.211(81), Arrangements for the Timely
Establishment of the Long-Range Identification and Tracking
System.

On the recommendation of the WG, the Committee developed a
road map including dates for the timely establishment of
LRIT. In addition, the Committee established the Ad Hoc WG
on Engineering Aspects of LRIT and approved up to four
additional meetings with terms of reference (TOR) which
include further updating draft technical specifications and
preparing a technical costing and billing standard.

The Committee considered some sample billing and costing
policy questions that need to be answered by the Committee
before technical billing and costing standards can be
developed.

The Committee instructed COMSAR 11 (19 ? 23 February 2007)
to consider LRIT issues in its E-Navigation WG. The
Committee considered the proposal by the U.S. (MSC 82/8/5)
to host the LRIT international data center but deferred any
decision until MSC 83 pending input and further submittals
to COMSAR 11.

The Committee decided to have LRIT as a separate agenda

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item under MSC 83 and agreed to the establishment of an
LRIT WG at MSC 83.


5. Goal-based standards for new ship construction (GBS).

The Committee continued to make significant progress this
session on the two tracks established at MSC 81. A working
group was established and chaired by Sweden.

Bulk carriers and tankers - The Committee approved a pilot
project Plan to conduct a pilot verification project with
the IACS Common Structural Rules for tankers and bulk
carriers. The pilot project will be coordinated by the
United States. The Committee decided that the consolidated
version of the Tier III (Verification) information and
documentation requirements is dependent upon completion of
the pilot project. Additionally, the Committee revised the
Ship Construction File and added human element
considerations to Tier II, Functional Requirements. The
Committee established an intercessional correspondence
group coordinated by the Sweden to monitor the pilot
project.

Safety level approach - The Committee updated the long term
workplan to develop goal-based standards using the safety
level approach. The Committee established an
intercessional correspondence group coordinated by Germany
to further develop this approach.


6. Human Element.

The Committee established a working group (WG) under the
chairmanship of Liberia to consider the human element
issues.

The Committee agreed to instruct STW 38 (22 ? 26 JAN 2007)
to: (1) review requirements for seafarers for the issuance
of Dangerous Cargo Endorsements (DCE's), (2) consider basic
education and familiarization training of seafarers related
to automated systems, and (3) consider training
recommendations for Integrated Navigation Systems,
Integrated Bridge Systems and Engine Room Resource Systems
as part of the Comprehensive Review of the STCW Convention.

The Committee approved an MSC Circular on an Interim Scheme
for the Compliance of Certain Cargo Ships and Special
Purpose Ships with Management for the Safe Operation of
Ships which requires the application of ITC Tonnage for
determining compliance with the ISM Code.

The Committee agreed to forward document MSC 82/15/3 (UK)
to the FSI Sub-Committee for consideration of measures for
improving implementation and enforcement of the ISM Code.
Additionally, the Committee encouraged Member Governments,
intergovernmental organizations and NGO's to submit
recommendations and information for the considering
measures improving implementation and enforcement of the
ISM Code for the next session of the Joint Working Group on
the Human Element.

In accepting the work program proposal by the U.S. to
enhance the safety of pilot ladders and pilot ? ship
transfers, the Committee instructed NAV 53 (23 ? 27 JUL
2007) to take into account ergonomic criteria when
considering the design of pilot ladders as well as
encouraging member governments, intergovernmental and NGO's
to provide human element expertise during future sessions
of NAV.

The Committee invites member governments, intergovernmental
organizations and NGO's to submit proposals in accordance
with the Organizations strategy to address the Human
Element to the next session of the Joint Working Group
during MEPC 56 (9-13 JUL 2007).


7. Implementation of the Revised STCW Convention.

The Committee reviewed the information and reports from the
Secretary General relative to countries giving full and

SIPDIS
complete effect to the Convention and directed the update
of circulars MSC.1/Circ.1163 and /Circ.1164.

The Committee reviewed the information submitted in MSC

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82/6, Adds.1 and 2 and approved competent persons nominated
by Governments and directed the update of MSC.1/Circ.797.


8. Subcommittee on Ship Design and Equipment (DE).

The Committee approved, in general, the report of the
forty-ninth session of the DE Subcommittee.

The Committee endorsed the view of DE 49 that SOLAS
regulations II-1/3-6, containing the provisions for means
of access in cargo and ballast tanks, did not apply to
tankers converting from single hull to double hull or
tankers converting to floating production or storage units.
However, if in the course of the conversion, ?substantial
new structures? were added, the new structures should
comply with the regulation.

The Committee referred the proposal by IACS for an
interpretation of SOLAS II-1/1.3 concerning the term
?repairs, alterations and modification of a major
character? and regulation II-1/3-6 on ?substantial new
structures? to DE 50.


9. Subcommittee on Radiocommunications and Search and
Rescue (COMSAR).

The Committee approved, in general, the report of the tenth
session of COMSAR.

The Committee considered proposed amendments to Resolution
A.888 (21) along with proposed amendments to SOLAS Chapter
IV by the U.S. (MSC 82/3/2) and Spain (82/8/10) concerning
the amendments necessary to permit and approve satellite
communications providers in addition to Inmarsat for GMDSS
and to provide the necessary oversight of these satellite
communications providers. Overwhelmingly, and in
opposition to USDEL interventions, the Committee selected
IMSO (International Mobile Satellite Organization) as the
agency to provide oversight of the GMDSS communications
providers. In fact, all delegations who spoke, except the
USDEL, supported IMSO in this role. The USDEL reserved its
position on the basis that it was premature as IMSO has not
enacted or ratified the necessary amendments to its
convention to allow it to conduct the oversight. The
Committee then referred the issue of amending resolution
A.888 (21) and SOLAS Chapter IV to COMSAR 11 for further
consideration at MSC 83.


10. Subcommittee on Bulk Liquids and Gases (BLG).

The Committee approved, in general, the report of the tenth
session of the BLG Subcommittee.

The Committee approved draft SOLAS regulation VI/5-1 making
the carriage of material safety data sheets (MSDS)
mandatory for the transport of MARPOL Annex I cargoes and
marine fuels for circulation and adoption at MSC 83. The
committee referred the proposal by IBIA in MSC 82/9/1
concerning the Recommendation for material safety data
sheets for MARPOL Annex I cargoes and marine fuel oils to
BLG 11 for consideration.

The Committee approved MSC circular on voluntary structural
guidelines for new ships carrying liquids in bulk
containing benzene.

The Committee endorsed the issuance of BLG/Circ.17 on use
of the correct product name in the shipping document for
bulk liquid cargoes, BLG/Circ.18 on example of an optional
shipping document for the purposes of MARPOL Annex II and
the IBC Code, and BLG/Circ.19 on products which have been
classified or re-classified since the adoption of the
amended IBC Code in 2004.


11. Subcommittee on Flag State Implementation (FSI).

The Committee approved, in general, the report of the
fourteenth session of the FSI Subcommittee.

The Committee decided it is premature to consider merging
the International Safety Management (ISM) and ISPS audits,
as proposed by Argentina in document FSI 14/3, due to the
divergent purposes of the audits and need to gain more

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experience with ISPS. The USDEL strongly opposed merging
these audits.

The Committee referred the issue of whether or not to make
all or part of the guidelines to prevent accidents with
lifeboats (MSC.1/Cier.1206) mandatory to the DE
subcommittee and to revisit the issue in order to make a
decision by 2010.

The Committee approved circular letter on Implementation of
resolution A.600 (15) to formalize the issuing of number at
the new building stage.

The Committee endorsed the recommendation of FSI 14 on
developing a code of conduct for port state control (PSC)
activities at FSI 15.

The Committee referred PSC guidelines on seafarers working
hours to both the FSI and STW subcommittees, noting that
further review was required, especially in STCW related
matters.

The Committee endorsed the view that the LRIT equipment
would be surveyed by radio inspectors and adequate
provisions are to be included in the Survey Guidelines
under the Harmonized System of Survey and Certification
(HSSC).

The Committee approved an MSC circular on guidelines for
the annual testing of voyage data recorders and simplified
voyage data recorders, including the proposed modifications
by CIRM in document MSC 82/10/6.

The Committee approved an MSC circular on guidelines for
the pre-planning of surveys in dry-dock of ships which are
not subject to the enhanced program of inspections.

The Committee referred the proposal by Singapore to include
bridge resource management mandatory under STCW to the STW
subcommittee for consideration under the agenda item for
the comprehensive review of the STCW Convention and STCW
Code.


12. Subcommittee on Safety of Navigation (NAV).

The Committee approved, in general, the report of the
fifty-second session of NAV.

The Committee approved three new traffic separation schemes
(TSS) and amendments to five existing TSS including the
approach to Boston, Massachusetts for implementation on 1
July 2007.

The Committee approved a new mandatory ship reporting
system in the Galapagos Particularly Sensitive Sea Area and
adopted amendments to two other existing mandatory ship
reporting systems, for implementation on 1 July 2007.

The Committee adopted by resolution performance standards
for the Electronic Chart Display and Information System
(ECDIS) and the Performance Standards for shipborne Galileo
receiver equipment.

The Committee approved MSC circular on Unified
interpretations of SOLAS chapter V.

The Committee adopted proposed amendments to the
International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea
1972, as amended, concerning use of distress signals in
Annex IV for submission for adoption by the twenty-fifth
session of the Assembly (2007).

The Committee approved an MSC circular on the basis of a
proposal by Japan, U.S., UK France and Australia on the
navigational warnings concerning operations endangering the
safety of navigation. This proposal resulted from the
missile firings by the Democratic People?s Republic of
Korea.


13. Subcommittee on Stability, Load Lines and Fishing
Vessel Safety (SLF).

The Committee approved, in general, the report of the

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forty-ninth session of SLF.

The Committee approved an MSC circular on the Interim
Explanatory Notes to the SOLAS Chapter II-1 subdivision and
damage stability regulations.

The Committee noted the progress on revising the Intact
Stability (IS) Code and SLF?s conclusion that both 1974
SOLAS and 1988 LL Protocol should be amended to make Part A
of the IS Code mandatory. The Committee also approved
three MSC Circulars that provide guidance on alternative
assessment of the weather criteria, avoiding dangerous
situations in adverse weather conditions, and on the
approval of stability instruments.

The Committee approved draft amendments to the stability
provisions of the INF Code for circulation and adoption at
MSC 83.

The Committee approved an MSC Circular on recommendations
concerning tonnage measurement of open-top containerships.


14. Subcommittee on Dangerous Goods, Solid Cargoes and
Containers (DSC).

The Committee considered only urgent matters from the
eleventh session of DSC.

The Committee adopted MSC resolution on Adoption of the
Guidelines for the design and construction of offshore
supply vessels, 2006.

The Committee adopted MSC resolution on Adoption of
amendments to the Guidelines for the transport and handling
of limited amounts of hazardous and noxious liquid
substances in bulk on offshore support vessels (LHNS
Guidelines).

The Committee adopted MSC resolution on Adoption of
amendments on the Code of Safe Practice for the Safe
Loading and Unloading of Bulk Carriers (BLU Code).

The Committee approved MSC circular on Amendments to the
Manual on loading and unloading of solid bulk cargoes for
terminal representatives.


15. Technical Assistance.

The Committee noted that during the 2004 ? 2005 bienniums,
a delivery of technical cooperation activities worth US$27M
was achieved which was an increase of US$1.5M over the
previous biennium and the highest level achieved to date
under the ITCP. The key outputs during this biennium
included 107 national courses, seminars and workshops along
with 117 regional courses that resulted in training 7,367
participants world-wide which is an increase of
approximately 1000 over the previous biennium.


16. Consultative Status.

The Committee was satisfied with the application and the
information provided by IAMU (International Association of
Maritime Universities) and decided to recommend to the
Council that IAMU be granted consultative status.


17. Next Session.

MSC 83 is scheduled for 3 to 12 October 2007 in London.
Major issues to be discussed at MSC 83 include adoption of
amendments to SOLAS, maritime security, LRIT, goal based
new ship construction standards, and revisions to
Resolution A.888(21) and amendments to SOLAS Chapter IV to
address oversight of new satellite providers. The MSC will
also consider the reports of eight subcommittees.

TUTTLE