Resolution MSC.146(77)

APPLICATION OF IACS UNIFIED REQUIREMENTS S26, S27, S30 AND S31 TO BULK CARRIERS

(adopted on 5 June 2003)

THE MARITIME SAFETY COMMITTEE,

RECALLING Article 28(b) of the Convention on the International Maritime Organization concerning the functions of the Committee,

RECALLING ALSO SOLAS chapter XII on Additional safety measures for bulk carriers which the 1997 SOLAS Conference adopted with the aim of enhancing the safety of ships carrying solid bulk cargoes,

RECALLING FURTHER that, having recognized the need to further improve the safety of bulk carriers in all aspects of their design, construction, equipment and operation, it examined the results of various formal safety assessment (FSA) studies on bulk carrier safety,

NOTING that the outcome of the aforementioned FSA studies indicated, inter alia, that the application of appropriate strength standards to small hatches, fittings and equipment on the fore deck of new and existing bulk carriers, as well as adequate provisions for cargo hatch cover securing arrangements and criteria for the renewal of side shell frames in existing bulk carriers, would contribute to further improving the overall safety of these ships,

ACKNOWLEDGING that the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) has issued the following relevant Unified Requirements:

- S26 - Strength and securing of small hatches on the exposed fore deck

- S27 - Strength requirements for fore deck fittings and equipment

- S30 - Cargo hatch cover securing arrangements for bulk carriers not built in accordance with UR S21 (Rev.3)

- S31 - Renewal criteria for side shell frames in single side skin bulk carriers not built in accordance with UR S12(Rev. 1) or subsequent revisions,