international hydrographic organization 2003 - IHO

14
IMO MARITIME SAFETY COMMITTEE (MSC)
The 77 th Meeting of the MSC was held at IMO headquarters in London from 28 May to 6 June 2003.
The MSC considered a proposal from the IHO that Resolution A.532 (13) „Collecting and forwarding
of hydrographic data‟ should be replaced by a new resolution on „Provision of hydrographic services‟,
reflecting the amended requirements of SOLAS V-9. The MSC approved the draft resolution in
principle and forwarded it to the NAV Sub-Committee to agree the final text and submit it directly to
the 23 rd IMO Assembly in December 2003.
IMO SUB COMMITTEE ON SAFETY OF NAVIGATION (NAV)
The 49 th meeting of the NAV Sub-Committee was held at IMO headquarters in London from 30 June
to 4 July 2003.
The Sub-Committee considered and recommended, with some amendment, adoption by the MSC or
Assembly as appropriate, 6 new or amended Traffic Separation Schemes (Ra‟s al kuh, Ra‟s al Khafji,
Finisterre, Korsoer and Sprogue, Singapore Strait and the Adriatic). The latter was subdivided into 7
separate traffic separation schemes, 2 precautionary areas and 1 „Area to be avoided‟ (ATBA) rather
than the single scheme submitted. NAV also recommended adoption by the committee of amendments
to charting measures in the Torres Strait and mandatory reporting schemes in the Torres Strait and off
Cape Finistere. It recommended the committee to adopt ATBAs in New Zealand and Peru.
The Sub-Committee considered the submission by the IHO for the revision of Resolution A.532 (13)
„Collecting and forwarding of hydrographic data‟. A revised text was forwarded directly to the
Assembly for adoption in accordance with the guidance of the MSC.
As part of its investigation into Large Passenger Ship Safety the Sub-Committee considered a paper
submitted by the IHO on the current status of hydrographic surveying and nautical charting for the
safety of navigation in remote areas. The Sub-Committee thanked the IHO for its report and invited
the IHO to report to NAV 50 on progress made and any specific actions required.
IMO TECHNICAL COOPERATION COMMITTEE
The 53rd session of this Committee was held on 11 and 12 June 2003. No representative from the IHO
attended the meeting. Among the subjects discussed, it should be highlighted that IMO will consider
the inclusion of fellowships to the IMA short courses on priority maritime safety issues.
Another important decision was the decision to establish a Maritime Security Trust Fund to provide
support for national initiatives in developing countries to strengthen their maritime security
infrastructure and measures.
IMO COMMITTEE ON RADIOCOMMUNICATIONS AND SEARCH AND RESCUE (COMSAR)
COMSAR 7 was held at IMO headquarters in London from 13 – 17 January.
The International SafetyNET Panel met during COMSAR and an updated list of NAVAREA
coordinators was provided to IMO member governments. The International NAVTEX Coordinating
Panel presented a report addressing issues to prevent interference between broadcasts. Discussions
took place regarding an error in the boundaries of NAVAREA/METAREA XIII as shown in the
International SafetyNET Manual. A solution was devised, using the facility to allow the addressing of
messages to a temporary geographical area. This would not require amendments to the Manual nor
existing receivers. Equipment produced after January 2005 should incorporate the change.