View non-flash version
October 2013 www.sname.org/sname/mt (policy brieng) July 1, 2020 to comply with specic functional requirements, particularly related to strength, integrity, and stability to minimize the risk of loss of the ship or incidents of pollution to the marine environment due to structural failure. The goal-based standards have been developed on the basis of a five-tier sys- tem, consisting of goals (tier I), functional requirements (tier II), verication of confor- mity (tier III), rules and regulations for ship design and construction (tier IV) and indus- try practices and standards (tier V). e IMO plans are to expand the GBS framework to include all other ship types. IMO is currently looking into advanc- ing the GBS framework by means of a more risk-based approach with the estab- lishment of safety levels. is proposal is challenging and will take time to develop. Limitations in data availability and standard risk modeling techniques have to be overcome before a well-established regulatory framework can be accepted readily by the industry. Nonetheless, an integrated risk-based approach for reg- ulations is undoubtedly a path toward a transparent and modern regulatory framework for the maritime industry. Challenges ahead Despite the fact that informal? risk assess- ment is an innate trait in human beings, there seems to be a reluctance to accept the use of more formal risk assessment approaches in the maritime industry for regulatory pur- poses. ere are certainly challenges ahead that need to be overcome in order to achieve a wider acceptance and recognition of its advan- tages over the prescriptive regime. During a recent symposium at IMO on the future of ship safety, there was consensus that the following issues are of great importance for continuing advancement of risk-based regulations. First, data collection has to be improved and made available in order to support monitoring and development of new rules and regulations. Second, risk- based methodologies have to be better integrated into the rule and regulatory framework to meet future challenges associated with the application of new technologies, the human element, the needs of the maritime industry, and the expectations of society. And last, new or changing rules or regu- lations need to include the potential burden to all stakeholders involved. MTJorge Ballesio is a manager for the Shared Technology department at the American Bureau of Shipping. Risk-Based Approaches Evolve at the IMO continued The IMO has developed goal-based standards on the basis of a ?ve-tier system. High-level objectives incorporated into SOLAS II-1/2 28 and II-1/3-10 Goals Functional requirements Veri?cation of conformity Rules and regulations for ship design and construction Industry practices and standards TIER I TIER II TIER III TIER IV TIER V Criteria to be satis?ed to meet goals Instruments and processes to verify that Rules and regulations meet GBS The detailed Rules and regulations for design and construction of a ship Detailed requirements developed by the industry in order to conform to the goals and fuctional requirements IMOCLASSINDUSTRY