What are the major amendments to SOLAS which have entered into force in 2014?

4. SOLAS Regulation VI/5-2

According to the SOLAS Regulation VI/5-2, the blending of all MARPOL liquid cargoes during sea voyages is prohibited. Physical blending refers to the process whereby the ship’s cargo pumps and pipelines are used to internally circulate two or more different cargoes with the intent to achieve a cargo with a new product designation. Regulation VI/5-2 was adopted by the International Maritime Organisation at the 90th session of the Maritime Safety Committee through Resolution MSC.325(90)
This prohibition does not apply:

1. When cargo transfers are undertaken for the safety of the ship and crew or protection of the marine environment;
2. To the blending of products for use in the search and exploitation of seabed mineral resources on board ships used to facilitate such operations (e.g. offshore vessels).
3. The regulation prohibits production processes on board ships during sea voyages. Production processes refer to any deliberate operation whereby a chemical reaction between a ship’s cargo and any other substance or cargo takes place.
4. This prohibition does not apply to the production processes of cargoes for use in the search and exploitation of seabed mineral resources on board ships used to facilitate such operations (e.g. offshore vessels).
5. Fire-fighter communication on-board:-Amendments to SOLAS regulation II-2/10 on fire fighting enter into force on 1 July 2014, to require a minimum of two two-way portable radiotelephone apparatus for each fire party for fire fighters’ communication to be carried. The apparatus shall be of an explosion-proof type or intrinsically safe. Ships constructed before 1 July 2014 shall comply with the above requirements not later than the first survey after 1 July 2018.

5. Fire-fighter communication on-board

Amendments to SOLAS regulation II-2/10 on fire fighting enter into force on 1 July 2014, to require a minimum of two two-way portable radiotelephone apparatus for each fire party for fire fighters’ communication to be carried. The apparatus shall be of an explosion-proof type or intrinsically safe. Ships constructed before 1 July 2014 shall comply with the above requirements not later than the first survey after 1 July 2018.