IMO MEETING REPORT
DATE: 25th May 2016
COMMITTEE: MSC
ATTENDEES: Andy Williams
SUB GROUP:
This was the 96th session of the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) held from the 11th to 20th May 2016.
ITEMS OF INTEREST TO THE LEISURE/SUPERYACHT INDUSTRY
Revised AIS Guidelines – MSC 96 noted that IMO Assembly 29 adopted, amongst others, the attached
resolution on the revised AIS guidelines developed by the Committee, Resolution A.1106 (29) Revised
Guidelines for the onboard operational use of shipborne automatic identification systems (AIS). (See also
report of NCSR 1). This is a very useful document which management companies should bring to the
attention of their vessels.
Life-saving appliances and arrangements – The Committee adopted the Requirements for maintenance,
thorough examination, operational testing, overhaul and repair of lifeboats and rescue boats, launching
appliances and release gear and the requisite MSC resolution which can be found at annex 1 of the
attached report of the drafting group in document MSC 96/WP.6. These are new requirements for
maintenance, thorough examination, operational testing, overhaul and repair of lifeboats and rescue boats,
launching appliances and release gear. These requirements, which come under SOLAS Regulation III/20
specify who is able to carry out the periodic checks and tests required under this regulation. The regulation
will enter into force on 1 January 2020.
STCW amendments – Draft amendments to the STCW Code which were endorsed at HTW 2 (see HTW
2 report) were under consideration for adoption by the Committee. However, due to legal reasons relating
to the amendments the Committee deferred their adoption to MSC 97. This will have the effect of altering
their entry into force date from 1 January 2018 to 1 July 2018.
Cyber risk management guidelines – Due to the increasing reliance on electronic systems for data
exchange and storage and internet usage both ashore and afloat, there is a need to have robust technical
and procedural systems in place to protect against cyber security risks. With this in mind the Committee
approved the draft Guidelines on Maritime cyber risk management at this session, as Interim MSC
Guidelines, these guidelines will go to the FAL Committee at its next meeting in April 2017 for their
consideration and finalisation as a joint MSC-FAL Circular. The interim guidelines will then be revoked.
The interim guidelines can be found at annex 2 of the attached report of the working group in document
MSC 96/WP.9.
Polar Code: Non-SOLAS ships – When work on the Polar Code began it was always the intention to
follow up the work on SOLAS vessels with the application of the code to non-SOLAS vessels as most of
the incidents in polar regions involve fishing vessels and pleasure yachts. Three papers (all attached) were
submitted to this session with data on accidents and incidents in Polar regions: MSC 96/24 (New
Zealand), MSC 96/24/3 (Iceland) and MSC 96/24/7 (FOEI, WWF and Pacific Environment). During the
discussion of these papers a number of views were expressed. South Africa was keen to progress the work
as soon as possible. Netherlands argued that the code should apply to all vessels except pleasure vessels
not engaged in trade and fishing vessels. In his summing up the chairman noted the information provided
but concluded that no concrete way forward had been proposed. The Committee invited further
submissions on additional data as well as recommendations on how the subject might move forward.
Following this discussion I spoke to Katy Ware, the UK permanent representative to IMO and head of
delegation, to ask if the MCA had plans to submit anything on this topic to MSC 97, recognising that the
MCA and Red Ensign Group are the international leaders in regulating the yachting industry. Ms Ware
stated that the MCA had no plans at present. I made a request that should the UK position change that
ICOMIA be involved in contributing to any work on this subject. She confirmed that the UK would not
take any action without consulting the industry.
Code of noise levels aboard ships - Due to an inconsistency in the wording of SOLAS II-1/3-12 on the
application of the Code of noise levels aboard ships, vessels for which the building contract was placed
before 1 July 2014 and the keels of which were laid or which are at a similar stage of construction on or
after 1 January 2015 and the delivery of which is before 1 July 2018 do not fall under either paragraph 1
or 2 of this SOLAS regulation. In order to close this gap the Committee approved draft SOLAS
amendments for adoption at MSC 97 with an entry into force date of 1 January 2020. The Committee also
approved a draft MSC circular and guidance which will be revoked once the amendments enter into force.
The SOLAS amendments and guidance can be found at annexes 1 and 2 respectively of the attached report
of the drafting group in document MSC 96/WP.6 Add.1.
Damage control drills for passenger ships approved – The Committee approved the SOLAS
amendments regarding damage control drills aboard passenger vessels (see HTW 3 report) with a view to
adoption at MSC 97.
Circulars approved by MSC 96:
MSC.1/Circ.1518
Promulgation of rules for the design and construction of bulk carriers and oil
tankers of an organization, which is recognized by Administrations in
accordance with the provisions of SOLAS regulation XI-1/1, confirmed by the
Maritime Safety Committee to be in conformity with the goals and functional
requirements of the Goal-based Ship Construction Standards for Bulk Carriers
and Oil Tankers
MSC.1/Circ.1519
Guidance on methodologies for assessing operational capabilities and
limitations in ice
MSC.1/Circ.1520
Guidelines on consolidated IMO provisions for the safe carriage of dangerous
goods in packaged form by sea
MSC.1/Circ.1521
Amendments to Inspection programmes for cargo transport units carrying
dangerous goods
MSC.1/Circ.1522
Amendments to the Emergency Response Procedures for Ships Carrying
Dangerous Goods (EmS) Guide
MSC.1/Circ.1523
Early implementation of the amendments to the International Code for Fire
Safety Systems (FSS Code)
MSC.1/Circ.1524
Amendments to the Recommendation on helicopter landing areas on ro-ro
passenger ships (MSC/Circ.895)
MSC.1/Circ.1525
Guidance for the development of national maritime security legislation
MSC.1/Circ.1526
Interim guidelines on maritime cyber risk management
MSC.1/Circ.1527
Unified interpretations of SOLAS chapter II-2
MSC.1/Circ.1528
Unified interpretations of chapters 5, 6 and 9 of the FSS Code
MSC.1/Circ.1529
Unified interpretations of paragraph 4.4.7.6 of the LSA Code, as amended by
resolution MSC.320(89)
MSC.1/Circ.1530
Unified interpretations of SOLAS regulations III/6.4 and III/6.5 and section 7.2
of the LSA Code
MSC.1/Circ.1531
Due diligence checklist in identifying providers of CTU-related services
MSC.1/Circ.1532
Revised guidelines on operational information for masters of passenger ships for
safe return to port
MSC.1/Circ.1533
Revised guidelines on evacuation analysis for new and existing passenger ships
MSC.1/Circ.1534
Unified interpretations relating to the International Convention on Load Lines,
1966
MSC.1/Circ.1535
Unified interpretations relating to the Protocol of 1988 relating to the
International
Convention on Load Lines, 1966
MSC.1/Circ.1536
Unified interpretations of SOLAS regulations II-1/29.3 and II-1/29.4
MSC.1/Circ.1537
Unified interpretations of the 2008 IS Code
MSC.1/Circ.1538
Unified interpretation relating to the International Grain Code
MSC.1/Circ.1539
Unified interpretations of SOLAS chapter II-1
MSC.1/Circ.1540
Unified interpretation of the 2009 MODU Code
MSC.1/Circ.1541
Unified interpretation of the 1994 HSC Code
MSC.1/Circ.1542
Unified interpretation of the 2000 HSC Code
MSC.1/Circ.1543
Unified interpretation relating to the IGC Code
MSC.1/Circ.1544
Unified interpretations for the application of chapter 2 of the 2009 MODU Code
and the Revised technical provisions for means of access for inspections
(resolution MSC.158(78))
MSC.1/Circ.1545
Unified interpretations relating to the application of SOLAS regulation II-1/3-6,
as amended, and the Revised technical provisions for means of access for
inspections (resolution MSC.158(78))
MSC.1/Circ.1546
Unified interpretations of the 1969 TM Convention
MSC.1/Circ.1163/Rev.10 Parties to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification
and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), 1978, as amended, confirmed by the
Maritime Safety Committee to have communicated information which
demonstrates that full and complete effect is given to the relevant provisions of
the Convention
MSC.1/Circ.1164/Rev.16 Promulgation of information related to reports of independent evaluation
submitted by Parties to the International Convention on Standards of Training,
Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), 1978, as amended,
confirmed by the Maritime Safety Committee to have communicated
information which demonstrates that Parties are giving full and complete effect
to the relevant provisions of the Convention
MSC.1/Circ.797/Rev.28 List of competent persons maintained by the Secretary-General pursuant to
section A-I/7 of the STCW Code
MSC/Circ.896/Rev.2
Interim measures for combating unsafe practices associated with the trafficking,
smuggling or transport of migrants by sea
MSC.1/Circ.1547
Guidance on the application of SOLAS regulation II-1/3-12 to ships delivered
before 1 July 2018
MSC.1/Circ.1548
Advice to Administrations and port State control Authorities regarding the
SOLAS requirements for verified gross mass of packed containers
OTHER CIRCULARS
CSC.1/Circ.151
Amendments to the Revised Recommendations on harmonized interpretation and
implementation of the International Convention for Safe Containers, 1972, as
amended (CSC.1/Circ.138/Rev.1)
CSC.1/Circ.152
Amendments to the Guidelines for development of an approved continuous
examination programme (ACEP) (CSC.1/Circ.143)
CSC.1/Circ.153
List of locations of publicly available ACEP information
CSC.1/Circ.154
Instructions for use and information concerning the Global ACEP Database
COLREG.2/Circ.66/Corr.1
Amended traffic separation schemes
SN.1/Circ.327/Corr.2
Routeing measures other than traffic separation schemes
COLREG.2/Circ.68
New and amended existing traffic separation schemes
SN.1/Circ.333
Routeing measures other than traffic separation schemes
SN.1/Circ.334
Recognition of the Galileo Global Navigation Satellite System as a component of
the World-Wide Radionavigation System
Draft report: The draft report of the Sub-Committee is contained in attached documents MSC.96/WP.1
and MSC.96/WP.1 Add.1.
PRINCIPAL ISSUES:
The meeting agenda was as follows:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Adoption of the agenda
Decisions of other IMO bodies
Consideration and adoption of amendments to mandatory instruments
Measures to enhance maritime security
Goal-based new ship construction standards
Passenger ship safety
Mandatory instruments and/or provisions addressing safety standards for the carriage of more than
12 industrial personnel on board vessels engaged on international voyages
8. Ship systems and equipment (report of the second session and urgent matters emanating from the
third session of the Sub-Committee)
9. Implementation of IMO instruments (report of the second session of the Sub-Committee)
10. Carriage of cargoes and containers (report of the second session of the Sub-Committee)
11. Ship design and construction (report of the third session of the Sub-Committee)
12. Human element, training and watchkeeping (report of the third session of the Sub-Committee)
13. Pollution prevention and response (report of the third session of the Sub-Committee)
14. Navigation, communication and search and rescue (urgent matters emanating from the third
session of the Sub-Committee)
15. Capacity building for the implementation of new measures
16. Formal safety assessment, including general cargo ship safety
17. Piracy and armed robbery against ships
18. Unsafe mixed migration by sea
19. Analysis and consideration of recommendations to reduce administrative burdens in IMO
instruments including those identified by the SG-RAR
20. Implementation of instruments and related matters
21. Relations with other organisations
22. Application of the Committee’s guidelines
23. Work programme
24. Any other business
Three working groups, one drafting group and one expert group were established as follows:
1. Working Group on Carriage of Industrial Personnel. The terms of reference of this group were:
1. Further consider the development of a new chapter of SOLAS solely regulating industrial
personnel and a new Code addressing the carriage of more than 12 industrial personnel on
board vessels engaged on international voyages.
2. Prepare a road map, identifying the priorities, time frames, responsibilities and long- and
short-term objectives, including an interim solution, for the work to be accomplished, for
consideration by the Committee.
2. The Working Group on Goal-Based Standards. The terms of reference of the group were:
1. As the highest priority, further revise the timetable and schedule of activities for the
implementation of the GBS verification scheme, based on the annex to document MSC
96/5/6.
2. Further develop the Interim guidelines for development and application of IMO goal-based
standards safety level approach, based on annex 2 to document MSC 95/WP.9.
3. Further consider the draft functional requirements of SOLAS chapter III contained in annex
1 to SSE 3/16, taking into account documents MSC 96/5/3 and MSC 96/5/8, and with a
view to providing instructions, if any, to the Correspondence Group on the Development of
Functional Requirements for SOLAS chapter III and SSE Sub-Committee, and advise the
Committee accordingly.
4. Consider the preliminary information on the experience gained during the implementation
of MSC.1/Circ.1394/Rev.1, as contained in paragraph 3.15 of SSE 3/16, taking into
account documents MSC 96/5/3 and MSC 96/5/8, and advise the Committee accordingly.
5. If time permits, taking into account the information contained in documents MSC 96/5/2
and MSC 96/5/6, identify the possible issues to be considered by the Working Group on
Goal-based Standards to be established at MSC 97.
3. The Working Group on Maritime Security. The terms of reference for this group were:
1. Review the information contained in document MSC 96/4 with particular focus on
emphasizing its recommendatory nature and finalize the Guidance for the development of
national maritime security legislation, for the Committee's approval.
2. Consider the information and proposals on maritime cybersecurity, as contained in
documents MSC 96/4/1, MSC 96/4/2, MSC 96/4/3, MSC 96/4/5, MSC 96/4/6 and MSC
96/INF.4, and develop high-level guidelines on maritime cyber risk management.
4. The Drafting Group on Consideration and Adoption of Amendments to Mandatory Instruments. The
terms of reference for this group were:
Prepare, for consideration by the expanded Committee with a view to adoption or approval, as
appropriate:
1. The final text of the draft amendments to the 1974 SOLAS Convention, as amended,
including the FSS and 2011 ESP Codes, together with the associated MSC resolutions.
2. The final list of draft modifications to the draft IMDG Code, together with the associated
MSC resolution.
3. The final text of the draft MSC resolution on Requirements for maintenance, thorough
examination, operational testing, overhaul and repair of lifeboats and rescue boats,
launching appliances and release gear.
4. The final text of the draft amendments to the introduction and part B of the 2008 IS Code
relating to ships engaged in anchor handling operations, together with the associated MSC
resolutions, with a view to subsequent adoption at MSC 97.
5. The final text of the draft amendments to the 1978 STCW Convention and the associated
draft MSC resolution, with a view to subsequent adoption at MSC 97.
6. The final text of the draft amendments to the STCW Code, with a view to subsequent
adoption at MSC 97.
7. The final text of the draft amendments to the 2009 MODU Code, and the associated draft
MSC resolution.
8. The final text of the draft Guidelines on consolidated IMO provisions for the safe carriage
of dangerous goods in packaged form by sea, and the associated draft MSC circular.
9. The final text of the draft amendments to the Inspection programmes for cargo transport
units carrying dangerous goods (MSC.1/Circ.1442), and the associated draft MSC
circular.
10. The final text of the draft amendments to the Emergency Response Procedures for Ships
Carrying Dangerous Goods (EmS) Guide (MSC/Circ.1025, as amended by
MSC.1/Circ.1025/Add.1, MSC.1/Circ.1262, MSC.1/Circ.1360, MSC.1/Circ.1438 and
MSC.1/Circ.1476), and the associated draft MSC circular.
11. The final text of the draft MSC circular on Early implementation of the new chapter 17 of
the FSS Code.
12. The final text of the draft MSC circular on Amendments to the Recommendation on
helicopter landing areas on ro-ro passenger ships (MSC/Circ.895).
ATTACHMENTS/SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION: