The Maritime Safety Committee at its 103^rd session (5 to 14 May 2021) approved amendments to the Guidelines for the maintenance and inspections of fixed carbon dioxide fireextinguishing systems MSC.1/Circ.1318 with a view to dissemination as MSC.1/Circ.1318/Rev.1. The amended Guidelines MSC.1/Circ.1318/Rev.1 represent a significant increase in the hydrostatic test regime for CO2 cylinders and introduce a 5-yearly inspection of control valves¹. 

International Maritime Organization (IMO) conventions (i.e. SOLAS, MARPOL, Load Line, and COLEGs) have a number of rules and regulations which do not prescribe arrangements but there remains a specific requirement for the arrangement be ‘to the satisfaction of the Administration’.

This circular is issued to advise on the Reporting Requirements of Recognized Organizations to the Flag State Administration of Jamaica.

The Maritime Authority of Jamaica refer to the above subject and the attachments and  clarifies the policy adopted by the Directorate of Safety Environment and Certification in response to these important International Maritime Organization (IMO) instruments.

This circular is issued to advise the outcomes of the 80th session of the IMO Marine Environmental Protection Committee (MEPC) which was held from July 3rd to 7th 2023.