Isle of Man: Advisory notice about the towing and mooring equipment

The Isle of Man Ship Registry has issued a technical advisory notice about the towing and mooring equipment.

This advisory notice was issued on 10 May 2023.

To enhance the safety of seafarers during mooring operations, new regulations pertaining to towing and mooring equipment have been developed by the Maritime Safety Committee.

Operators are advised to take note of these upcoming changes and ensure that they have established the necessary maintenance plans, procedures, and records prior to their implementation.

The full text of resolution MSC.474(102) should be consulted for further information.

Timeline & Application

The new requirements will become effective on January 1, 2024.

The regulations apply to some extent to all SOLAS ships, with some regulations depending upon the ship's date of construction, as explained below.

At the present time, these amendments are not applied to the Red Ensign Yacht Code and hence do not currently apply to commercial yachts.

These regulations do not cover emergency towing arrangements.

Key Requirements for all Ships

• Mooring equipment (including lines) must be inspected and maintained in a suitable condition for their intended purpose (MSC.1/Circ. 1620).

Key Requirements for Ships Constructed on or After January 1, 2007:

• Arrangements, equipment, and fittings provided to enable towing and mooring operations associated with the normal operation of the ship shall meet the requirements of MSC.1/Circ.1175 for ships constructed on or after January 1, 2007, but before January 1, 2024, or MSC.1/Circ.1175/Rev.1 for ships constructed on or after January 1, 2024.
• Each fitting or item of equipment shall be clearly marked with any limitations associated with its safe operation, taking into account the strength of the supporting ship's structure and its attachment to it.

Key Requirements for Ships Constructed on or after January 1, 2024:

• For ships of 3,000GT and above, the mooring arrangement shall be designed, and the mooring equipment including lines shall be selected based on the guidelines in MSC.1/Circ. 1619.
• Ships of less than 3,000GT should comply with the requirements above as far as reasonably practicable.

For more information, please see the documents below (available only to subscribers):

RELEVANT DOCUMENTS:

Towing and Mooring Equipment

MSC.474(102): Amendments to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, as Amended

MSC.1/Circ.1175/Rev.1: REVISED GUIDANCE ON SHIPBOARD TOWING AND MOORING EQUIPMENT

Isle of Man issues new minimum safe manning requirements

The Isle of Man Ship Registry has issued an updated MSN for minimum safe manning requirements. The document was published on January 9th, 2023.

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