With regard to the embarkation arrangement for remotely located survival craft for the Panamanian flagged ships, Technical Information No. TEC-0747 (Merchant Marine Circular No.166) dated 22 September 2008 has been issued
Due to additional instructions from the Government for the Circular No. 166, the Technical Information has been revised as follows. The said No. TEC-0747 is revoked, accordingly.

1. The area where the remotely located survival craft, required by regulation 31.1.4 of SOLAS III, are stowed should be provided with embarkation ladder or other means of embarkation enabling descent to the water in a controlled manner in accordance with 11.7 of SOLAS III according to the interpretation circulated in IMO circular MSC.1/Circ. 1243.
Regarding this, a knotted rope is not acceptable as "Other means of embarkation".
Above requirements should be applied to all cargo ships regardless of date of construction. (It was already informed by No. TEC-0747)

2. In addition, following items of MSC.1/Circ. 1243 should be applied to all cargo ships regardless of date of construction.
1) a minimum number of 2 lifejackets and 2 immersion suites;
2) adequate of illumination, either fixed or portable, which shall be capable of illuminating the life raft stowage position as well as the area of water into which the life raft should be launched. Portable lights, when used, shall have brackets to permit their poisoning on both sides of the vessel; and

The compliance of above requirements is confirmed at the next Annual Survey after 1 April 2010 in respect of the Cargo Ship Safety Equipment Certificate.

As for item 2 above, taking account of the safe modification to be made, i.e. the use of causing fire and smoke is prohibited for oil tankers and chemical tankers etc., such ships are confirmed at next Dry Docking Survey from 1 April 2010.



(To be continued)