IACS is introducing a new set of measures to enhance the safety of new and existing bulk carriers. These requirements, formally announced at the Baltic Exchange on 15th March 2002, have been developed in response to recommendations of the Re-opened Formal Inquiry into the Derbyshire, the results of the Formal Safety Assessment carried out by IACS and discussions with representatives of the marine industry. The new measures consist of two sets of actions. The first set will take effect from 1st January 2003.

The first set of measures will include (a) Advanced implementation of SOLAS Chapter XII requirements, requiring the reassessment and possible reinforcement of no.1/2 bulkhead and double bottom structure, (b) Increased scope of close-up surveys for cargo and hold shell frames, transverse bulkheads, deck plating and underdeck structure inside line of hatch openings for the two foremost cargo hold hatches, (c) Installation of water ingress detection in all cargo holds of all new and existing bulk carriers, to include audible/visible alarms on bridge and drainage system control station.

The remaining five measures are final in terms of intent, but require further development of detail:

• Implementation of requirements for the fitting of a suitable bulwark or breakwater on existing bulk carriers and forecastle on new bulk carriers to increase protection from green water loading of foredeck fittings and equipment and forward hatches.
• Enhanced integrity of fore deck fittings on existing and new bulk carriers to resist green water loading.
• Implement requirements for hatch covers within the forward 0.25L of existing vessels that are generally equivalent to the application of UR S 21 for new vessels.
• Implement requirements for the strength of side shell web frames of existing vessels that are generally equivalent to the application of UR S12 for side shell frames on a new vessel.
• Fitting of water ingress detection and alarms for spaces forward of cargo area in existing and new bulk carriers.