The 104th session of the IMO Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 104) was held from 4 to 8 October 2021 by video conference, due to the pandemic of COVID-19. The key subjects are the following: 
–Draft Assembly resolution on comprehensive action to address seafarers’ challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic
-Approved Guidance on seafarers’ training and certification for issuing Administrations, flag States and port States during the COVID-19 pandemic
-Approved a draft update of IMO Assembly resolution A.1069(28) on prevention and suppression of piracy and armed robbery against ships and illicit activity in the Gulf of Guinea.
-Finalized and approved recommendatory Model Regulations on Domestic Ferry Safety, for adoption at MSC 105 in April 2022, together with an updated plan for further work
–Goal-based ship construction standards (GBS). Agreed to consider the remaining documents under this agenda item intersessionally by correspondence, for consideration of any action to be taken at MSC 105
–Amendments to mandatory instruments will enter into force on 1 January 2024 
–Modernization of the GMDSS. Approved a set of draft amendments to the 1974 SOLAS Convention, together with associated amendments and revisions to existing related instruments
-Recognized the Japanese Regional Navigation Satellite System Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS) as a component of the world-wide radio navigation system (WWRNS)
-Future work on autonomous ships. Agreed to develop a goal-based instrument for maritime autonomous surface ships (MASS)
-Considered a proposal to adopt an MSC resolution to reiterate the importance of effective and timely involvement of Governments in cases of rescue of migrants at sea by merchant ships
-Included a new output on “Development of guidance on assessments and applications of remote surveys, ISM Code audits and ISPS Code verifications”
–Approvals/adoptions of other matters, guidance and guidelines
Source: www.imo.org
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