PARLIAMENTARY EARLY DAY MOTION
LIFE SAVING EQUIPMENT FOR BULK CARRIERS (11 October 2004)

That this House notes with grave concern the continuing loss of mariners' lives in the sinking of bulk carriers; observes that this is essentially because such vessels, when laden with typical bulk, cargo, sink more rapidly than other types of vessel, affording the crew little time to deploy life-saving equipment; notes therefore with regret the recent report of the Ship Design and Equipment Sub-committee to keep in abeyance proposed amendments to Safety of Life at Sea Chapter III, requiring bulk carriers to carry free-fall lifeboats with float-free capability pending the availablity of relevant technology; observes that given that the technology exists there is no excuse for it not being made available; and calls upon the IMO to enforce the installation of free-fall lifeboats with float-free capability in all bulk carriers, and further to move towards the development and fitting of float-off accommodation modules to such vessels.

Sponsored by:
Mr Edward O'Hara (Labour)