The International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) has published its submissions ahead of its participation in the upcoming 110th session of the Committee on Maritime Safety (MSC 110), scheduled to take place from 18 to 27 June 2025.
As stated, noting the work IACS Members undertake as recognized organizations of IMO Member States, verifying compliance of ships with IMO agreed requirements and with a view to achieving clarity for all parties, IACS has submitted the following documents:
MSC 110/3/5 comments on document MSC 110/3 by the IMO Secretariat, pertaining to draft amendments to SOLAS regulations II-1/2.29, II-1/56 and II-1/57 and proposes an editorial improvement to the draft amendments to SOLAS regulation II-1/56.1;
MSC 110/5/7 proposes a new draft text and restructuring of chapter 22 of the MASS Code (Special measures to enhance maritime security). Proposed amendments to the existing draft include functional requirements addressing the security of the remote operations centre (ROC), autonomous vessels, automated security technologies, and the expansion of the applicability of the ISPS Code to include remote operators and ROCs. In addition, the co-sponsors suggest that a review of cyber security provisions within the MASS Code is conducted upon completion to ensure that this topic is adequately addressed;
MSC 110/6/4 considers that the Code of Safety for Nuclear Merchant Ships, adopted in 1981, is outdated and a barrier to positive technology developments. The documents proposes that the Code needs revision to establish relevant international standards to guide development and allow for timely deployment of advanced reactor technologies that could power zero-emission ships;
MSC 110/6/6 proposes amendments to the definition of “low-flashpoint fuel” in SOLAS regulation II-1/2.29 and consequential amendments to SOLAS chapter II-1 and the IGF Code;
MSC 110/7 proposes the development of a goal-based approach to maritime digital-ecosystem cybersecurity standards, capturing cyber risk management for port facilities, shipping and logistical systems that support global networks. This provides a next step in the development of a global approach following the agreement at MSC 109 of the need for further development of cybersecurity standards for ships and port facilities at MSC 110;
MSC 110/11/1 comments on document MSC 110/11 by the IMO Secretariat and proposes that the scope of the output on the revision of the “Interim guidelines for the use of Fibre-Reinforced Plastics (FRP) elements within ship structures: Fire safety issues (MSC.1/Circ.1574)” be limited to the fire safety aspects in relation to SOLAS regulation II-2/17 on alternative design, and not widened to include considerations related to global strength;
MSC 110/11/2 comments on document MSC 110/11 by the IMO Secretariat and proposes a revision of MSC.1/Circ.1511/Rev.1 on Unified interpretations of SOLAS regulations II-2/9 and 13 to reflect the confirmation by SDC 11 regarding the term “lower part” used in SOLAS regulations II-2/13.4.1 and 13.4.2 in connection with the means of escape from spaces below the bulkhead deck;
MSC 110/14/3 comments on document MSC 110/14/1 by the IMO Secretariat and proposes that the draft amendments outlined in its annex be considered with regard to their potential long-term impact on the clarity of the LSA Code and other mandatory codes;
MSC 110/18/3 proposes a new output to amend SOLAS regulation II-2/4 and relevant recommendations (MSC.1/Circ.1321) in respect of arrangements for oil fuel, lubrication oil and other flammable oils to reduce the possibility of engine-room fires originating from leakages in low-pressure fuel pipes and lubrication oil pipes;
MSC 110/18/11 proposes a new output to amend SOLAS regulation II-2/6.2.1 to address the testing requirements for the floor covering materials, with a view to ensuring consistent implementation;
MSC 110/18/12 proposes a new output to amend SOLAS regulations II-2/20.6.1.4 and 20.6.1.5, as well as chapters 6 and 7 of the International Code for Fire Safety Systems (FSS Code), as amended by resolution MSC.206(81), to align them with the requirements of SOLAS regulations II-2/20.6.1.1 to 20.6.1.3;
MSC 110/18/14 proposes a new output to develop amendments to MSC.1/Circ.1321 on Guidelines for measures to prevent fires in engine-rooms and cargo pump-rooms to include provisions for the use of thermal imaging cameras;
MSC 110/18/15 provides a review and reclassification of 7,602 historical reportable occurrences that has highlighted shortcomings in the taxonomy used in MSC-MEPC.3/Circ.4/Rev.1 on Revised harmonized reporting procedures – Reports required under SOLAS regulations I/21 and XI-1/6, and MARPOL, articles 8 and 12 which now forms the basis of reports made to the Marine Casualties and Incidents (MCI) module in GISIS. In this context, this document proposes a new output to review the circular, which was issued in 2014, as soon as practicable;
MSC 110-INF.7 provides a status report on GBS audit observations common to IACS members as of 28 February 2025;
MSC 110-INF.15 provides an update of document MSC 96/INF.6 by France and Germany. It evaluates the safety level of bulk carriers from 1978 to 2024 based on the analysis of accident data. The risk to crew has decreased significantly across most accident categories, which is attributed partially to IMO and IACS safety measures. Historical potential loss of life (PLL) values are lower than previously predicted indicating safety has improved beyond initial expectations. Overall, the document demonstrates the positive impact of regulatory changes and safety initiatives on enhancing bulk carrier safety over the past decades.
