MGN 646 published by MCA: Engine emission standards for inland waterway vessels


In December, the UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) published a marine notice to provide clarification concerning the applicable engine standards for vessels operating on inland waterways, in accordance with the MARPOL Annex VI requirements that apply to vessels operating on tidal Category C, and D waters, as well as at sea. Requirements of the Non Road Mobile Machinery Regulation (NRMM) apply to vessels operating on Category A, B, C and D waters. It is a notice to all: MSN 1837 defines UK inland water categories as follows:


Category A: Narrow rivers and canals where the depth of water is generally less than 1.5 metres.


Category B: Wider rivers and canals where the depth of water is generally 1.5 metres or more and where the significant wave height could not be expected to exceed 0.6 metres at any time.


Category C: Tidal rivers and estuaries and large, deep lakes and lochs where the significant wave height could not be expected to exceed 1.2 metres at any time.


Category D: Tidal rivers and estuaries where the significant wave height could not be expected to exceed 2.0 metres at any time.


Therefore, the legislation clearly defines the geographical extent of application of the regulations to include tidal Category C, and D waters. This is logical in the context that seagoing ships coming into port are most likely to do so on a Category C or D inland waterway. Category A and B waterways are specifically excluded from the legislation.


Read the full article and download the MGN 646 at https://bit.ly/382ryh7.


New Australian regulation Float-free EPIRBs mandatory from January 2021


From 1 January 2021, float-free emergency position-indicating radio beacons (EPIRBs) will be mandatory on certain types of commercial vessel.


From 1 January 2021 it will be mandatory for the following domestic commercial vessels to carry a float-free EPIRB:


- all fishing, passenger and non-passenger domestic commercial vessels (Class 1, 2, and 3) that are equal to or greater than 12 metres in length and operate beyond 2 nautical miles from land; - all fishing, passenger and non-passenger domestic commercial vessels (Class 1, 2, and 3) that are less than 12 metres in length operating in restricted offshore and offshore waters (B or C waters) and do not have level flotation, and; - all hire and drive vessels operating in restricted offshore waters (Class 4C) equal to or greater than 12 metres in length, or less than 12 metres and do not have level flotation.


For more details go to http://bit.ly/3a6VaNc.


EU delays Inventory of Hazardous Materials obligations until the 30 June 2021 Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM) is a document package that shows the quantities and locations of hazardous materials onboard a vessel. Once on board the IHM should be updated when changes occur on board until the end of life of the vessel.


The European Union (EU) has given some support on the obligations under the EU Ship Recycling Regulation to have the IHM on board by the 31st December 2020. This is due to the multiple challenges created by the Covid-19 pandemic.


The European Commission (EC) has suggested to EU member states to apply a harmonised approach for six months after the entry 31st December 2020 into application of the IHM- related obligations for existing EU flagged ships and non-EU flagged ships calling at EU ports or anchorages. On this basis Members will have up until 30th June 2021.


Read the full article at https://bit.ly/2WjfAdA.


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