The Secretary-General, Arsenio Dominguez, opened the 11th session of the Sub-Committee on Ship Design and Construction (SDC 11), taking place 13-17 January, 2025, by providing an overview of the relevant matters to be discussed.
Regarding the agenda for the session, Dominguez outlined several important topics for discussion. Among these is the review of Emergency Towing Arrangements for ships other than tankers, aimed at enhancing safety procedures for a broader range of vessels.
The Sub-Committee is also reviewing Regulation 25 of the 1988 Load Line Convention, specifically regarding the addition of the sag standard for chains. Additionally, there will be discussions on revising the ESP Code to include Remote Inspection Techniques, and on conducting a comprehensive revision of the 2009 Code on Alarms and Indicators, all crucial for improving maritime safety.
On the revision of SOLAS chapters II-1 (part C) and V, the focus is on updating the regulatory framework to integrate new technologies, particularly non-traditional propulsion and steering systems, while ensuring the continued effectiveness of regulations. The Sub-Committee is also advancing the revision of the interim explanatory notes on Safe Return to Port, aiming to harmonize passenger ships’ ability to either return to port or carry out evacuation and abandonment procedures during distress situations.
Dominguez further highlighted the return of the Underwater Radiated Noise (URN) issue to the agenda, noting the Sub-Committee’s past achievements in completing revised guidelines on reducing underwater noise and the associated action plan. He emphasized the need for continued progress, as directed by the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) 82, and thanked Canada and the United States for their ongoing consultancy support on this matter. He called for continued contributions from all Member States to meet expectations in the next year and a half.
Additionally, he stressed the importance of rule compliance to prevent such accidents and mentioned ongoing efforts by the Secretariat to enhance technical assistance. Addressing the situation in the Red Sea, the Secretary-General sought further assistance in ensuring the safe release of the crew of the Galaxy Leader.
