The Sub-Committee agreed that there are six priority items to be addressed (before specifications are revised) as follows: (1) emulsions, (2) test fluids including high density fuel oils, (3) flexibility of the specifications, (4) tamperproof device, (5) recording, and (6) attitude of the crew including maintenance of equipment. The Sub-Committee was of the view that the existing specifications should be amended with a view to producing new revised specifications to be adopted by a new MEPC resolution. It was agreed to set up a Correspondence Group with the task of producing a revised text of Resolution MEPC.60(33).
J. Development of Guidelines for Ships Operating in Ice Covered Waters:
The Sub-Committee considered the report of a Correspondence Group on this subject and established a Working Group to review draft guidelines and report to the Sub-Committee. The Sub-Committee agreed to refer the report to DE 44 together with a status report of the draft guidelines. The target completion date is 2001.
K. Amendments to Resolution A.744 (18)
The Sub-Committee considered proposals from Japan to require evaluation of longitudinal strength of the hull girder for old oil tankers. The Sub-Committee supported the proposal subject to a more conservative diminution limit of 10% rather than the proposed 15%, and to increase the minimum accepted section modulus from 85% to 90%. The Sub-Committee invited Japan and IACS to prepare a revised draft of the proposed amendments. The Sub-Committee invited MSC 72 to consider this proposal. The United Kingdom suggested that there may be some merit in conveying the agreed amendments (that were meant for oil tankers) to the MSC Working Group on bulk carrier safety for their consideration and possible application of lesson learned to bulk carriers. The Bahamas noted that samples of thickness might not portray accurately the structural condition of the hull. The Sub-Committee agreed to pursue these concerns and invited comments to be considered at DE 44. The target completion date is 2001.
L. Safety of Passenger Submersible Craft:
The Sub-Committee considered proposed draft Guideline submitted by the Russian Delegation and agreed to prepare a consolidated text incorporating contributions from COMSAR 5, NAV45, and IACS. The Sub-Committee agreed further to invite NAV 46 to concur in the action taken and inform MSC73. This item was reported complete.
M. Selected Items under Any Other Business:
1. Threshold Warnings for Automated Propulsion Systems:
The Sub-Committee agreed that automated propulsion systems controlled by computers should be linked to the engineers' quarters to alert them of an imminent shutdown. The Secretariat is to convey this information to NAV 46 for appropriate action.
2. Accidents during Lifeboat Testing:
The Sub-Committee noted information provided by Australia on serious accidents that had occurred during lifeboat testing. Members were invited to determine whether they can contribute their expertise to minimize the likelihood of such accidents.
