IMDG Code 39-18

From 1^st January 2020 IMDG Code 39-18 became the mandatory regulation for carriage of packaged dangerous goods and harmful substances (marine pollutants) carried by sea in packaged form. For significant changes in IMDG Code 39-18 visit http://www.shashikallada.com/about/all-posts/ and click on 2019 .

Sulphur cap – MARPOL Annex VI

Year 2020 is mostly known for coming into force of IMO 2020 sulphur cap rules from 1^st January.  Global sulphur limit is reduced from 3.5% m/m (mass/mass) to 0.50% m/m.

This decision was taken in the 70^th session of Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) of IMO through MARPOL Annex VI.

Sulphur limit for Emission Control Areas (ECAS), the Baltic Sea area; the North Sea area; the North American area (covering designated coastal areas off the United States and Canada); and the United States Caribbean Sea area (around Puerto Rico and the United States Virgin Islands) remains  0.10% m/m.

Lifeboats and Rescue Boats

Through Maritime Safety Committee resolutions MSC.402(96) & MSC.404(96) brought forth mandatory requirements for maintenance, thorough examination, operational testing, overhaul and repair of lifeboats and rescue boats, launching appliances and release gear effective 1^st January 2020.

Other mandatory regulations coming into force 1^st January 2020 are related to damage stability, evacuation on cruise ships, satellite communication.