New Regulations

Bulletin
REQUIREMENTS ENTERING
INTO FORCE FROM
01st JAN-25 (ISSUE 14)

IMSBC
Code
Watchkeeping

Pollution
Prevention
Standards
of Training
AMENDMENTS TO THE INTERNATIONAL MARITIME SOLID BULK CARGOES CODE
(IMSBC CODE) - AMENDMENT 07- 23

Background:

IMO Resolution MSC.539(107) introduces amendments to the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes (IMSBC) Code.
These amendments include the addition of new cargo schedules for the following Materials Hazardous only in Bulk
(MHB) cargoes;
• DIRECT REDUCED IRON (D) (By-product fines with moisture content of at least 2%)
• ELECTRIC ARC FURNACE DUST, PELLETIZED*
• ‘FISH MEAL (FISH SCRAP), STABILIZED Anti-oxidant treated’**

The following cargo schedule is removed from the code;

• FISH MEAL (FISH SCRAP), STABILIZED UN 2216 Anti-oxidant treated’**- Class 9 dangerous goods

* This new cargo has also been included in the revised list of cargoes which may be exempted from cargo hold fixed gas
fire extinguishing arrangements, see MSC.1/Circ.1395/Rev.6.

** This cargo has effectively been re-classified from Class 9 dangerous goods cargo to a MHB cargo.

Implication:

If requested, any of the new cargoes may be added to a vessel’s Carriage of Solid Bulk Cargoes
Certificate of Compliance, provided that all survey requirements have been verified.

Application:

The amendments to the IMSBC Code will enter into force on 1 January 2025, but can be implemented
voluntarily from 1 January 2024, subject to the agreement of the flag Administration

Related Instruments:
• MSC.1/Circ.1664 - Revised form for cargo information for solid bulk cargoes
• MSC.1/Circ.1453/Rev.2 - Guidelines for the submission of information and completion of the format for the
properties of cargoes not listed in the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes (IMSBC) Code and their
conditions of carriage
• MSC.1/Circ.1454/Rev.2 - Guidelines for developing and approving procedures for sampling, testing and
controlling the moisture content for solid bulk cargoes which may liquefy or undergo dynamic separation
• MSC.1/Circ.1395/Rev.6 – Lists of solid bulk cargoes for which a fixed gas fire-extinguishing system may be
exempted or for which a fixed gas fire-extinguishing system is ineffective

Action Initiated / Proposed by FML:

1. The requirement will be communicated to our ships, Dry Operations and Technical teams for their
awareness, verification, and compliance.
2. All cargoes including the above listed to be loaded in strict compliance with IMSBC code and as per
vessel’s certification.

ENTER INTO FORCE: 01 JAN 2025

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 AMENDMENTS TO THE INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION ON STANDARDS OF TRAINING,
CERTIFICATION AND WATCHKEEPING FOR SEAFARERS (STCW), 1978 - AMENDMENTS TO STCW
REGULATIONS I/1 AND I/2 - ELECTRONIC SEAFARERS' CERTIFICATES

Background:

As part of the continuing digitisation of the shipping industry it’s important to move certification from paper format to
electronic format. The amendment allows seafarers’ certification to be in an electronic form provided minimum
information is available to the Administration in accordance with the STCW Code.

Implication:

This allows seafarers, ship managers and ship masters to keep electronic seafarers’ certificates onboard..

Application:

All seafarers.

Related Instruments:

MSC.1/Circ.1665 - Guidelines on the use of electronic certificates of seafarers

Action Initiated / Proposed by FML:

The respective seafaring staff will need to coordinate with local administrative departments to facilitate the
digitization of seafarers' certificates. FML will continue to provide the necessary support as required.

ENTER INTO FORCE: 01 JAN 2025

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AMENDMENTS TO PART A OF THE SEAFARERS' TRAINING, CERTIFICATION AND WATCHKEEPING
(STCW) CODE - (SECTION A-I/2) – ELECTRONIC SEAFARERS' CERTIFICATES

Background:

As part of the continuing digitization of the shipping industry it’s important to move certification from paper format to
electronic format. This amendment provides the minimum information to be included on seafarers’ certificates, and
how, in any format.

Implication:

This allows seafarers, ship managers and ship masters to keep electronic seafarers’ certificates onboard.

Application:

All seafarers.

Related Instruments:

MSC.1/Circ.1665 - Guidelines on the use of electronic certificates of seafarers

Action Initiated / Proposed by FML:

The respective seafaring staff will need to coordinate with local administrative departments to facilitate the
digitization of seafarers' certificates. FML will continue to provide the necessary support as required

ENTER INTO FORCE: 01 JAN 2025

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 ESTABLISHMENT OF THE DATE ON WHICH REGULATIONS 15.3, 15.5, AND 34.3 TO 34.5 OF MARPOL
ANNEX I, IN RESPECT OF THE RED SEA AND GULF OF ADEN SPECIAL AREAS, SHALL TAKE EFFECT

Background:
The Red Sea area was recognized as a Special Area under Annex I (regulation 1.11.4) of MARPOL. However, for
the Special Area status to come into effect adequate reception facilities must be provided in all relevant ports of
the Red Sea coastal States Parties to MARPOL Annex I. As per The Red Sea area was recognized as a Special
Area under Annex I (regulation 1.11.4) of MARPOL. However, for the Special Area status to come into effect
adequate reception facilities must be provided in all relevant ports of the Red Sea coastal States Parties to
MARPOL Annex I. As per

Implication:
Any ship transiting through the Red Sea area (i.e. the Red Sea proper including the Gulfs of Suez and Aqaba
bounded at the south by the rhumb line between Ras si Ane (12º 28.5΄ N, 43º 19.6΄ E) and Husn Murad (12º
40.4΄ N, 43º 30.2΄ E)), and the Gulf of Aden area (the Gulf of Aden area means that part of the Gulf of Aden
between the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea bounded to the west by the rhumb line between Ras si Ane (12°28.5 N,
043°19.6 E) and Husn Murad (12°40.4 N, 043°30.2 E) and to the east by the rhumb line between Ras Asir (11°50
N, 051°16.9 E) and the Ras Fartak (15°35 N, 052°13.8 E)) will have to comply with the discharge requirements of
MARPOL Annex I regulations 15.3, 15.5, 34.3, 34.4 and 34.5, from 1 January 2025.

The previously mentioned regulations prohibit the discharging of oil or oily mixtures from ships of 400GT and
above, unless all of the following conditions are satisfied:
• The ship is proceeding en route;
• The oily mixture is processed through an oil filtering equipment meeting the requirements of regulation 14.7
of Annex I;
• The oil content of the effluent without dilution does not exceed 15 parts per million;
• The oily mixture does not originate from cargo pump-room bilges on oil tankers; and
• The oily mixture, in case of oil tankers, is not mixed with oil cargo residues.

For oil tankers any discharge into the sea of oil or oily mixture from the cargo area shall be prohibited while in a
Special Area.

Application:

All ships transiting through the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden Special Areas from 1 January 2025.

Related Instruments:

MEPC.381(80)

Action Initiated / Proposed by FML:

The requirement will be communicated to our ships and technical teams for their awareness, verification,
and compliance.

ENTER INTO FORCE: 01 JAN 2025

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ESTABLISHMENT OF THE DATE ON WHICH REGULATION 6 OF MARPOL ANNEX V,
IN RESPECT OF THE RED SEA SPECIAL AREA SHALL TAKE EFFECT

Background:

The Red Sea area was recognized as a Special Area under Annex V (regulation 1.14.4) of MARPOL.
However, for the Special Area status to come into effect adequate reception facilities must be provided in all
relevant ports of the Red Sea coastal States Parties to MARPOL. As per MARPOL Annex V Regulation 1.14,
Special area means a sea area where for recognised technical reasons in relation to its oceanographic and
ecological condition and to the particular character of its traffic the adoption of special mandatory methods for
the prevention of sea pollution by garbage is required. At MEPC 80, based on information provided related to
the status of available necessary reception facilities for MARPOL Annexes I and V wastes and residues, covering
all the ports and terminals within the areas, the special area status was agreed

Implication:

Any vessel transiting through the Red Sea area (i.e. the Red Sea proper including the Gulfs of Suez and Aqaba
bounded at the south by the rhumb line between Ras si Ane (12º 28.5΄ N, 43º 19.6΄ E) and Husn Murad (12º
40.4΄ N, 43º 30.2΄ E)), will have to comply with the discharge requirements of MARPOL Annex V regulation 6
from 1 January 2025. This includes requirements for the discharge of:

• Food wastes (as far from land as practicable but not less than 12 nautical miles from nearest land and having
been ground down or comminuted).
• Cargo residues that cannot be recovered using commonly available methods for unloading.
• Cleaning agents or additives contained in deck and external surfaces wash water (only if not harmful to the
environment).

Application:

All ships transiting through the Red Sea Special Area from 1 January 2025.

Related Instruments:
MEPC.382(80)

Action Initiated / Proposed by FML:

The requirement will be communicated to our ships and technical teams for their awareness, verification,
and compliance.

ENTER INTO FORCE: 01 JAN 2025

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 CHINA LAW ON FRONTIER SANITATION QUARANTINE INSPECTION

Background:
This Law was formulated in accordance with the Constitution to strengthen frontier sanitation management and prevent
the cross-border spread of infectious diseases.
Customs may board ships for quarantine inspection, and for those that meet the prescribed conditions, they may conduct
quarantine inspection by telecommunication.
Except for emergency situations such as risk avoidance, inbound ships (before the quarantine inspection is completed) are
not allowed to leave the designated quarantine inspection site, load or unload goods or items, or board or disembark
personnel other than pilots without the permission of customs. Outbound ships (after completing the quarantine
inspection and before leaving country) are not allowed to leave the designated quarantine inspection site, load or unload
goods or items, or board or disembark personnel other than pilots without the permission of customs

Implication:

In any of the following circumstances, inbound and outbound transportation tools/ships shall undergo sanitary treatment
and accept customs supervision: When necessary, the customs may work with relevant departments to isolate
transportation tools/ships:
• Contaminated by quarantine infectious diseases.
• Discovering vector organisms related to human health.
• There are other situations where there is a risk of spreading quarantine infectious diseases.

If the person in charge of a foreign transportation tools/ships refuse to carry out sanitary treatment, except in special
circumstances, the customs shall order the transportation tools/ships to leave the country immediately under its
supervision.

Application:

Customs shall issue entry or exit quarantine certificates to transportation tools/ships that do not pose a risk of spreading
quarantine infectious diseases or have undergone effective sanitation treatment based on the quarantine inspection results
provided by quarantine physicians.

• If a transportation tool/ship that has already undergone quarantine inspection discovers a person infected with a
quarantine infectious disease, a suspected infected person, or a person who has died of an unknown cause other
than accidental injury during its stay at the port, the person in charge of the transportation tool/ship shall
immediately report to the customs, and the customs shall take corresponding measures in accordance with the
provisions of this Law.

Related Instruments:

law of People's Republic China on frontier sanitation

Action Initiated / Proposed by FML:

The requirement will be communicated to our ships and technical teams for their awareness, verification,
and compliance.

ENTER INTO FORCE: 01 JAN 2025 7|Page

 REDUCING AIR POLLUTION FROM SHIPS IN CALIFORNIA PORTS

Background:

Since 2014, the California Resource Board (CARB) has regulated emissions from container, refrigerated cargo (reefer), and
passenger vessels that visit certain state ports. Following the positive results of this regulation, and in an effort to further
reduce the public's exposure to air pollution caused by commercial vessels that visit California ports and terminals, its new
'2020 At Berth Regulation' took effect on 1 January 2021. The emission control requirements are phased in based on vessel
type, and as of 1 January 2025, roll-on/roll off (ro/ro) vessels, and tanker vessels visiting the Ports of Los Angeles or
Long Beach, will be regulated.

Implication:

Vessels subject to emission control requirements must use a ‘CARB approved emission control strategy’ (CAECS) to
control emissions for the duration of a visit. At the time of writing, compliance will most likely be achieved by the use of
shore power and/or emissions capture and control systems. However, if a vessel wishes to use a strategy for compliance that
is currently not approved for use, such as batteries or alternative fuels, they must apply for CARB approval of that strategy
as a CAESC.

Application:

As the procedures and equipment needed for ro/ro and tanker vessels to comply with CARB’s emission control
requirements could be quite extensive and costly, advise ship operators trading to California ports to familiarize themselves
with the 2020 At Berth Regulation and the control strategies currently approved by CARB. The preparatory work to
ensure timely compliance should not be postponed, and the following sources of information are recommended.
Vessel operators must communicate with terminal operators in writing at least seven days before arrival to coordinate shore
power and other CAECS needs. While guide to terminal-supplied CAECS is a useful resource for planning ahead, a check
with the local agent as to availability of CAECS at a specific port for the estimated visiting time can be recommended

Related Instruments:

CARB: Ocean-Going Vessels At Berth Regulation

CARB: Approved emission control systems (CAECS)

Action Initiated / Proposed by FML:

The requirement will be communicated to our ships and technical teams operating both Ro/Ro and tanker
vessels for their awareness, verification, and compliance.

ENTER INTO FORCE: 01 JAN 2025

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 AMENDMENTS TO THE INTERNATIONAL BALLAST WATER MANAGEMENT
CONVENTION - AMENDMENTS TO APPENDIX II
(FORM OF BALLAST WATER RECORD BOOK)

Background:

The information gathered to date in the Experience-Building Phase of the BWM Convention has noted that 70%
of reported deficiencies reported by port states related to incorrect entries in the Ballast Water Record Book
(BWRB). It has been recognized that the current form of the BWRB does not provide sufficient clarity to meet
the requirements of Appendix II of the BWM Convention. Appendix II of the BWM Convention has been
updated to amend the existing version of the BWRB, to include additional information on entries to be included
in the BWRB and an updated BWRB page.

Implication:
Ship operators will need to complete and maintain the newly agreed format of the BWRB from 1 February 2025.

Application:

All ships are designed to carry ballast water operating between two ports of different countries.

Related Instruments:

BWM.2/Circ.80 (2023) - Guidance on ballast water record-keeping and reporting

MEPC.369(80)

Action Initiated / Proposed by FML:

The new format of the BWRB has been prepared and will be sent to all vessels in due course for their
reference and implementation on board, with effect from 01 February 2025. In the meantime, this
requirement will be communicated to our ships and technical teams for their awareness, and compliance.

ENTER INTO FORCE: 01 FEB 2025

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 AMENDMENTS TO MARPOL – ANNEX VI – MEDITERRANEAN SOX ECA

Background:

The Mediterranean Sea has long been a vital waterway, serving as a hub for trade, cultural exchange and tourism.
However, the increased shipping activities in the region have taken a toll on its ecosystem. The Mediterranean Sea is
particularly susceptible to pollution due to its semi-enclosed nature, limited water exchange and high population density
along its coasts.

The concept of Emission Control Areas (ECAs) was introduced to designate specific regions where stricter emissions
standards are enforced. These areas aim to reduce air pollution, protect marine ecosystems and improve the overall
sustainability of the shipping industry, typically by targeting harmful sulfur and nitrous oxides.

Implication:
The new SOx regulations expect vessels to consider the use of new fuels that have lower sulphur content for shipping
within the Mediterranean Sea. These new fuels, although experiencing a decrease in price in recent years, are still more
expensive on average than fuels previously used. Therefore, it is expected that the implementation of these regulations
will result in higher shipping costs. However, according to research done in the initial MEPC proposal, there is
sufficient refinery capacity and production to meet the demand for the required lower sulphur fuels within the
Mediterranean region. Alternative compliance measures, such as exhaust gas cleaning systems and alternative fuels, may
also help to balance increased demands for compliant fuel types.

Application:

Effective from 1st May 2025, the Mediterranean Sea will become part of an emissions control area under the IMO,
reference MEPC.261(79). Vessels transiting this area will now require adherence to ECA regulations on sulphur oxides
and particulate matter, burning compliant fuels of 0.1% Sulphur or having an approved EGCS in place. Vessels will need
to obtain clear bunker delivery notes stating the sulphur content as well as recording this accurately into the Oil Record
Book Part I. Vessels will require a written procedure describing how the fuel changeover is to be carried out, taking into
consideration the time taken to entirely change over to compliant fuel within the complete fuel system pipelines.

Related Instruments:

MEPC.361(79)

Action Initiated / Proposed by FML:

The said changes to “MEDITERRANEAN SOX ECA” have been included in S 10.15 L and has been sent
to all vessels. However, this forthcoming regulation is being included in this bulletin & shared to serve as a
reminder and compliance.

ENTER INTO FORCE: 01 MAY 2025

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 HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION FOR THE SAFE AND
ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND RECYCLING OF SHIPS, 2009

Background:

It is known that ships may contain environmentally hazardous substances (e.g. asbestos, heavy metals, PBC's) and
the recycling of a ship at the end of its life is associated with many working and environmental concerns. As such,
the IMO Hong Kong Convention aims to ensure that the recycling of ships does not pose an unnecessary risk to
human health, safety or the environment. The Hong Kong convention has requirements for the design,
construction, operation and preparation of ships to facilitate safe and environmentally sound recycling without
compromising the safety and operational efficiency of ships; the operation of ship recycling facilities in a safe and
environmentally sound manner; and the establishment of an appropriate enforcement mechanism for ship
recycling, incorporating certification and reporting requirements.

Implication:

Shipowners:

Will need to ensure that they have a properly regulated method of building, operating and recycling a ship, that
safeguards both crew and recycling facility workers safety, whilst minimizing the environmental impact.
Key dates:

• From 26 June 2025 - New ships* will have to have an approved and certified IHM onboard.
• By 26 June 2030 existing ships will have to:
- Have an approved certified Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM) onboard,
- Have a ready for recycling certificate onboard
- Only be recycled at a ship recycling facility which has a valid Document of Authorization for Ship
Recycling (DASR).

*“New ships” means a ship:

- For which the building contract is placed on or after 26 June 2025; or

- In the absence of a building contract, the keel of which is laid or which is at a similar stage of
construction on or after 26 December 2025; or
- The delivery of which is on or after 26 December 2027.

Ship Recycling Facilities:

By 26 June 2025 - ship recycling facilities will have to have a valid DASR.

Manufacturers and Shipbuilders:

Will need to ensure that they complete / compile the required Material Declarations (MD) and Supplier
Declarations of Conformity (SDoc) for any items being supplied to the ship which are part of the ships structure
or fitted equipment. For shipbuilders they will need to use the MD and SDoC to comply an IHM during the build
process.

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Application:
Applies to all commercial vessels undergoing voyages outside their flag jurisdiction or outside the declared
sheltered waters of their flag State to which the MLC, 2006 applies.

Applies to all ships over 500GT on international voyages including:

- Submersibles;
- Floating craft;
- Floating platforms;
- Self elevating platforms;
- Floating Storage Units (FSUs);
- Floating Production Storage and Offloading Units (FPSOs); and,
- A vessel stripped of equipment or being towed.

Exceptions:

Warships, naval auxiliary, ships used for government non-commercial service.

Also applies to ship recycling facilities operating in a country which has adopted the Hong Kong Convention.

Related Instruments:

• Resolution MEPC.196(62) - 2011 Guidelines for the Development of the Ship Recycling Plan
• Resolution MEPC.210(63) - 2012 Guidelines for Safe and Environmentally Sound Ship Recycling
• Resolution MEPC.211(63) - 2012 Guidelines for the Authorization of Ship Recycling Facilities
• Resolution MEPC.222(64) - 2012 Guidelines for the survey and certification of ships under the Hong Kong Convention
• Resolution MEPC.223(64) - 2012 Guidelines for the inspection of ships under the Hong Kong Convention
• Resolution MEPC.379(80) – 2023 Guidelines for the development of the Inventory of the Hazardous Materials,
superseding
• MEPC.269(68)

Action Initiated / Proposed by FML:

FML has been proactive in this matter and has tied with “VERIFAVIA Shipping” for maintaining an on
line data base of following, currently 473 ships are in this program and soon will be expanded to all vessel’s
-
1. IHM maintenance certificates.
2. IHM Maintenance documents.
3. IHM reports.
4. Vendor review for IHM compliance basis PO analysis.

The current “Inventory of Hazardous Materials” for existing ships was prepared in accordance with the:
Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships
(SR/CONF 45).

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The requirement will be communicated to our ships and technical teams for their awareness, verification,
and compliance.

ENTER INTO FORCE: 26 JUNE

2025

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