As previously informed by ClassNK Technical Information No. TEC-0498, 0507 and 0532 it has been discussed at IMO/IACS to improve Bulk Carrier Safety up graded requirements.

At the seventy-seventh session of Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 77), Performance Standards for Water Level Detection and Alarm System on Bulk Carriers, which should be installed by first periodical survey (Annual, Intermediate or Special Survey) after 1 July 2004 as specified in Regulation 12 of SOLAS Chapter XII, was adopted. The Performance Standard had been drafted to be applicable to water level detection and alarm systems installed to ships after MSC 77, but this application date was eliminated.

ClassNK is going to develop RULES FOR THE SURVEY AND CONSTRUCTION OF STEEL SHIP to incorporate the Performance Standard. In the meantime, ClassNK examines the water level detection and alarm system on bulk carriers installed to ships classed by ClassNK before amendment of the above Rule, on the basis of the requirements specified in Regulation 12 of SOLAS Chapter XII.

ClassNK has instructed its surveyors to proceed surveys for water level detection and alarm system on bulk carriers when they are installed, in accordance with the attached survey procedures. Accordingly, please submit a survey application to ClassNK exclusive service site for a confirmatory survey of the system.

Water level detection and alarm system on bulk carriers, which will be installed to ships classed by ClassNK after the Performance Standards are incorporated to RULES FOR THE SURVEY AND CONSTRUCTION OF STEEL SHIP, may be required to be of a type approved by ClassNK. Regarding Type Approval of the equipment, please contact ClassNK Machinery Department.


(To be continued)