In the previous article some of the long-standing technical problems associated with demonstrating a tanker's compliance with the damage stability regulations in MARPOL, the IBC Code, the BCH Code, the IGC Code, the GC Code and the EGC Code were outlined. On 22nd May 2014 MARPOL Annex I was amended by the addition of Chapter 4, Paragraph 28 and Chapter 1, Paragraph 3, which states that all oil tankers constructed on or after 1st January 2016 shall be fitted with a stability Loading Instrument capable of verifying compliance with not only intact but also damage stability requirements. Oil tankers constructed before 1st January 2016 shall be fitted with such a Loading Instrument at the first scheduled renewal survey of the ship on or after 1st January 2016 but not later than 1st January 2021, although this requirement may be waived if it can be shown that the existing system for verifying damage stability is satisfactory.
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