MSC.1/Circ.1292

EARLY APPLICATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL CODE ON INTACT STABILITY, 2008

(9 December 2008)

 

 

1. The Maritime Safety Committee, at its eighty-fifth session (26 November to 5 December 2008), adopted the International Code on Intact Stability, 2008 (2008 IS Code) by resolution MSC.267(85), together with adoption of amendments to chapter II-1 of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, as amended (1974 SOLAS Convention) (resolution MSC.269(85)) and to the Protocol of 1988 relating to the International Convention on Load Lines, 1966 (1988 LL Protocol) (resolution MSC.270(85)), in order to make the introduction and the provisions of part A of the 2008 IS Code mandatory under the Convention and the Protocol, which are expected to enter into force on 1 July 2010.

 

2. In adopting the aforementioned amendments, the Committee considered the recommendation by the Sub-Committee on Stability and Load Lines and on Fishing Vessels Safety, at its fifty-first session, that Contracting Governments to the 1974 SOLAS Convention and Parties to the 1988 LL Protocol may apply, in advance, the provisions of the 2008 IS Code before it has entered into force, and agreed to the recommendation.

 

3. The Committee, therefore, resolved that Contracting Governments to the 1974 SOLAS Convention and Parties to the 1988 LL Protocol may apply the 2008 IS Code in advance of the entry into force of the amendments to chapter II-1 of the 1974 SOLAS Convention and the 1988 LL Protocol that make the introduction and the provisions of part A of the 2008 IS Code mandatory.

 

4. Contracting Governments to the 1974 SOLAS Convention and Parties to the 1988 LL Protocol are invited to take account of this decision when surveying and certifying ships flying their flag constructed on or after 5 December 2008.