IFSMA Information

A report on attendance at IMO Navigation Sub-committee.

June 2011

The 57th session of the Sub-Committee on the safety of Navigation (NAV 57) of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) met from 6 –10 June 2011.  In addition to discussions held in Plenary the following Working Groups and Drafting Groups were convened:

  • Working Group 1 – Ships’ Routing Working Group.
  • Working Group 2 – Technical Working Group.
  • Working Group 3 – E-Navigation Working Group.
  • Drafting Group 1 – Review of the vague expressions in SOLAS Regulation V/22

The IFSMA Delegation comprised of Allan Graveson, and Rune Mortensen. Following an open address by the Secretary General the Sub-Committee was advised of decisions of other IMO bodies.  Substantive discussion took place with respect to proposed new traffic routing schemes and changes to existing traffic routing schemes prior to being passed to the Working Group for detailed discussion.

Detailed and intense discussions took place concerning the performance standards for Voyage Data Recorders (VDRs).  IFSMA intervened stressing the importance of the confidential nature of the recorded information whose prime purpose is post-accident investigation.  The intervention was intended to protect shipmasters’ from unwarranted scrutiny by regulatory authorities and employers/charterers.

Detailed discussions followed concerning the development of E-Navigation.  It was recognised that it is very much in its infancy and that there is a considerable amount of work yet to be undertaken. However, it was recognised that technology is rapidly advancing ahead of regulations.

Of the issue of vague expressions in SOLAS Regulation V/22 on Navigation and Bridge Visibility IFSMA intervened stressing the importance of regulations so as to ensure adequate visibility to afford safe navigation.  IFSMA also participated in the Drafting Group.  The IFSMA intervention was sighted by delegations when discussing the report of the Sub-Committee and the intervention was recorded.

IFSMA was able to undertake a considerable amount of lobbying in support of the International Marine Pilots’ Association (IMPA) with respect to an unwarranted and selective critic by the delegation of the Bahamas.  IFSMA argued that the exchange of information between pilot and master was essential and should be continuous giving rise to an essential ‘mental connection’.

IFSMA also attended a lunch-time presentation given by CIRM and the use of terrestrial short range AIS through satellite detection.

END.