The Sub-Committee on Ship Systems and Equipment (SSE), chaired by Dr. S. Ota (Japan), held its sixth session from 4 to 8 March 2019. Key issues of interest to IUMI members include: 

Fire safety on ro-ro ships

As part of its ongoing work to minimise the incidence and consequences of fires on ro-ro spaces and special category spaces of new and existing ro-ro passenger ships, the Sub-Committee agreed to draft interim guidelines for minimising the incidence and consequences of fires on ro-ro spaces and special category spaces of new and existing ro-ro passenger ships. The draft guidelines cover prevention/ignition; detection/decision; extinguishing fires; containment; and integrity of life-saving appliances and evacuation. The draft guidelines will be submitted to the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 101) for approval.

Meanwhile, the Sub-Committee on Human Element Training and Watchkeeping (HTW) was invited to consider sections related to training and drills for seafarers, and advise the MSC, as appropriate.

The Sub-Committee agreed to continue its work at the next session, in relation to developing draft amendments to the SOLAS Convention and associated codes, following consideration of relevant casualty reports and the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) FIRESAFE II study.

Guidelines on life-saving appliances and arrangements for ships operating in polar waters 

The Sub-Committee agreed to draft interim guidelines on life-saving appliances and arrangements for ships operating in polar waters, to ensure they meet the needs for survival in the harsh and specific conditions in Polar waters. For example, the guidelines cover specifications of the equipment needed and would require that lifeboats and rescue boats on ships proceeding to latitudes over 80°N should be fitted with a non-magnetic means for determining heading. The draft interim guidelines will be submitted to MSC 101 for approval. The guidelines are intended to support the implementation of the mandatory Polar Code.

More information about the SSE 6 meeting can be found HERE.