The Asbestos the Truth 2011 conference was centred around the sharing of knowledge by industry experts on what is a very up-coming subject.

Jim Heath from Lloyds Register introduced the Classification Society’s perspective of Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM) documents, how they are marketed to the Classification Society’s clients and how they are audited by the society itself, also touching on how the IHM will be inforced.

Phil Rozier provided a ‘practical experience’ of Lucion’s experience in the industry so far, how Lucion go about providing IHMs, why clients buy them now and what the client expects.

Adrian Lester represented the UK Chamber of Shipping and provided an overview of the current guidance and legislation from the UK for IHMs and their current demand.

After lunch, Viv Sloane from Swansea Drydocks introduced the future perspective of OECD ship repair and recycling yards including their own procedure for hazard management at the yard.

Henning Grammen shared his experience from working with the IMO and classification societies and his knowledge of the importance of IHMs in line with ongoing and future international shipping regulations and guidelines.

Jason Hocking provided the asbestos remover’s perspective, with a wealth of expertise in removing asbestos from marine vessels, he explored the various places asbestos can be found and what should be done about it when it is found and/or disturbed.

Patrick Morton looked to the future of the asbestos industry by drawing comparisons with his 10 years of experience of managing asbestos on land. A shocking realisation that regulation will only get tighter and firmer against the use and presence of asbestos on marine vessels.