IMO MSC 108: What’s on the agenda?

The Committee deals with all matters related to maritime safety and maritime security which fall within the scope of IMO. This includes a wide range of issues, including enhancing maritime security, setting global safety standards, seafarer issues and the human element, regulating autonomous vessels, piracy and armed robbery against ships, addressing cyber security and safety issues related to greenhouse gas emissions reduction.  

Measures to enhance maritime security, including Red Sea security 

The Committee will address the urgent issue of maritime security in the Red Sea Area. The Committee is expected to consider a proposed resolution condemning the attacks. The Committee will also discuss various documents and proposals for actions to address some of the challenges seafarers and ships are facing in the area. 

Development of a code for autonomous ships  

IMO is working to develop a non-mandatory goal-based Code for Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) to ensure these ships operate safely and in coexistence with conventional ships.  

The Committee will continue work to develop a MASS Code at this session, taking into account the various documents submitted to MSC 108 as well as the Joint MSC-LEG-FAL Working Group on MASS (MASS-JWG), which brings together the Maritime Safety, Legal and Facilitation Committees. The MASS-JWG met for its third session from 8 to 10 May.  

Given the significant volume of work to be completed, the Committee is expected to update the road map for developing a non-mandatory MASS code and establish relevant intersessional working and correspondence groups to continue the work. 

Development of a safety regulatory framework to support the reduction of GHG emissions from ships using new technologies and alternative fuels   

IMO’s goal of achieving net zero shipping will require the uptake of zero or near-zero GHG emission technologies, fuels and/or energy sources. Suitable provisions will be needed to ensure the safe operation of these new technologies and alternative fuels on ships. A correspondence group was established at the Committee’s last session (MSC 107) to start working on this issue.  

The Committee will consider the report of the Correspondence Group on the Development of a Safety Regulatory Framework to Support the Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships Using New Technologies and Alternative Fuels.  

The report includes a summary list of fuels and technologies that could support the reduction of GHG emissions from ships, as well as an assessment of technical aspects, hazards, and risks to ship/shoreside for each of these listed fuels and technologies. Safety obstacles and gaps in existing regulations were also assessed.  

Revision of the Guidelines on maritime cyber risk management    

The Committee will consider submissions from various Member States and observer organizations regarding the revision of the Guidelines on maritime cyber risk management (MSC-FAL.1/Circ.3/Rev.2). The Committee will consider the proposals put forward to update these guidelines and discuss next steps to enhance maritime cybersecurity. 

Addressing violence and harassment in the maritime sector – draft amendments to the STCW Code 

The Committee will consider, with a view to adoption, draft amendments to the Seafarers’ Training, Certification and Watchkeeping Code (STCW Code), to prevent and respond to violence and harassment in the maritime sector, including sexual harassment, bullying and sexual assault.

The draft amendments were approved by MSC 107 and reviewed by the joint ILO/IMO Tripartite Working Group to Identify and Address Seafarers’ Issues and the Human Element (JTWG), which met in February 2024.     

The draft amendments are included in table A-VI/1-4 (Specification of minimum standard of competence in personal safety and social responsibilities) of the STCW Code. They outline new mandatory minimum requirements for basic training and instruction for all seafarers. These aim to equip seafarers with knowledge and understanding of violence and harassment, including sexual harassment, bullying and sexual assault, and information on how to prevent and respond to incidents.  

The Committee will discuss recommendations from the JTWG, including the launching of awareness campaigns and other further measures applicable to Administrations, shipping companies, social partners and UN agencies to address violence and harassment, including sexual harassment, bullying and sexual assault.  

Amendments to the 1974 SOLAS Convention and associated instruments on safety 

The Committee will consider, with a view to adoption, draft amendments to the following IMO instruments related to safety: 

1974 SOLAS Convention 

Draft amendments to chapter II-1 of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) 1974, on the structure of ships, to include a new section requiring emergency towing arrangements to be fitted on ships other than tankers. 

Draft amendments to chapters II-2 and V of SOLAS 1974, on oil fuel parameters other than flashpoint; fire detection within control stations and cargo control rooms; fire safety of ro-ro passenger ships; and reporting of the loss of containers. 

IGF Code 

Draft amendments to the International Code of Safety for Ships Using Gases or other Low-flashpoint Fuels (IGF Code), including regulations pertaining to specific requirements for ships using natural gas as fuel; bunkering operations; and manufacture and testing for the fuel containment system. 

Grain Code 

Draft amendments to the International Code for the Safe Carriage of Grain in Bulk (Grain Code), introducing a new class of loading conditions for special compartments. 

2011 ESP Code 

Draft amendments to the International Code on the Enhanced Programme of Inspections during Surveys of Bulk Carriers and Oil Tankers, 2011 (2011 ESP Code), regarding procedures for approval and certification of a firm engaged in thickness measurement of hull structures. 

LSA Code 

Draft amendments to the International Life-Saving Appliance (LSA) Code, regarding the in-water performance of lifejackets; single fall and hook systems; and lowering speed of survival craft and rescue boats. 

FSS Code 

Draft amendments to the International Code for Fire Safety Systems (FSS Code), with regards to fire safety of ro-ro passenger ships. 

IMDG Code 

Draft amendments to the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG Code), including updates throughout the document from list of contents, foreword and preamble, parts 1 to 7, to the appendices and index. This covers parts 1 (General provisions, definitions and training), 2 (Classification), 3 (Dangerous goods list, special provisions and exceptions), 4 (Packing and tank provisions), 5 (Consignment procedures), 6 (Construction and testing of packagings, intermediate bulk containers, large packagings, portable tanks, multiple-element gas containers, and road tank vehicles, and 7 (Provisions concerning transport operations).  

Other  

The Committee will also consider other mandatory instruments, with a view to adoption: Performance standards for protective coatings (resolutions MSC.215(82) and MSC.288(87)) as well as Requirements for maintenance, thorough examination, operational testing, overhaul and repair of lifeboats and rescue boats, launching appliances and release gear (resolution MSC.402(96)).    

Piracy and armed robbery 

Incidents of piracy and armed robbery of ships reported to IMO have increased by approximately 15% between 2022 and 2023. According to information received and made available via IMO’s Global Integrated Shipping Information System (GISIS) platform, 150 incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships were reported to the Organization as having occurred or been attempted in 2023, compared to 131 reported incidents in 2022. While the full report for 2024 are still being compiled, current figures show 43 incidents being reported over the first quarter of 2024 (January to March).

The Committee will discuss these developments and hear updates on IMO work to address piracy and armed robbery at the regional level. This includes initiatives such as the Djibouti Code of Conduct (with Jeddah Amendment), covering the Western Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden, and the Yaoundé Code of Conduct, covering the Gulf of Guinea. 

Reports from Sub-Committees and other issues 

The Committee will consider the reports of its Sub-Committees, including: 

Human Element, Training and Watchkeeping (HTW) – 10th session 

• approve the list of specific areas; methodology; and roadmap for the comprehensive review of the STCW Convention and Code; 
• approve the establishment of an intersessional working group on the Comprehensive review of the STCW Convention and Code; 

Carriage of Cargoes and Containers (CCC) – 9th session   

• approve the draft MSC circular on interim guidelines for use of LPG cargo as fuel  
• endorse the updated work plan for the development of technical provisions for safety of ships using new alternative fuels, including the holding of an intersessional working group on development of technical provisions for safety of ships using alternative fuels to be held from 9 to 13 September 2024, immediately prior to CCC 10  
• approve the draft MSC circular on revised guidelines on the application of high manganese austenitic steel for cryogenic service (MSC.1/Circ.1599/Rev.2) 
• approve the draft MSC circular on guidelines for the acceptance of alternative metallic materials for cryogenic service in ships carrying liquefied gases in bulk and ships using gases or other low-flashpoint fuels (MSC.1/Circ.1622) 
• adopt the draft MSC resolution on revised interim recommendations for carriage of liquefied hydrogen in bulk  

Implementation of IMO Instruments (III) – 9th session   

• endorse, concurrently with the decision by MEPC, the issuance of III.3/Circ.10 on Casualty Analysis and Statistics containing observations on reports of investigation into casualties 
• endorse, concurrently with the decision by MEPC, the issuance of III.3/Circ.11 on Development of lessons learned by Marine Safety Investigating State for promotion of awareness of the expectation to fill the field on the Lessons Learned, along with a marine safety investigation 
• endorse the issuance of III.3/Circ.12 on Casualty investigation questionnaire on fishing vessel collisions for further analysis of the safety issue by the Correspondence Group on the Analysis of Marine Investigation Reports 
• approve, concurrently with the decision by MEPC, the draft MSC-MEPC.2 circular on Guidance in relation to the IMO Member State Audit Scheme (IMSAS) to assist in the implementation of the III Code by Member States 

Navigation, Communications and Search and Rescue (NCSR) – 10th session 

• approve the draft SN circular on recognition of ship reporting system in the Pentland Firth (PENTREP), for implementation six months after its approval  
• approve the draft MSC.1/Circ.1610/Rev.1 on Descriptions of Maritime Services in the context of e-navigation 
• adopt the draft resolution MSC.530(106)/Rev.1 on performance standards for electronic chart display and information systems (ECDIS)  
• approve the draft MSC.1/Circ.1310/Rev.2 on Joint IMO/IHO/WMO Manual on Maritime Safety Information for implementation as from 1 January 2025  

Ship Design and Construction (SDC) – 10th session   

• approve Revised guidelines on alternative design and arrangements for SOLAS chapters II-1 and III (MSC.1/Circ.1212/Rev.1) 
• approve ”Unified interpretations of SOLAS chapters II-1 and XII, of the technical provisions for means of access for inspections (resolution MSC.158(78)) and of the Performance standards for water level detectors on ships subject to SOLAS regulations II-1/25, II-1/25-1 and XII/12 (resolution MSC.188(79)/Rev.2)”, in relation to performance standards for water level detectors 
• approve ”Unified interpretation of SOLAS regulation XV/5.1 and paragraph 3.5 of part 1 of the International Code of Safety for Ships Carrying Industrial Personnel (IP Code) on the harmonization of the Industrial Personnel Safety Certificate with SOLAS safety certificates”  
• approve “Unified interpretation of SOLAS regulation II-1/3-6 to ensure safe means of access to cargo and other spaces”  
• approve ”Unified interpretations of the Code on Noise Levels on Board Ships (resolution MSC.337(91))”  
• approve ”Unified interpretations of SOLAS regulations II-2/9 and II-2/13”  

The meeting will be chaired by Mrs. Mayte Medina of the United States, supported by Vice-Chair, Capt. Theofilos Mozas of Greece.