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Last update: 2026/06/02
This Technical Information became null and void on 18 Nov 2025.
STS Operations Plan for Panamanian-flagged Ships
Panama Maritime Authority (PMA) revised their Merchant Marine Circular MMC-217 for Ship-to-ship (STS) operations for Panamanian-flagged ships. Please note the following points on the Ship-to-ship (STS) Operations Plan for Panamanian-flagged ships 1. Applicability All Panamanian-flagged Oil Tankers of 150 gross tonnage and above, engaged in the transfer of oil cargo between oil tankers (STS operations) wherever they are located except for followings: ･ Bunkering operations; ･ STS operations within the territorial sea or exclusive economic zone of Panama must follow the provisions of Resolution J.D. No. 038-2022 of 25 August 2022; ･ Oil transfer operations associated with fixed or floating platforms, including drilling rigs; ･ FPSOs used for the offshoSTS Operation for Singapore Flag Ships
Singapore MPA issued Shipping Circular No.16 of 2024 for mid-ocean Ship-to-ship (STS) operations for Singapore-registered ship. Please note the following points on Ship-to-ship (STS) Operations Plan for Singapore-registered ships. 1. If a Singapore-registered ship carry out mid-ocean STS operation, notification procedure to the Flag Administration is required to be included in STS Operations Plan of the ship. Herein, "mid-ocean" means sea area other than the territorial sea, or the exclusive economic zone where notification of STS operations to the Authority is required in Reg.42, Annex I of MARPOL. 2. Ship having approved STS Operations Plan and will carry out mid-ocean STS operation is required to insert pages for notification procedure to the Flag ARevised Unified Interpretation of inspection and maintenance of means of access specified in MSC.1/Circ.1572/Rev.2.
At the 108th session of the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC108), amendment to IMO circular containing a unified interpretation of SOLAS II-1/3-6 and its technical regulations MSC.158(78) on the means of access required for oil tankers of 500 gross tonnage and bulk carriers, as defined of SOLAS IX/1, of 20,000 gross tonnage and over on vessels the keels of which are laid on or after 1 January 2005 was adopted as MSC.1/Circ.1572/Rev.2 and the provisions related to the interval for the inspection of the means of access and records were revised. Therefore, shipowners and ship management companies are required to take necessary actions accordingly referring to the following information until the application date of new provisions. 1. Application The Unified IAmendments to the IBC/BCH Code & MARPOL 73/78 Annex II which will enter into force on 1 January 2021 (For Japanese flag ships)
Amendments to the IBC Code (MSC460(101) / MEPC318(74)), BCH Code (MSC463(101) / MEPC319(74)) and MARPOL 73/78 Annex II (MEPC315(74)) will enter into force on 1 January 2021 as noted in ClassNK Technical Information No.TEC-1209. Japanese government policy has been obtained recently, therefore ClassNK would like to inform of necessary procedures for Japanese flag ships as follows. 1. Ships engaged in international voyage (1) Plan approval - ClassNK Hull Department will send documents and guidance to prepare the necessary drawings and application form for plan approval to management companies by e-mail. - After receiving the above documents, please kindly submit necessary drawings together with the application to Hull Department by NK-PASS or e-mail (hld@Amendments to the IBC/BCH Code & MARPOL 73/78 Annex II which will enter into force on 1 January 2021 (For non-Japanese flag ships)
Amendments to the IBC Code (MSC460(101) / MEPC318(74)), BCH Code (MSC463(101) / MEPC319(74)) and MARPOL 73/78 Annex II (MEPC315(74)) will enter into force on 1 January 2021 as noted in ClassNK Technical Information No.TEC-1195. All ships carrying dangerous chemicals and/or noxious liquid substances in bulk shall keep the revised certificates (i.e. Certificate of fitness for the carriage of dangerous chemicals in bulk or NLS certificate) based on the new amendments on and after the date of entry into force. And the following drawings satisfying the amended requirements shall be re-approved beforehand in order to issue the certificates. - P&A Manual (mandatory) - Chemical Operation Manual (where the list of products needs to be changed, etc.) - OthersShip Construction File（SCF）for ships to which GBS requirements are applicable
Oil tankers of 150m in length and above and bulk carriers of 150m in length and above categorized as any of below 1) to 3) to which SOLAS Chapter II-1 Reg.3-10 "Goal-based ship construction standards for bulk carriers and oil tanker" applies shall be provided with Ship Construction File（GBS-SCF） on board the ship and/or ashore and it shall be updated as appropriate throughout the ship's service. 1) for which the building contract is placed on or after 1 July 2016; 2) in the absence of a building contract, the keels of which are laid or which are at a similar stage of construction on or after 1 July 2017; or 3) the delivery of which is on or after 1 July 2020. As the new GBS-SCF requires the inclusion of highly-sensitive intellectual property informatioMandatory installation of stability instrument for oil tankers, chemical tankers, gas carriers
The amendments of applicable international convention and codes stipulating mandatory installation of stability instruments for oil tankers, chemical tankers, and gas carriers were adopted at MEPC 66, which was held from March to April 2014, and MSC 93 held on May 2014. The amendments will enter into force on 1 January 2016. In this connection, although ClassNK Technical Information No. TEC-0991 and No. TEC-1001 already provides information outlining the content of the amendments as a part of an introduction on the outcomes of each committee, this Technical Information provides more detailed content on the amendments and specific procedures to follow in order to comply with the requirements, as described below. < Contents of the amendments > - All oil taSTS Operations Plan for Marshall Islands Flag Ships
ClassNK Technical Information No. TEC-0834 already provides information about the requirements for STS Operations Plan with approval procedure. In this connection, the Republic of the Marshall Islands Maritime Administrator issued Marine Notice No.2-013-10 for STS Operations Plan provided on Marshall Islands flag ships, summarized as below. - The STS Operations Plan is to be developed taking into account the information contained in the following guidelines instead of IMO's "Manual on Oil Pollution, Section I, Prevention" and, ICS and OCIMF "Ship-to-ship Transfer Guide, Petroleum" fourth edition, 2005 identified in regulation 8 of MARPOL Annex I: IMO's "Manual on Oil Pollution, Section I, Prevention", and CDI/ICS/OCIMF/SIGTTO "Ship-to-Ship Transfer GuThe devices to prevent the passage of flame into cargo tanks in chemical and oil/chemical tankers
The design, testing and location of devices(flame screen, flame arrester, high velocity device etc.) to prevent the passage of flame into cargo tanks in chemical and oil/chemical tankers prescribed in MSC/Circ.677 was amended to MSC/Circ.1324 as follows. 1. Amendment The devices on chemical and oil/chemical tankers certified for the carriage of chemicals which are required to follow the apparatus group IIB(including no description of apparatus group) or IIC, based on the apparatus group assigned as per column i" in the table of the IBC Code, Chapter 17, should be tested with the ethylene(apparatus Group IIB) or hydrogen(apparatus Group IIC). Accordingly, it is necessary to install the suitable devices for the carried chemicals as the amendment. 2. AppEmission Control of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) from tankers - Designated Ports in Netherlands and the Republic of Korea
In relation to the emission control of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) from tankers, tankers subject to regulation 15 (3) of MARPOL Annex VI are to be provided Vapour collection system in accordance with the safety standards MSC/Circ.585 when calling at ports and terminals designated by IMO. So far, there were no such designated ports and terminals for the emission control of VOCs, it was notified that the Netherlands and the Republic of Korea designated the ports under the specified conditions in MEPC.1/Circ.774 issued on 21 December 2011 (Refer to the Attachment 1). As stipulated in regulation 15 (5) of MARPOL Annex VI, it is acceptable that existing tankers which are not fitted with Vapour collection system for a period of three years after each ePostponement of the implementation of IACS CSR for Double Hull Oil Tankers, July 2008 "Rule Change Notice No. 1"
1. ClassNK partly amended Part CSR-T of the Rules and published Rule No. 14 (for Japanese-flagged ships) and Rule No.19 (for non Japanese-flagged ships) on 15 April 2009 based on IACS CSR for Double Hull Oil Tankers, July 2008 "Rule Change Notice No. 1" (hereinafter referred to as RCN1 of IACS Tanker CSR) adopted by IACS in January of 2009. The amendments to Part CSR-T were to be applied to ships contracted for construction on or after 1 July 2009. 2. Just before the implementation date of RCN1 of IACS Tanker CSR, however, IACS received a strong request from an international industry organization for re-consideration of the provision or further explanation of the technical background regarding the amendments related to the minimum thickness requirementsApprovals of stability programme for oil, chemical and gas carriers flying UK flag
As instructed by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency as attached, the onboard computers for oil, chemical and gas carriers flying UK flag should be capable of compliance with the damage stability requirements prior to departure of the vessel to sea. Pending any compulsory introduction of a standard calculation method to ensure compliance with damage stability requirements on tanks vessels in IMO, UK accepts the approval of program in accordance with the IACS Unified Requirements L5 (IACS UR L5) until settlement by IMO. Attention needs to be paid that this requirement is to apply to new and existing tank vessels flying UK flag, though the IACS UR L5 applies to the onboard computer on ships contracted for construction on or after 1 July 2005. For detaiSurvey Preparations for Bulk Carriers and Oil Tankers based on amended IMO Resolution A.744 (18). (Part 2)
As informed previously by ClassNK Technical Information No.TEC-0665 dated 5 July 2006, for the Special Surveys of Bulk Carriers and Oil Tankers and for the Intermediate Surveys of Bulk Carriers and Oil Tankers over 10 years of age which are applied on and after 1 January 2007, the SURVEY PROGRAMME using a new form is to be submitted. In addition, applicants are to submit also the SURVEY PLANNING QUESTIONNAIRE in advance of preparation of this new SURVEY PROGRAMME. As ClassNK newly prepared the form of SURVEY PLANNING QUESTIONNAIRE and revised the form of SURVEY PROGRAMME, please be kind enough to submit them to the service site in charge prior to the surveys, for which the application is submitted on and after 1 January 2007, referring to the attached sampShipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plan (Regulation 37.4 of Annex I to MARPOL Annex 73/78) Prompt Access to Shore-based Computer Programs
Amendments to MARPOL 73/78 Annex I, notably the addition of a new Regulation 37.4, will enter into force on 1 January 2007, as noted in ClassNK Information No. TEC-0608 issued on 22 November 2004. From 1 January 2007 onwards, all oil tankers of 5,000 tons deadweight or more will be required to have prompt access to shore-based computer programs for damage stability and residual structural strength calculations. This new requirement will apply to both new oil tankers as well as to existing oil tankers. ClassNK will adopt the procedures described below with respect to the handling of this new requirement. Accordingly, shipowners are kindly requested to take the steps necessary to have the applicable ships in their respective fleets comply with this new requSurvey Preparations for Bulk Carriers and Oil Tankers based on IMO Resolution A.744(18), as amended.
As you are aware, the amendments to "Guidelines on the Enhanced Programme of Inspections during Surveys of Bulk Carriers and Oil Tankers, Res. A744(18)" were adopted at the eightieth session of the Marine Safety Committee (MSC 80). On and after 1 January 2007 with the enforcement of the amendments, applicants are to submit a SURVEY PROGRAMME using a new form as part of preparations for the Special Surveys for Bulk Carriers and Oil Tankers and for the Intermediate Surveys for Bulk Carriers and Oil Tankers over 10 years of age. In addition, applicants are to submit the SURVEY PLANNING QUESTIONNAIRE in advance of the preparation of the SURVEY PROGRAMME. For your reference, the new forms for SURVEY PROGRAMME and SURVEY PLANNING QUESTIONNAIRE, which are incPressure/Vacuum(PV) Valves manufactured by TANKTECH Co. installed on board Maltese flagged ships
The Malta Maritime Authority issued Merchant Shipping Directorate (MSD) Notice No.70 that is based on the recommendations provided by EU Commission Opinion (2005/C 148/03) of 9 June 2005. The MSD Notice lays down interim safety measures with respect to Pressure/Vacuum (PV) Valves of the model NEW-ISO-HV-80 manufactured by TANKTECH Co. in the Republic of Korea. The outline of the Notice is given below: 1. In cases where PV Valves of the model NEW-ISO-HV-80 which were manufactured before 1 January 2003 are fitted, such PV Valves are to be replaced with other approved ones. 2. In cases where PV Valves of the model NEW-ISO-HV-80 which were manufactured after 1 January 2003 are fitted, such PV Valves are to be examined in order to ascertain that the corrImplementation of the revised Regulation 13G and new Regulation 13H of MARPOL Annex I (Hong Kong and Singapore)
1. This is information on the policies of implementation of the revised Regulation 13G and the new 13H of MARPOL Annex I of Hong Kong Government and Singapore Government. 2. Under the revised Regulation 13G and the new 13H, a flag State may grant operational life extension to its registered single hull tankers beyond the phasing-out date. However, a port State is entitled to deny entry into the ports or offshore terminals under its jurisdiction water of the oil tanker, which is granted with operational life extension by a flag State. Class NK would draw your attention of Hong Kong Government's and Singapore Government's policies, as port State, for "foreign" tankers to enter into Hong Kong and Singapore waters. (1) HONG KONG, CHINA The "Hong Kong MercEU amending regulation for CAS clarification and alignment with MARPOL
After the disaster of the PRESTIGE, the European Union (EU) adopted amending regulation No. 1726/2003 for banning the transport of heavy grade of oil in single-hull tankers to and from EU port, accelerating the phase-out schedule and requirements for Condition Assessment Scheme (CAS) compliance. This regulation took effect on 21 October 2003. Meanwhile, the IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) adopted amendments to regulation 13G, new regulation 13H of Annex I of MARPOL and amendment to the CAS regulation on 4 December 2003 as the resolution MEPC.111(50) and the resolution MEPC.112(50), respectively. Reference is made to the ClassNK Technical Information No. TEC-0557 dated 12 December 2003. The EU Committee decided on some alignments betwPhase-Out of Single Hull Oil Tankers and CAS
To whom it may concern As we have informed in ClassNK Technical Information No.TEC-0557 dated 12 December 2003, the amendments to the regulation of MARPOL 73/78 Annex I for further acceleration of the phase-out timetable for the single hull oil tankers and consequently the amendments to Condition Assessment Scheme (CAS), will enter into force on 5 April 2005. CAS implementation date is mentioned below and the owners are requested to notify the Flag Administration the intended CAS survey process at least 8 months prior to commencement of the actual survey. For your convenience, we are pleased to inform of the followings. In Addition, we are pleased to inform you of the "Guidance for CAS" explaining implementation, technical requirements and proceduralEnhanced Survey of Indian flagged Oil tankers and Bulk Carriers
As the companies managing Indian flagged ships know well, the Directorate General of Shipping, Ministry of Shipping, Government of India has circulated M.S. NOTICE No. 19 of 2003 by No. SS/PSC/MISC/6/03. It has been instructed in the paragraph 8 as follows. 8. Further, it is observed that the ships are put up for dry-docking survey without prior preparations, which result in their coming out of the dry dock without undertaking proper and necessary repairs. It is noted in several cases that the dry docking of the ship is carried out without completion of activities such as thickness determination and relevant structural examinations necessary to identify repairs that cannot be carried out afloat, which is an unacceptable practice. It is therefore essenSurveys and Certification for the Singapore flagged Tankers of 500GT and upwards engaged on Singapore 30-mile limit voyages
Please note that the Singapore government advised ClassNK that tankers of 500GT and upwards constructed on or after 1 January 2003 engaged on Singapore 30-mile limit voyages shall be subject to SOLAS 74 Regulations and be issued with Safety Certificates under these Regulations. For any questions about the above, please contact: NIPPON KAIJI KYOKAI (ClassNK) External Affairs Division, Administration Center, Head Office Address: 4-7 Kioi-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-8567, Japan Tel.: +81-3-5226-2038 Fax: +81-3-5226-2039 E-mail: xad@classnk.or.jpCAS(Condition Assessment Scheme)under Amendments to regulation 13G of MARPOL Annex I
As we have already informed in ClassNK Technical Information No. 404, IMO resolution on acceleration of phasing out scheme of existing single hull tankers, has been made on 1 September 2002. Category 1 oil tankers operating beyond 2005, and Category 2 oil tankers operating beyond 2010 have to comply with the requirements of CAS, accordingly. "Model survey plan", "guidance note for the safety conduct of CAS survey" and "CAS schedule adopted by MEPC.94 (46) and circulated as MEPC/Circ. 390. Please find herewith. 1. Model Survey Plan (Annex 1 to MEPC/Circ.390) The attached CAS Survey Plan covers the minimum extent of overall surveys, close-up surveys, thickness measurements and pressure testing within the cargo area, ballast tanks, including fore and aftThis Technical Information became null and void on 17 Nov 2016.
Report File, exclusively used for Condition Evaluation Reports and Executive Hull Summary
As the Condition Evaluation report is a crucial document for ESP ship, especially for the vetting of oil tankers by Oil Majors, these days the classification societies are requested to ensure the Report is duly kept on board. Therefore this Society has prepared the File exclusively used for Condition Evaluation report (Green File) and Executive Hull Summary. The Condition Evaluation Report and Executive Hull Summary will be delivered to the owner as following procedure; 1. The Condition Evaluation Reports are verified and the Executive Hull Summary is prepared by our Head Office after the Special Survey was completed. Note: In many cases, the Special Survey is divided into commencement, incomplete and complete. In this case, the Condition Evaluation repMandatory instruments adopted at 46th Session of IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC46, April 2001) ? Acceleration of phasing out scheme of existing single hull tankers
At the 46th session of IMO's Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC46) held from 23 April to 27 April 2001, amendments were made to the MARPOL convention as one of the countermeasures after the ERIKA accident. Present phasing out scheme of existing single hull tankers is further accelerated as given hereunder. 1 New Phasing out schedule in accordance with new MARPOL Regulation I/13G Under new scheme given in the table attached, tankers are categorised as follows: (a) "Category 1 oil tanker" means an oil tanker of 20,000 tons deadweight and above carrying crude oil, fuel oil, heavy diesel oil or lubricating oil as cargo, and of 30,000 tons deadweight and above carrying oil other than the above, which does not comply with the requirements for neThis Technical Information became null and void on 27 Mar 2018.