Liberia Maritime Authority announces new SOLAS safety requirements for existing passenger ships, effective by the first survey after Jan 1, 2028.
Liberia Maritime Authority has issued Marine Advisory 32/2024 to inform shipowners, operators, and relevant parties of new SOLAS safety requirements for existing passenger ships, effective no later than each ship's first Passenger Ship Safety Survey after January 1, 2028. These retroactive requirements are established under MSC.550(108).
These requirements apply to passenger ships constructed before January 1, 2026, including those built prior to July 1, 2012. Ships affected include those with:
- Vehicle spaces (spaces designed for carrying vehicles),
- Special category spaces (areas with heightened fire risk),
- Open or closed ro-ro spaces (roll-on/roll-off vehicle spaces), and
- Weather decks intended for carrying vehicles.
New Safety Requirements:
Fixed Fire Detection and Alarm Systems:
- Ships must have a fixed fire detection and alarm system that adheres to the Fire Safety Systems Code. This system should cover special category spaces, open and/or closed ro-ro spaces, and any areas designed for vehicle storage or transport.
- The system must rapidly detect fires by sensing smoke and heat. Specifically:
- Smoke Detectors: Required throughout applicable spaces.
- Heat Detectors: Should meet the same spacing and area coverage requirements as smoke detectors, though only necessary where smoke detectors are already in place.
- This comprehensive detection system is essential for prompt response in the event of a fire.
Video Monitoring System:
- The advisory
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