A summary of the decisions and discussions taken at the eightieth session of the Maritime Safety
Committee (MSC 80) held on 11 - 20 May 2005 is given hereunder for your information.

1. Adoption of Mandatory Instruments-SOLAS Chapter II-1
(1) Related to Damage Stability (Part A, B, B-1, B-2 and B-4) (refer to the ANNEX 2 of Attachment 1)
The discussion of the harmonization with the provision on subdivision and damage stability between passenger ships and dry cargo ships, starting from 1994, was closed at this session.
The revised SOLAS Chapter II-1 to specify requirements on Damage Stability led probabilistic calculation method were adopted at this session and will enter into force on 1 January 2009. Amendments related damage stability are to apply to passenger and dry cargo ships constructed on or after 1 January 2009.
(2) Other than relating Damage Stability (Part A-1, B and C) (refer to the ANNEX 1 of Attachment 1)
The following amendments of SOLAS Chapter II-1 other than Damage Stability related were adopted at this session and will enter into force on 1 January 2007. The contents of these amendments are follows.
(i) Regulation 3-7 ? Construction drawings maintained on board and ashore
A set of as-build construction drawings which is referred to in MSC/Circ.1135, and other plans showing any subsequent structural alterations shall be kept on board a ship constructed on or after 1 January 2007.
(ii) Regulation 3-8 ? Towing and mooring equipment
Ships shall be provided with arrangements, equipment and fittings of sufficient safe working load to enable the safe conduct of all towing and mooring operations associated with the normal operation on the ship, except emergency towing arrangements provided in accordance with regulation 3-4. With regard to technical specifications for the regulation, MSC/Circ.1175 that provides standards for design and construction of shipboard fittings and supporting hull structures associated with towing and mooring is approved.

(To be continued)