STATE DEPARTMENT’s SHIPPING COMMITTEE TO REVIEW SOLAS, IMO LEGAL AGENDA

STATE DEPARTMENTÆS SHIPPING COMMITTEE TO REVIEW SOLAS, IMO LEGAL AGENDA    The U.S. State Department’s Shipping Coordinating Committee will meet next month in Washington to review recent work regarding the Safety of Life at Sea and the International Maritime Organization’s Legal Committee.
   The purpose of the Safety of Life at Sea meeting, April 12, 9:30 a.m. at Coast Guard headquarters in Washington, is to prepare the 46th session of the Subcommittee on Safety in Navigation of the IMO which will meet in London July 10-14.
   The Washington meeting will cover routing of ships and ship reporting; amendments to the International Regulations for Prevention of Collisions at Sea; integrated bridge systems operational aspects; guidelines for bridge equipment and layout; navigational aids; International Telecommunications Union issues; IMO Standard Marine Communications Phrases; guidelines relating to SOLAS chapter V; and development of guidelines for operating ships in ice-covered waters.
   To attend the meeting, contact Coast Guard’s Edward J. LaRue Jr. at (202) 267-0416.
   The U.S. Shipping Coordinating Committee will meet at Coast Guard headquarters April 18 at 10 a.m. The committee will review this week’s work in London of the IMO Legal Committee.
   The Legal Committee is expected to complete the draft bunkers convention for a diplomatic conference. Work will also continue on the draft protocol of the Athens Convention and Wreck Removal Convention. The committee is also expected to review the implementation of Hazardous and Noxious Substances Convention.
   To attend the Shipping Coordinating Committee meeting, contact Coast Guard’s Capt. Malcolm J. Williams Jr. or Lt. Daniel J. Goettle at (202) 267-1527.