Amendments to the IBC Code (MSC460(101) / MEPC318(74)), BCH Code (MSC463(101) / MEPC319(74)) and MARPOL 73/78 Annex II (MEPC315(74)) will enter into force on 1 January 2021 as noted in ClassNK Technical Information No.TEC-1195.

All ships carrying dangerous chemicals and/or noxious liquid substances in bulk shall keep the revised certificates (i.e. Certificate of fitness for the carriage of dangerous chemicals in bulk or NLS certificate) based on the new amendments on and after the date of entry into force. And the following drawings satisfying the amended requirements shall be re-approved beforehand in order to issue the certificates.

- P&A Manual (mandatory)
- Chemical Operation Manual (where the list of products needs to be changed, etc.)
- Others (where the ship's specification will be modified to satisfy the upgraded requirements)

Accordingly, ClassNK will implement the issuance of the revised certificates and plan approval and would like to inform of the application process as follows.

1. ClassNK Hull Department will send documents and guidance to prepare the above drawings and application form for issuance of the certificate to management companies by e-mail from the middle of September.
2. After receiving the above documents, please kindly submit necessary drawings together with the application to Hull Department by NK-PASS or e-mail (hld@classnk.or.jp).

Furthermore, since the revised certificate will become effective and supersede the existing certificate from the date of entry into force (1 January 2021), the existing certificate shall be kept onboard until then. After the date of the entry into force we would appreciate it if you could hand the invalid certificate over to the attending surveyor at the next scheduled periodical or occasional survey.

In addition, regarding Japanese flag ships, another Technical Information will be issued as soon as the Japanese government policy is obtained.

(To be continued)