IMO: circular on the implementation of MODU Code regulations

The International Maritime Organization has issued a circular MSC.1/Circ.1671 about the Unified interpretation on the implementation of regulation 2.10.3 of the 2009 MODU Code, regulation 2.8.2 of the 1989 MODU Code, and regulation 2.7.2 of the 1979 MODU Code.

This circular was issued on 14 July 2023.

The Maritime Safety Committee, at its 107th session (31 May to 9 June 2023), approved the Unified interpretation on the implementation of regulation 2.10.3 of the 2009 MODU Code, regulation 2.8.2 of the 1989 MODU Code, and regulation 2.7.2 of the 1979 MODU Code, prepared by the Sub-Committee on Ship Design and Construction, at its ninth session, as set out in the annex.

Member States are invited to apply the annexed unified interpretations and to bring them to the attention of all parties concerned.

Annex

In the context of regulation 2.10.3 of the 2009 MODU Code, regulation 2.8.2 of the 1989 MODU Code, and regulation 2.7.2 of the 1979 MODU Code, the use of the phrase "new installation of materials which contain asbestos should be prohibited"* means that:

On or after 1 January 2024:

.1 materials containing asbestos should be prohibited from being installed on board; and
.2 any repairs, replacements, maintenance, or additions to working parts* of a MODU should be documented with an asbestos-free declaration for the materials used (see appendix).***

Notwithstanding the above, existing materials stowed on board before 1 January 2024 are not prohibited from being retained on board but should not be installed unless they can be documented to be asbestos-free before use/installation.

During surveys required by the 1979, 1989, and 2009 MODU Codes, the Administration or recognized organization acting on their behalf in consultation with the person responsible to control asbestos-containing material on board should:

.1 audit available documentation, including asbestos-free declarations and other supporting documentation, based on the Guidelines for maintenance and monitoring of onboard materials that contain asbestos on board MODUs (MSC.1/Circ.[...]); and
.2 verify that materials documented to contain asbestos, as prohibited by regulation 2.10.3 of the 2009 MODU Code, regulation 2.8.2 of the 1989 MODU Code, and regulation 2.7.2 of the 1979 MODU Code, have not been installed on board after 1 January 2024.

*"Materials which contain asbestos" means that asbestos is present in the product/material above the threshold value stipulated in row A-1 of table A of appendix 1 to resolution MEPC.269(68).

**Working parts here means product/material as listed in resolution MEPC.269(68)) in the structure, machinery, electrical installations and equipment covered by the 1979, 1989 and 2009 MODU Codes.

***The list of structures and/or equipment in the appendix is intended to show examples and should not be seen as exclusive.