SOLAS amendments and relevant codes entering into force in 2020

Keeping updated on new and retroactive requirements from IMO can be a challenge. According to newly approved 4 year cycle of entry into force system (MSC.1/Circ.1481), amendments to SOLAS and relevant codes, which were adopted between 1st January, 2016 and 30th June, 2018 (MSC 96th to MSC 99th) enters into force from 1st January, 2020.

In this regard, amendments to SOLAS and relevant codes, which enter into force from 1st January, 2020, are summarized and distributed below for your perusal to help Owners/Managers with implementation.

This information is recommended for Technical, Safety, Quality and Operation departments of shipping companies, but there is also information relevant for yards and newbuilding departments.

1. SOLAS UPDATES

Subdivision and stability

The most significant 2020 changes raise the damage stability requirements for new passenger ships in the event of flooding caused by collision or grounding.

Other parts of SOLAS Ch. II-1 have been updated to better capture the probabilistic damage stability approach introduced by SOLAS 2009 for cargo and passenger ships, and to include lessons from the 2012 Costa Concordia accident. Main updates to passenger ships include:

• Improved survivability – Increased capability for new passenger ships to remain stable and afloat in case of flooding after collision or grounding. Stricter requirements for Ro-Ro passenger ships to withstand flooding of large open vehicle spaces.
• Emergency information – Updated stability information to be available to the master after flooding, also for passenger ships built before 2014, either by on-board stability computers or shore-based support.
• Damage control drills – Damage control drills shall take place every three months on all passenger ships.

Highlights for both cargo and passenger ships include removal of flag Administrations’ possibility to accept permanent open watertight doors on a case-by-case basis. The 2020 requirements further allow more flexible handling of stability limits with respect to trim.

Fire safety

The 2020 updates to SOLAS Ch. II-2 require helicopter landing areas on cargo and passenger ships to be provided with foam firefighting appliances, as for dedicated helicopter decks.

Fire safety requirements for “regular” cargo spaces (non-vehicle spaces) used to transport vehicles with fuel in their tanks for their own propulsion are further clarified and harmonized with the requirements for the carriage of dangerous goods.

The fire integrity of windows facing survival craft, embarkation and assembly stations on passenger ships are clarified, in effect relaxing the requirement to A-0 for ships carrying not more than 36 passengers.

Life-saving appliances

The 2020 updates to SOLAS Ch. III require the thorough examination, operational testing, repair and overhaul of lifeboats, rescue boats, launching appliances and release gear to be carried out by authorized service providers. The purpose is to prevent injury to crew participating in lifeboat and rescue boat drills and inspections, and to ensure the quality level of the servicing.

Radio communication

SOLAS Ch. IV has been amended to refer to generic mobile satellite system instead of “Inmarsat” to allow for future new providers of such services.

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