Ferry safety and changes to SOLAS

摘要

On 1 July 2014, there will be a new requirement added to the SOLAS Convention. Chapter Ⅱ-2, Regulation 15- Instructions, On Board Training and Drills will be changed to require ships to have an onboard means of recharging breathing apparatus cylinders used during drills or a suitable number of spare cylinders on board to replace those used. This appears to be a sensible addition to SOLAS as the logic is that for drills to be realistic, the actual emergency equipment should be available for use by crew members. If suitable charging arrangements or spare equipment are not available, then presumably this is a disincentive to drill realistically.