39/2017 - Statutory alert: Bahamas flag - Early implementation of SOLAS Reg. II-2/1 & 10 amendments

Applicability: Bahamas-flagged vessels

Further to Class News No. 38/2017, the Bahamas Maritime Authority (BMA) has issued a notice in their Information Bulletin No. 170 relating to the early implementation of the SOLAS amendments introduced by IMO Res. MSC.409(97).

Res. MSC.409(97), which enters into force on 1 January 2020, includes amendments to Chapter II-2 that waive the requirement for the provision of a 135-litre foam-type wheeled fire extinguisher on vessels with boilers that are protected by a fixed water-based local application fire-extinguishing system.

As permitted by MSC.1/Circ. 1566, the BMA is allowing ships registered in The Bahamas, to which Chapter II-2 of SOLAS applies, to implement these changes before the entry into force date of the new requirement.

What should owners and operators do now?
Owners and operators of Bahamas-registered vessels who wish to implement the new requirements prior to their entry into force should request a survey to confirm the arrangements on board and complete the necessary amendments to the ship’s certification.