The revision of IBC Code, BCH Code and MARPOL 73/78 Annex II (MSC219(82)/MEPC166(56)), which is applicable to chemical tankers and ships carrying noxious liquid substances in bulk, will come to effect from 1 January 2009. In the current revision, mainly, cargoes which were not included in the cargo list of the last major revision (2004Amendment) are included, but names and application requirements of some of the cargoes which were already registered are also modified as shown in Attachment 1. Therefore, it might be required to re-issue the IBC/BCH certificate (COF).

At present, ClassNK is investigating whether it is required to re-issue the IBC/BCH certificate and will inform of the results to the concerned Shipping Company (Management Company) from early November in the format of Attachment 2. If it is found that it is required to re-issue the certificate, you are requested to submit the application form in Attachment 3. If it is not required to re-issue the certificate, you are kindly requested to keep the copy of Attachment 2 to "Format of the investigation result report" onboard which may be useful during PSC inspection and other surveys.

In the case of certificates which are not required to be re-issued based on the above mentioned investigation, the new revision number will be reflected in the certificate at the next issuance of the certificate. However, if you wish to reflect the new revision number in the current certificate for your convenience, please also send your application for early re-issuance of the certificate.

As the above mentioned corrections to the cargo list are done by ClassNK on a continuous basis, it is considered that significant effect of this revision on the actual cargoes carried, such as deletion of some of the cargoes from the list attached to COF, is not likely there. However, since there are some cargoes, the requirements of which are changed substantially after 2007, detailed review of the ship's COF needs to be done