The International Maritime Organization (IMO) sub-committee on Ship Design and Construction (SDC) held its seventh session in London from 3 to 7 February 2020. This annual meeting considers a wide range of technical and operational matters related to ship design and construction, including subdivision and stability. Lorenzo Pollicardo, SYBAss’ Technical and Environmental Director, was in attendance and ensured that member interests were well-represented on the global regulatory stage. He also attended a number of working groups held during the week.
One of the major developments from this meeting was the finalisation of the “The Interim Guidelines on II Generation Intact Stability Criteria” – after twenty years of robust debate. This is a set of guidelines for trial use on a voluntary basis for a comprehensive safety assessment of ship dynamics in waves. These have been developed to take into consideration the new advanced computer technology. Naval architects may consider adopting the interim guidelines as a tool to ensure a uniform international level of safety.
During this meeting, draft guidelines were also agreed upon for yachts above 300 gross tonnage that are not engaged in trade and operate in polar waters. You can read more about the background to these guidelines in Lorenzo’s interview with Superyacht News here. The guidelines will be submitted for approval at the IMO Maritime Safety Committee meeting in November, with a view to enter in force in 2021.
Another key outcome from the sub-committee meeting was the finalisation of the draft amendments to the revised explanatory notes to SOLAS chapter II-1 subdivision and damage stability regulations. These amendments will be submitted for approval at the IMO Maritime Safety Committee meeting in May, with a view to enter in force in 2021. They could be adopted by the Red Ensign Group Yacht Code or other yacht codes.
SYBAss members will soon receive, as usual, a detailed report on the IMO sub-committee on Ship Design and Construction meeting.