Page 20: of Maritime Reporter Magazine (April 2002)

Maritime Security

I MO Calls for Unity on Bulk Carrier Safety

IMO Secretary General William O'Neil has highlighted the need for widespread and concerted efforts to improve bulk carrier safety. Speaking at the opening of the 45th session of the IMO Sub-Committee on Ship Design and Equipment (DE)

O'Neil said, "Bulk Carrier Safety has been a priority on our agenda for over ten years now and, while certain improvements have been introduced, the work has not been finalized, as we are regrettably reminded from time to time by the con- tinuing loss of bulkers."

He added, "I would therefore encourage, once again, all parties concerned —

Governments, industry and technical organizations — to work in unison, not in an isolated manner, to bring the issue to a positive conclusion as soon as possible."

Specifically, the Sub-Committee will be looking at alternative means of sealing up anchor chain pipes to prevent water entry and whether access to chain lockers should be by bolted manholes and not doors. It will also be considering a recom- mendation that the installation of a level monitoring system in the spaces forward of the collision bulkhead be made mandatory on all capsize bulk carriers and the need for an independent pumping system for such spaces. The Sub-Committee will also address that classification societies should require shipowners to main- tain on board and ashore as-built construction drawings and other plans showing subsequent structural alterations, to help shipowners to develop an effective main- tenance program for their ships.

OECD Working Group To

Brainstorm on Port Security

The Maritime Administration (MarAd) announced its participation in the Ad-Hoc

Working Group on Security for the Maritime Transportation Committee (MTC) at the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) in Paris.

Government and industry leaders will be open and encourage an international dia- logue on this important matter. "We must participate in these international forums because port security problems require international solutions. It is vital that we work with other countries and international agencies worldwide, as well as with all the modes within the Department of Transportation and other agencies in the U.S. government."

This international initiative complements and augments the extensive domestic work being done in port security, such as the Port Security Grant Program, which is being administered by MarAd and the U.S. Coast guard on behalf of the Trans- portation Security Administration (TSA).

Maritime Administrator William G. Schubert says Carlton will apply a balanced approach, one that recognizes the critical need for secure and reliable port opera- tions across the globe, because maritime transportation is the dominant component of our international trade infrastructure, carrying over 95 percent of the volume of

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Maritime Reporter & Engineering News

Ballast and Tank Level

Indicating Systems for the Marine and Offshore

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