​Maritime Safety Committee Met for 100th Session

The Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) has met for its milestone 100th session, with a busy agenda encompassing maritime autonomous surface ships, fatigue guidance for seafarers, polar shipping, goal-based standards and other agenda items.

According to a International Maritime Organization (IMO) press release, the MSC will receive the report of a correspondence group which has been testing the proposed methodology for the regulatory scoping exercise on maritime autonomous surface ships, taking into account different levels of autonomy.

Focusing on the human element, the MSC is expected to approve revised guidance on fatigue, a key tool for seafarers and ship operators. On polar shipping, the MSC is expected to establish a working group to further consider how to move forward with developing mandatory and/or recommendatory measures for ships operating in polar waters but not currently covered by the Polar Code.

Matters related to the goal-based ship construction standards for bulkers and oil tankers are on the agenda, following the successful initial verification of 12 Recognized Organizations by IMO GBS audit teams. The MSC will consider the initial audit of a further recognized organization.

The outcomes of Sub-Committees will be considered, including various guidelines set for approval. The MSC will be updated on the reported incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships.

Amendments to update the International Code on the Enhanced Programme of Inspections during Surveys of Bulk Carriers and Oil Tankers are set to be adopted, alongside amendments to the Code of Safety for Special Purpose Ships (SPS Code).

The MSC is being chaired by Brad Groves (Australia). A special event marking 100 sessions of the MSC was held on Monday (3 December).