The 106th session of the IMO Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 106) was held from 02 to 11 November 2022. The key subjects are the following:
-Adoption of amendments
1.New SOLAS chapter XV and the new mandatory Code for Industrial Personnel in order to provide minimum safety standards for ships that carry industrial personnel and to address related risks during personnel transfer operations.
2.Draft amendments to SOLAS chapter II-2 to prevent the supply of oil fuel not complying SOLAS flashpoint requirements (60°C), enhancing the safety of ships using oil fuel.
3.Amendments to the SOLAS Protocol of 1978 related to Safety Equipment Certificate for Cargo Ships, based on GMDSS modernization.
4.Amendments to IGC and IGF Code amendments related to the application of high manganese austenitic steel for cryogenic service in cargo and fuel tanks of LNG carriers and LNG-fuelled ships. 
5.Amendments to 2011 ESP Code addressing inconsistencies on examination of ballast tanks at annual surveys for bulk carriers and oil tankers the following requirement contained in the condition evaluation report.
6.Amendments to IBC Code relate to survivability and provide exclusions related to those openings fitted with watertight closures for application of the conditions concerning flooding or downflooding.
-Committee was updated on the latest developments regarding the successful operation of the Black Sea Grain Initiative
– Progress on the development of a goal-based instrument regulating the operation of maritime autonomous surface ships (MASS) by Maritime Safety Committee
– Adoption of resolution on Statement of recognition of the maritime mobile satellite services provided by China Transport Telecommunication Information Group Co. Ltd. (CTTIC) through BeiDou Message Service System (BDMSS), for use in the GMDSS
– Adoption of resolution on recommended cooperation to ensure the safety of life at sea, the rescue of persons in distress at sea and the safe disembarkation of survivors, intended to emphasize the importance of effective and timely involvement of Governments in cases of rescue of migrants at sea by merchant ships
– Approved two sets of draft guidelines on lifting appliances and on anchor handling winches to support the implementation of new draft SOLAS regulation II‑1/3-13 in order to prevent accidents related to lifting appliances and anchor handling winches 
-Approved safety measures for non-SOLAS ships operating in polar waters – Polar Code amendments
1.Amendments to the SOLAS Convention, to incorporate new requirements for certain non-SOLAS ships concerning safety of navigation and voyage planning.
2.Amendments to the Interim guidelines on life-saving appliances and arrangements for ships operating in polar waters in order to outline possible means of mitigating hazards and to comply with the Polar Code, as well as to assist ship designers and Shipowners/Operators/Administrations in the uniform implementation of relevant provisions of the Polar Code.
–Approved a revision of the Guidelines on places of refuge for ships in need of assistance (resolution A.949(23)). The related revision will provide the basis of an operational framework for coastal States, ships’ masters, operators and/or salvors as well as other involved parties on how to handle and take a decision when a ship is in need of assistance and seeks a place of refuge.
– The Maritime Safety Committee considered the latest update on global trends relating to piracy and armed robbery against ships by Maritime Safety Committee and other related matters (such as report incidents of piracy and armed robbery to IMO and Djibouti Code of Conduct)
-The Maritime Safety Committee urged Member States and international organizations to join efforts regarding seafarers’ access to the COVID-19 vaccination and medical care
-The Maritime Safety Committee considered a number of various proposals for new outputs at the session and other approvals/adoptions of other matters, guidance, outputs, guidelines, resolutions and circulars
Source: www.imo.org
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