BIMCO EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETS IN MUMBAI

The Baltic and International Maritime Council (BIMCO) Executive Committee, chaired by President Fridtjof Lorentzen, held its first 1997 meeting in Mumbai on 21 February. Several significant issues were discussed by the Committee, including:Under-Keel Clearance

BIMCO has issued an official response to the under-keel clearance requirement of United States Coast Guard's final rule on Operational Measures to Reduce Oil Spills from Existing Tank Vessels Without Double Hulls. Pointing out that ships have always had to take draught into account but have never before been responsible for determining the exact depth of the water, BIMCO suggests that port authorities are always the most qualified to state a maximum draught for ships entering their waterways. Therefore, BIMCO recommends that port authorities, rather than ships' masters, should be made responsible for under-keel clearance. BIMCO hopes to work together with ICS and Intertanko to help the US Coast Guard design a practical regulation which would be productive for the entire industry.

Responses to the under-keel clearance requirement were accepted by the USCG until 27 February and BIMCO requested that the under-keel clearance requirement be deleted from the rule at that time.Bulk Carrier Safety

The Executive Committee noted recent developments with regard to bulk carrier safety, including two new rules issued by IACS as a condition for classification. Until additional research has been completed, BIMCO is not in a position to either endorse or criticise the rules but recommends that homogeneous loading be seriously considered as an alternative to structural reinforcement, as a solution to the problem will probably not depend on structural measures and surveys alone. BIMCO also believes the training of bulk carrier personnel is an element vital to the ship's safety and possible improvements in training should be studied more closely.

As a member of the IMO Working Group on Bulk Carrier Safety, BIMCO is involved with the bulk carrier issue on all fronts and has begun a study of the economic consequences of the IACS requirements. In addition, a Joint Industry Working Group, which includes BIMCO, ICS, IACS, Intercargo, IAPH and IMO, has been formed to address the current problems with the ship to terminal liaison. The group aims to develop methods of improving communication between ships and ports, harbours and terminals.Prevention of Air Pollution from Ships

In 1990, the IMO's Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) produced a draft Assembly Resolution aimed at achieving a 50% reduction in sulphur oxide emissions from shipping by the year 2000.

Reaching this goal would require the sulphur content of bunker fuels to be limited to 1.5%, which would severely constrain the bunker industry and significantly effect the cost and availability of bunker fuel.

The MEPC will meet again in March to discuss various sulphur reduction alternatives. BIMCO has therefore submitted a compromise proposal which would set the maximum sulphur content of bunker fuels at 3%. As BIMCO greatly prefers an international solution over the establishment of differing regional standards, it is hoped that the 3% compromise will be acceptable to all parties,.

Drug and Alcohol Testing

The Executive Committee noted that on 2 January 1997 a US Coast Guard rule requiring random chemical drug testing of persons onboard US vessels in foreign waters came into effect. However, the rule allows for exemption from testing requirements when compliance violates the domestic laws or policies of another country.

The joint ILO/WHO Committee on the Health of Seafarers has also adopted the IMO Guiding Principles on Drug and Alcohol Testing Procedures and BIMCO has been advised that the EU is contemplating the development of its own requirements as well.

The Executive Committee also met with the Board of the Indian National Shipowners' Association and it became evident that our Indian members were faced with problems similar to those discussed in BIMCO. A lively discussion ensued which served as an inspiration for both sides.

BIMCO made a presentation to nearly 100 shipping representatives in Mumbai as well, sharing information on BIMCO's activities, discussing BIMCO's position on several contemporary shipping issues and stressing recent developments in the field of information technology and their relation to the maritime industry.

All participants then joined BIMCO's President, Fridtjof Lorentzen, and BIMCO's President Designate, Ronald Bergman, for a magnificent Indian dinner.