NETHERLANDS: NOTICE TO SHIPPING REGARDING THE SHIPPING OF TIMBER DECK CARGOES; TIMBER SHIPPING CODE The following notification is being circulated in accordance with Article 10.6. G/TBT/Notif.97.67 dated 3 March 1997. 1. Member to Agreement notifying: NETHERLANDS. If applicable, name of local government involved (Articles 3.2 and 7.2). 2. Agency responsible: Ministry of Transport, Public Works and Water Management, Directorate-General of Shipping and Maritime Affairs (DGSM). Agency or authority designated to handle comments regarding the notification can be indicated if different from above. 3. Notified under Article 2.9.2. 4. Products covered (HS or CCCN where applicable, otherwise national tariff heading. ICS numbers may be provided in addition, where applicable): Regulations pertain to the shipping of timber deck cargoes on ships which measure a minimum of 24 metres in length. 5. Title, number of pages and language(s) of the notified document: Notice to Shipping Regarding the Shipping of Timber Deck Cargoes; Timber Shipping Code. 6. Description of content: The notice contains transport regulationsas stipulated in section 4. The code of safe practice for ships carrying timber deck cargoes which was laid down on 5 November 1991 by Resolution A.715(17) of the General Assembly of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), is declared applicable to this transport. The IMO has recommended application of the code in Resolution A.715(17). 7. Objective and rationale: In view of recent accidents involving cargo ships sailing under the flag of the Kingdom of The Netherlands, it is deemed desirable to make the application of the code, specified under 6, compulsory. 8. Relevant documents: Code of safe practice for ships carrying timber deck cargoes. 9. Proposed date of adoption: 25 April 1997; Proposed date of entry into force: 31 May 1997. 10. Final date for comments: 24 April 1997. 11. Text available from: National enquiry point. (0099)

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