The 9th session of the Sub-Committee on Ship Systems and Equipment (SSE) was held in person from 27 February to 3 March 2023. SSE 9 finalised the amendments to SOLAS addressing fire protection of control stations and cargo control rooms on cargo ships. The Sub-Committee discussed the requirements for the ventilation of partially enclosed lifeboats and liferafts and the use of firefighting foams containing perfluoro octane sulfonic acid (PFOS)
The major meeting highlights are summarised below:
- Finalisation of the draft amendments to the LSA Code and resolution MSC.81(70) regarding the testing of lifejackets to address the in-water performance of SOLAS lifejackets. The draft amendments are expected to enter into force 1 January 2026
- Agreement and finalisation of the amendments to SOLAS regulation II-2/7.5.5, together with the associated draft MSC resolution addressing fire protection of control stations and cargo control rooms on cargo ships for submission to MSC 107 for approval and subsequent adoption at MSC 108. Once adopted, the amendments are expected to apply to ships constructed on or after 1 January 2026. Ships constructed before 1 January 2026 shall comply with the current requirements.
Note that the presented information reflects the status at the time of Ship Systems and Equipment Sub-Committee 9 which may change as a result of ongoing developments. As SSE is a Sub-Committee, all decisions concerning rules, regulations and dates are subject to further consideration and approval by the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC). It is also uncertain at this time whether the mentioned amendments or new regulations will eventually be adopted in future versions of the Red Ensign Group Yacht Codes or other flag codes.