Report of Market Access Ombudsman Council (May 13, 1994)

3-(4) Early Establishment of Domestic Standards Based on International Standards for Aluminum Car Ferries

1. Complainant: Australian Embassy

2. Ministry concerned: Ministry of Transport

3. Complaint:

Japan's Ship Safety Law mandates that ship hull must meet the specified orders (the regulations for Construction of Steel Ships, etc.).

The complainant has raised the following issues regarding this system.

(1) The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is currently studying the formulation of international standards for high-speed crafts. These standards are scheduled to be adopted during 1994, and Japan should act speedily to harmonize domestic standards with these standards and inform the Australian Embassy in Japan clearly of this in writing.

(2) As an interim measure until domestic standards are reviewed, existing domestic standards should be clarified. Specifically, the Australian Embassy in Japan should be informed clearly, in writing, concerning

1) that aluminum vessels (e.g. high-speed car ferries) should be brought under the current approved standards for steel vessels, and
2) additional requirements for fire resistance when this is done.

4. Results of deliberation:

(1) Regarding compatibility with IMO standards, the intention of the ministry concerned to harmonize domestic standards with the IMO standards once they are adopted is a positive step. The ministry concerned should actively participate in and support the IMO study of the matter, and should harmonize domestic standards as far as possible, in time for the scheduled implementation of the IMO standards in 1996.

(2) As an interim measure, the ministry concerned has sent an explanation in writing on how the issue raised will be handled, which has satisfied the complainant, and this is a positive step. The ministry concerned should continue to spread the information in this document and make sincere responses if further inquiries are received concerning this matter.

Government decision (June 24, 1994)

3-(4) Changing the standards and certification system concerning aluminum ships

We will actively participate in the International Maritime Organization (IMO) study of intentional standards, in order to promote international harmonization of specifications and standards internationally, and will harmonize domestic standards as far as possible, in time for the scheduled implementation of the IMO standards in 1996.

Follow-up (June 5, 1995)

3-(4) Early Establishment of Domestic Standards Based on International Standards for Aluminum Car Ferries

The ministry concerned attended meetings of the IMO Committee and took active part in the drawing up of international standards (February 1994, May 1994, etc.)

International standards for high-speed craft (including aluminum-hulled car ferries) were debated and accepted in 1994, and are scheduled to go into effect in January 1996.

Japan plans to harmonize domestic standards for high-speed craft in accordance with this. Specifically, laws concerning ships' structure will be amended to harmonize with international standards when these go into effect in January 1996.