RS invites representatives of maritime industry to join in the efforts towards enhancing the efficiency when applying state-of-the-art technologies, innovative solutions and best practices

Efficient implementation of the RS R&D Policy in all focus areas, i.e. rule development, market expansion (spreading of RS services), continuous improvement of RS services quality and IT development, is only possible based on a well-balanced consideration of shipping industry needs, shipbuilding industry capacities and modern trends and achievements in science, engineering and technology.

Recognizing the need and importance of the feedback from all interested parties and representatives of maritime industry, RS, inter-alia, has already started streamlining the activity of the Scientific and Technical Council (STC) to ensure fruitful and mutually beneficial cooperation with research centers and institutions, design bureaus, shipyards, shipowners and maritime administrations.

As the first step towards the aforementioned optimization, the existing STC composition was thoroughly studied. The applicable terms of reference for each STC Section were determined, including lists of RS normative documents (rules, guidelines, procedures, etc.) to be monitored by particular Sections, as a matter of top priority, with a view of developing proposals on improvement. Then, RS disbanded three STC Sections: "Maritime Safety", "Shipbuilding and Repair Technology" and "Impartiality", and established two new STC Sections: "Ship’s Arrangements and Equipment, Life-Saving Appliances and Signal Means, Cargo Handling Gear" and ʺTechnical Operation of Fleetʺ. Members' Lists of the newly established Sections are currently under development.

In light of the above, RS invites all interested institutions, companies and organizations to participate in the work of the existing and newly established STC Sections, as Members or Ad hoc Experts.

STC Sections

To fulfill the entrusted tasks, STC currently comprises the following Sections:

1. ʺBoilers, Systems, Refrigerating Plantsʺ;
2. ʺElectrical Equipment and Automation of Shipsʺ;
3. ʺEnvironment Protectionʺ;
4. ʺFire Protection of Shipsʺ;
5. ʺHigh-Speed Craft, Pleasure Craft, Yachts, Small Craft and Sailing Racing Yachtsʺ.
6. ʺHull-Structural Strength of Sea-Going Ships and Floating Structuresʺ;
7. ʺMarine Roboticsʺ;
8. ʺMaterials and Weldingʺ;
9. ʺMachinery Installations, Shafting and Propellersʺ;
10. ʺNuclear Shipsʺ;
11. ʺOffshore Oil-and-Gas Installationsʺ;
12. ʺProblems of Human Factorʺ;
13. ʺSeaworthinessʺ;
14. ʺShipboard Radio and Navigational Equipmentʺ;
15. ʺShip’s Arrangements and Equipment, Life-Saving Appliances and Signal Means, Cargo Handling Gearʺ;
16. ʺTechnical Operation of Fleetʺ;

Terms of reference of STC Sections

In accordance with the determined terms of reference, the STC Sections review, make expert judgments and provide recommendations on the following:

• draft supplements and amendments to the RS normative documents;
• future-oriented R&D topics including, inter alia, joint development projects (hereinafter referred to as JDP) and R&D results related to the development of RS normative documents;
• particularly important scientific and technical decisions related to design, construction and operation of ships under the RS technical supervision;
• review of typical and the most significant accidents and damage to ships, ship structures, machinery and systems;
• development of the RS position for participation in meetings of the working bodies in IMO, ISO and other international organizations;
• themes and content of articles for the Research Bulletin by Russian Maritime Register of Shipping.

Entitlements of STC Sections' Members

Members of the STC Section are entitled to:

• prepare proposals for consideration by the Section, including those related to amending the terms of reference;
• make use of the materials from the RS information fund, including internal and external RS normative documents relevant to Section's terms of reference;
• discuss the proposals on R&D topics to be included in the provisional R&D Plan (for the coming three years) and review the intermediate and final results of R&D activities ordered by RS;
• make proposals (preferably with quotations) regarding R&D topics to be included in the provisional R&D Plan. If such proposals are to be based on outcome of international organizations'/associations' work, achievements of science, industry needs or market analysis of the RS services, RS shall provide Members with all the available information required for this analysis (taking account of applicable confidentiality provisions);
• make and discuss proposals on JDP topics, and review the intermediate and final JDP results;
• receive information on the activities of working bodies of the international organizations where RS participates directly or regularly monitors such activities;
• have priority in publishing their works in the Research Bulletin by Russian Maritime Register of Shipping.

Nominations of candidates for inclusion on the Members' lists of the existing and newly established STC Sections, accompanied by contact details and brief CVs, may be emailed to Mr. Mikhail Kuteynikov, Assistant, Scientific and Technical Activity (kuteynikov.ma@rs-class.org).

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