【Regulation】 Recommendation reviewing your procedure for mooring under revised SOLAS //Jan. 2024//Update on 24 Aug.//

At MSC102 on Nov. 2020, new requirements, incorporated in the amendments to SOLAS regulation II-1/3-8 on towing and mooring equipment were decided which will enter into force on Jan. 2024.

New IMO guideline ’Guidelines for inspection and maintenance of mooring equipment including lines / MSC.1Circ.1620' was adopted in the MSC102 and this guideline is retroactive effect on ships in operation (all vessels) from 1 January 2024. 

IMO guideline requirement
According to this new guideline, companies are required to establish their procedures for mooring operation, inspection and maintenance of mooring fittings and lines, taking into account appropriate references listed in paragraph 7 of these Guidelines. In addition, records of inspection and maintenance of mooring equipment and inspection and replacement of mooring lines should be retained on board.

How can we establish the procedure?
In this guideline, there are some items to be considered for inspection, maintenance etc.  You can also check sample of the procedures and FAQs which is on the DNV's website.

Important points
To comply with this new requirement, we need to compare the inspection and maintenance procedures for mooring equipment and mooring ropes currently in operation at each company with the IMO guidelines, check for consistency, and revise if necessary.
After Jan.2024, some PSCs may focus on ship's mooring inspection records and procedures. 
After revising the procedures, it is important to ensure that the crew members follow the new procedures for inspection, maintenance, and record keeping. It is recommended to consider necessary measures (e.g., preparation of Circular, education at pre-boarding briefing, onboard training during SI visits, checking records, etc.) to ensure that the new procedures are well understood by the crew.

DNV GUIDANCE FOR MAINTENANCE AND INSPECTION OF MOORING EQUIPMENT
DNV_Guidance_Safe_Mooring_Maintenance_May2021_.pdf

DNV Safe Mooring
https://www.dnv.com/maritime/insights/topics/safe-mooring/index.html

Summary of the outcome of MSC102
T1229e.pdf (classnk.com)

Update on 24 Aug. 2023

Class NK has issued technical information TEC-1304 'New Requirements for Towing and Mooring Equipment due to the Amendments to SOLAS II-1 Reg.3-8'. Please refer below link.

https://www.classnk.or.jp/hp/pdf/tech_info/tech_img/T1304e.pdf