The 105th session of the IMO Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 105) was held from 20 to 29 April 2022 by video conference, due to the pandemic of COVID-19. The key subjects are the following:

-Safety and security in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov and related actions to facilitate the urgent evacuation of seafarers from the war zone area (Resolution MSC.495 (105))

-Amendments to GMDSS are adopted to complete the work on modernization of the GMDSS and to enable the future use of modern communication systems in the GMDSS

-Updates to IMDG are adopted, in line with the updates to the United Nations Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, which set the recommendations for all transport modes

-Updates to IMSBC Codes are adopted to include new definitions (including an updated definition for group A cargoes), references and requirements for cargoes which may undergo dynamic separation                                                                                  

-Adoption of domestic ferry model regulations (cover a range of issues, including: certification, manning, safety management, navigation and communications equipment, life-saving appliances)

-Commenced work on the development of a goal-based instrument regulating the operation of maritime autonomous surface ships (MASS)

-Considered the report of the Correspondence Group on Dissemination of Maritime Safety Information (MSI) and Search and Rescue (SAR)-related information

-Approved draft amendments to SOLAS chapter II-2 in relation to flashpoint to enhance the safety of ships relating to the use of oil fuel  

-Approved a draft new SOLAS chapter XV, together with the associated new Code for Industrial Personnel to provide minimum safety     standards for ships that carry industrial personnel, as well as for the personnel themselves, and address specific risks of maritime operations within the offshore sectors, such as personnel transfer operations.

-Considered a substantial number of proposals for new outputs at the session, in particular proposals deferred by MSC 104 due to time limitations such as: Review of the 1978 STCW Convention and Code, Sexual assault and harassment, Safety of ships using alternative fuels, Lithium battery fires

–Approvals/Αdoptions of other matters, guidance, outputs, guidelines, resolutions and circulars

Source: www.imo.org

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