The Shipping Coordinating Committee, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, will hold two meetings in Washington, DC. The first meeting (on February 8) is to prepare for the 48th session of the IMO Subcommittee on Ship Design and Equipment (DE). Topics on the agenda include longitudinal strength of tankers; large passenger ship safety; measures to prevent accidents with lifeboats; and protection of fuel tanks. The second meeting (on April 12) is to prepare for the 90th session of the IMO Legal Committee (LEG). Topics on the agenda include the Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Maritime Navigation; the draft Wreck Removal Convention; and the Provision of Financial Security. 70 Fed. Reg. 2450 (HK Law)