On 15 March 2002, IACS (International Association of Classification Society) launched the following measures in order to improve safety bulk carriers.

This society, as a member of IACS, will take actions to implement measure, however, with regard to the measure 3 given below, this society placed reservations as it is technically premature to implement the measure at moment.

The IACS Urs (Unified Requirements) mentioned in measure 1, 2 and 3 below can be found on IACS Web-Site (http://www.iacs.org.uk/) as "Bulk carrier measures, March 2002" under the section titled "Technical" for your reference.

(Measures for immediate effects)
1. Earlier implementation of SOLAS Chapter XII requirements. (For existing bulk carriers of 150m in length and over)

The objective is to bring forward the reinforcement of the corrugated transverse bulkhead between No.1 and No.2 holds and the double bottom of No. 1 hold. The concrete accelerated time frame is:
- for vessels under 10 as of 1 July 2003, to be complied with at 10 years
- for vessels of 10-15 years of age as of 1 July 2003, at the due date of the next Intermediate or Special Survey (whichever comes first) after 1 July 2003.
The changes are introduced through the adoption of a new revision of IACS UR S23, which covers the early implementation of the already existing IACS UR S19 (on strength standard for bulkhead between No.1 and No. 2 hold) and UR S22 (on strength standard for double bottom in way of No. 1 hold) for existing single side skin bulk carriers.

2. Revision of UR Z10.2 (Hull Surveys of Bulk Carriers) (For existing bulk carriers regardless of length)
This amended Unified Requirement now extends ESP requirements for close-up surveys at Special Survey No.2 and also requires Intermediate Surveys of bulk carriers of 10-15 years of age to have essentially the same scope as Special Survey No.2.
(To be continued)



3. Extended application of IACS' UR S24 (For new & existing bulk carriers regardless of length)
The measure requires the installation of water ingress detection and alarms in all cargo holds of existing bulk carriers as well as new building.

(Measures for further consideration on the technical details)(application, including length limitation is still under consideration)

4. Installation of bulwark, breakwater, forecastle (for new/existing bulk carriers) (To be concluded by the end of September 2002)
Requirements for the installation of an improved bulwark or breakwater on existing bulk carriers when not fitted with a forecastle, and a forecastle on new vessels, to provide more protection for forward hatches and fore-deck fittings.

5. Fore deck fitting (for new/existing bulk carriers) (To be concluded by the end of June 2002)
Requirements to increase the integrity of fore-deck fittings on existing and new bulk carriers, to resist green water loading are under consideration.

6. Strengthening of hatch covers (for existing bulk carriers) (To be concluded by the end of September 2002)
Implementation of hatch cover requirements within the forward 0.25 L of existing vessels that are generally equivalent to UR S21 requirements for new vessels.

7. Strengthening hold frames (for existing bulk carriers) (To be concluded by the end of July 2002)
Implementation of requirements for the strength of side shell frames of existing vessels taking into consideration IACS UR S12, which today is applicable only for side frames of new bulk carriers.

8. F