Changes to SOLAS Regulation II-2/20.3.1.2 (“Performance of ventilation systems” for vehicle, special category and ro-ro spaces)* will enter into force on 1 January, 2017, and will apply to new air quality control system installations on new and existing passenger and cargo ships.

The changes introduce the option for vessels to be fitted with an automated system to control air quality in ro-ro cargo holds by analysing the hold atmosphere and varying the ventilation rate accordingly. The air quality control system should comply with the revised design guidelines and operational recommendations for ventilation systems in ro-ro cargo spaces contained in MSC.1/Circ.1515**.

* adopted through Resolution MSC.392(95)
**This supersedes MSC/Circ.729 Design guidelines and operational recommendations for ventilation systems in ro-ro cargo spaces