Regulation

The latest amendments to MARPOL Annex V will come into force on 1 March 2018 and require vessels to implement changes regarding handling, management and record keeping of garbage onboard. The current version of MARPOL Annex V entered into force on 1 January 2013 and prohibits the discharge of all garbage into the sea in general.

The US Coast Guard will issue an interim final rule to apply changes to fire protection, detection, and extinguishing equipment standards concerning the inspected towing vessels. This rule does not change the number of extinguishers required and becomes effective from March 28, 2018.

General Data Protection Regulation will come into force on 25 May 2018 when it will have direct effect in the EU/EEA1. GDPR will be incorporated into Swedish law and enter into force at the same time. For that reason, the Swedish Club tries to explain this regulation.

Seafarers depend on a robust distress and safety system when life is in danger at sea. In view of this, IMO's meeting of the Sub-Committee on Navigation, Communications and Search and Rescue, being held on 19-23 February, will review progress in ongoing work to modernize the Global Maritime Distress and Safety system (GMDSS).

Cameroon-based law firm Henry, Samuelson & Co. advised on the law governing ship arrest as an executory measure in the country. Ship arrest in Cameroon is governed by CEMAC merchant code of 03-08-2001 revised in July 2012 and the Brussels convention of 1952 on the Unification of Certain Rules on the Arrest of Ships.

During the IMO SDC 5, held on 22-23 January, amendments to SOLAS Regulation II-1/3-8 and supporting guidelines for safe mooring operations were discussed among other issues. The Sub-Committee agreed to these draft amendments, with a view to submission to MSC 101 for approval. The draft amendments will be forwarded to MSC once the various Guidelines have been finalized.

The IMO Sub-Committee on Ship Design and Construction, chaired by Mr. Kevin Hunter, held its fifth session from 22 to 26 January 2018. Important items discussed such as amendments to SOLAS Regulation with respect to safe mooring for all ships as well as safety standards for the carriage of more than 12 industrial personnel on board vessels engaged on international voyages.

AMSA has issued a new Marine Notice to draw the attention of operators and ship owners to the ongoing prohibition of asbestos on ships, noting that Australian law requires operators to take all reasonable steps to protect the health and safety at work of employees and contractors.