The Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) 100th special session was held from December 3rd through the 7th. The program is very comprehensive and incorporated a commemorative event with presentations dedicated to emerging technologies in the naval sector. Here’s a few highlights:
MSC 100th session
Regulatory Scoping Exercise on Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships
The MSC continued the scoping exercise for safe, secure and environmentally sound operation of Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) as IMO instruments.
The Committee considered testing of the framework and methodology for the scoping exercise as well as proposals related to the development of interim guidelines for MASS trials. It is anticipated that the framework for the scoping exercise will be further developed and finalized.
Goal-Based Standards and Safety Level Approach
Following the adoption of goal-based ship construction standards for bulkers and oil takers (GBS) and the successful initial verification of 12 Recognized Organizations by IMO GBS audit teams, MSC considered the final report of the audit team that conducted the first maintenance of verification audit in order to guarantee continued conformity of the regulations with the GBS.
Approval of Revised Guidelines on Fatigue
The MSC was expected to approve revised IMO Guidelines on fatigue, which has been reviewed and updated by the HTW 5 Sub-Committee. The Guidelines provided data on the causes and consequences of fatigue, and the risks it presents to the safety and health of seafarers. The goal was to assist all stakeholders to contribute to the mitigation and management of fatigue.
Safety of Ships in the Polar Waters
The Committee was expected to establish a working group to determine how to move forward with developing mandatory measures for ships operating in polar waters but not currently covered by the Polar Code.
2020 Sulphur Cap
The Committee was invited to consider submissions concerning the potential need for guidance related to possible safety issues associated with the implementation of the 2020 sulphur cap. MEPC 73 in October invited MSC 100 to consider the outcome of the intersessional meeting concerning the safety implications associated with the use of low-sulphur fuel oil and take action.
Adoption of Amendments
The MSC was expected to adopt the following amendments:
