IMO BWM Convention and re-harmonization of IOPP Certificates

In anticipation of the IMO BWM Convention entry in force on September 8th 2017  many Shipowners choose to de-harmonize the IOPP Certificates from HSSC.

The IMO MEPC.71 has adopted new time frames for implementation of the Convention and essentially postponed the BWTS retrofit requirements till after September 8th 2019. 

The revised Regulation B-3 of the BWMC, expected to be adopted at MEPC 72.

The revised Regulation B-3 requires that existing ships with IOPP certificates due for renewal between September 8th  2017 and September 8th  2019, must comply with the D-2 standard no later than at the first IOPP renewal survey after September 8th 2019.

The new revised timelines will require vessels with de-harmonized IOPP Certificates to comply earlier than if they were on the original IOPP Certificate renewal schedule.  In some cases, as early as two years.

 

Albion Marine recommend to their clients - Shipowners in such cases to review a new compliance schedule and consider to re-harmonize the IOPP Certificates. Essentially, consider reverting to the original schedule.

 

Many Flag States on request from the Shipowners would allow to reharmonize the survey schedule of the decoupled IOPP certificate with the HSSC.

Reharmonizing the survey schedule of the IOPP certificate with the HSSC shall be granted :

 

  • In case the IOPP Certificate de-harmonization was performed within the HSS window - The renewal survey shall be carried out concurrently with an annual or intermediate survey as applicable. The new IOPP Certificate will be subsequently issued, with the same expiry date as the original certificate.
  • In case the IOPP Certificate de-harmonization was performed outside the HSS window – The new occasional survey shall be carried out, reinstating the original schedule and to re‐issue the full term IOPP Certificate.

Albion Marine recommends to approach Flag States (Class on their behalf as appropriate) to discuss the options pertaining to each specific vessel. As always we are available to assist.