RS Highlights Key Outcomes of NCSR 12

In the course of the session the following drafts were approved:

• amendments to SOLAS chapters IV and V concerning the dissemination of maritime safety and search and rescue related information via all recognized mobile satellite services;
• amendments to SOLAS chapter V and associated instruments related to the introduction of the VHF data exchange system (VDES) requirements as an alternative to the automatic identification system (AIS);
• IMO guidelines and performance standards for VDES operations, recommendations on software maintenance of shipboard navigation and communication systems, use of electronic nautical publications, etc;
• new and amended routeing measures.

The consistent work continued on enhancing search and rescue procedures, recommendations and performance standards for radio and navigational equipment, relevant model courses.

The Sub-Committee is also involved in the development of IMO documents related to maritime autonomous surface ships (MASS). The draft chapter of the non-mandatory MASS Code addressing search and rescue issues is expected to be reviewed shortly, with comments to be prepared for further work on the document within IMO.

Detailed NCSR 12 outcomes are available under the section "International Activity" - "Results of sessions of the IMO bodies" on the official RS website.

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Additional information:

Founded in 1913, Russian Maritime Register of Shipping (RS) is a world-renowned classification society that operates within all spheres of the maritime industry with the goal of improving the operational and environmental safety of marine transportation. RS reviews technical documentation, surveys ships and offshore facilities under construction and in service, certifies vessels and companies for compliance with international conventions, recognizes and certifies industrial products and manufacturers, certifies quality management systems for compliance with international and national standards.

Today, RS is actively implementing the concept "More than class" by expanding its scope of services in the field of engineering and consulting, the development of technical documentation for vessels in service, marine warranty surveys and certification. In addition, RS surveys all container types, including tank containers and offshore containers, confirms compliance of packaging for dangerous goods, as well as renders services on the declaration and certification of dangerous goods and bulk cargoes.