SUB-COMMITTEE ON SAFETY OF
NAVIGATION
45th session
Agenda item 5
NAV 45/5/9
25 June 1999
Original: ENGLISH
REVISION OF SOLAS CHAPTER V
Note by the United States
SUMMARY
Executive summary: This document proposes to retain the text of existing regulation 20 of chapter V of the 1974 SOLAS Convention
Action to be taken: Paragraph 5
Related documents: NAV 45/5, NAV 44/5/6, NAV 44/5/10, NAV 44/5/11, NAV 43/WP.4,NAV 42/23/Add.1, MSC 69/22, and resolution A.817 (19)
1 The United States invites the Sub-Committee to consider retaining the text of existing regulation V/20 on the carriage of adequate and up-to-date charts, in the package of draft revisions to SOLAS chapter V. The existing text has been proven from experience to be sufficiently clear and flexible to accommodate the dramatic changes, which continue to take place in the field of nautical charts. Introducing a new wording may have unintended consequences which can be avoided by retaining the existing text.
2 Nautical charts and publications are of paramount importance in ensuring safety of navigation and preservation of the marine environment. The responsibility for providing such information in conformity with the approved international standards ultimately rests with the individual administrations of the Member States. The introduction of Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS) has led to a number of proposals to modify SOLAS V/20; however, the United States believes these proposed modifications are unnecessary given that the IMO adopted Performance Standards for ECDIS already provide the framework necessary to support ECDIS as the "legal equivalent" to paper charts (see paragraph 1.2 of the Standards).
3 Although technology has revolutionized nautical charting since the present version of SOLAS came into force, the clear and simple text of regulation V/20 remains very effective. It is a regulation that is difficult to misinterpret as it affords administrations a measure of flexibility to address maritime safety issues as best fitting their national circumstances.
4 In light of the above, the United States submits to the Sub-Committee on Safety of Navigation the following recommendations for amending draft regulations 2, 20, and 25 of revised SOLAS chapter V (document NAV 45/5) as follows:
