For example, MSC adopted the following amendments to the SOLAS Convention and to codes mandatory under the convention:
• Amendments to the appendix to the annex to the 1974 SOLAS, concerning the addition of a footnote to Forms C, E and P in the Records of Equipmen (expected entry into force: 1st January, 2024).
• Amendments to chapter 15 of the International Code for Fire Safety Systems (FSS Code), relating to inert gas systems (expected entry into force: 1st January, 2024).
• Amendments to parts A and A-1 of the International Code of Safety for Ships using Gases or other Low-flashpoint Fuels (IGF Code), including those relating to regulations on loading limit for liquefied gas fuel tanks, regulations for fuel distribution outside of machinery space, regulations for internal combustion engines of piston type and fire protection for fuel storage hold space; and amendments relating to the protection of the fuel supply for liquefied gas fuel tanks, aimed at preventing explosions (expected entry into force: 1st January 2024).
• Amendments to chapters IV and VI of the International Life-Saving Appliance Code (LSA Code), relating to general requirements for lifeboats and launching and embarkation appliances (expected entry into force: 1st January 2024).
• A comprehensive set of amendments to the International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk (IBC Code), including the revised chapters 17 (Summary of minimum requirements), 18 (List of products to which the code does not apply), 19 (Index of Products Carried in Bulk) and 21 (Criteria for assigning carriage requirements for products subject to the IBC Code) (expected entry into force: 1st January 2021).
• Amendments to the International Code on the Enhanced Programme of Inspections During Surveys of Bulk Carriers and Oil Tankers, 2011 (2011 ESP Code), to update the Code (entry into force: 1st January 2021)
MSC approved revised generic guidelines for developing IMO goal based standards (MSC.1/ Circ.1394/Rev.2), taking into account experience gained by the Sub-Committee on Ship Systems and Equipment (SSE) in applying the Generic Guidelines in order to develop draft goals and functional requirements in relation to on board lifting appliances and anchor handling winches.
IMO has increasingly been applying a goal-based approach to the development of new requirements.
In 2010, IMO adopted the goal-based ship construction standards for bulkers and oil tankers (GBS). These so-called ‘rules for rules’ require that rules for the design and construction of bulk carriers and oil tankers of a recognised organisation or administration need to meet the IMO GBS.
As of mid-2019, a total 13 ROs had undergone successful initial verification of compliance with the IMO GBS, by IMO GBS audit teams.
MSC also noted the latest figures on piracy and armed robbery against ships based on reports received by IMO.
Companies, Masters and seafarers were reminded to continue the diligent application of existing IMO guidance and the revised Best Management Practices (BMP) guidance as well as the new Global Counter Piracy Guidance and the updated guidance for protection against piracy and armed robbery in the Gulf of Guinea region contained in MSC.1/Circ.1601 on Revised industry counter piracy guidance.
MSC also invited member states to continue to provide naval assets; and flag states to continue to monitor the threat to ships flying their flag and set appropriate security levels in accordance with the ISPS Code.
As for e-navigation, the MSC approved a number of circulars related to the development of e-navigation.