The Shipping Coordinating Committee, sponsored by the US Department of State, will hold two meetings in Washington, DC. The first meeting, on January 22, is to prepare for the upcoming session of the IMO Sub-Committee on Ship Design and Equipment. Topics on the agenda include the longitudinal strength of tankers and prevention of accidents with lifeboats. The second meeting, on January 30, is to prepare for the upcoming session of IMO Sub-Committee on Bulk Liquids and Gases. Topics on the agenda include evaluation of safety and pollution hazards of chemicals and requirements for carriage of bio-fuels and bio-fuel blends. 73 Fed. Reg. 1394 (HK Law).