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Policy Rule Safety Seagoing Vessels The Head of the Shipping Inspectorate, as per Article 4:81, first paragraph of the General

Administrative Law Act (Algemene wet bestuursrecht),

Decrees:

Article 1. Application of resolutions and circulars issued by the International Maritime

Organisation (IMO)

In the application of the regulations, codes and mandatory resolutions under or pursuant to the Ships

Act in execution of the SOLAS treaty1, further implementations, interpretations and recommendations

will be enforced as worded in the resolutions and circulars issued by the International Maritime

Organisation listed in the tables 1.1 to 1.11 below.

Table 1.1 SOLAS general

Resolution/circular Basis

A.830(19)

Code on Alarms and Indicators, 1995

SOLAS: all chapters

and various codes

SB 2004 Art. 40 first

paragraph, 41 first

and second

paragraph, 42, 50, 52,

56 and 57.

Table 1.2 Construction – Structure, subdivision and stability, machinery and electrical installations

(SOLAS Ch. II-1)


MSC/Circ.1176

Unified interpretations to SOLAS Ch. II-1 and XII

and to the technical provision for means of access

for inspections, as amended by MSC/Circ.1197

SOLAS chapter II-1

and XII various

regulations


paragraph and 41 first

and second paragraph

MSC/Circ.966

IACS unified interpretation of “prototype test”

(Emergency Towing Arrangements on Tankers)

SOLAS chapter II-1

regulation 3-4




A.265(VIII)

Regulations on subdivision and stability of

passenger ships as an equivalent to part B of

chapter II of the International Convention for the

Safety of Life at Sea, 1960

SOLAS chapter II-1

regulations 4 to 25

(=Part B)




MSC/Circ.541

Guidance notes on the integrity of flooding

boundaries above the bulkhead deck of passenger

ships for proper application of regulations II-1/8

and 20, paragraph 1, of the SOLAS 1974

convention as amended.

SOLAS chapter II-1

regulations 8 and 20.1




A.266(VIII)

Recommendation on a standard method for

establishing compliance with the requirements for

cross-flooding arrangements in passenger ships

SOLAS chapter II-1

regulation 8.5




1 The treaty signed in London on 1 November 1974 for the safety of lives at sea (Treaty Series 1976, 157) and the

attendant binding protocols, annexes and appendices.

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MSC/Circ.755

Side shell doors and stern doors on ro-ro

passenger ships

SOLAS chapter II-1

regulation 20-1




A.793(19)

Strength and securing and locking arrangements

of shell doors on ro-ro passenger ships

SOLAS chapter II-1

regulation 20.4



and second paragraph MSC/Circ. 1158

Unified interpretation of SOLAS, Chapter II-1

SOLAS chapter II-1

regulation 22




MSC/Circ.706

Guidance on intact stability of existing tankers

during liquid transfer operations

SOLAS chapter II-1

regulation 22




MSC/Circ.919

Guidelines for damage control plans

SOLAS chapter II-1

regulations 23, 23-1

and 25-8




MSC/Circ.998

IACS Unified Interpretation regarding timber deck

cargo in the context of damage stability

requirements

SOLAS chapter II-1

regulation 25-8




A.684(17)

Explanatory notes to the SOLAS regulations on

subdivision and damage stability of cargo ships of

100 metres in length and over

SOLAS chapter II-1

regulations 25-1 to

25-10 (= Part B1)




MSC.76(69)

Extended application of the Explanatory notes to

the SOLAS regulations on subdivision and

damage stability of cargo ships of 100 metres in

length and over (resolution A.684(17))

SOLAS chapter II-1

regulations 25-1 to

25-10 (= Part B1)




A.601(15)

Provision and display of manoeuvring information

on board ships

SOLAS chapter II-1

regulation 28




MSC.188(79)

Performance standards for water level detectors

on bulk carriers and single hold cargo ships other

than bulk carriers

SOLAS chapter II-1

regulation 23-3 and

chapter XII, regulation

12




Table 1.3 Ship construction – Fire protection, fire detection and fire extinction (SOLAS Ch. II-2)


MSC/Circ.1120

UI of SOLAS chapter II-2, the FSS Code, the FTP

Code and related fire test procedures

SOLAS chapter II-2

various regulations,

FSS Code, FTP Code

various paragraphs

and Res. A.754(18)




MSC.1/Circ.1203

UI of SOLAS chapter II-2 and fire test procedures

referred to in the FTP Code.

SOLAS chapter II-2

regulations 3.34,

9.2.4.2.5, 9.3.1,

10.7.1.4, 19.3.2,




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Res. A.754 and FTP

Code

MSC/Circ.1141

Unified interpretation of the term “first survey”

referred to in SOLAS regulations II-2/1.2.2.2,

V/19.1.2.2, V/19.2.4.2.2 and V/20.1.2

SOLAS chapter II-2

regulation 1.2.2 and

chapter V regulations

19.1.2, 19.2.4 and

20.1.2




MSC/Circ.799

Guidelines for performance and testing criteria

and surveys of expansion foam concentrates for

fire-extinguishing systems of chemical tankers

SOLAS chapter II-2

regulation 1.6.2.1




MSC/Circ.353

Revised guidelines for inert gas systems, as

amended by circular MSC/Circ.387

SOLAS chapter II-2

regulations 1.6.5 and

4.5.5 and FSS Code

paragraph 15.2.1




MSC/Circ.485

Clarification of inert gas system requirements

under SOLAS 1974, amended

SOLAS chapter II-2


4.5.5 and FSS Code

paragraph 15.2.1




MSC/Circ.1037

Unified interpretations of the revised SOLAS

Chapter II-2

SOLAS chapter II-2

regulations 4, 9, 10

and 13




MSC/Circ.1169

Unified interpretations of SOLAS, Chapter II-2

SOLAS chapter II-2

regulations 4.5.3.3

and 9.7.1.1




MSC/Circ.1082

Unified interpretations of the guidelines for the

approval of fixed water-based local application

fire-fighting systems (MSC/Circ.913)

SOLAS chapter II-2

regulation 10.5.6




MSC/Circ.1081

Unified interpretation of the revised SOLAS

Chapter II-2

SOLAS chapter II-2


13.4.3




MSC/Circ.1033

Interim Guidelines for Evacuation Analyses for

new and existing passenger ships

SOLAS chapter II-2 ,

regulation 13.7.4




A.654(16)

for ships built

before 1-1-2004

Graphical symbols for fire control plans

SOLAS chapter II-2

regulation 15.2.4




A.952(23)

for ships built

after 1-1-2004

Graphical symbols for shipboard fire control plans

SOLAS chapter II-2

regulation 15.2.4




MSC/Circ.608; rev

1

Interim guidelines for open-top container ships

SOLAS chapter II-2

regulation 19




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MSC/Circ.729

Design guidelines and operational

recommendations for ventilation systems in ro-ro

cargo spaces

SOLAS chapter II-2

regulation 20.3.1




MSC/Circ.914

Guidelines for the approval of alternative fixed

water-based fire-fighting systems for special

category spaces

SOLAS chapter II-2

regulation 20.6.1 *)




MSC/Circ.582;

Guidelines for the performance and testing

criteria, and surveys of low expansion foam

concentrates for fixed fire extinguishing systems

FSS Code paragraphs

6.2.3 and 14.2.2




MSC/Circ.798

Guidelines for performance and testing criteria

and surveys of medium-expansion concentrates

for fire-extinguishing systems

FSS Code paragraph

14.2.2




Table 1.4 Life-saving appliances and arrangements (SOLAS Ch. III)


MSC/Circ.1206

Measures to prevent accidents with lifeboats

SOLAS chapter III

regulations 19.3.3, 20

an 36

SB 2004 Art. 40 first and

second paragraph, 41

first and second

paragraph

MSC/Circ.1114

Guidelines for periodic testing of Immersion suit

and Anti-exposure suit seams and closures

SOLAS chapter III

regulation 20.7



first and second

paragraph MSC/Circ.1048

Performance standards and performance tests for

manually powered reverse osmosis desalinators

LSA Code paragraphs

4.1.5, 4.4.7 and 4.4.8



first and second


Guidelines on fire test procedures for acceptance

of fire-retardant materials for the construction of

lifeboats

LSA Code paragraph

4.4.1.4.



first and second

paragraph

Table 1.5 Radiocommunications (SOLAS Ch. IV)


MSC/Circ.1039

Guidelines for shore-based maintenance of

satellite EPIRBs

SOLAS chapter IV

regulation 15



first and second


Guidelines on Annual Testing of 406 MHz Satellite

EPIRBs

SOLAS chapter IV

regulation 15.9.



first and second

paragraph A.702(17)

Radio maintenance guidelines for the global

maritime distress and safety system (GMDSS)

related to sea areas A3 and A4

SOLAS chapter IV

regulation 15.7



first and second

paragraph

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Table 1.6 Safety of navigation (SOLAS Ch. V)


MSC/Circ.1079

Guidelines for Preparing Plans for Co-operation

between search and rescue services and

passenger ships

SOLAS chapter V

regulation 7.3


paragraph, 41 fifth

paragraph and 42

second paragraph A.890(21)

Principles of safe manning, as amended by

resolution A.955(23)

SOLAS chapter V

regulation 14 (and

STCW Code)


paragraph, 41 fifth

paragraph and 42

second paragraph

MSC/Circ.982

Guidelines on Ergonomic Criteria for Bridge

Equipment and Layout

SOLAS chapter V

regulation 15


paragraph, 41 fifth

paragraph and 42

second paragraph

MSC.163(78)

Performance standards for shipborne simplified

voyage data recorders (S-VDRs)

SOLAS chapter V

regulation 20


paragraph, 41 fifth

paragraph and 42

second paragraph

A.889(21)

Pilot transfer arrangements

SOLAS chapter V

regulation 23.1


paragraph, 41 fifth

paragraph and 42

second paragraph

Table 1.7 Carriage of cargoes (SOLAS Ch. VI)


A.714(17)

Code of Safe Practice for Cargo Stowage and

Securing (CSS Code), as amended by circulars

MSC/Circ.664, MSC/Circ.691, MSC/Circ.740,

MSC/Circ.812 and MSC/Circ.1026.

SOLAS chapter VI

regulations 1 and 5.1

SB 2004 Art. 52

Table 1.8 Carriage of dangerous goods (SOLAS Ch. VII)


MSC/Circ.1095

Revised Minimum Safety Standards for Ships

Carrying Liquids in Bulk Containing Benzene

SOLAS chapter VII

and IBC Code, various

regulations



paragraph

MSC.1/Circ.1220

Voluntary Structural Guidelines for New Ships

Carrying Liquids in Bulk Containing Benzene

SOLAS chapter VII

and IBC Code, various

regulations




Unified interpretations of the IBC and IGC Codes

IBC Code paragraphs

8.3.2 and 8.3.3.2 and

IGC Code paragraph

8.2.10



and third paragraph

Table 1.9 Safety measures for high-speed craft (SOLAS Ch. X)

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MSC/Circ.1102

Interpretations of the 2000 HSC Code and SOLAS

chapter X

SOLAS chapter X

regulation 2.2 and

2000 HSC Code,

various regulations

SB 2004 Art.42 second

paragraph

MSC/Circ.1177

Unified interpretation of the 2000 HSC Code

HSC Code paragraph

9.1.5

SB 2004 Art. 42 second

paragraph

Table 1.10 Special measures to enhance maritime safety (SOLAS Ch. XI)


MSC.136(76)

for installation

before 1 July 2004

Performance standards for a ship security alert

system

SOLAS chapter XI-2

regulation 6

EU Regulation 725/2004,

Art. 3

MSC.147(77)

for installation

after 1 July 2004

Revised performance standards for a ship security

alert system.

SOLAS chapter XI-2

regulation 6


Art. 3

MSC/Circ.1072

Guidance on Provision of Ship Security Alert

Systems

SOLAS chapter XI-2

regulation 6


Art. 3

MSC/Circ 1190

Guidance on the provision of information for

identifying ships when transmitting SSAS alerts

SOLAS chapter XI-2

regulation 6


Art. 3

MSC Circ. 1156

Guidance on the access of public authorities,

emergency response services and pilots on board

ships to which SOLAS Chapter XI-2 and the ISPS

Code apply.

SOLAS chapter XI-2

various regulations

and ISPS Code,

various provisions


Art. 3

Table 1.11 Additional safety measures for bulk carriers (SOLAS Ch. XII)


MSC.79(70)

Interpretation of SOLAS chapter XII on additional

safety measures for bulk carriers

SOLAS chapter XII

regulation 2


paragraph, 41 first

paragraph and 53 third

paragraph

MSC.89(71)

Interpretation of the provisions of SOLAS chapter

XII on additional safety measures for bulk carriers

SOLAS chapter XII

regulation 2


paragraph, 41 first

paragraph and 53 third


Unified interpretation of SOLAS regulations XII/4.2

and XII/5.2

SOLAS chapter XII

regulations 4.2 and

5.2


paragraph, 41 first

paragraph en 53 third

paragraph

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Article 2. Ship security

This Article uses the following abbreviations based on the original, English-language text of the ISPS

Code:

Abbreviation English term

CSO Company Security Officer

ISSC International Ship Security Certificate

RSO Recognised Security Organisation

SSA Ship Security Assessment

SSAS Ship Security Alert System

SSO Ship Security Officer

SSP Ship Security Plan

The following national policy rule is applied to supplement the information in table 1.10 in order to

secure vessels against terrorism, piracy, crime and vandalism.

2.1 Certification for registration of existing ships in the Netherlands

Basis: EU Regulation 725/2004, Art. 3, first, second and third paragraph

The following methods should be utilised for registering existing ships in the Netherlands, in

compliance with ISPS Code volume A, Art. 19.4.1:

1. If the company remains the same: The existing SSP must be approved and verified by a RSO

accredited by the Netherlands and according to Dutch norms. If the RSO has recently

approved and verified the SSP for another flag, then an inspection of the specific Dutch

interpretations is sufficient. If the ship passes this inspection and verification, it can be issued

with a long-term certification in compliance with ISPS Code volume A, Art. 19.2.1 (no interim).

2. If a new company takes control of the ship:The entire normal ISSC procedure must be

completed on the basis of which a long-term certificate can be issued. Portions of the old SSP

can be reused if they are suitable for the new situation. They will then be re-evaluated by the

RSO in the new context.

If necessary and provided that the conditions, specified in Art. 19.4.2 of volume A of the ISPS Code, are

met, the RSO may issue a temporary certificate according to Art. 19.4.1 of volume A of the ISPS Code.

2.2 Certification of newly built ships

Basis: EU Regulation 725/2004, Art. 3, first, second en third paragraph

The entire routine ISSC procedure must be completed for newly built ships, on the basis of which a

long-term certificate can be issued. If necessary and provided that the conditions, specified in Art.

19.4.2 of volume A of the ISPS Code, are met, the RSO may issue a temporary certificate according to

Art. 19.4.1 of volume A of the ISPS Code.

2.3 Changes to previously approved SSPs and security equipment

Basis: EU Regulation 725/2004, Art. 3 first, second, third and fifth paragraph

Each proposed change as intended in ISPS Code volume A, Art. 9.5 and ISPS Code volume B, Art. 1.12

that affects the degree of security of the ship, is to be reported by the CSO to the appropriate RSO.

The CSO must state the consequences of the proposed changes. The RSO decides whether the change

may be implemented, and if so, under what conditions. Each change should result in at least the same

level of security. If the changes require the approval of the RSO, the relevant pages in the SSPshould

be certified by the RSO.

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Table 2.1 lists the changes that require the approval of the RSO under any circumstances, as well as the

manner in which the RSO should conduct the evaluation.

Changes that do not require the approval of the RSO may be approved in writing by the captain or the

SSO and the CSO. The statement of approval, signed by the CSO, should be included in the SSP and

the relevant pages in the SSP should be initialled by the SSO or captain. These changes will then be

evaluated by the RSO during the next planned verification.

2.4 Training and education of the CSO

Basis: EU Regulation 725/2004, Art. 3, first, second, third and fourth paragraph

The CSO must possess the expertise and skills necessary to perform the tasks required by ISPS Code

volume A, Art. 11 (ISPS Code volume A, Art. 13.1). To this end CSOs must be able to prove that they

have completed a training in conformity with ISPS Code volume B, Art. 13.1.

2.5 Internal evaluations (reviews/audits) of the SSP

Basis: EU Regulation 725/2004, Art. 3, fifth paragraph

Table 2.1 Changes to an SSP that require the RSO’s approval under all circumstances

Nr Relevant section of the SSP Evaluation

method

1 Procedure for confirming a change in the security level. 1

2 Security measures to be taken for security levels 2 and 3 2*

3 Reporting of security incidents to the CSO, Flag State, Port and Coastal

Authorities

1

4 Frequencies for testing or calibrating security equipment 1

5 Drills and exercises and safety briefings 1

6 Audits of the security measures and the SSP, including the frequency of the

audits

1

7 SSP review process 1

8 Records (what, how, and where are they kept) 1

9 Procedures to prevent unauthorised persons from viewing the SSA, SSP and the

records

1

10 Identification of restricted areas and their applicable times 2

11 Access protocols and other procedures (including searches) applicable to

restricted areas

1

12 Procedure for use of security equipment (incl. cameras) 1

13 Deck lighting and access points 2*

14 Watch procedures and access control at all security levels 1

15 Arrangements pertaining to security assistance from the shore (incl. patrol boats,

guards)

1

16 Maintenance procedures for security equipment 1

17 Ship Security Alert System (SSAS): all related issues, such as type, location of

activation points, receiver, etc., with exception of the frequencies (see 4)

2

Explanation of evaluation method:

1. Evaluation based on records

2. Evaluation based on records and verification on board

2* Evaluation based on records and verification on board (if feasible)

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In order to comply with ISPS Code, volume B, Art. 1.12 and 9.2.6, the SSP must be subject to at least

one internal evaluation (review/audit) in between two intermediate or renewal verifications.

2.6 Access control


The access control as specified in ISPS Code volume A, Art. 7.2.2 need not necessarily be executed

using a permanent gangway watch; other methods are also permitted, including a watch on the

bridge, personnel on deck or security cameras. The intention is that there is constant supervision of

who comes on board and that persons who wish to gain access to the ship are approached

immediately and asked to produce proof of identity and the reason for their presence.

2.7 Searching individuals who wish to board the ship

Basis: EU Regulation 725/2004, Art. 3, first, second, third and fourth paragraph

Without prejudice to the captain's responsibilities as conform SOLAS XI-2, regulation 8.2, the

frequency for searching people who wish to gain access to the ship is determined as follows per

security level, in compliance with ISPS Code volume A, Art. 9.4, and volume B, Art. 9.15:

Level 1: as considered necessary by the SSO or the CSO

Level 2: a random selection of at least 1 in 10 people and at least one actual search per port of call.

Level 3: everyone.

2.8 Contact for questions pertaining to the SSAS alarm if the CSO is on board


ISPS Code volume A, Art. 11.1 permits the CSO to be an officer on board the ship. If the shipping

company has chosen this option, then it must have a permanent point of contact on shore that the

Coast Guard Centre (Kustwachtcentrum) can contact in the event of an SSAS alarm, as it is not

recommended to contact the ship directly in the event of a covert alarm. (See also MSC/Circ. 1073

Measures to Enhance Maritime Security; Directives for maritime rescue co-ordintation centres (MRCCS)

on acts of violence against ships).

This point of contact can be the shore contact as required by the registration legislation, but it may

also be another organisation or person.

The shipping company and the party concerned must have a contract that states that the point of

contact must be available at all times to provide assistance in the event of an alarm and must be able

to provide the authorities with as many relevant details about the ship concerned as possible

(including the ship type, cargo, position, crew number, hazardous materials present, etc.).

The contact information should be reported to the Transport and Water Management Inspectorate

(Inspectie Verkeer en Waterstaat), which will pass on the information to the Coast Guard Centre

(Kustwachtcentrum).

2.9 Drills and exercises

Basis: EU Regulation 725/2004, Art. 3, first, second, third and fifth paragraph

According to the ISPS volume A, Art. 13.4 and volume B, Art. 13.6, drills test the ship's security system

and are held on board. The SSO is responsible for their execution.

According to the ISPS volume A, Art. 13.5, exercises test the company's security system and the

effective co-ordination and implementation of the SSPs. They are held each year, with intervals of not

more than 18 months, as per ISPS volume B, Art. 13.7. The organisation of these exercises is the

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responsibility of the company (in this case the CSO), in line with the ISM system. An exercise always

involves (if applicable) more than one, but not necessarily all of the company's ships. Reports on the

exercise are then distributed over the company's entire Dutch-registered fleet and kept on board. The

lessons learned from the exercise are to be applied to the entire Dutch-registered fleet. Government

bodies may also be involved in exercises.

If a company participates in an exercise organised by a national or foreign government body, this

counts as the annual exercise required by ISPS volume B, Art. 13.7. The reports and lessons learned

must then also be distributed and applied throughout the company's Dutch-registered fleet.

Article 3: Inspection of falls

Basis: SOLAS chapter III, regulation 20.4

SB 2004 Art. 40 and 41

In inspecting falls, the following phenomena should be considered defects that require replacement of

the falls and/or the end connections:

a. serious corrosion;

b. pitting;

c. distortion or damage to individual strands of the fall or the entire fall;

d. disruption of the fall construction;

e. any other deviation that affects the strength or wear-resistance of the fall.

f. an end connection that is not as strong as the connection provided by the original supplier. An

end connection by means of cable clamps is not permitted.

The fall, including the end connection, is in compliance with the requirements of the supplier of the

launching appliance.

The captain or the owner of the ship may submit certain parts of the fall indicated by authorised

parties to a pull test. If those parts pass the pull test, then the fall needs not be replaced.

Article 4 Determination of the number of immersion suits on board of cargo ships

Basis: SOLAS chapter III, regulation 32.3.3

SB 2004 Art. 40 and 41

Watch station is understood to mean (SOLAS Ch. III, reg. 7.2.1.2) ‘bridge, engine control room and any

other manned watch station’.

Work station is understood to mean: any location on board where work is done repeatedly for a

prolonged period of time while at sea.

The required number of immersion suits is determined as follows:

Number of suits=

Total number of persons for which life-saving appliances are provided according to the

(International) Safety Certificate

plus

The required immersion suits for ‘watch or workstations which are located remotely from the

place or places where immersion suits are normally stowed’

For the remotely located watch or workstations as mentioned above the following numbers are

applied:

2 immersion suits on the bridge plus

2 immersion suits in the engine control room plus

Page 11 of 13

2 immersion suits close to every remotely located survival craft station (as meant in SOLAS chapter

III regulation 31.1.14) on the fore and aftship (in addition tot the required lifejackets according to

SOLAS, Ch. III, regulation 7.2.1.2) plus

On other watch or workstations, if applicable, a sufficient number of immersion suits depending on

the number of persons usually present.

On non-convention ships without Engine Control Room (eg. small tugboats), where normally no

personnel is present in the engine room while at sea, it will usually suffice to have immersion suits for

the total number of persons for which life-saving appliances are provided according to the Safety

Certificate plus 2 extra suits on the bridge.

Article 5

The policy rule regarding the inspection of falls (Government Gazette 2003, no. 37) has been repealed.

Article 6

This policy rule is cited as: Policy Rule Safety Seagoing Vessels

Article 7

This policy rule will be published with explanatory notes in the Government Gazette and will enter into

force on the second day following the date of the Government Gazette in which it was published.

Head of the Shipping Inspectorate

J.F. de Leeuw

Page 12 of 13

Explanatory notes

General

Maritime security regulations for ships under the Dutch flag are determined in large part by

international bodies. The foundations are formed by the SOLAS 1974 Treaty. Over the past few years,

the Dutch government has had the stated goal of significantly simplifying maritime regulations and

co-ordinating them with international and European frameworks. The intention is to get rid of the

'national headings' as much as possible. The implementation of the first portion of the Ships Decree

2004 as of 1 January 2005 (SB 2004) is one result of this. A system of dynamic referrals enables

international agreements to be implemented immediately and amendments are automatically included

in Dutch legislation.

At the detail level, the treaties and Codes often permit discretionary action by the ship's flag state.

Due to the goal of co-ordinating regulations as much as possible with international decisions, the

Netherlands is very hesitant to utilise this space for more detailed national legislation and regulations.

The government has left this freedom to use at the discretion of the Head of the Shipping Inspectorate

as much as possible, in order to customise the execution of these regulations in conjunction with the

ship owner.

The reality of supervision has shown that the maritime sector requires clarity as to the manner in which

the Head of the Shipping Inspectorate will utilise this freedom of action. With the introduction of the

SB 2004, the sector was promised that an inventory would be held of all resolutions and circulars

published by the IMO that can be used to delimit the open norms in the treaties.

This policy rule meets this demand. An interpretation or measure different from the policy rule may be

permitted if it can be adequately proven that the generally applicable regulation has been met in such

a way as if the policy rule had been applied. The same level of security or environmental protection

must be preserved.

The policy rule largely involves certification of ships and organisations. The certification has largely

been delegated to recognized organiations (classification societies), who issue certificates on behalf of

the Head of the Shipping Inspectorate. The policy rule is therefore an important guideline for these

classification societies. If further interpretation is necessary in addition to this policy rule, the IACS

interpretations can be applied.

Maritime regulations are not static. Technical developments follow one another in quick succession.

The International Maritime Organisation regularly publishes new recommendations and guidelines that

can then be reflected in new policy rules.

Therefore amendments to this policy rule will frequently be implemented.

The policy rule is a part of the regulatory framework that is published as a service to the user on the

Internet by the Traffic and Water Management Inspectorate in the EasyRules programme

(http://www.ivw.nl).

Per Article

Article 1

The IMO publishes many resolutions and circulars with non-mandatory instruments and interpretations

to regulations. These generally have widespread international support and play an important role in

forming internationally-accepted uniform standards and work methods. It is Dutch government policy

to follow these publications as much as possible. Article 1 lists the non-mandatory instruments that the

Head of the Shipping Inspectorate uses as policy rule.

They have been published in a table, grouped according to their legal basis: the chapters of the SOLAS

treaty. In the last two columns, the basis is specifically stated with reference to the relevant provision of

the treaty or code and the reference to the provision in the national legislation that requires

compliance to that part of the treaty/code in the Netherlands.

http://www.ivw.nl/

Page 13 of 13

The complete text of the documents listed can be found in EasyRules on the Transport and Water

Management Inspectorate's website (http://www.ivw.nl).

Article 2

The regulations with respect to ship security contain many elements that require further measures by

the national governments. Over the past few years, many of these measures have been determined in

co-operation with the sector. These are listed in Article 2.

Article 3

This article provides further explanation of the SOLAS provisions regarding fall maintenance. This is the

result of a number of accidents that have occurred during handling of rescue boats and a decision of

the Maritime Court of the Netherlands. Poor condition of the falls was considered to be one of the

causes of these accidents.

The Dutch government has reported to the IMO on how the inspections deal with this (published by

the IMO as SOLAS SLS.14/Circ. 113 of 22 April 1993. Equivalent arrangement accepted under

regulation I/5 – Maintenance of falls – Statement by the Government of the Netherlands).

This policy rule clarifies which criteria will be applied in inspecting falls.

Article 4

On entering in force by july 1st 2006 of the amended SOLAS Chapter III, regulation 32.3.3 more then

one interpretation turned out to be possible. Article 4 makes clear which interpretation is used by

Head of the Shipping Inspectorate.

http://www.ivw.nl/

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