Last year, on 15 March 2002, IACS (International Association of Classification Societies) announced new initiatives aimed at improving the safety of bulk carriers. (Please refer to ClassNK Technical Information No. TEC-0451)

Also, at the seventy-sixth session of the Maritime Safety Committee of the IMO (MSC76) held from 2 December to 13 December 2002, amendments to the SOLAS convention, I.e. the requirement for the installation of water ingress alarms, remote pumping systems, means of access, etc., were adopted. (Please refer to ClassNK Technical Information No. TEC-0498)

These new measures adopted by IACS and the amendments to the SOLAS convention are now in the process of being incorporated into ClassNK rules. Please find attached table which summarises these measures, for your reference.

For any questions about the these matters, please contact:

Department in charge:
On surveys for existing bulk carriers andbulk carriers under construction Survey DepartmentTel: +81-3-5226-2027 Fax: +81-3-5226-2029E-mail: svd@classnk.or.jp
On incorporation into ClassNK Rules Development DepartmentTel: +81-43-294-6672 Fax: +81-43-294-6699E-mail: dvd@classnk.or.jp
On this ClassNK Technical Information in general External Affairs Division Tel: +81-3-5226-2038 Fax: +81-3-5226-2039E-mail: xad@classnk.or.jp

NIPPON KAIJI KYOKAI(ClassNK)
External Affairs Division, Administration Center, Head Office
Address: 4-7 Kioi-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-8567, Japan
Tel.: +81-3-5226-2038
Fax: +81-3-5226-2039
E-mail: xad@classnk.or.jp

Attachment: Table - Bulk Carrier Safety Measures