International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), 1974

Chapter VSafety of navigation

Contents

Regulation 30 Operational limitations

Regulation 31 Danger messages

Regulation 32 Information required in danger messages

Regulation 33 Distress situations: obligations and procedures

Regulation 34 Safe navigation and avoidance of dangerous situations

Regulation 34-1 Master's discretion

Regulation 35 Misuse of distress signals

Appendix Rules for the management, operation and financing of the North Atlantic Ice Patrol

Unified interpretations for chapter V … 401

Application

1 Unless expressly provided otherwise, this chapter shall apply to all ships on all voyages, except:

.1 warships, naval auxiliaries and other ships owned or operated by a Contracting Government and used only on government non-commercial service; and

.2 ships solely navigating the Great Lakes of North America and their connecting and tributary waters as far east as the lower exit of the St Lambert Lock at Montreal in the Province of Quebec, Canada.

However, warships, naval auxiliaries or other ships owned or operated by a Contracting Government and used only on government non-commercial service are encouraged to act in a manner consistent, so far as reasonable and practicable, with this chapter.

2 The Administration may decide to what extent this chapter shall apply to ships operating solely in waters landward of the baselines which are established in accordance with international law.

3 A rigidly connected composite unit of a pushing vessel and associated pushed vessel, when designed as a dedicated and integrated tug and barge combination, shall be regarded as a single ship for the purpose of this chapter.

4 The Administration shall determine to what extent the provisions of regulations 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27 and 28 do not apply to the following categories of ships:

.1 ships below 150 gross tonnage engaged on any voyage;

.2 ships below 500 gross tonnage not engaged on international voyages; and

.3 fishing vessels.

Regulation 2

Definitions For the purpose of this chapter:

1 Constructed in respect of a ship means a stage of construction where:

.1 the keel is laid; or

.2 construction identifiable with a specific ship begins; or

.3 assembly of the ship has commenced comprising at least 50 tonnes or 1% of the estimated mass of all structural material, whichever is less.

2 Nautical chart or nautical publication is a special-purpose map or book, or a specially compiled database from which such a map or book is derived, that is issued officially by or on the authority of a Government, authorized Hydrographic Office or other relevant government institution and is designed to meet the requirements of marine navigation.*

3 All ships means any ship, vessel or craft irrespective of type and purpose.

4 Length of a ship means its length overall.

* Refer to appropriate resolutions and recommendations of the International Hydrographic Organization concerning the authority and responsibilities of coastal States in the provision of charting in accordance with regulation 9.

5 Search and rescue service. The performance of distress monitoring, communication, coordination and search and rescue functions, including provision of medical advice, initial medical assistance, or medical evacuation, through the use of public and private resources including cooperating aircraft, ships, vessels and other craft and installations.

6 High-speed craft means a craft as defined in regulation X/1.3.

7 Mobile offshore drilling unit means a mobile offshore drilling unit as defined in regulation Xl-2/1.1.5.

Regulation 3

Exemptions and equivalents

1 The Administration may grant general exemptions from the requirements of regulations 15, 17, 18, 19 (except 19.2.1.7), 20, 22, 24, 25, 26, 27 and 28 to ships without mechanical means of propulsion.

2 The Administration may grant to individual ships exemptions or equivalents of a partial or conditional nature, when any such ship is engaged on a voyage where the maximum distance of the ship from the shore, the length and nature of the voyage, the absence of general navigational hazards, and other conditions affecting safety are such as to render the full application of this chapter unreasonable or unnecessary, provided that the Administration has taken into account the effect such exemptions and equivalents may have upon the safety of all other ships.

3 Each Administration shall submit to the Organization, as soon as possible after 1 January in each year, a report summarizing all new exemptions and equivalents granted under paragraph 2 of this regulation during the previous calendar year and giving the reasons for granting such exemptions and equivalents. The Organization shall circulate such particulars to other Contracting Governments for information.

Regulation 4

Navigational warnings Each Contracting Government shall take all steps necessary to ensure that, when intelligence of any dangers is received from whatever reliable source, it shall be promptly brought to the knowledge of those concerned and communicated to other interested Governments.*

Regulation 5

Meteorological services and warnings

1 Contracting Governments undertake to encourage the collection of meteorological data by ships at sea and to arrange for their examination, dissemination and exchange in the manner most suitable for the purpose of aiding navigation.t Administrations shall encourage the use of meteorological instruments of a high degree of accuracy and shall facilitate the checking of such instruments upon request. Arrangements may be made by appropriate national meteorological services for this checking to be undertaken, free of charge to the ship.

2 In particular, Contracting Governments undertake to carry out, in cooperation, the following meteorological arrangements:

.1 To warn ships of gales, storms and tropical cyclones by the issue of information in text and, as far as practicable, graphic form, using the appropriate shore-based facilities for terrestrial and space radiocommunications services.

* Refer to Guidance on the IMO/IHO World-Wide Navigational Warning Service (resolution A.706(17), as amended). t Refer to Recommendation on weather routeing (resolution A.528(13)).

.2 To issue, at least twice daily, by terrestrial and space radiocommunication services,* as appropriate, weather information suitable for shipping containing data, analyses, warnings and forecasts of weather, waves and ice. Such information shall be transmitted in text and, as far as practicable, graphic form, including meteorological analysis and prognosis charts transmitted by facsimile or in digital form for reconstitution on board the ship's data processing system .

.3 To prepare and issue such publications as may be necessary for the efficient conduct of meteorological work at sea and to arrange, if practicable, for the publication and making available of daily weather charts for the information of departing ships .

.4 To arrange for a selection of ships to be equipped with tested marine meteorological instruments (such as a barometer, a barograph, a psychrometer and suitable apparatus for measuring sea temperature) for use in this service, and to take, record and transmit meteorological observations at the main standard times for surface synoptic observations (i.e. at least four times daily, whenever circumstances permit) and to encourage other ships to take, record and transmit observations in a modified form, particularly when in areas where shipping is sparse .

.5 To encourage companies to involve as many of their ships as practicable in the making and recording of weather observations; these observations to be transmitted using the ship's terrestrial or space radiocommunications facilities for the benefit of the various national meteorological services .

.6 The transmission of these weather observations is free of charge to the ships concerned .

.7 When in the vicinity of a tropical cyclone, or of a suspected tropical cyclone, ships should be encouraged to take and transmit their observations at more frequent intervals whenever practicable, bearing in mind navigational preoccupations of ships' officers during storm conditions .

.8 To arrange for the reception and transmission of weather messages from and to ships, using the appropriate shore-based facilities for terrestrial and space radiocommunications services .

.9 To encourage masters to inform ships in the vicinity and also shore stations whenever they experience a wind speed of 50 knots or more (force 10 on the Beaufort scale) .

.10 To endeavour to obtain a uniform procedure in regard to the international meteorological services already specified, and as far as practicable, to conform to the technical regulations and recommendations made by the World Meteorological Organization, to which Contracting Governments may refer, for study and advice, any meteorological question which may arise in carrying out the present Convention.

3 The information provided for in this regulation shall be furnished in a form for transmission and be transmitted in the order of priority prescribed by the Radio Regulations. During transmission "to all stations" of meteorological information, forecasts and warnings, all ship stations must conform to the provisions of the Radio Regulations.

4 Forecasts, warnings, synoptic and other meteorological data intended for ships shall be issued and disseminated by the national meteorological service in the best position to serve various coastal and high seas areas, in accordance with mutual arrangements made by Contracting Governments, in particular as defined by the World Meteorological Organization's system for the preparation and dissemination of meteorological forecasts and warnings for the high seas under the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS).

Regulation 6

Ice Patrol Service

1 The Ice Patrol contributes to safety of life at sea, safety and efficiency of navigation and protection of the marine environment in the North Atlantic. Ships transiting the region of icebergs guarded by the Ice Patrol during the ice season are required to make use of the services provided by the Ice Patrol.

* Refer to regulation IV/7.1 .4.

2 The Contracting Governments undertake to continue an ice patrol and a service for study and observation of ice conditions in the North Atlantic. During the whole of the ice season, i.e. for the period from 15 February through 1 July of each year, the south-eastern, southern and south-western limits of the region of icebergs in the vicinity of the Grand Banks of Newfoundland shall be guarded for the purpose of informing passing ships of the extent of this dangerous region; for the study of ice conditions in general; and for the purpose of affording assistance to ships and crews requiring aid within the limits of operation of the patrol ships and aircraft. During the rest of the year the study and observation of ice conditions shall be maintained as advisable.

3 Ships and aircraft used for the Ice Patrol Service and the study and observation of ice conditions may be assigned other duties provided that such other duties do not interfere with the primary purpose or increase the cost of this service.

4 The Government of the United States of America agrees to continue the overall management of the Ice Patrol Service and the study and observation of ice conditions, including the dissemination of information therefrom.

5 The terms and conditions governing the management, operation and financing of the Ice Patrol are set forth in the Rules for the management, operation and financing of the North Atlantic Ice Patrol appended to this chapter, which shall form an integral part of this chapter.

6 If, at any time, the United States and/or Canadian Governments should desire to discontinue providing these services, it may do so and the Contracting Governments shall settle the question of continuing these services in accordance with their mutual interests. The United States and/or Canadian Governments shall provide 18 months' written notice to all Contracting Governments whose ships entitled to fly their flag and whose ships are registered in territories to which those Contracting Governments have extended this regulation benefit from these services before discontinuing providing these services.

Regulation 7

Search and rescue services

1 Each Contracting Government undertakes to ensure that necessary arrangements are made for distress communication and coordination in their area of responsibility and for the rescue of persons in distress at sea around its coasts. These arrangements shall include the establishment, operation and maintenance of such search and rescue facilities as are deemed practicable and necessary, having regard to the density of the seagoing traffic and the navigational dangers, and shall, so far as possible, provide adequate means of locating and rescuing such persons.*

2 Each Contracting Government undertakes to make available information to the Organization concerning its existing search and rescue facilities and the plans for changes therein, if any.

3 Passenger ships to which chapter I applies shall have on board a plan for cooperation with appropriate search and rescue services in the event of an emergency. The plan shall be developed in cooperation between the ship, the company, as defined in regulation IX/1, and the search and rescue services. The plan shall include provisions for periodic exercises to be undertaken to test its effectiveness. The plan shall be developed based on the guidelines developed by the Organization.

Regulation 8

Life-saving signals Contracting Governments undertake to arrange that life-saving signals are used by search and rescue facilities engaged in search and rescue operations when communicating with ships or persons in distress.

• Refer to the International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue (SAR), 1979, and to the following resolutions adopted by the Organization: Homing capability of search and rescue (SAR) aircraft (resolution A.225(VII)), Search and rescue homing capability (resolution A.616(15)) and International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue (IAMSAR) Manual (resolution A.894(21), as amended).

Regulation 9

Hydrographic services

1 Contracting Governments undertake to arrange for the collection and compilation of hydrographic data and the publication, dissemination and keeping up to date of all nautical information necessary for safe navigation.

2 In particular, Contracting Governments undertake to cooperate in carrying out, as far as possible, the following nautical and hydrographic services, in the manner most suitable for the purpose of aiding navigation:

.1 to ensure that hydrographic surveying is carried out, as far as possible, adequate to the requirements of safe navigation;

.2 to prepare and issue nautical charts, sailing directions, lists of lights, tide tables and other nautical publications, where applicable, satisfying the needs of safe navigation;

.3 to promulgate notices to mariners in order that nautical charts and publications are kept, as far as possible, up to date; and

.4 to provide data management arrangements to support these services.

3 Contracting Governments undertake to ensure the greatest possible uniformity in charts and nautical publications and to take into account, whenever possible, relevant international resolutions and recommendations.*

4 Contracting Governments undertake to coordinate their activities to the greatest possible degree in order to ensure that hydrographic and nautical information is made available on a world-wide scale as timely, reliably, and unambiguously as possible.

Regulation 10

Ships/ routeing

1 Ships' routeing systems contribute to safety of life at sea, safety and efficiency of navigation and/or protection of the marine environment. Ships' routeing systems are recommended for use by, and may be made mandatory for, all ships, certain categories of ships or ships carrying certain cargoes, when adopted and implemented in accordance with the guidelines and criteria developed by the Organization.t

2 The Organization is recognized as the only international body for developing guidelines, criteria and regulations on an international level for ships' routeing systems. Contracting Governments shall refer proposals for the adoption of ships' routeing systems to the Organization. The Organization will collate and disseminate to Contracting Governments all relevant information with regard to any adopted ships' routeing systems.

3 The initiation of action for establishing a ships' routeing system is the responsibility of the Government or Governments concerned. In developing such systems for adoption by the Organization, the guidelines and criteria developed by the Organizationt shall be taken into account.

4 Ships' routeing systems should be submitted to the Organization for adoption. However, a Government or Governments implementing ships' routeing systems not intended to be submitted to the Organization for adoption or which have not been adopted by the Organization are encouraged to take into account, wherever possible, the guidelines and criteria developed by the Organization.t

5 Where two or more Governments have a common interest in a particular area, they should formulate joint proposals for the delineation and use of a routeing system therein on the basis of an agreement between them. Upon receipt of such proposal and before proceeding with consideration of it for adoption, the Organization shall ensure that details of the proposal are disseminated to the Governments which have a common interest in the area, including countries in the vicinity of the proposed ships' routeing system.

• Refer to the appropriate resolutions and recommendations adopted by the International Hydrographic Organization. t Refer to General provisions on ships' routeing (resolution A.572(14), as amended).

6 Contracting Governments shall adhere to the measures adopted by the Organization concerning ships' routeing. They shall promulgate all information necessary for the safe and effective use of adopted ships' routeing systems. A Government or Governments concerned may monitor traffic in those systems. Contracting Governments shall do everything in their power to secure the appropriate use of ships' routeing systems adopted by the Organization.

7 A ship shall use a mandatory ships' routeing system adopted by the Organization as required for its category or cargo carried and in accordance with the relevant provisions in force unless there are compelling reasons not to use a particular ships' routeing system. Any such reason shall be recorded in the ships' log.

8 Mandatory ships' routeing systems shall be reviewed by the Contracting Government or Governments concerned in accordance with the guidelines and criteria developed by the Organization.*

9 All adopted ships' routeing systems and actions taken to enforce compliance with those systems shall be consistent with international law, including the relevant provisions of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

10 Nothing in this regulation nor its associated guidelines and criteria shall prejudice the rights and duties of Governments under international law or the legal regimes of straits used for international navigation and archipelagic sea lanes.

Regulation 11

Ship reporting systemst

1 Ship reporting systems contribute to safety of life at sea, safety and efficiency of navigation and/or protection of the marine environment. A ship reporting system, when adopted and implemented in accordance with the guidelines and criteria developed by the Organization+ pursuant to this regulation, shall be used by all ships or certain categories of ships or ships carrying certain cargoes in accordance with the provisions of each system so adopted.

2 The Organization is recognized as the only international body for developing guidelines, criteria and regulations on an international level for ship reporting systems. Contracting Governments shall refer proposals for the adoption of ship reporting systems to the Organization. The Organization will collate and disseminate to Contracting Governments all relevant information with regard to any adopted ship reporting system.

3 The initiation of action for establishing a ship reporting system is the responsibility of the Government or Governments concerned. In developing such systems, provision of the guidelines and criteria developed by the Organization:J: shall be taken into account.

4 Ship reporting systems not submitted to the Organization for adoption do not necessarily need to comply with this regulation. However, Governments implementing such systems are encouraged to follow, wherever possible, the guidelines and criteria developed by the Organization.:J: Contracting Governments may submit such systems to the Organization for recognition.

5 Where two or more Governments have a common interest in a particular area, they should formulate proposals for a coordinated ship reporting system on the basis of agreement between them. Before proceeding with a proposal for adoption of a ship reporting system, the Organization shall disseminate details of the proposal to those Governments which have a common interest in the area covered by the proposed system. Where a coordinated ship reporting system is adopted and established, it shall have uniform procedures and operations.

• Refer to General provisions on ships' routeing (resolution A.572(14), as amended). t This regulation does not address ship reporting systems established by Governments for search and rescue purposes, which are covered by chapter 5 of the 1979 SAR Convention, as amended. * Refer to revised Guidelines and criteria for ship reporting systems (MSC.433(98)) and General principles for ship reporting systems and ship reporting requirements, including guidelines for reporting incidents involving dangerous goods, harmful substances and/or marine pollutants (resolution A.851 (20), as amended).

6 After adoption of a ship reporting system in accordance with this regulation, the Government or Governments concerned shall take all measures necessary for the promulgation of any information needed for the efficient and effective use of the system. Any adopted ship reporting system shall have the capability of interaction and the ability to assist ships with information when necessary. Such systems shall be operated in accordance with the guidelines and criteria developed by the Organization* pursuant to this regulation.

7 The master of a ship shall comply with the requirements of adopted ship reporting systems and report to the appropriate authority all information required in accordance with the provisions of each such system.

8 All adopted ship reporting systems and actions taken to enforce compliance with those systems shall be consistent with international law, including the relevant provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

9 Nothing in this regulation or its associated guidelines and criteria shall prejudice the rights and duties of Governments under international law or the legal regimes of straits used for international navigation and archipelagic sea lanes.

10 The participation of ships in accordance with the provisions of adopted ship reporting systems shall be free of charge to the ships concerned.

11 The Organization shall ensure that adopted ship reporting systems are reviewed under the guidelines and criteria developed by the Organization.

Regulation 12

Vessel traffic services

1 Vessel traffic services (VTS) contribute to safety of life at sea, safety and efficiency of navigation and protection of the marine environment, adjacent shore areas, work sites and offshore installations from possible adverse effects of maritime traffic.

2 Contracting Governments undertake to arrange for the establishment of VTS where, in their opinion, the volume of traffic or the degree of risk justifies such services.

3 Contracting Governments planning and implementing VTS shall, wherever possible, follow the guidelines developed by the Organization.t The use of VTS may only be made mandatory in sea areas within the territorial seas of a coastal State.

4 Contracting Governments shall endeavour to secure the participation in, and compliance with, the provisions of vessel traffic services by ships entitled to fly their flag.

5 Nothing in this regulation or the guidelines adopted by the Organization shall prejudice the rights and duties of Governments under international law or the legal regimes of straits used for international navigation and archipelagic sea lanes.

Regulation 13

Establishment and operation of aids to navigation

1 Each Contracting Government undertakes to provide, as it deems practical and necessary, either individually or in cooperation with other Contracting Governments, such aids to navigation as the volume of traffic justifies and the degree of risk requires.

• Refer to revised Guidelines and criteria for ship reporting systems (MSC.433(98)) and General principles for ship reporting systems and ship reporting requirements, including guidelines for reporting incidents involving dangerous goods, harmful substances and/or marine pollutants (resolution A.851(20), as amended). t Refer to Guidelines on vessel traffic services (resolution A.1158(32)).

2 In order to obtain the greatest possible uniformity in aids to navigation, Contracting Governments undertake to take into account the international recommendations and guidelines* when establishing such aids.

3 Contracting Governments undertake to arrange for information relating to aids to navigation to be made available to all concerned. Changes in the transmissions of position-fixing systems which could adversely affect the performance of receivers fitted in ships shall be avoided as far as possible and only be effected after timely and adequate notice has been promulgated.

Regulation 14

Ships' manning

1 Contracting Governments undertake, each for its national ships, to maintain, or, if it is necessary, to adopt, measures for the purpose of ensuring that, from the point of view of safety of life at sea, all ships shall be sufficiently and efficiently manned.t

2 For every ship to which chapter I applies, the Administration shall:

.1 establish appropriate minimum safe manning following a transparent procedure, taking into account the relevant guidance adopted by the Organization;t and

.2 issue an appropriate minimum safe manning document or equivalent as evidence of the minimum safe manning considered necessary to comply with the provisions of paragraph 1.

3 On all ships, to ensure effective crew performance in safety matters, a working language shall be established and recorded in the ship's logbook. The company, as defined in regulation IX/ 1, or the master, as appropriate, shall determine the appropriate working language. Each seafarer shall be required to understand and, where appropriate, give orders and instructions and to report back in that language. If the working language is not an official language of the State whose flag the ship is entitled to fly, all plans and lists required to be posted shall include a translation into the working language.

4 On ships to which chapter I applies, English shall be used on the bridge as the working language for bridge-to-bridge and bridge-to-shore safety communications as well as for communications on board between the pilot and bridge watchkeeping personnel,t unless those directly involved in the communication speak a common language other than English.

Regulation 15

Principles relating to bridge design, design and arrangement of navigational systems and equipment and bridge procedures All decisions which are made for the purpose of applying the requirements of regulations 19, 22, 24, 25, 27 and 28 and which affect bridge design, the design and arrangement of navigational systems and equipment on the bridge and bridge procedures§ shall be taken with the aim of:

.1 facilitating the tasks to be performed by the bridge team and the pilot in making full appraisal of the situation and in navigating the ship safely under all operational conditions;

.2 promoting effective and safe bridge resource management;

.3 enabling the bridge team and the pilot to have convenient and continuous access to essential information which is presented in a clear and unambiguous manner, using standardized symbols and coding systems for controls and displays;

* Refer to the appropriate recommendations and guidelines of /ALA Maritime Buoyage System (SN.1/Circ.297, as may be revised). t Refer to Principles of minimum safe manning (resolution A.1047(27)). * Refer to the /MO Standard Marine Communication Phrases (resolution A.918(22)). § Refer to Guidelines on ergonomic criteria for bridge equipment and layout (MSC/Circ.982) and Guidelines for bridge equipment and systems, their arrangement and integration (BES) (SN.l/Circ.288) and, for INS, to revised Recommendation on performance standards for an integrated navigational system (resolution MSC.252(83), as amended).

.4 indicating the operational status of automated functions and integrated components, systems and/ or sub-systems;

.5 allowing for expeditious, continuous and effective information processing and decision-making by the bridge team and the pilot;

.6 preventing or minimizing excessive or unnecessary work and any conditions or distractions on the bridge which may cause fatigue or interfere with the vigilance of the bridge team and the pilot; and

.7 minimizing the risk of human error and detecting such error, if it occurs, through monitoring and alarm systems, in time for the bridge team and the pilot to take appropriate action.

Regulation 16

Maintenance of equipment

1 The Administration shall be satisfied that adequate arrangements are in place to ensure that the performance of the equipment required by this chapter is maintained.

2 Except as provided in regulations l/7(b)(ii), 1/8 and 1/9, while all reasonable steps shall be taken to maintain the equipment required by this chapter in efficient working order, malfunctions of that equipment shall not be considered as making the ship unseaworthy or as a reason for delaying the ship in ports where repair facilities are not readily available, provided suitable arrangements are made by the master to take the inoperative equipment or unavailable information into account in planning and executing a safe voyage to a port where repairs can take place.

Regulation 17

Electromagnetic compatibility

1 Administrations shall ensure that all electrical and electronic equipment on the bridge or in the vicinity of the bridge, on ships constructed on or after 1 July 2002, is tested for electromagnetic compatibility, taking into account the recommendations developed by the Organization.*

2 Electrical and electronic equipment shall be so installed that electromagnetic interference does not affect the proper function of navigational systems and equipment.

3 Portable electrical and electronic equipment shall not be operated on the bridge if it may affect the proper function of navigational systems and equipment.

Regulation 18

Approval, surveys and performance standards of navigational systems and equipment and voyage data recorder

1 Systems and equipment required to meet the requirements of regulations 19 and 20 shall be of a type approved by the Administration.

* Refer to Genera/ requirements for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) for all electrical and electronic ship's equipment (resolution A.813(19)).

2 Systems and equipment, including associated back-up arrangements, where applicable, installed on or after 1 July 2002 to perform the functional requirements of regulations 19 and 20 shall conform to appropriate performance standards not inferior to those adopted by the Organization.*

3 When systems and equipment are replaced or added to on ships constructed before 1 July 2002, such systems and equipment shall, in so far as is reasonable and practicable, comply with the requirements of paragraph 2.

4 Systems and equipment installed prior to the adoption of performance standards by the Organization may subsequently be exempted from full compliance with such standards at the discretion of the Administration, having due regard to the recommended criteria adopted by the Organization. However, for an electronic chart display and information system (ECDIS) to be accepted as satisfying the chart carriage requirement of regulation 19.2.1.4, that system shall conform to the relevant performance standards not inferior to those adopted by the Organization in effect on the date of installation, or, for systems installed before

1 January 1999, not inferior to the performance standards adopted by the Organization on 23 November 1995.t

* Refer to: Recommendations on genera l requirements for shipborne radio equipment form ing part of the global maritime distress and safety system (CMDSS) and for electronic navigational aids (resolution A.694(17)); Recommendation on performance standards for gyro-compasses (resolution A.424(XI)); Recommendation on performance standards for radar equipment (resolution MSC.64(67), an nex 4); Revised recommendation on performance standards for radar equipment (resolution MSC.192 (79)); Performance standards for automatic radar plotting aids (A RPAs) (resolution A.823 (19)); Performance standards for electronic chart display and information systems (ECDIS) (resolut ion MSC.530(106), as revised); Recommendation on performance standards for shipborne Loran-C and Chayka receivers (resolution A.8 18(19)); Recommendation on performance standards for shipborne global positioning system (CPS) receiver equipment (resolution A.819(19), as amended); Recommendation on performance standards for shipborne C LONASS receiver equipment (resolutio n MSC.53 (66), as amended); Recommendation on performance standards for shipborne DCPS and DCLONASS maritime radio beacon receiver equipment (resolution MSC.64(67), annex 2, as amended); Recommendation on performance standards for shipborne combined CPS/CLONASS receiver equipment (resolution MSC.74(69), annex 1, as amended); Performance standards for shipborne Ga lileo receiver equipment (resolution MSC.233 (82)); Performance standards for shipborne Beidou Satellite Navigation System (BOS) receiver equipment (resolution MSC.379(93)); Performance standards for multi-system shipborne radionavigation receivers (resolution MSC.401 (95), as amended); Performance standards for shipborne Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) receiver equipment (resolution MSC.449(99)); Recommendation on performance standards for heading control systems (resolution MSC.64(67), annex 3); Recommendation on performance standards for track control systems (resolution MSC.74(69), annex 2); Recommendation on performance standards for a universal shipborne automatic identification system (AIS) (resolution MSC.74(69), annex 3); Recommendation on performance standards for echo-sounding equipment (resolution A.224(VII), as amended); Recommendation on performance standards for devices to indicate speed and distance (resolution A.824(19), as amended); Performance standards for rate-of-turn indicators (resolution A.526(13)); Recommendation on performance standards for radar reflectors (resolution A.384(X), as revised); Recommendation on performance standards for magnetic compasses (resolution A.382(X)); Recommendation on performance standards for daylight signalling lamps (resolution MSC.95(72)); Recommendation on performance standards for sound reception systems (resolution MSC.86(70), annex 1); Recommendation on performance standards for shipborne voyage data recorders (VORs) (resolution MSC.333(90), as amended); Recommendation on performance standards for shipborne simplified voyage data recorders (S-VDRs) (resolution MSC.163(78), as amended); Recommendations on performance standards for marine transmitting heading devices (TH Ds) (resolution MSC.116(73)); Performance standards for a bridge navigational watch alarm system (BNWAS) (resolution MSC.128(75)). t Refer to Recommendation on performance standards for shipborne simplified voyage data recorders (5-VDRs) (resolution MSC.163(78), as amended), Performance standards for electronic chart display and information systems (ECD/S) (resolution MSC.530(106), as revised), and Performance standards and functional requirements for the long-range identification and tracking of ships (resolution MSC.263(84), as revised).

5 The Administration shall require that the manufacturers have a quality control system audited by a competent authority to ensure continuous compliance with the type approval conditions. Alternatively, the Administration may use final product verification procedures where the compliance with the type approval certificate is verified by a competent authority before the product is installed on board ships.

6 Before giving approval to systems or equipment embodying new features not covered by this chapter, the Administration shall ensure that such features support functions at least as effective as those required by this chapter.

7 When equipment, for which performance standards have been developed by the Organization, is carried on ships in addition to those items of equipment required by regulations 19 and 20, such equipment shall be subject to approval and shall, as far as practicable, comply with performance standards not inferior to those adopted by the Organization.

8 The voyage data recorder system, including all sensors, shall be subjected to an annual performance test. The test shall be conducted by an approved testing or servicing facility to verify the accuracy, duration and recoverability of the recorded data. In addition, tests and inspections shall be conducted to determine the serviceability of all protective enclosures and devices fitted to aid location. A copy of the certificate of compliance issued by the testing facility, stating the date of compliance and the applicable performance standards, shall be retained on board the ship.

SEE INTERPRETATION 1

9 The automatic identification system (AIS) shall be subjected to an annual test. The test shall be conducted by an approved surveyor or an approved testing or servicing facility. The test shall verify the correct programming of the ship static information, correct data exchange with connected sensors as well as verifying the radio performance by radio frequency measurement and on-air test using, e.g. a Vessel Traffic Service (VTS). A copy of the test report shall be retained on board the ship.

SEE INTERPRETATION 2

Regulation 19

Carriage requirements for shipborne navigational systems and equipment

1 Application and requirements Subject to the provisions of regulation 1.4:

1.1 Ships constructed on or after 1 July 2002 shall be fitted with navigational systems and equipment which will fulfil the requirements prescribed in paragraphs 2.1 to 2.9.

1.2 Ships constructed before 1 July 2002 shall:

.1 subject to the provisions of paragraphs 1.2.2, 1.2.3 and 1.2.4, unless they comply fully with this regulation, continue to be fitted with equipment which fulfils the requirements prescribed in regulations V/11, V/12 and V/20 of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974 in force prior to 1 July 2002;

.2 be fitted with the equipment or systems required in paragraph 2.1.6 not later than the first survey* after 1 July 2002, at which time the radio direction-finding apparatus referred to in V/12(p) of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974 in force prior to 1 July 2002 shall no longer be required;

.3 be fitted with the system required in paragraph 2.4 not later than the dates specified in paragraphs 2.4.2 and 2.4.3;

* Refer to Unified interpretation of the term "first survey" referred to in SOLAS regulations (MSC.1/Circ.1290).

.4 be fitted with the system required in paragraph 2.2.3, as follows:

.1 passenger ships irrespective of size, not later than the first survey* after 1 January 2016;

.2 cargo ships of 3,000 gross tonnage and upwards, not later than the first survey* after

1 January 2016;

.3 cargo ships of 500 gross tonnage and upwards but less than 3,000 gross tonnage, not later than the first survey* after 1 January 2017; and

.4 cargo ships of 150 gross tonnage and upwards but less than 500 gross tonnage, not later than the first survey* after 1 January 2018.

The bridge navigational watch alarm system shall be in operation whenever the ship is underway at sea.

The provisions of paragraph 2.2.4 shall also apply to ships constructed before 1 July 2002.

1.3 Administrations may exempt ships from the application of the requirement of paragraph 1.2.4 when such ships will be taken permanently out of service within two years after the implementation date specified in sub-paragraphs 1.2.4.1 to 1.2.4.4.

2 Shipborne navigational equipment and systems

2.1 All ships, irrespective of size, shall have:

.1 a properly adjusted standard magnetic compass, or other means, independent of any power supply, to determine the ship's heading and display the reading at the main steering position;

.2 a pelorus or compass bearing device, or other means, independent of any power supply, to take bearings over an arc of the horizon of 360°;

.3 means of correcting heading and bearings to true at all times;

.4 nautical charts and nautical publications to plan and display the ship's route for the intended voyage and to plot and monitor positions throughout the voyage. An electronic chart display and information system (ECDIS) is also accepted as meeting the chart carriage requirements of this sub-paragraph. Ships to which paragraph 2.10 applies shall comply with the carriage requirements for ECDIS detailed therein;

.5 back-up arrangements to meet the functional requirements of sub-paragraph .4, if this function is partly or fully fulfilled by electronic means;t

.6 a receiver for a global navigation satellite system or a terrestrial radionavigation system, or other means, suitable for use at all times throughout the intended voyage to establish and update the ship's position by automatic means;

.7 if less than 150 gross tonnage and if practicable, a radar reflector, or other means, to enable detection by ships navigating by radar at both 9 and 3 GHz;

.8 when the ship's bridge is totally enclosed and unless the Administration determines otherwise, a sound reception system, or other means, to enable the officer in charge of the navigational watch to hear sound signals and determine their direction; and

.9 a telephone, or other means, to communicate heading information to the emergency steering position, if provided.

* Refer to Unified interpretation of the term "first survey" referred to in SOLAS regulations (MSC.1/Circ.1290). t Refer to appendix 6, Back-up requirements, of Performance standards for electronic chart display and information systems (ECDIS) (resolution MSC.530(106), as revised). An appropriate folio of paper nautical charts may be used as a back-up arrangement for ECDIS. Other back-up arrangements for ECDIS are acceptable.

2.2 All ships of 150 gross tonnage and upwards and passenger ships irrespective of size shall, in addition to the requirements of paragraph 2.1, be fitted with:

.1 a spare magnetic compass, interchangeable with the magnetic compass as referred to in paragraph 2.1.1, or other means to perform the function referred to in paragraph 2.1.1 by means of replacement or duplicate equipment;

.2 a daylight signalling lamp, or other means, to communicate by light during day and night using an energy source of electrical power not solely dependent upon the ship's power supply;

.3 a bridge navigational watch alarm system (BNWAS), as follows:

.1 cargo ships of 150 gross tonnage and upwards and passenger ships irrespective of size constructed on or after 1 July 2011;

.2 passenger ships irrespective of size constructed before 1 July 2011, not later than the first survey* after 1 July 2012;

.3 cargo ships of 3,000 gross tonnage and upwards constructed before 1 July 2011, not later than the first survey* after 1 July 2012;

.4 cargo ships of 500 gross tonnage and upwards but less than 3,000 gross tonnage constructed before 1 July 2011, not later than the first survey* after 1 July 2013; and

.5 cargo ships of 150 gross tonnage and upwards but less than 500 gross tonnage constructed before 1 July 2011, not later than the first survey* after 1 July 2014.

The bridge navigational watch alarm system shall be in operation whenever the ship is underway at sea;

.4 a bridge navigational watch alarm system (BNWAS) installed prior to 1 July 2011 may subsequently be exempted from full compliance with the standards adopted by the Organization, at the discretion of the Administration.

2.3 All ships of 300 gross tonnage and upwards and passenger ships irrespective of size shall, in addition to meeting the requirements of paragraph 2.2, be fitted with:

.1 an echo-sounding device, or other electronic means, to measure and display the available depth of water;

.2 a 9 GHz radar, or other means, to determine and display the range and bearing of radar transponders and of other surface craft, obstructions, buoys, shorelines and navigational marks to assist in navigation and in collision avoidance;

.3 an electronic plotting aid, or other means, to plot electronically the range and bearing of targets to determine collision risk;

.4 speed and distance measuring device, or other means, to indicate speed and distance through the water;

SEE INTERPRETATION 3

.5 a properly adjusted transmitting heading device, or other means, to transmit heading information for input to the equipment referred to in paragraphs 2.3.2, 2.3.3 and 2.4.

2.4 All ships of 300 gross tonnage and upwards engaged on international voyages and cargo ships of

500 gross tonnage and upwards not engaged on international voyages and passenger ships irrespective of size shall be fitted with an automatic identification system (AIS), as follows:

.1 ships constructed on or after 1 July 2002;

.2 ships engaged on international voyages constructed before 1 July 2002:

.1 in the case of passenger ships, not later than 1 July 2003;

* Refer to Unified interpretation of the term "first survey" referred to in SOLAS regulations (MSC.1/Circ.1290).

.2 in the case of tankers, not later than the first survey* for safety equipmentt on or after

1 July 2003;

.3 in the case of ships, other than passenger ships and tankers, of 50,000 gross tonnage and upwards, not later than 1 July 2004;

.4 in the case of ships, other than passenger ships and tankers, of 300 gross tonnage and upwards but less than 50,000 gross tonnage, not later than the first safety equipment survey+ after

1 July 2004 or by 31 December 2004, whichever occurs earlier; and

.3 ships not engaged on international voyages constructed before 1 July 2002, not later than

1 July 2008;

.4 the Administration may exempt ships from the application of the requirements of this paragraph when such ships will be taken permanently out of service within two years after the implementation date specified in sub-paragraphs .2 and .3;

.5 AIS shall:

.1 provide automatically to appropriately equipped shore stations, other ships and aircraft information, including the ship's identity, type, position, course, speed, navigational status and other safety-related information;

.2 receive automatically such information from similarly fitted ships;

.3 monitor and track ships; and

.4 exchange data with shore-based facilities;

.6 the requirements of paragraph 2.4.5 shall not be applied to cases where international agreements, rules or standards provide for the protection of navigational information; and

.7 AIS shall be operated taking into account the guidelines adopted by the Organization.§ Ships fitted with AIS shall maintain AIS in operation at all times except where international agreements, rules or standards provide for the protection of navigational information.

2.5 All ships of 500 gross tonnage and upwards shall, in addition to meeting the requirements of paragraph 2.3, with the exception of paragraphs 2.3.3 and 2.3.5, and the requirements of paragraph 2.4, have:

.1 a gyro-compass, or other means, to determine and display their heading by shipborne non-magnetic means, being clearly readable by the helmsman at the main steering position. These means shall also transmit heading information for input to the equipment referred to in paragraphs 2.3.2, 2.4 and 2.5.5;

.2 a gyro-compass heading repeater, or other means, to supply heading information visually at the emergency steering position if provided;

.3 a gyro-compass bearing repeater, or other means, to take bearings, over an arc of the horizon of 360°1 using the gyro-compass or other means referred to in sub-paragraph .1. However, ships of less than 1,600 gross tonnage shall be fitted with such means as far as possible;

.4 rudder, propeller, thrust, pitch and operational mode indicators, or other means, to determine and display rudder angle, propeller revolutions, the force and direction of thrust and, if applicable, the force and direction of lateral thrust and the pitch and operational mode, all to be readable from the conning position; and

.5 an automatic tracking aid, or other means, to plot automatically the range and bearing of other targets to determine collision risk.

• Refer to Unified interpretation of the term "first survey" referred to in SOLAS regulations (MSC.1/Circ.1290). t Refer to regulation 1/8. +The first safety equipment survey means the first annual survey, the first periodical survey or the first renewal survey for safety equipment, whichever is due first after 1 July 2004, and, in addition, in the case of ships under construction, the initial survey. § Refer to Revised guidelines for the on board operational use of shipborne Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) (resolution A.1106(29)).

2.6 On all ships of 500 gross tonnage and upwards, failure of one piece of equipment should not reduce the ship's ability to meet the requirements of paragraphs 2.1.1, 2.1.2 and 2.1.4.

2.7 All ships of 3,000 gross tonnage and upwards shall, in addition to meeting the requirements of paragraph 2.5, have:

.1 a 3 GHz radar or, where considered appropriate by the Administration, a second 9 GHz radar, or other means, to determine and display the range and bearing of other surface craft, obstructions, buoys, shorelines and navigational marks to assist in navigation and in collision avoidance, which are functionally independent of those referred to in paragraph 2.3.2; and

.2 a second automatic tracking aid, or other means, to plot automatically the range and bearing of other targets to determine collision risk which are functionally independent of those referred to in paragraph 2.5.5.

2.8 All ships of 10,000 gross tonnage and upwards shall, in addition to meeting the requirements of paragraph 2.7 with the exception of paragraph 2.7.2, have:

.1 an automatic radar plotting aid, or other means, to plot automatically the range and bearing of at least 20 other targets, connected to a device to indicate speed and distance through the water, to determine collision risks and simulate a trial manoeuvre; and

.2 a heading or track control system, or other means, to automatically control and keep to a heading and/or straight track.

2.9 All ships of 50,000 gross tonnage and upwards shall, in addition to meeting the requirements of paragraph 2.8, have:

.1 a rate-of-turn indicator, or other means, to determine and display the rate of turn; and

.2 a speed and distance measuring device, or other means, to indicate speed and distance over the ground in the forward and athwartships direction.

SEE INTERPRETATION 3

2.10 Ships engaged on international voyages shall be fitted w ith an electronic chart display and information system (ECDIS) as follows:

.1 passenger ships of 500 gross tonnage and upwards constructed on or after 1 July 2012;

.2 tankers of 3,000 gross tonnage and upwards constructed on or after 1 July 2012;

.3 cargo ships, other than tankers, of 10,000 gross tonnage and upwards constructed on or after

1 July 2013;

.4 cargo ships, other than tankers, of 3,000 gross tonnage and upwards but less than 10,000 gross tonnage constructed on or after 1 July 2014;

.5 passenger ships of 500 gross tonnage and upwards constructed before 1 July 2012, not later than the first survey* on or after 1 July 2014;

.6 tankers of 3,000 gross tonnage and upwards constructed before 1 July 2012, not later than the first survey* on or after 1 July 2015;

.7 cargo ships, other than tankers, of 50,000 gross tonnage and upwards constructed before 1 July 2013, not later than the first survey* on or after 1 July 2016;

.8 cargo ships, other than tankers, of 20,000 gross tonnage and upwards but less than 50,000 gross tonnage constructed before 1 July 2013, not later than the first survey* on or after 1 July 2017; and

* Refer to Unified interpretation of the term "first survey" referred to in SOLAS regulations (MSC.1/Circ.1290).

.9 cargo ships, other than tankers, of 10,000 gross tonnage and upwards but less than 20,000 gross tonnage constructed before 1 July 2013, not later than the first survey* on or after 1 July 2018.

2.11 Administrations may exempt ships from the application of the requirements of paragraph 2.10 when such ships will be taken permanently out of service within two years after the implementation date specified in sub-paragraphs .5 to .9 of paragraph 2.10.

3 When "other means" are permitted under this regulation, such means must be approved by the Administration in accordance with regulation 18.

4 The navigational equipment and systems referred to in this regulation shall be so installed, tested and maintained as to minimize malfunction.

5 Navigational equipment and systems offering alternative modes of operation shall indicate the actual mode of use.

6 Integrated bridge systemst shall be so arranged that failure of one sub-system is brought to the immediate attention of the officer in charge of the navigational watch by audible and visual alarms and does not cause failure to any other sub-system. In case of failure in one part of an integrated navigational system, :J: it shall be possible to operate each other individual item of equipment or part of the system separately.

Regulation 19-1

Long-range identification and tracking of ships§

1 Nothing in this regulation or the provisions of performance standards and functional requirements'][ adopted by the Organization in relation to the long-range identification and tracking of ships shall prejudice the rights, jurisdiction or obligations of States under international law, in particular, the legal regimes of the high seas, the exclusive economic zone, the contiguous zone, the territorial seas or the straits used for international navigation and archipelagic sea lanes.

2.1 Subject to the provisions of paragraphs 4.1 and 4.2, this regulation shall apply to the following types of ships** engaged on international voyages:

.1 passenger ships, including high-speed passenger craft;

.2 cargo ships, including high-speed craft, of 300 gross tonnagett and upwards; and

.3 mobile offshore drilling units.

2.2 The term ship, when used in paragraphs 3 to 11.2, includes the passenger and cargo ships, the high- speed craft and the mobile offshore drilling units which are subject to the provisions of this regulation.

3 This regulation establishes provisions to enable Contracting Governments to undertake the long-range identification and tracking of ships.

* Refer to Unified interpretation of the term "first survey" referred to in SOLAS regulations (MSC.1/Circ.1290). t Refer to Guidelines for bridge equipment and systems, their arrangement and integration (BES) (SN.1/Circ.288). t Refer to revised Recommendation on performance standards for an integrated navigational system (resolution MSC.252(83), as amended). § Refer to Guidance on the implementation of the LR/T system (MSC.1/Circ.1298).

'II Refer to Performance standards and functional requirements for the long-range identification and tracking of ships (resolution MSC.263(84), as revised). ** Refer to Guidance in relation to certain types of ships which are required to transmit LRIT information on exemptions and equivalents and on certain operational matters (MSC.1/Circ.1295). tt The gross tonnage to be used for determining whether a cargo ship or high-speed craft is required to comply with the provisions of this regulation shall be that determined under the provisions of the International Convention on Tonnage Measurement of Ships, 1969 irrespective of the date on which the ship or high-speed craft has been or is being constructed.

4.1 Ships* shall be fitted with a system to automatically transmit the information specified in paragraph 5 as follows:

.1 ships constructed on or after 31 December 2008;

.2 ships constructed before 31 December 2008 and certified for operations:

.1 in sea areas A1 and A2, as defined in regulations IV/2.1.15 and IV/2.1.16; or

.2 in sea areas A1, A2 and A3, as defined in regulations IV/2.1.15, IV/2.1.16 and IV/2.1.17;

not later than the first surveyt of the radio installation after 31 December 2008;

.3 ships constructed before 31 December 2008 and certified for operations in sea areas A1, A2, A3 and A4, as defined in regulations IV/2.1.15, IV/2.1.16, IV/2.1.17 and IV/2.1.18, not later than the first surveyt of the radio installation after 1 July 2009. However, these ships shall comply with the provisions of sub-paragraph .2 above while they operate within sea areas A1, A2 and A3.

4.2 Ships, irrespective of the date of construction, fitted with an automatic identification system (AIS), as defined in regulation 19.2.4, and operated exclusively within sea area A1, as defined in regulation IV/2.1.15, shall not be required to comply with the provisions of this regulation.

5 Subject to the provisions of paragraph 4.1, ships shall automatically transmit the following long-range identification and tracking information:

.1 the identity of the ship;

.2 the position of the ship (latitude and longitude); and

.3 the date and time of the position provided.

6 Systems and equipment used to meet the requirements of this regulation shall conform to performance standards and functional requirementsM not inferior to those adopted by the Organization. Any shipboard equipment shall be of a type approved* by the Administration.

7 Systems and equipment used to meet the requirements of this regulation shall be capable of being switched off on board or be capable of ceasing the distribution of long-range identification and tracking information:

.1 where international agreements, rules or standards provide for the protection of navigational information; or

.2 in exceptional circumstances and for the shortest duration possible where the operation is considered by the master to compromise the safety or security of the ship. In such a case, the master shall inform the Administration without undue delay and make an entry in the record of navigational activities and incidents maintained in accordance with regulation 28 setting out the reasons for the decision and indicating the period during which the system or equipment was switched off.

8.1 Subject to the provisions of paragraphs 8.2 to 11.2, Contracting Governments shall be able to receive long-range identification and tracking information about ships, for security and other purposes'![ as agreed by the Organization, as follows:

.1 the Administration shall be entitled to receive such information about ships entitled to fly its flag irrespective of where such ships may be located;

.2 a Contracting Government shall be entitled to receive such information about ships which have indicated their intention to enter a port facility, as defined in regulation Xl-2/1.1.9, or a place

• Refer to Guidance on the survey and certification of compliance of ships with the requirement to transmit LRIT information (MSC.1/Circ.1307, as revised). t Refer to Unified interpretation of the term "first survey" referred to in SOLAS regulations (MSC.1/Circ.1290). +Refer to Performance standards and functional requirements for the long-range identification and tracking of ships (resolution MSC.263(84), as revised). § Refer to LRIT technical documentation (part I) (MSC.1/Circ.1259, as revised).

'II Refer to Use of the long-range identification and tracking information for maritime safety and marine environment protection purposes (resolution MSC.242(83)).

under the jurisdiction of that Contracting Government, irrespective of where such ships may be located provided they are not located within the waters landward of the baselines, established in accordance with international law, of another Contracting Government;

.3 a Contracting Government shall be entitled to receive such information about ships entitled to fly the flag of other Contracting Governments, not intending to enter a port facility or a place under the jurisdiction of that Contracting Government, navigating within a distance not exceeding 1,000 nautical miles of its coast provided such ships are not located within the waters landward of the baselines, established in accordance with international law, of another Contracting Government; and

.4 a Contracting Government shall not be entitled to receive, pursuant to sub-paragraph .3, such information about a ship located within the territorial sea of the Contracting Government whose flag the ship is entitled to fly.

8.2 Contracting Governments shall specify and communicate* to the Organization relevant details, taking into account the performance standards and functional requirements adopted by the Organization,t to enable long-range identification and tracking information to be made available pursuant to the provisions of paragraph 8.1. The Contracting Government concerned may, at any time thereafter, amend or withdraw such communication. The Organization shall inform all Contracting Governments upon receipt of such communication together with the particulars thereof.

9.1 Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph 8.1.3, the Administration shall be entitled, in order to meet security or other concerns, at any time, to decide that long-range identification and tracking information about ships entitled to fly its flag shall not be provided pursuant to the provisions of paragraph 8.1.3 to Contracting Governments. The Administration concerned may, at any time thereafter, amend, suspend or annul such decisions.

9.2 The Administration concerned shall communicate, pursuant to paragraph 9.1, such decisions to the Organization. The Organization shall inform all Contracting Governments upon receipt of such communication together with the particulars thereof.

9.3 The rights, duties and obligations, under international law, of the ships whose Administration invoked the provisions of paragraph 9.1 shall not be prejudiced as a result of such decisions.

10 Contracting Governments shall, at all times:

.1 recognize the importance of long-range identification and tracking information;

.2 recognize and respect the commercial confidentiality and sensitivity of any long-range identification and tracking information they may receive;

.3 protect the information they may receive from unauthorized access or disclosure; and

.4 use the information they may receive in a manner consistent with international law.

11.1 Contracting Governments shall bear all costs associated with any long-range identification and tracking information they request and receive. Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph 11.2, Contracting Governments shall not impose any charges on ships in relation to the long-range identification and tracking information they may seek to receive.

11.2 Unless the national legislation of the Administration provides otherwise, ships entitled to fly its flag shall not incur any charges for transmitting long-range identification and tracking information in compliance with the provisions of this regulation.

12 Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph 8.1, the search and rescue services* of Contracting Governments shall be entitled to receive, free of any charges, long-range identification and tracking information in relation to the search and rescue of persons in distress at sea.

* Refer to Guidance on the implementation of the LRIT system (MSC.1/Circ.1298). t Refer to Performance standards and functional requirements for the long-range identification and tracking of ships (resolution MSC.263(84), as revised). + Refer to Guidance to search and rescue services in relation to requesting and receiving LRIT information (MSC.1/Circ.1338, as revised).

13 Contracting Governments may report to the Organization any case where they consider that provisions of this regulation or of any other related requirements established by the Organization have not been or are not being observed or adhered to.

14 The Maritime Safety Committee shall determine the criteria, procedures and arrangements for the establishment, review and audit* of the provision of long-range identification and tracking information to Contracting Governments pursuant to the provisions of this regulation.

Regulation 20

Voyage data recorderst

1 To assist in casualty investigations, ships, when engaged on international voyages, subject to the provisions of regulation 1.4, shall be fitted with a voyage data recorder (VDR) as follows:

.1 passenger ships constructed on or after 1 July 2002;

.2 ro-ro passenger ships constructed before 1 July 2002, not later than the first survey+ on or after

1 July 2002;

.3 passenger ships, other than ro-ro passenger ships, constructed before 1 July 2002, not later than

1 January 2004; and

.4 ships, other than passenger ships, of 3,000 gross tonnage and upwards constructed on or after

1 July 2002.

2 To assist in casualty investigations, cargo ships, when engaged on international voyages, shall be fitted with a VDR which may be a simplified voyage data recorder (S-VDR)§ as follows:

.1 in the case of cargo ships of 20,000 gross tonnage and upwards constructed before 1 July 2002, at the first scheduled dry-docking after 1 July 2006 but not later than 1 July 2009;

.2 in the case of cargo ships of 3,000 gross tonnage and upwards but less than 20,000 gross tonnage constructed before 1 July 2002, at the first scheduled dry-docking after 1 July 2007 but not later than 1 July 201 O; and

.3 Administrations may exempt cargo ships from the application of the requirements of sub-paragraphs .1 and .2 when such ships will be taken permanently out of service within two years after the implementation date specified in sub-paragraphs .1 and .2 above.

3 Administrations may exempt ships, other than ro-ro passenger ships, constructed before 1 July 2002 from being fitted with a VDR where it can be demonstrated that interfacing a VDR with the existing equipment on the ship is unreasonable and impracticable.

Regulation 21

International Code of Signals and IAMSAR Manual

1 All ships which, in accordance with the present Convention, are required to carry a radio installation shall carry the International Code of Signals as may be amended by the Organization. The Code shall also be carried by any other ship which, in the opinion of the Administration, has a need to use it.

* Refer to Appointment of the LRIT Coordinator (resolution MSC.275(85)), Performance standards and functional requirements for the long-range identification and tracking of ships (resolution MSC.263(84), as revised) and Principles and guidelines relating to the review and audit of the performance of LRIT Data Centres and the International LRIT Data Exchange (MSC.1/Circ.1412, as revised). t Refer to Performance Standards for Shipborne Voyage Data Recorders (VDRs) (resolution A.861 (20), as amended), Recommendation on Performance Standards for Shipborne Voyage Data Recorders (VDRs) (resolution MSC.333(90), as amended) and Guidelines on voyage data recorder (VDR) ownership and recovery (MSC/Circ.1024). * Refer to Unified interpretation of the term "first survey" referred to in SOLAS regulations (MSC.1/Circ.1290). § Refer to Performance standards for shipborne simplified voyage data recorders (S-VDRs) (resolution MSC.163(78), as amended).

2 All ships shall carry an up-to-date copy of Volume Ill of the International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue (IAMSAR) Manual.

Regulation 22

Navigation bridge visibility SEE INTERPRETATION 4

1 Ships of not less than 55 m in length, as defined in regulation 2.4, constructed on or after 1 July 1998, shall meet the following requirements:

.1 The view of the sea surface from the conning position shall not be obscured by more than two ship lengths, or 500 m, whichever is less, forward of the bow to 10° on either side under all conditions of draught, trim and deck cargo;

.2 No blind sector, caused by cargo, cargo gear or other obstructions outside of the wheelhouse forward of the beam which obstructs the view of the sea surface as seen from the conning position, shall exceed 10°. The total arc of blind sectors shall not exceed 20°. The clear sectors between blind sectors shall be at least 5°. However, in the view described in .1 , each individual blind sector shall not exceed 5°;

.3 The horizontal field of vision from the conning position shall extend over an arc of not less than 225°, that is from right ahead to not less than 22.5° abaft the beam on either side of the ship;

.4 From each bridge wing, the horizontal field of vision shall extend over an arc of at least 225°, that is from at least 45° on the opposite bow through right ahead and then from right ahead to right astern through 180° on the same side of the ship;

.5 From the main steering position, the horizontal field of vision shall extend over an arc from right ahead to at least 60° on each side of the ship;

.6 The ship's side shall be visible from the bridge wing;

SEE INTERPRETATION 5

.7 The height of the lower edge of the navigation bridge front windows above the bridge deck shall be kept as low as possible. In no case shall the lower edge present an obstruction to the forward view as described in this regulation;

.8 The upper edge of the navigation bridge front windows shall allow a forward view of the horizon, for a person with a height of eye of 1,800 mm above the bridge deck at the conning position, when the ship is pitching in heavy seas. The Administration, if satisfied that a 1,800 mm height of eye is unreasonable and impractical, may allow reduction of the height of eye but not to less than 1,600 mm;

.9 Windows shall meet the following requirements:

.1 To help avoid reflections, the bridge front windows shall be inclined from the vertical plane top out, at an angle of not less than 10° and not more than 25°;

.2 Framing between navigation bridge windows shall be kept to a minimum and not be installed immediately forward of any work station;

.3 Polarized and tinted windows shall not be fitted;

.4 A clear view through at least two of the navigation bridge front windows and, depending on the bridge configuration, an additional number of clear-view windows shall be provided at all times, regardless of weather conditions.

2 Ships constructed before 1 July 1998 shall, where practicable, meet the requirements of paragraphs 1.1 and 1.2. However, structural alterations or additional equipment need not be required.

3 On ships of unconventional design which, in the opinion of the Administration, cannot comply with this regulation, arrangements shall be provided to achieve a level of visibility that is as near as practical to that prescribed in this regulation.

4 Notwithstanding the requirements of paragraphs 1.1, 1.3, 1.4 and 1.5, ballast water exchange may be undertaken provided that:

.1 the master has determined that it is safe to do so and takes into consideration any increased blind sectors or reduced horizontal fields of vision resulting from the operation to ensure that a proper lookout is maintained at all times;

.2 the operation is conducted in accordance with the ship's ballast water management plan, taking into account the recommendations on ballast water exchange adopted by the Organization; and

.3 the commencement and termination of the operation are recorded in the ship's record of navigational activities pursuant to regulation 28.

Regulation 23

Pilot transfer arrangements SEE INTERPRETATION 6

1 Application

1.1 Ships engaged on voyages in the course of which pilots may be employed shall be provided with pilot transfer arrangements.

1.2 Equipment and arrangements for pilot transfer which are installed* on or after 1 July 2012 shall comply with the requirements of this regulation, and due regard shall be paid to the standards adopted by the Organization.t

1.3 Except as provided otherwise, equipment and arrangements for pilot transfer which are provided on ships before 1 July 2012 shall at least comply with the requirements of regulation 17t or 23, as applicable, of the Convention in force prior to that date, and due regard shall be paid to the standards adopted by the Organization prior to that date.

1.4 Equipment and arrangements installed on or after 1 July 2012, which are a replacement of equipment and arrangements provided on ships before 1 July 2012, shall, in so far as is reasonable and practicable, comply with the requirements of this regulation.

1.5 With respect to ships constructed before 1 January 1994, paragraph 5 shall apply not later than the first survey§ on or after 1 July 2012.

1.6 Paragraph 6 applies to all ships.

2 General

2.1 All arrangements used for pilot transfer shall efficiently fulfil their purpose of enabling pilots to embark and disembark safely. The appliances shall be kept clean, properly maintained and stowed and shall be regularly inspected to ensure that they are safe to use. They shall be used solely for the embarkation and disembarkation of personnel.

2.2 The rigging of the pilot transfer arrangements and the embarkation of a pilot shall be supervised by a responsible officer having means of communication with the navigation bridge and who shall also arrange

• Refer to Unified interpretation of SOLAS regulation V/23 (MSC.1/Circ.1375, as amended). t Refer to Pilot transfer arrangements (resolution A.1045(27), as amended). * Refer to resolution MSC.99(73), renumbering previous regulation 17 as regulation 23, which entered into force on 1 July 2002. § Refer to Unified interpretation of the term "first survey" referred to in SOLAS regulations (MSC.1/Circ.1290).

for the escort of the pilot by a safe route to and from the navigation bridge. Personnel engaged in rigging and operating any mechanical equipment shall be instructed in the safe procedures to be adopted and the equipment shall be tested prior to use.

2.3 A pilot ladder shall be certified by the manufacturer as complying with this regulation or with an international standard acceptable to the Organization.* Ladders shall be inspected in accordance with regulations 1/6, 7 and 8.

2.4 All pilot ladders used for pilot transfer shall be clearly identified with tags or other permanent marking so as to enable identification of each appliance for the purposes of survey, inspection and record keeping. A record shall be kept on the ship as to the date the identified ladder is placed into service and any repairs effected.

2.5 Reference in this regulation to an accommodation ladder includes a sloping ladder used as part of the pilot transfer arrangements.

3 Transfer arrangements

3.1 Arrangements shall be provided to enable the pilot to embark and disembark safely on either side of the ship.

3.2 In all ships, where the distance from sea level to the point of access to, or egress from, the ship exceeds

9 m, and when it is intended to embark and disembark pilots by means of the accommodation ladder,t or other equally safe and convenient means in conjunction with a pilot ladder, the ship shall carry such equipment on each side, unless the equipment is capable of being transferred for use on either side.

3.3 Safe and convenient access to, and egress from, the ship shall be provided by either:

.1 a pilot ladder requiring a climb of not less than 1.5 m and not more than 9 m above the surface of the water so positioned and secured that:

.1 it is clear of any possible discharges from the ship;

.2 it is within the parallel body length of the ship and, as far as is practicable, within the mid-ship half length of the ship;

.3 each step rests firmly against the ship's side; where constructional features, such as rubbing bands, would prevent the implementation of this provision, special arrangements shall, to the satisfaction of the Administration, be made to ensure that persons are able to embark and disembark safely;

.4 the single length of pilot ladder is capable of reaching the water from the point of access to, or egress from, the ship and due allowance is made for all conditions of loading and trim of the ship, and for an adverse list of 15°; the securing strong point, shackles and securing ropes shall be at least as strong as the side ropes; or

.2 an accommodation ladder in conjunction with the pilot ladder (i.e. a combination arrangement), or other equally safe and convenient means, whenever the distance from the surface of the water to the point of access to the ship is more than 9 m. The accommodation ladder shall be sited leading aft. When in use, means shall be provided to secure the lower platform of the accommodation ladder to the ship's side, so as to ensure that the lower end of the accommodation ladder and the lower platform are held firmly against the ship's side within the parallel body length of the ship and, as far as is practicable, within the mid-ship half length and clear of all discharges;

.1 when a combination arrangement is used for pilot access, means shall be provided to secure the pilot ladder and manropes to the ship's side at a point of nominally 1.5 m above the bottom platform of the accommodation ladder. In the case of a combination arrangement

• Refer to the recommendations by the International Organization for Standardization, in particular publication ISO 799-1 :2019, Ships and marine technology - Pilot ladders. t Refer to regulation 11-1/3-9 on Means of embarkation on and disembarkation from ships.

using an accommodation ladder with a trapdoor in the bottom platform (i.e. embarkation platform), the pilot ladder and manropes shall be rigged through the trapdoor extending above the platform to the height of the handrail.

SEE INTERPRETATION 7

4 Access to the ship's deck Means shall be provided to ensure safe, convenient and unobstructed passage for any person embarking on, or disembarking from, the ship between the head of the pilot ladder, or of any accommodation ladder or other appliance, and the ship's deck. Where such passage is by means of:

.1 a gateway in the rails or bulwark, adequate handholds shall be provided;

.2 a bulwark ladder, two handhold stanchions rigidly secured to the ship's structure at or near their bases and at higher points shall be fitted. The bulwark ladder shall be securely attached to the ship to prevent overturning.

5 Shipside doors Shipside doors used for pilot transfer shall not open outwards.

6 Mechanical pilot hoists Mechanical pilot hoists shall not be used.

7 Associated equipment

7.1 The following associated equipment shall be kept at hand ready for immediate use when persons are being transferred:

.1 two manropes of not less than 28 mm and not more than 32 mm in diameter properly secured to the ship if required by the pilot; manropes shall be fixed at the rope end to the ring plate fixed on deck and shall be ready for use when the pilot disembarks, or upon request from a pilot approaching to board (the manropes shall reach the height of the stanchions or bulwarks at the point of access to the deck before terminating at the ring plate on deck);

.2 a lifebuoy equipped with a self-igniting light;

.3 a heaving line.

7.2 When required by paragraph 4 above, stanchions and bulwark ladders shall be provided.

8 Lighting Adequate lighting shall be provided to illuminate the transfer arrangements overside and the position on deck where a person embarks or disembarks.

Regulation 24

Use of heading and/or track control systems

1 In areas of high traffic density, in conditions of restricted visibility and in all other hazardous navigational situations where heading and/or track control systems are in use, it shall be possible to establish manual control of the ship's steering immediately.

2 In circumstances as above, the officer in charge of the navigational watch shall have available without delay the services of a qualified helmsperson who shall be ready at all times to take over steering control.

3 The change-over from automatic to manual steering and vice versa shall be made by, or under the supervision of, a responsible officer.

4 The manual steering shall be tested after prolonged use of heading and/or track control systems and before entering areas where navigation demands special caution.

Regulation 25

Operation of steering gear In areas where navigation demands special caution, ships shall have more than one steering gear power unit in operation when such units are capable of simultaneous operation.

Regulation 26

Steering gear: testing and drills

1 Within 12 hours before departure, the ship's steering gear shall be checked and tested by the ship's crew.

The test procedure shall include, where applicable, the operation of the following:

.1 the main steering gear;

.2 the auxiliary steering gear;

.3 the remote steering gear control systems;

.4 the steering positions located on the navigation bridge;

.5 the emergency power supply;

.6 the rudder angle indicators in relation to the actual position of the rudder;

.7 the remote steering gear control system power failure alarms;

.8 the steering gear power unit failure alarms; and

.9 automatic isolating arrangements and other automatic equipment.

2 The checks and tests shall include:

.1 the full movement of the rudder according to the required capabilities of the steering gear;

.2 a visual inspection of the steering gear and its connecting linkage; and

.3 the operation of the means of communication between the navigation bridge and steering gear compartment.

3.1 Simple operating instructions with a block diagram showing the change-over procedures for remote steering gear control systems and steering gear power units shall be permanently displayed on the navigation bridge and in the steering compartment.

3.2 All ships' officers concerned with the operation and/or maintenance of steering gear shall be familiar with the operation of the steering systems fitted on the ship and with the procedures for changing from one system to another.

4 In addition to the routine checks and tests prescribed in paragraphs 1 and 2, emergency steering drills shall take place at least once every three months in order to practise emergency steering procedures. These drills shall include direct control within the steering gear compartment, the communications procedure with the navigation bridge and, where applicable, the operation of alternative power supplies.

5 The Administration may waive the requirements to carry out the checks and tests prescribed in paragraphs 1 and 2 for ships which regularly engage on voyages of short duration. Such ships shall carry out these checks and tests at least once every week.

6 The date upon which the checks and tests prescribed in paragraphs 1 and 2 are carried out and the date and details of emergency steering drills carried out under paragraph 4 shall be recorded.

Regulation 27

Nautical charts and nautical publications Nautical charts and nautical publications, such as sailing directions, lists of lights, notices to mariners, tide tables and all other nautical publications necessary for the intended voyage, shall be adequate and up to date.

Regulation 28

Records of navigational activities and daily reporting

1 All ships engaged on international voyages shall keep on board a record of navigational activities and incidents which are of importance to safety of navigation and which must contain sufficient detail to restore a complete record of the voyage, taking into account the recommendations adopted by the Organization.* When such information is not maintained in the ship's logbook, it shall be maintained in another form approved by the Administration.

2 Each ship of 500 gross tonnage and above, engaged on international voyages exceeding 48 hours, shall submit a daily report to its company, as defined in regulation IX/ 1, which shall retain it and all subsequent daily reports for the duration of the voyage. Daily reports may be transmitted by any means, provided that they are transmitted to the company as soon as practicable after determination of the position named in the report. Automated reporting systems may be used, provided that they include a recording function of their transmission and that those functions and interfaces with position-fixing equipment are subjected to regular verification by the ship's master. The report shall contain the following:

.1 ship's position;

.2 ship's course and speed; and

.3 details of any external or internal conditions that are affecting the ship's voyage or the normal safe operation of the ship.

Regulation 29

Life-saving signals to be used by ships, aircraft or persons in distress An illustrated table describing the life-saving signalst shall be readily available to the officer of the watch of every ship to which this chapter applies. The signals shall be used by ships or persons in distress when communicating with life-saving stations, maritime rescue units and aircraft engaged in search and rescue operations.

Regulation 30

Operational limitations

1 This regulation applies to all passenger ships to which chapter I applies.

2 A list of all limitations on the operation of a passenger ship, including exemptions from any of these regulations, restrictions in operating areas, weather restrictions, sea state restrictions, restrictions in permissible loads, trim, speed and any other limitations, whether imposed by the Administration or established during the

• Refer to Guidelines for the recording of events related to navigation (resolution A.916(22)). t Such life-saving signals are described in the International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue (IAMSAR) Manual, Volume 111, Mobile Facilities, and illustrated in the International Code of Signals.

design or the building stages, shall be compiled before the passenger ship is put in service. The list, together with any necessary explanations, shall be documented in a form acceptable to the Administration, which shall be kept on board readily available to the master. The list shall be kept updated. If the language used is not English or French, the list shall be provided in one of the two languages.

Regulation 31

Danger messages

1 The master of every ship which meets with dangerous ice, a dangerous derelict, or any other direct danger to navigation, or a tropical storm, or encounters sub-freezing air temperatures associated with gale force winds causing severe ice accretion on superstructures, or winds of force 10 or above on the Beaufort scale for which no storm warning has been received, is bound to communicate the information by all means at his disposal to ships in the vicinity, and also to the competent authorities. The form in which the information is sent is not obligatory. It may be transmitted either in plain language (preferably English) or by means of the International Code of Signals.

2 Each Contracting Government will take all steps necessary to ensure that when intelligence of any of the dangers specified in paragraph 1 is received, it will be promptly brought to the knowledge of those concerned and communicated to other interested Governments.

3 The transmission of messages regarding the dangers specified is free of cost to the ships concerned.

4 All radio messages issued under paragraph 1 shall be preceded by the safety signal, using the procedure as prescribed by the Radio Regulations as defined in regulation IV/2.

Regulation 32

Information required in danger messages The following information is required in danger messages:

1 Ice, derelicts and other direct dangers to navigation:

.1 The kind of ice, derelict or danger observed .

.2 The position of the ice, derelict or danger when last observed .

.3 The time and date (Universal Coordinated Time) when the danger was last observed.

2 Tropical cyclones (storms):*

.1 A statement that a tropical cyclone has been encountered. This obligation should be interpreted in a broad spirit, and information transmitted whenever the master has good reason to believe that a tropical cyclone is developing or exists in the neighbourhood .

.2 Time, date (Universal Coordinated Time) and position of ship when the observation was taken .

.3 As much of the following information as is practicable should be included in the message:

- barometric pressure,t preferably corrected (stating millibars, millimetres, or inches, and whether corrected or uncorrected); - barometric tendency (the change in barometric pressure during the past 3 hours); - true wind direction; - wind force (Beaufort scale);

* The term tropical cyclone is the generic term used by national meteorological services of the World Meteorological Organization. The terms hurricane, typhoon, cyclone, severe tropical storm, etc., may also be used, depending on the geographical location. t The standard international unit for barometric pressure is the hectopascal (hPa), which is numerically equivalent to the millibar (mbar).

- state of the sea (smooth, moderate, rough, high); - swell (slight, moderate, heavy) and the true direction from which it comes. Period or length of swell (short, average, long) would also be of value; - true course and speed of ship.

Subsequent observations

3 When a master has reported a tropical cyclone or other dangerous storm, it is desirable, but not obligatory, that further observations be made and transmitted hourly, if practicable, but in any case at intervals of not more than 3 hours, so long as the ship remains under the influence of the storm.

4 Winds of force 10 or above on the Beaufort scale for which no storm warning has been received. This is intended to deal with storms other than the tropical cyclones referred to in paragraph 2; when such a storm is encountered, the message should contain similar information to that listed under the paragraph but excluding the details concerning sea and swell.

5 Sub-freezing air temperatures associated with gale force winds causing severe ice accretion on superstructures:

.1 Time and date (Universal Coordinated Time).

.2 Air temperature .

.3 Sea temperature (if practicable) .

.4 Wind force and direction.

Examples

Ice TTT ICE. LARGE BERG SIGHTED I N 4506 N, 4410 W, AT 0800 UTC. MAY 15.

Derelicts TTT DERELICT. OBSERVED DERELICT ALMOST SUBMERGED IN 4006 N, 1243 W, AT 1630 UTC. APRIL 21.

Danger to navigation TTT NAVIGATION . ALPHA LIGHTSHIP NOT ON STATION. 1800 UTC. JANUARY 3.

Tropical cyclone TTT STORM. 0030 UTC. AUGUST 18. 2004 N, 11354 E. BAROMETER CORRECTED 994 MILLIBARS, TENDENCY DOWN 6 MILLIBARS. WIND NW, FORCE 9, HEAVY SQUALLS. HEAVY EASTERLY SWELL. COURSE 067, 5 KNOTS.

TTT STORM. APPEARANCES INDICATE APPROACH OF HURRICANE. 1300 UTC. SEPTEMBER 14.

2200 N, 7236 W. BAROMETER CORRECTED 29.64 INCHES, TENDENCY DOWN .015 INCHES. WIND NE, FORCE 8, FREQUENT RAIN SQUALLS. COURSE 035, 9 KNOTS.

TTT STORM. CONDITIONS INDICATE INTENSE CYCLONE HAS FORMED. 0200 UTC. MAY 4. 1620 N, 9203 E. BAROMETER UNCORRECTED 753 MILLIMETRES, TENDENCY DOWN 5 MILLIMETRES. WINDS BY W, FORCE 5. COURSE 300, 8 KNOTS.

TTT STORM. TYPHOON TO SOUTHEAST. 0300 UTC. JUNE 12. 1812 N, 12605 E. BAROMETER FALLING RAPIDLY. WIND INCREASING FROM N.

TTT STORM. WIND FORCE 11, NO STORM WARNING RECEIVED. 0300 UTC. MAY 4. 4830 N,

30 W. BAROMETER CORRECTED 983 MILLIBARS, TENDENCY DOWN 4 MILLIBARS. WIND SW, FORCE 11 VEERING. COURSE 260, 6 KNOTS.

Icing

TTT EXPERIENCING SEVERE ICING. 1400 UTC. MARCH 2. 69 N, 10 W. AIR TEMPERATURE l8°F (-7.8°C). SEA TEMPERATURE 29°F (-l.7°C). WIND NE, FORCE 8.

Regulation 33

Distress situations: obligations and procedures

1 The master of a ship at sea which is in a position to be able to provide assistance, on receiving information from any source that persons are in distress at sea, is bound to proceed with all speed to their assistance, if possible informing them or the search and rescue service that the ship is doing so. This obligation to provide assistance applies regardless of the nationality or status of such persons or the circumstances in which they are found. If the ship receiving the distress alert is unable or, in the special circumstances of the case, considers it unreasonable or unnecessary to proceed to their assistance, the master must enter in the logbook the reason for failing to proceed to the assistance of the persons in distress, taking into account the recommendation of the Organization to inform the appropriate search and rescue service accordingly.

1-1 Contracting Governments shall coordinate and cooperate to ensure that masters of ships providing assistance by embarking persons in distress at sea are released from their obligations with minimum further deviation from the ships' intended voyage, provided that releasing the master of the ship from the obligations under the current regulation does not further endanger the safety of life at sea. The Contracting Government responsible for the search and rescue region in which such assistance is rendered shall exercise primary responsibility for ensuring such coordination and cooperation occurs, so that survivors assisted are disembarked from the assisting ship and delivered to a place of safety, taking into account the particular circumstances of the case and guidelines developed by the Organization .* In these cases the relevant Contracting Governments shall arrange for such disembarkation to be effected as soon as reasonably practicable.

2 The master of a ship in distress or the search and rescue service concerned, after consultation, so far as may be possible, with the masters of ships which answer the distress alert, has the right to requisition one or more of those ships as the master of the ship in distress or the search and rescue service considers best able to render assistance, and it shall be the duty of the master or masters of the ship or ships requisitioned to comply with the requisition by continuing to proceed with all speed to the assistance of persons in distress.

3 Masters of ships shall be released from the obligation imposed by paragraph 1 on learning that their ships have not been requisitioned and that one or more other ships have been requisitioned and are complying with the requisition. This decision shall, if possible, be communicated to the other requisitioned ships and to the search and rescue service.

4 The master of a ship shall be released from the obligation imposed by paragraph 1 and, if his ship has been requisitioned, from the obligation imposed by paragraph 2 on being informed by the persons in distress or by the search and rescue service or by the master of another ship which has reached such persons that assistance is no longer necessary.

5 The provisions of this regulation do not prejudice the Convention for the Unification of Certain Rules of Law relating to Assistance and Salvage at Sea, signed at Brussels on 23 September 1910, particularly the obligation to render assistance imposed by article 11 of that Convention.t

6 Masters of ships who have embarked persons in distress at sea shall treat them with humanity, within the capabilities and limitations of the ship.

* Refer to Guidelines on the treatment of persons rescued at sea (resolution MSC.167(78)). t Refer to the International Convention on Salvage, 1989.

Regulation 34

Safe navigation and avoidance of dangerous situations

1 Prior to proceeding to sea, the master shall ensure that the intended voyage has been planned using the appropriate nautical charts and nautical publications for the area concerned, taking into account the guidelines and recommendations developed by the Organization.*

2 The voyage plan shall identify a route which:

.1 takes into account any relevant ships' routeing systems;

.2 ensures sufficient sea room for the safe passage of the ship throughout the voyage;

.3 anticipates all known navigational hazards and adverse weather conditions; and

.4 takes into account the marine environmental protection measures that apply, and avoids, as far as possible, actions and activities which could cause damage to the environment.

Regulation 34-1

Master/s discretion The owner, the charterer, the company operating the ship as defined in regulation IX/ 1, or any other person shall not prevent or restrict the master of the ship from taking or executing any decision which, in the master's professional judgement, is necessary for safety of life at sea and protection of the marine environment.

Regulation 35

Misuse of distress signals The use of an international distress signal, except for the purpose of indicating that a person or persons are in distress, and the use of any signal which may be confused with an international distress signal are prohibited.

* Refer to Guidelines for voyage planning (resolution A.893(21)).

Appendix

Appendix Rules for the management, operation and financing of the North Atlantic Ice Patrol

1 In these Rules:

.1 Ice season means the annual period between 15 February and 1 July.

.2 Region of icebergs guarded by the Ice Patrol means the south-eastern, southern and south-western limits of the region of icebergs in the vicinity of the Grand Banks of Newfoundland .

.3 Routes passing through regions of icebergs guarded by the Ice Patrol means:

.1 routes between Atlantic coast ports of Canada (including inland ports approached from the North Atlantic through the Gut of Canso and Cabot Straits) and ports of Europe, Asia or Africa approached from the North Atlantic through or north of the Straits of Gibraltar (except routes which pass south of the extreme limits of ice of all types);

.2 routes via Cape Race, Newfoundland, between Atlantic coast ports of Canada (including inland ports approached from the North Atlantic through the Gut of Canso and Cabot Straits) west of Cape Race, Newfoundland, and Atlantic coast ports of Canada north of Cape Race, Newfoundland;

.3 routes between Atlantic and Gulf Coast ports of the United States of America (including inland ports approached from the North Atlantic through the Gut of Canso and Cabot Straits) and ports of Europe, Asia or Africa approached from the North Atlantic through or north of the Straits of Gibraltar (except routes which pass south of the extreme limits of ice of all types);

.4 routes via Cape Race, Newfoundland, between Atlantic and Gulf Coast ports of the United States of America (i ncluding inland ports approached from the North Atlantic through the Gut of Canso and Cabot Straits) and Atlantic Coast ports of Canada north of Cape Race, Newfoundland .

.4 Extreme limits of ice of all types in the North Atlantic Ocean is defined by a line connecting the following points: A - 42 ° 23'.00 N, 59° 25'.00 W - 39° 49'.00 N, 41 ° 00'.00 W B - 41 ° 23'.00 N, 57° 00'.00 W K - 40° 39'.00 N, 39° 00'.00 W C - 40° 47'.00 N, 55° 00'.00 W L - 41° 19'.00 N, 38° 00'.00 W D - 40° 07'.00 N, 53° 00'.00 W M - 43° 00'.00 N, 37° 27'.00 W E - 39° 18'.00 N, 49° 39'.00 W N - 44° 00'.00 N, 37° 29'.00 W F - 38° 00'.00 N, 47° 35'.00 W 0 - 46° 00'.00 N, 37° 55'.00 W G - 37° 41 '.00 N, 46° 40'.00 W P - 48° 00'.00 N, 38° 28'.00 W H - 38° 00'.00 N, 45° 33'.00 W Q - 50° 00'.00 N, 39° 07'.00 W I - 39° 05'.00 N, 43° 00'.00 W R - 51° 25'.00 N, 39° 45'.00 W .

.5 Managing and operating means maintaining, administering and operating the Ice Patrol, including the dissemination of information received therefrom .

.6 Contributing Government means a Contracting Government undertaking to contribute to the costs of the Ice Patrol Service pursuant to these Rules.

2 Each Contracting Government specially interested in these services whose ships pass through the region of icebergs during the ice season undertakes to contribute to the Government of the United States of America its proportionate share of the costs for the management and operation of the Ice Patrol Service. The contribution to the Government of the United States of America shall be based on the ratio which the average Appendix annual gross tonnage of that contributing Government's ships passing through the region of icebergs guarded by the Ice Patrol during the previous three ice seasons bears to the combined average annual gross tonnage of all ships that passed through the region of icebergs guarded by the Ice Patrol during the previous three ice seasons.

3 All contributions shall be calculated by multiplying the ratio described in paragraph 2 by the average actual annual cost incurred by the Governments of the United States of America and Canada of managing and operating ice patrol services during the previous three years. This ratio shall be computed annually, and shall be expressed in terms of a lump sum per-annum fee.

4 Each of the contributing Governments has the right to alter or discontinue its contribution, and other interested Governments may undertake to contribute to the expense. The contributing Government which avails itself of this right will continue to be responsible for its current contribution up to 1 September following the date of giving notice of intention to alter or discontinue its contribution. To take advantage of the said right it must give notice to the managing Government at least six months before the said 1 September.

5 Each contributing Government shall notify the Secretary-General of its undertaking pursuant to paragraph 2, who shall notify all Contracting Governments.

6 The Government of the United States of America shall furnish annually to each contributing Government a statement of the total cost incurred by the Governments of the United States of America and Canada of managing and operating the Ice Patrol for that year and of the average percentage share for the past three years of each contributing Government.

7 The managing Government shall publish annual accounts including a statement of costs incurred by the Governments providing the services for the past three years and the total gross tonnage using the service for the past three years. The accounts shall be publicly available. Within three months after having received the cost statement, contributing Governments may request more detailed information regarding the costs incurred in managing and operating the Ice Patrol.

8 These Rules shall be operative beginning with the ice season of 2002.

UNIFIED INTERPRETATIONS

Unified interpretations for chapter V

1 Annual performance test of voyage data recorder (VDR) (Source: MSC.1/Circ.1576)

and simplified voyage data recorder (S-VDR) Reg.18.8 The annual performance test of VDR (or S-VDR) shall be carried out within the "time window" of the annual/periodical/renewal survey under the Harmonized System of Survey and Certification (HSSC), but not later than the date of completion of the survey for endorsement/renewal of the relevant Certificate.

2 Annual performance test of automatic (Source: MSC.1/Circ.1576)

identification system (AIS) Reg.18.9 The annual performance test of the AIS shall be carried out within the "time window" of the annual/ periodical/renewal survey under the Harmonized System of Survey and Certification (HSSC), but not later than the date of completion of the survey for endorsement/renewal of the relevant Certificate.

3 Carriage requirements for shipborne navigational (Source: MSC.1/Circ.1429)

equipment and systems Regs. 3.1 SOLAS regulation V/19 requires that speed and distance measuring devices shall be fitted as 19.2.3.4, follows:

19.2.9.2 .1 ships of 300 gross tonnage and upwards and passenger ships irrespective of size for measuring speed through the water (SOLAS regulation V/19.2.3.4); and

.2 ships of 50,000 gross tonnage and upwards for measuring speed over the ground in the forward and athwartships direction (SOLAS regulation V/19.2.9.2).

3.2 As described in paragraph 3.1 above, SOLAS requires all ships of 50,000 gross tonnage and upwards to be fitted with a speed and distance measuring device fulfilling SOLAS regulation V/19.2.3.4 and, in addition, a speed and distance measuring device fulfilling regulation V/19.2.9.2.

3.3 The Maritime Safety Committee, at its ninetieth session (16 to 25 May 2012), taking into account the advice provided by the Sub-Committee on Safety of Navigation, at its fifty-seventh session (6 to 10 June 2011), agreed that both regulations should be fulfilled by two separate devices, i.e. one speed and distance measuring and indicating device capable of measuring speed through water and one separate speed and distance measuring and indicating device capable of measuring speed over the ground in the forward and athwartships direction.

4 Navigation bridge visibility (Source: MSC-MEPC.2/Circ.10)

Reg.22 For single-hull oil tanker conversion into double-hull oil tanker or bulk carrier, the level of visibility possessed by the ship prior to the conversion at the ballast loading condition should be maintained after the conversion. Where a conversion involves the modification of structural arrangements used to establish minimum bridge visibility, the provisions of SOLAS regulation V/22 should apply.

5 Navigation bridge visibility (Source: MSC.1/Circ.1350/Rev.1)

Reg. 22.1.6 5.1 The requirements of SOLAS regulation V/22.1.6 are accomplished when:

.1 a view from the bridge wing plus a distance corresponding to a reasonable and safe distance of a seafarer leaning over the side of the bridge wing, which needs not to be more than

400 mm, to the location vertically right under the maximum beam of the ship at the lowest seagoing draught is not obscured; or

.2 the sea surface at the lowest seagoing draught and with a transverse distance of 500 mm and more from the maximum beam throughout the ship's length is visible from the side of the bridge wing.

5.2 A schematic diagram depicting the unified interpretations is shown in figure 1.

5.3 For particular types of ships such as tug/tow boat, offshore supply vessel (OSV), rescue ship, work ship (e.g. floating crane), in meeting the requirements of SOLAS regulation V/22.1.6, the bridge wings should at least extend to a location from which the sea surface, at the lowest seagoing draught and at a transverse distance of 1,500 mm from the maximum beam throughout the ship's length, is visible. If this ship type is changed to a type other than those addressed in this paragraph then the interpretation in this paragraph would no longer apply.

UNIFIED INTERPRETATIONS

Unified interpretations for chapter V

5.4 The use of a remote camera system may be accepted for ships of unconventional design, other than those mentioned in paragraph 5.3 above, as means for achieving the view of the ship's side from the bridge wing, provided: the installed remote camera system is to be redundant from the circuit breaker to the camera and screen, including communication cables, i.e. the system is to provide on each side of the ship redundancy of: the power cables and circuit breakers from the main switchboard to the camera and the screen; the camera; the screen; the transmission lines from the camera to the display screen; and the components associated with these lines and cables; the remote camera system is powered from the ship's main source of electrical power and is not required to be powered by the emergency source of electrical power; the remote camera system is capable of continuous operation under environmental conditions as per UR E10; the view provided by the remote camera system complies with the requirements of regulation V/22.1.6 and is also displayed at locations where the manoeuvring of the ship may take place; the upper edge of the ship's side abeam is directly visible by the observer from locations where the manoeuvring of the ship may take place.

1.1 -{ It- 1.2 (I I - I ~ I I I r •x oo~ . I ==E= Max.SOO mm ...- l Minimum inimum draught draught Max.4OO mml the ship occurs Max. 500mm l Wherever the maximum width of … :O, … _,_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _.,,..

Figure 1

UNIFIED INTERPRETATIONS

Unified interpretations for chapter V

6 Pilot transfer arrangements (Source: MSC.1/Circ. 1375/Rev. 7)

Reg.23 6.1 For ships for which the building contract is placed on or after 1 July 2012, or in the absence of the contract, constructed on or after 1 July 2012, "installed on or after 1 July 2012" means any installation on the ship; and

6.2 For ships other than those ships prescribed in 6.1 above, "installed on or after 1 July 2012" means a contractual delivery date for the system, in its entirety or for individual components of the system, as relevant, to the ship on or after 1 July 2012 or, in the absence of a contractual delivery date, the actual delivery of the system, in its entirety or for individual components, to the ship on or after 1 July 2012. This does not apply to equipment and arrangements covered by paragraph 1.4 of regulation V/23.

7 Pilot transfer arrangements (Source: MSC. 1/Circ.1495/Rev. 1)

Reg. 23.3.3 7.1 Sub-paragraphs 1 and 2 of SOLAS regulation V/23.3.3 address two different and distinct arrangements - the former when only a pilot ladder is provided; the latter when a combined arrangement of "an accommodation ladder used in conjunction with the pilot ladder" is provided.

7.2 SOLAS regulation V/23.3.3.1 prescribes an operational instruction that limits the climb to not more than 9 m on a single ladder regardless of the trim or list of the ship.

7.3 SOLAS regulation V/23.3.3.2 and section 3 of resolution A.1045(27), as amended, applies to a combined arrangement of "an accommodation ladder used in conjunction with the pilot ladder" for "Safe and convenient access to, and egress from , the ship" for which a 15° list requirement does not apply.

Carriage of cargoes and oil fuels

Carriage of cargoes and oil fuels

Part A General provisions

Regulation 1 Application

Regulation 1-1 Definitions

Regulation 1-2 Requirements for the carriage of solid bulk cargoes other than grain

Regulation 2 Cargo information

Regulation 3 Oxygen analysis and gas detection equipment

Regulation 4 The use of pesticides in ships

Regulation 5 Stowage and securing

Regulation 5-1 Material safety data sheets

Regulation 5-2 Prohibition of the blending of bulk liquid cargoes and production processes during sea voyages

Part B Special provisions for solid bulk cargoes

Regulation 6 Acceptability for shipment

Regulation 7 Loading, unloading and stowage of solid bulk cargoes

Part C Carriage of grain

Regulation 8 Definitions

Regulation 9 Requi rements for cargo ships carryi ng grain

General provisions

Regulation 1

Application

1 Unless expressly provided otherwise, this chapter applies to the carriage of cargoes (except liquids in bulk, gases in bulk and those aspects of carriage covered by other chapters) which, owing to their particular hazards to ships or persons on board, may require special precautions in all ships to which the present regulations apply and in cargo ships of less than 500 gross tonnage. However, for cargo ships of less than

500 gross tonnage, the Administration, if it considers that the sheltered nature and conditions of voyage are such as to render the application of any specific requirements of part A or B of this chapter unreasonable or unnecessary, may take other effective measures to ensure the required safety for these ships.

2 To supplement the provisions of parts A and B of this chapter, each Contracting Government shall ensure that appropriate information on cargo and its stowage and securing is provided, specifying, in particular, precautions necessary for the safe carriage of such cargoes.*

Regulation 1-1

Definitions For the purpose of this chapter, unless expressly provided otherwise, the following definitions shall apply:

1 IMSBC Code means the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes (IMSBC) Code adopted by the Maritime Safety Committee of the Organization by resolution MSC.268(85), as may be amended by the Organization, provided that such amendments are adopted, brought into force and take effect in accordance with the provisions of article VIII of the present Convention concerning the amendment procedures applicable to the annex other than chapter I.

2 Solid bulk cargo means any cargo, other than liquid or gas, consisting of a combination of particles, granules or any larger pieces of material generally uniform in composition, which is loaded directly into the cargo spaces of a ship without any intermediate form of containment.

Regulation 1-2

Requirements for the carriage of solid bulk cargoes other than grain The carriage of solid bulk cargoes other than grain shall be in compliance with the relevant provisions of the IMSBC Code.

• Refer to:

.1 the Code of Safe Practice for Cargo Stowage and Securing (resolution A.714(17), as amended);

.2 the Code of Safe Practice for Ships Carrying Timber Deck Cargoes, 2011 (2011 TDC Code) (resolution A.1048(27), and Corr.1);

Guidance note on precautions to be taken by the masters of ships of below 100 metres in length engaged in the carriage of logs (MSC/Circ.525); and Guidance note on precautions to be taken by masters of ships engaged in the carriage of timber cargoes (MSC/Circ.548); and

.3 the IMSBC Code (resolution MSC.268(85), as amended).