February 1, 2012
As we get comfortable in the New Year, we are troubled by the news of yet another major maritime incident. This one involves the grounding with tragic loss of life on the cruise ship Costa Concordia.
The coming months will shed light on this catastrophic event. Most certainly we can expect to see new rules be developed to prevent such an incident.
While yachties may feel disconnected from this event, one must remember that all of the regulations currently in force in the yachting industry cascaded their way from merchant ships.
Many of my previous columns have addressed the numerous safety, environmental, and security regulations that affect our day-to-day lives on board. Did you ever think how they came about?
In the maritime industry, the majority of regulations were developed in response to a specific accident or incident. Most rules are reactive while very few requirements are actually proactive.
In the early 1900s, dozens of ships were lost at sea due to overloading of cargo. From this, the International Convention of Load Lines was enacted. Does your yacht have a symbol on the hull that looks like a circle with a horizontal line through it? That’s your Load Line mark.
Following the sinking of several large ships in the 1960s and their subsequent oil spills, the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) was adopted. Do you follow certain procedures for oil collection or garbage disposal? That originates in MARPOL.
And probably the most important and famous maritime regulation stems from the loss of the Titanic in 1914. The International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, more commonly known as SOLAS, was born after that tragic accident. Nearly every piece of safety equipment on board has a corresponding SOLAS directive.
During 2012, we will see a number of new regulations enter into force. Here is a summary of those that will affect new and existing yachts.
Emergency Towing Procedures
Jan. 1: All yachts of 500 GT and greater must be provided with a documented emergency towing procedure, as outlined in SOLAS II-1, Regulations 3-4. Such a procedure should be carried aboard the yacht for use in emergency situations and be based on existing arrangements and equipment available on board.
Each flag-state has determined the minimum number of copies that should be kept on board and at what specified locations. The IMO has published a guideline for the development of this document titled, Emergency Towing Procedures MSC.1/Circ.1255.
Smoke Detection Systems
Jan. 1: For yachts constructed after this date, smoke detection systems shall be functionally tested with smoke-generating machines. Response times for the alarm panel are modified depending on the contents of the designated space.
New Life Raft Capacity
Jan. 1: This is an embarrassing one for our generation. The average design mass of persons in inflatable and rigid life rafts must be increased from 75kg (165 lbs) to 82.5kg (182 lbs). Yes, you read that correctly. International rules were revised to account for the increased amount of space the average person now uses.
This will have a significant effect. For example, if a life raft was previously designed to carry 12 people, the new design mass may only allow for a capacity of 10. This rule will not affect existing life rafts, but must be considered when installing a new unit. A yacht may need a larger raft to carry the same number of people.
Bridge Navigational Watch Alarm System (BNWAS)
July 1: For those larger yachts that are actually certified as passenger ships, you will be the first to see implementation of this rule. The purpose of a bridge navigational watch alarm system is to monitor bridge activity and detect operator disability, which could lead to marine accidents.
The system monitors awareness of the Officer of the Watch (OOW) and automatically alerts the master or another qualified person if the OOW becomes incapable of performing his/her duties.
This purpose is achieved by a series of indications and alarm to alert first the OOW and, if not responding, then to alert the master or another qualified person. Additionally, the BNWAS provides the OOW with a means of calling for immediate assistance if required.
For the majority of yachts, specifically those certified to carry less than 12 passengers, you are considered a cargo ship for regulatory purposes. This regulation will not begin to affect you until 2013, but be prepared.
Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS)
July 1: Here is another one that affects larger yachts that are actually certified as passenger ships. All new constructions over 500 GT must be fitted with ECDIS. Existing passenger ships have until 2014.
For the majority of yachts, the ECDIS installation requirement does not affect anyone under 3000 GT.
Automatic Identification System (AIS)
July 1: The Automatic Identification System (AIS) shall be tested annually by an approved surveyor or an approved testing or servicing facility verifying the functionality of the unit. A copy of the test report shall be retained on board the yacht. This test is very similar to that already required for the EPIRB.
The AIS is required on all yachts, private and commercial, above 300 GT.
Sideshell Doors
July 1: Any yacht fitted with sideshell doors that are used for the transfer of a pilot must be modified to not open outward. This regulation will normally only affect the largest of yachts and those that regularly take pilots, where required.
Air Pollution Restriction Zone
Aug. 1: The North American Emission Control Area (ECA) begins enforcement. It includes waters adjacent to the Pacific coast, the Atlantic/Gulf coast, and the eight main Hawaiian Islands. It extends up to 200 nautical miles from the coasts of the United States, Canada, and the French territories in northeast Canada.
The new standard of 0.1 percent fuel sulfur (1,000 ppm) is expected to reduce airborne particulate matter and sulfur dioxide emissions by more than 85 percent from today’s levels. The Caribbean ECA for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands will begin enforcement in 2013. This standard applies to any vessel on the water, of any size, with an engine.
About the Author
