This document summarizes the amendments being introduced in the Amendment 40-20 edition of the IMDG Code which may be used on an optional basis from 1 January 2021 until it becomes mandatory on June 1 2022.

Note, during this extended transitional period Amendment 39-18 can continue to be used.

Application: Pole Star Global (Pole Star), the recognized Application Service Provider (ASP) for use by Jamaican Ships, has advised that one of the communications satellites serving its LongRange Identification and Tracking (LRIT) System, will be decommissioned on December 31, 2020. This will adversely impact vessels served by that platform, which will at that time be in breach of the SOLAS Convention.

SOLAS Convention requires Damage Control Plan and Booklets for the following ships:

• passenger ships, regardless of size, since at least 1974
• dry cargo ships over 100 metres in length, constructed on or after February 1, 1992
• dry cargo ships over 80 metres in length, constructed on or after July 1, 1998, and
• all ships, regardless of length, constructed on or after January 1, 2009.

IMO fuel oil consumption Data Collection System (IMO DCS) came into force on March 1st 2018, further to MARPOL Annex VI amendments adopted in October 2016 by virtue of IMO Resolution MEPC.278(70).

The Maritime Authority of Jamaica (MAJ) has taken into consideration the severe impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the daily lives of people globally and the consequent problems caused for local and international shipping. We, therefore, advise all our vessel owners, to observe the measures which have been promulgated by the Ministry of Health and Wellness, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the guidance contained in this Circular and to employ all reasonable measures to ensure their health and safety.