REPRESENTATIVE REPORT The 97 rd Session of the Maritime Safety Committee, IMO November, 2016 London, United Kingdom

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1 International Association of Maritime Universities (IAMU) REPRESENTATIVE REPORT The 97 rd Session of the Maritime Safety Committee, IMO 2-25 November, 206 London, United Kingdom From Monday, 2 November to Friday, 25 November, 206 To: IAMU International Executive Board (IEB) Fm: Dr. Pham Xuan Duong, Vietnam Maritime University Prof. Dr. Mykhaylo V. Miyusov, National University Odessa Maritime Academy Subj:The 97 rd Session of the Maritime Safety Committee, IMO IMO Headquarters, London, UK The Report covers the sessions from Monday, 2 November to Friday, 25 November, 206 Annex List of documents of the 97 rd Session of the Maritime Safety Committee, IMO Annex 2 REPORT OF THE MARITIME SAFETY COMMITTEE ON ITS NINETY-SEVENTH SESSION, MSC 97/22 Annex 3 MSC/CIRC,560 All the original the 97 rd Session of the Maritime Safety Committee papers can be read at IMO website. The The 97 rd Session of the Maritime Safety Committee was held at the IMO headquarters in London, UK from Monday, 2 November to Friday, 25 November, 206 IAMU delegates list on the 97 th Session of the Maritime Safety Committee: Dr. Pham Xuan Duong, IAMU Liaison Committee Member, Vietnam Maritime University Prof. Dr. Mykhaylo V. Miyusov, Head, IAMU Liaison Committee, National University, Odessa Maritime Academy The 97 th Session of the Maritime Safety Committee (herein after called MSC 97) of the International Maritime Organization (herein after called IMO) was held in London from 2 to 25 November 206, chaired by Mr. Bradley George Groves, General Manager of Navigation Safety & International Relations of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), Chairman of the Committee and co-chaired by Mr. Juan Carlos Cubisino, Principal of the Prefectura Naval Argentina, Vice Chairman of the Committee. In his opening address, Secretary-General Ki-tack LIM welcomed all delegates and participants. The Secretary-General mentioned about the celebration of the World Maritime Day which was taken place at IMO Headquarter on 29 September, 206, in which, as also at

2 any opportunities, IMO would strongly widen the awareness of the chosen theme in 206: Shipping: Indispensable to the world. Following this, for 207, IMO will build on this theme by focusing on the linkage between ships, ports, and people. The Secretary-General emphasized that shipping today transport more than 80% of global trade to people and communities all over the world. It provides a dependable, low-cost means of transporting goods globally, facilitating commerce and helping to create prosperity among nations and peoples. A safe, secure and efficient international shipping industry if indispensable to the modern world - and this is provided by the measures and standards developed and maintained by IMO. He strongly pointed out that the broader challenge the whole world faces is how to ensure future growth can be achieved sustainably; how to ensure that globalization becomes a positive force for all world s people and not for just a privileged few. Therefore, he raised the big question, that is: Beyond its traditional regulatory function, how does IMO fit into this broader picture?, and confirmed that, as part of the United Nations family, IMO is actively supporting the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development that world s leaders pledged to support in 205. He once again emphasized that, as a maritime community, all member states and organizations concerned need to ensure that the future sustainable growth is coordinated and planned, with input from all relevant stakeholders, and that opportunities for synergies are identified and taken, while as the same time act proactively to ensure that safety, security and protection of the environment. The Secretary-General highlighted some key issues among the various documents submitted under the 22 items on the agenda for this session: the implementation of the goalbased standards (GBS) for new ship construction of bulk carriers and oil tankers (submitted by 2 IACS recognized organizations); the carriage of more than 2 industrial personnel on board vessels engaged on international voyages, at the MSC 96 s discussion, bearing in mind an urgent need to ensure the safe and efficient transfer of technicians serving and servicing installations in the growing offshore alternative energy sectors, agreed that a new chapter to SOLAS, supported by a new code which shall be provided legal advices by the Committee and the roadmap for developing the proposed code as soon as possible; relating to the recent reports of attacks on warships and the M/V Galicia Spirit in the Bab Al Man dab, the recent attempted piracy attack on the M/V CPO Korea off the coast of Somali, the Secretary-General reminded all flag States of their obligations to conduct threat assessments and set security levels for ships in accordance with SOLAS chapter XI-2 and the ISPS Code; the proposal on enhancement of the function of GIGIS module on marine casualties and incidents; the reports of MSC s four sub-committees etc. Finally, the Secretary-General informed the demise of Capt. John Briggs of Australia who was a long standing delegate and the Chair of the Drafting Committee during the 995 STCW Conference and reminded all delegates of MSC 97 of their attention and participation to the 206 Bravery Award Ceremony. On behalf of IMO, he also showed the thankfulness and appreciation to the contributions of IMO senior members and those in charge of MSC sub-committees who would complete their tasks after this session.. Agenda and Participants The 97 nd session of the IMO Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) was held from 2 to 25 November 206, at the IMO Headquarter, No. 4 Albert Embankment in London. The briefing summaries under discussion which are relevant to the work of the International Association of Maritime Universities (IAMU) will be presented in this paper as reference for all the member of the Association for consideration in the future. 2

3 .. Agenda PROVISIONAL AGENDA for the ninety-seventh session of the Maritime Safety Committee Opening of the session Adoption of the agenda; report on credentials 2 Decisions of other IMO bodies 3 Consideration and adoption of amendments to mandatory instruments 4 Measures to enhance maritime security 5 Goal-based new ship construction standards 6 Mandatory instrument and/or provisions addressing safety standards for the carriage of more than 2 industrial personnel on board vessels engaged on international voyages 7 Navigation, communications, search and rescue (report of the third session of the Sub-Committee) 8 Ship systems and equipment (report of the third session of the Sub-Committee) 9 Implementation of IMO instruments (report of the third session of the Sub- Committee) 0 Carriage of cargoes and containers (urgent matters emanating from the third session of the Sub-Committee) Implementation of the STCW Convention 2 Capacity building for the implementation of new measures 3 Formal safety assessment 4 Piracy and armed robbery against ships 5 Unsafe mixed migration by sea 6 Implementation of instruments and related matters 7 Relations with other organizations 8 Application of the Committee's Guidelines 9 Work programme 20 Election of Chairman and Vice-Chairman for Any other business 22 Consideration of the report of the Committee on its ninety-seventh session The ninety-seventh session of the Maritime Safety Committee Proposed Timetable Date Item Working and drafting groups* Monday, 2 November Opening of the session Agenda; credentials 2 Decisions of other IMO bodies 6 Mandatory instrument and/or provisions addressing safety standards for the carriage of more than 2 industrial personnel on board vessels engaged on international voyages 5 Goal-based new ship construction standards 3 Amendments to mandatory instruments 4 Measures to enhance maritime security 2 Capacity building for the implementation of new measures WG WG2 DG [WG 3] EG 3

4 Tuesday, 22 November 7 Navigation, communications, search and rescue 9 Implementation of IMO instruments 0 Carriage of cargoes and containers 8 Ship systems and equipment Implementation of the STCW Convention 3 Formal safety assessment 6 Implementation of instruments and related matters [WG 3] Wednesday,23 November 4 Piracy and armed robbery against ships 5 Unsafe mixed migration by sea 7 Relations with other organizations 8 Application of the Committee's Guidelines 9 Work programme Thursday, 24 November 20 Election of Chairman and Vice- Chairman for Any other business Reports of working, drafting and other groups Adoption of amendments Friday, 25 November 22 Report of the Committee on its ninetyseventh session * The Committee will recall that MSC 96 agreed that working, drafting and expert groups should be established as follows: WG Working Group on Carriage of industrial personnel; WG2 Working Group on Goal-based Standards; WG3 Working Group on Maritime security; DG Drafting Group on Amendments to Mandatory Instruments; and EG Capacity-building Needs Analysis Group (ACAG). Besides the official agenda, the Committee also scheduled some plenary presentations and events to take place during MSC97 as follows: - Findings from rescue exercise North Sptzbergen, April 206, by Norway (2:40hrs, 2 November 206); - IMO Award for Exceptional Bravery at Sea 206, followed by a Reception in the Delegates Lounge, conducted by IMO Secretary-General (8:00hrs, 2 November 206); - Research on ventilation of a totally enclosed boat by Japan (2:40hrs, 22 November 206); - SIREVA: on-board evacuation within passenger ships - results of investigations and practical suggestion, followed by a Reception in the Delegates Lounge, by Germany (7:40hrs, 22 November 206); - Ship routeing: safe distances between shipping lanes and offshore wind farms by the Netherlands (2:40hrs, 23 November 206); 4

5 - The 35th Anniversary of Independence of Antigua and Barbuda and its 30th Anniversary of membership to the IMO, followed by a Reception in the Delegates Lounge (8:00hrs, 23 November 206); - Developments related to fires on ro-ro decks by EC (2:40hrs, 24 November 206); - Management system of China Maritime Safety Administration by China (7:40hrs, 24 November 206)..2. Participants The Chairman of the ninety-seventh session of the Maritime Safety Committee was Mr. Bradley George Groves, General Manager of Navigation Safety & International Relations of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), and Vice Chairman was Mr. Juan Carlos Cubisino, Principal of the Prefectura Naval Argentina. Total of 66 delegations attended the session, including delegations from 2 Member States, 2 Associate Members, 2 United Nation and Special Agencies, 5 Inter-governmental Organizations, 44 Non-governmental Organizations (including the International Association of Maritime Universities - IAMU), and the Secretariat of IMO. Also, taking part in the session there attended the Chairpersons of the Council, MPEC, FAL, and the Chairpersons of MSC Sub-Committees, as follows: - Chairman of the Council: Mr. Jeffrey G. Lantz (United States); - Chairman of Marine Environment Protection Committee (MPEC): Sr. Arsenio Dominguez (Panama); - Chairman of the Facilitation Committee (FAL): Mr. Yury Melenes (Russian Federation); - Sub-Committee on Navigation, Communications and Search & Rescue (NCSR): Mr. Ringo Lakeman (the Netherlands); - Sub-Committee on Ship Design and Construction (SDC): Mr. Kevin Hunter (United Kingdom); - Sub-Committee on the Implementation of IMO Instruments (III): Capt. Dwain Hutchison (Bahamas); - Sub-Committee on Ship Systems and Equipment (SSE): Dr. Susumu Ota (Japan); - Sub-Committee on Carriage of Cargoes and Containers (CCC): Mr. Hui Xie (China); - Sub-Committee on Human Element, Training and Watchkeeping: Ms. Mayte Medina (United States). 2. Significant Outcomes The MSC 97 session mainly focused on the new amendments for the SOLAS 974 Convention and its mandatory codes, including the FSS Code, the IGC Code, the 20 ESP Code and the 2008 IS Code, which is also mandatory under the 988 Load Lines Protocol and a long list of MSC resolutions and circulars related to safety issues. The session also discussed about the amendments for the STCW Convention, human element, training and watch-keeping, piracy and armed robbery against ships and other important matters. 2.. Decision of other IMO bodies (Agenda Item 2) MSC 97 informed some relevant important decisions as follows: 2... Outcome of C 6, LEG 03, TC 66 and MEPC 70 5

6 The Committee noted the decisions of C 6 (MSC 97/2), LEG 03 (MSC 97/2/), TC 66 (MSC 97/2/2) and MEPC 70 (MSC 97/2/3) and took appropriate action under the relevant agenda items Minimum propulsion power to maintain the maneuverability of ships in adverse conditions (outcome of MEPC 70) Several delegations expressed the view that the amendments to the 203 Interim guidelines for determining minimum propulsion power to maintain the maneuverability of ships in adverse conditions (resolution MEPC.262(68)) (203 Interim Guidelines), being considered by the MEPC, should also be considered by the Committee to ensure that all safety-related issues were adequately considered. In this context, the Chair of the MEPC advised the Committee that the draft text of the revised 203 Interim Guidelines would be submitted to MEPC 7 for consideration. After some discussion, the Committee agreed to invite MEPC 7 to forward the proposed revised Guidelines to the Committee with a view to ensuring that the safety aspects were adequately covered Implementation for ships to comply with the 0.50% m/m sulphur content of fuel oil requirement with effect from January 2020 (outcome of MEPC 70) Several delegations drew the Committee's attention to the fact that MEPC 70, pursuant to regulation 4..3 of MARPOL Annex VI, had agreed the effective date of implementation for ships to comply with the 0.5% sulphur cap for fuel oil used on board ships. In their opinion, the Committee should consider this decision of the MEPC, as it could impact on the safety of ships, in particular with regard to the use of low-flashpoint fuels. To this end, other delegations expressed the view that no documents had been submitted to the Committee for consideration. In this context, the Chair of the MEPC advised the Committee that similar concerns had been expressed at MEPC 70. However, MEPC 70 had not taken any decision to refer this issue to the Committee, and had instructed PPR 4 to consider all matters related to implementation of the above-mentioned decision. Furthermore, the Chair of the CCC advised the Committee that, although the CCC Sub- Committee agreed to amend the IGF Code regarding fuel cells, it had not made any decisions on low-flashpoint fuels. After some discussions, the Committee invited MEPC 7 to provide the relevant information to the Committee with a view to ensuring that safety aspects were adequately covered to implement the above-mentioned decision of MEPC Consideration and adoption of amendments to mandatory instruments (Agenda Item 3) MSC 97 adopted amendments to the 974 SOLAS Convention, as amended, including related mandatory codes as follows: - Adoption of amendments to the 974 SOLAS Convention: The expanded Committee, including delegations of [05] Contracting Governments to the 974 SOLAS Convention, considered the final text of the proposed amendments to regulation II-/3-2 and chapters II-2 and XI- of the 974 SOLAS Convention, prepared by the drafting group (MSC 97/WP.6, annex ), and unanimously adopted the amendments to the 974 SOLAS Convention; - The expanded Committee determined, in accordance with article VIII(b)(vi)(2)(bb) of the 974 SOLAS Convention, that the adopted amendments to the Convention 6

7 should be deemed to have been accepted on July 209 (unless, prior to that date, objections are communicated to the Secretary-General, as provided for in article VIII(b)(vi)(2) of the Convention) and enter into force on January 2020, in accordance with the provisions of SOLAS article VIII. - Adoption of amendments to the FSS Code: The expanded Committee, including delegations of [05] Contracting Governments to the 974 SOLAS Convention, considered the final text of the proposed amendments to chapter 3 of the FSS Code, prepared by the drafting group (MSC 97/WP.6, annex 2), and adopted the amendments the FSS Code unanimously. - The expanded Committee determined, in accordance with article VIII(b)(vi)(2)(bb) of the 974 SOLAS Convention, that the adopted amendments to the FSS Code should be deemed to have been accepted on July 209 (unless, prior to that date, objections are communicated to the Secretary-General, as provided for in article VIII(b)(vi)(2) of the Convention) and enter into force on January 2020, in accordance with the provisions of SOLAS article VIII. - Adoption of amendments to the IGC Code: The expanded Committee, including delegations of [05] Contracting Governments to the 974 SOLAS Convention, considered the final text of the proposed amendments to paragraph of the IGC Code, prepared by the drafting group (MSC 97/WP.6, annex 3), and adopted the amendments to the IGC Code unanimously. The expanded Committee determined, in accordance with article VIII(b)(vi)(2)(bb) of the 974 SOLAS Convention, that the adopted amendments to the IGC Code should be deemed to have been accepted on July 209 (unless, prior to that date, objections are communicated to the Secretary-General, as provided for in article VIII(b)(vi)(2) of the Convention) and enter into force on January 2020, in accordance with the provisions of SOLAS article VIII. - Adoption of amendments to the 20 ESP Code: The expanded Committee, including delegations of [05] Contracting Governments to the 974 SOLAS Convention, considered the final text of the proposed amendments to the 20 ESP Code, prepared by the drafting group (MSC 97/WP.6, annex 4), and adopted the amendments to the 20 ESP Code unanimously. The expanded Committee determined, in accordance with article VIII(b)(vi)(2)(bb) of the 974 SOLAS Convention, that the adopted amendments to the 20 ESP Code should be deemed to have been accepted on January 208 (unless, prior to that date, objections are communicated to the Secretary-General, as provided for in article VIII(b)(vi)(2) of the Convention) and enter into force on July 208, in accordance with the provisions of SOLAS article VIII. - Adoption of amendments to the 2008 IS Code (mandatory parts under SOLAS): The expanded Committee, including delegations of [05] Contracting Governments to the 974 SOLAS Convention, considered the final text of the proposed amendments to the introduction and part A of the 2008 IS Code, prepared by the drafting group (MSC 97/WP.6, annex 5), and adopted the amendments to the introduction and part A of the 2008 IS Code, unanimously. The expanded Committee determined, in accordance with article VIII(b)(vi)(2)(bb) of the 974 SOLAS Convention, that the adopted amendments to the introduction and part A of the 2008 IS Code, should be deemed to have been accepted on July 209 (unless, prior to that date, objections are communicated to the Secretary-General, as provided for in article VIII(b)(vi)(2) of the Convention) and enter into force on January 2020, in accordance with the provisions of SOLAS article VIII. The 7

8 Committee decided that the amendments to part B of the 2008 IS Code take effect on January MSC 97 also adopted amendments to the 978 STCW Convention, as amended, and the STCW Code as follows: - Adoption of amendments to the 978 STCW Convention: The expanded Committee, including delegations of [05] Parties to the 978 STCW Convention, considered the final text of the proposed amendments to STCW Convention, prepared by the drafting group (MSC 97/WP.6, annex 8), and adopted the amendments to the STCW Convention, unanimously. The expanded Committee determined, in accordance with article XII()(a)(vii)(2) of the 978 STCW Convention, that the adopted amendments should be deemed to have been accepted on January 208 (unless, prior to that date, objections are communicated to the Secretary-General, as provided for in article XII()(a)(ix) of the Convention) and enter into force on July Adoption of amendments to part A of the STCW Code: The expanded Committee, including delegations of [05] Parties to the 978 STCW Convention, considered the final text of the proposed amendments to part A of the STCW Code, prepared by the drafting group (MSC 97/WP.6, annex 9]), and adopted the amendments unanimously. The expanded Committee determined, in accordance with article XII()(a)(vii)(2) of the 978 STCW Convention, that the adopted amendments should be deemed to have been accepted on January 208 (unless, prior to that date, objections are communicated to the Secretary-General, as provided for in article XII()(a)(ix) of the Convention) and enter into force on July Adoption of amendments to part B of the STCW Code: The Committee considered the final text of the proposed amendments to part B of the STCW Code, prepared by the drafting group (MSC 97/WP.6, annex 0), and adopted, in accordance with the Rules of Procedures of the MSC. The Committee decided that the amendments to part B of the STCW Code will become effective on July 208. The Committee also considered the final text of amendments to non-mandatory instruments prepared by the drafting group (MSC 97/WP.6, annexes and 2) Measures to enhance maritime security (Agenda Item 4) Guidelines on Maritime cyber risk management The Committee recalled that MSC 96 had approved MSC./Circ.526 on Interim guidelines on maritime cyber risk management (the Interim Guidelines) and noted that Member States and interested international organizations could bring any issues that might be identified with the use of the Interim Guidelines to the attention of MSC 97 under this agenda item. The Committee also recalled that MSC 96 had approved the Interim Guidelines with the understanding that they could be subsequently revoked and superseded by a joint FAL/MSC circular once the work of FAL 4 on facilitation aspects was completed Communication of information through the Maritime Security Module of GISIS The Committee considered document MSC 97/4/ (Secretariat) related to the development of a data transfer mechanism for the Maritime Security module of the Global Integrated Shipping Information System (GISIS) with the aim of facilitating the process of communication of information to the Organization, as required by SOLAS regulation XI-2/3 and the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code Other issues 8

9 Safety and security of navigation in the North-Eastern part of the Black Sea The Committee noted that MSC 97/4/2 (Georgia and Ukraine) inviting the Committee to consider the approval of a draft Assembly resolution on Safety and security of navigation in the North-Eastern part of the Black Sea; and MSC 97/4/3 (Russian Federation), commenting on document MSC 97/4/2, and expressing the view that the proposal contained in document MSC 97/4/2 was outside IMO's mandate and should not be considered. After an in-depth discussion, the Committee concluded that IMO was not the appropriate forum to discuss the matter. However, recognizing the importance of security and safety of navigation, the Committee agreed to invite Member States and interested parties to notify to the Organization of any threats to the security and safety of navigation in the North- Eastern part of the Black Sea, for circulation in accordance with IMO procedures Goal-based new ship construction standards (Agenda Item 5) MSC 97 has considered the outcome of the MSC96 as well as the additional information on developments by the Secretariat on the implementation of the Goal-based standards (GBS), the GBS verification scheme approved at the MSC 96 and finally, decided that amendments to Part A and B of the GBS Verification Guidelines should be finalized at MSC 98 and MSC 00, respectively. The Committee also discussed and decided it would advise the Council to consider the financial arrangements for the maintenance of verification audits as and when agreed by the Committee Mandatory instrument and/or provisions addressing safety standards for the carriage of more than 2 industrial personnel on board vessels engaged on international voyage (Agenda Item 6). The Committee recalled some issues have been discussed at the MSC96 on the subject matter and listened to some supplemental legal advice regarding the introduction of mandatory safety standards for the carriage of more than 2 industrial personnel as follows: - A supplemental legal analysis and advice by Secretariat (document MSC97/6); - Comments and proposals by Vanuatu (document MSC97/6/6); - Views on the proposed interim solution by India (document MSC97/6/7. Following that, the Committee agreed to confirm the need for an interim solution and decided that it should be developed and aligned with the expected final outcome of IMO s work and consistent with the MLC The Committee also discussed on the following related issues: - Three options to accommodate an interim solution; - Draft definitions of industrial personnel and industrial activities; - Establishment of the Working Group on Carriage of Industrial Personnel; - Road map for further development; and - Report of the Working Group on Carriage of Industrial Personnel 2.6. Navigation, Communications, Search and Rescue (Agenda Item 7) MSC 97 approved, in general, the report of the third session of the Sub-Committee on navigation, Communications and Search and Rescue (NCSR 3/29 and MSC97/7) and recalled that MSC 96 had already taken action on urgent matters emanating from NCSR3. Following that, the Committee adopted the following amendments and issues concerned: 9

10 - Amendments to the General provisions on ship s routeing; - Amendments to the LRIT Technical Documentation, Part ; - Amendments to the International Safety Net Manual and NAVTEX Manual; - Liaison statement to the ITU; - Revised unified interpretation on Pilot transfer arrangements; - Expert Group on ship s routeing; - GIGIS related issues. The Committee also considered some proposals regarding the subject matter as follows: - Involment of HTW4 in the development of the modernization plan of the GMDSS; - Audit process of the international LRIT Data Exchange; - Navigational warnings concerning operations endangering the safety of navigation; and - Recognition of the INMARSAT Fleet Broadband System use in GMDSS Ship Systems and Equipment (Agenda Item 8) MSC 97 approved, in general, the report of the third session of the Sub-Committee on Ship Systems and Equipment (SSE) (SSE3/6 and MSC97/8) and recalled that MSC 96 had already taken action on urgent matters emanating from SSE3. Following that, the Committee adopted the following amendments and issues concerned: - Amendments to the Guidelines on alternative design and arrangements for fire safety (MSC/Crc.002); - Draft amendments to SOLAS regulation II-2/9.4..3; - MSC Circular on Shipboard escape route signs and emergency equipment markings; - Unified interpretation of chapter 9 of the FSS Code; - Application of SOLAS regulation II-2/20-; - Unified interpretation of chapter 8 of the FSS Code and the Revised guidelines for approval of sprinkler systems equivalent to that referred to in SOLAS regulation II- 2/2 (resolution A.800 (9)) as amended by resolution MSC.26(84); - Amendments to the Unified interpretation of SOLAS regulation III/3..4 (MSC./Circ.490); - Urgent matters emanating from SSE4; - Draft amendments to the 994 and 2000 HSC Codes; - Early implementation of the amendments to the 994 and 2000 HSC Codes; - Additional performance and test standards for the equipment and systems on board ships operating in Polar water; - Draft amendments to paragraphs and of the LSA Code and paragraph 8.. of part of the annex to resolution MSC.8(70); - Report of the incident of Swanland; and - Some other matters Implementation of IMO Instruments (Agenda Item 9) 0

11 The Committee discussed and approved some important issues as follows: - The MSC-MEPC.4/Circ.4 on Guidelines for port State control officers on the ISM Code, as prepared by Sub-Committee on the Implementation of IMO Instruments (III)2; - Report of the 3rd Session of Sub-Committee (III 3) and comments by MEPC 70, in which, the following matters were indicated: Quality of reports of investigation into casualties; Methodology for developing guidelines on port State control; Collection and consideration of CIC-related information from PSC regimes; Early implementation of amendments to SOLAS; Guidelines for port State control officers on certification of seafarers, hours of rest and manning; Analysis of consolidated audit summary reports (CASRs); Polar Code-related amendments to the Survey Guidelines; Unified Interpretation on the expiration date of statutory certificates; Direct reporting of III 4 to Assembly 30 (A 30); and List of Certificates and documents required to be carried on board ships Carriage of cargoes and containers (Agenda Item 0) MSC 97 considered urgent matters referred to it emanating from the third session of the Sub-Committee on Carriage of Cargoes and Containers (CCC) as follows: - Interim recommendations from carriage of liquefied hydrogen in bulk; - Draft amendments to the IMSBC Code with regards to TML testing; - Draft amendments to SOLAS regulations II-2/20.2 and II-2/20-; - Draft amendments to the IMSBC Code regarding HME substances; - Corrections to the IGF and IGD Codes; - Unified interpretations of the IGF and IGC Code; and - Meetings of the E&T Group in Implementation of the STCW Convention (Agenda Item ) Secretary-General's report pursuant to STCW regulation I/7, paragraph 2: In introducing his report (MSC 97/WP.3), the Director of the Maritime Safety Division on behalf of the Secretary-General, advised the Committee that no reports pursuant to STCW regulation I/7 (Communication of information), paragraph 2, had been submitted to this session. Secretary-General's report pursuant to STCW regulation I/8: In introducing his report (MSC 97/WP.3), the Director of the Maritime Safety Division, on behalf of the Secretary- General, advised the Committee that, in preparing the reports required by STCW regulation I/8, paragraph 3, he had solicited and taken into account the views of the competent persons selected from the list established pursuant to paragraph 7 of section A-I/7 of the STCW Code and circulated as MSC./Circ.797. The Committee was subsequently invited to consider the reports attached to document MSC 97/WP.3 for the purpose of confirming that the information provided by the STCW Parties pursuant to STCW regulation I/8 confirmed that full and complete effect was given to the provisions of the STCW Convention. The Committee confirmed that the procedures for the assessment of information provided had been correctly followed in respect of seven STCW Parties and requested the Secretariat to issue an updated circular MSC./Circ.64/Rev.7.

12 Approval of competent persons: The Committee approved additional competent persons nominated by Member States (documents MSC 97/ and MSC 97//Add.) and requested the Secretariat to issue an updated circular as MSC./Circ.797/Rev.29. Ending of the transitional provisions of the 200 Manila Amendments to the STCW Convention: With the approaching end of the transitional provisions of the 200 Manila Amendments on 3 December 206, several delegations expressed their concern regarding the status of compliance of some Parties with the 200 Manila Amendments to the STCW Convention, as some Administrations may not be in a position to issue STCW certificates in accordance with the requirements of the Convention by January 207. In light of the aforementioned concerns regarding the implementation of the 200 Manila Amendments, the Committee agreed to issue a MSC circular providing advice to port State control authorities and recognized organizations for a practical and pragmatic approach for a period of six months (i.e. until July 207) to be taken during inspections in cases where seafarers were unable to provide certificates that were issued in compliance with the 200 Manila Amendments. 2.. Capacity-building for the implementation of new measures (Agenda Item 2) MSC 97 recalled that MSC96 has requested Chair and Vice Chair to submit to MSC 97 a preliminary assessment of the capacity-building implications and technical assistance needs related to approved amendments to mandatory instruments and the new outputs related to mandatory instruments, which had been approved at that session. Assessment of capacity-building implications for the implementation of new measures: The Committee considered document MSC 97/2 (Vice-Chairman), providing the outcome of the aforementioned preliminary assessment, and agreed with the assessment that some items had capacity-building implications and that technical assistance might be needed, which could be further addressed through the Organization's Integrated Technical Cooperation Programme (ITCP). Therefore, the Committee concluded that it was not necessary to establish the Ad Hoc Capacity-Building Needs Analysis Group (ACAG) at this session. Preliminary assessment for the next session: The Committee requested the Vice-Chair, in consultation with the Chair and with the assistance of the Secretariat, to submit to MSC 98 a preliminary assessment of the capacity-building implications and technical assistance needs related to approved amendments to mandatory instruments and the new outputs related to mandatory instruments which were approved at this session Formal safety assessment (Agenda Item 3) The Committee recalled that MSC 96 had encouraged Member States to note the views outlined in paragraph 6.6 of document MSC 96/25 when uploading casualty information onto GISIS, and agreed that interested Member States and international organizations could submit comments and proposals on enhancing the quality and relevance of the casualty data reported by means of GISIS for consideration at this session. It was also recalled that MSC 96, having endorsed the view of the FSA Experts' Group that it might be appropriate to have all the reports previously made by the Group collected and uploaded onto IMODOCS for ease of reference, had requested the Secretariat to create a separate folder in IMODOCS, under "Meeting Documents", for uploading the reports previously made by the FSA Experts' Group and collecting new ones. In this regard, the Committee noted the information that the Secretariat had created the new folder "FSA EG Reports" in IMODOCS, under "Meeting Documents/Committee/MSC Committee", and uploaded five reports previously made by the FSA Experts' Group. The Committee also considered some more issues as follows: 2

13 - Improvement of the function of the revised GISIS MCI module; and - Draft amendments to the FSA Guidelines Piracy and armed robbery against ships (Agenda Item 4) The Committee noted that reports of actual and attempted attacks by pirates and armed robbers are promulgated via the Global Integrated Shipping Information System (GISIS) ( According to data received by the Organization up until 5 September 206, a reduction of about 35% of piracy and armed robbery related incidents at the global level compared to 205 had been observed. However, an increase in incidents of 96% had been seen in west Africa and commercial ships remained a target of Somali pirates. Merchant shipping should continue to take protective measures against possible piracy attacks in the Gulf of Aden and the western Indian Ocean through diligent application of IMO guidance and Best Management Practices (BMPs). The Committee also noted that the Maritime Trade Information Sharing Centre Gulf of Guinea (MTISC-GoG) had concluded its successful trial in June 206 and expressed its appreciation to OCIMF for conducting the trial, to the Government of Ghana and the Regional Maritime University in Accra for hosting it and to the States and industry bodies that supported it. In this context, the Committee further noted that a new "Maritime Domain Awareness for Trade - Gulf of Guinea" (or MDAT-GoG), established by the Governments of France and the United Kingdom, went live on 20 June 206 from centers in Brest, France, and Portsmouth, England (Circular Letter No.3684 refers). The aim of the MDAT-GoG is to contribute to maritime security and safety in the Gulf of Guinea and help to protect regional and intercontinental trade. In view of the above developments, the Committee noted that implementation of the decision to expand the use of the LRIT Information Distribution Facility to the Gulf of Guinea (MSC 96/25, paragraph 7.3) would be postponed pending further consultations with Member States in the region over the future of the MTISC-GoG project. The Committee noted that the Extraordinary Summit of the African Union held in Lomé, Togo, on 5 October 206, adopted the African Charter on Maritime Safety, Security and African Development. The Charter aims to solidify Africa's commitment to an efficient and effective management of its oceans, seas and waterways so as to ensure sustainable, equitable and beneficial exploration of these critical resources. The Committee urged Member States to provide information related to National points of contact for communication of information on piracy and armed robbery, as well as information on piracy and armed robbery incidents, using the reporting form set out in appendix 5 of MSC./Circ.333/Rev.. The Committee noted with appreciation the information contained in document MSC 97/INF.7 (ReCAAP-ISC) providing an update on the activities carried out by the ReCAAP- ISC and the situation of piracy and armed robbery against ships in Asia for the first part of 206, including an additional oral update on recent events from the ReCAAP-ISC.] 2.4. Unsafe mixed migration by sea (Agenda Item 5) The Committee recalled that following consideration of the outcome of FAL 40, MSC 96 had approved MSC./Circ.896/Rev.2 on Interim measures for combating unsafe practices associated with the trafficking, smuggling or transport of migrants by sea. MSC 96 instructed the Secretariat to provide to MSC 97 information on any reported cases received from Member States. 3

14 Taking into account that the humanitarian crisis in the Mediterranean region was far from being resolved, the Committee invited Member States and international organizations to submit documents to the next session, and encouraged Member States to report the incidents with the information included in the appendix of MSC./Circ.896/Rev.2 via the facilitation module in GISIS. The Secretary-General reiterated his sincere appreciation to Member States that had been contributing to the rescue of migrants at sea using naval, military and intelligence services Implementation of Instruments and related matters (Agenda Item 6) The Committee discussed and considered some following matters: - Matters relating to the issue of Certificates of Fitness under the IBC, BCH, GC, IGC and EGC Codes; - Clarification on suitable means for the calibration of portable atmosphere testing instruments as referred to in SOLAS regulation XI-/7; - Clarifications on the requirements related to the initial and maintenance surveys required by the Polar Code; and - Records of the development of amendments to the 974 SOLAS Convention and related mandatory instruments Relations with other organizations (Agenda Item 7) MSC 97 noted the report presented by Secretariat on the relations of IMO with other Organizations as follows: - Relations with non-governmental organizations: The Committee noted the information in document MSC 97/7 (Secretariat), reporting on decisions of C 6 concerning relations with non-governmental organizations, applications for consultative status and related matters; and - Outcome of the third session of the Joint FAO/IMO Ad Hoc Working Group on Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing and Related Matters 2.7. Application of the Committee s Guidelines (Agenda Item 8) The Committee discussed and finally approved the following issues: - Draft revised of the Rules of Procedure of both MSC and MEPC submitted by both Chairs of those Committees; and - Draft amendments to the Committees Guidelines: Outcome of MEPC 70, Proposals for new timeline relating to deadlines for submission and consequential posting of documents onto IMODOCS, and Consideration of Sub-Committee reports in an Assembly year Work programme (Agenda Item 9) There are many various new work programmes proposed and submitted by Member States, MSC and its Sub-Committees, NGO and other organizations, summarized as follows: - Development of international regulatory framework for Floating Armouries proposed by MSC97 and the Committee invited Member States and international organizations to submit documents to MSC98, under the current agenda item on Piracy and armed robbery against ships ; - Biennial status report of the Sub-Committee on Carriage of Cargoes and Containers and provisional agenda for CCC4; 4

15 - Fire safety on ro-ro spaces and special category spaces of ro-ro passenger ships submitted by Sub-Committee on Human Element, Training and Watchkeeping (HTW); - Amendments to the Code for Recognized Organizations (RO Code) submitted by Sub-Committee on Implementation of IMO Instruments (III); - Review and amend the Model agreement for the authorization of recognized organization acting on behalf of the Administration submitted by Sub-Committee on Implementation of IMO Instruments (III); - Performance standards for shipborne combined GPS/GLONASS/BDS receiver equipment submitted by Sub-Committee on Navigation, Communications and Search & Rescue (NCSR); - Revision of resolutions A.87(9) and MSC.232(82) to provide for an additional connection of ECDIS with communication equipment submitted by NCSR; - Amendment of COLREGS to implement a night signal to be displayed by vessels crossing IMO adopted traffic separation schemes submitted by NCSR; - Revised SOLAS regulation II-/3-8 and associated guidelines (MSC/Circ.75) and new guidelines for safe mooring operation for all ships, submitted by Sub- Committee on Ship Design and Construction (SCD); - New requirements on power ventilation systems for totally enclosed lifeboats, submitted by Sub-Committee on Ship Systems and Equipment (SSE); - Proposals for the High-level action plan and priorities for the Biennium, submitted by the Committee; - Substantive items for inclusion in the Committee s agendas for the next two sessions and proposed arrangements for MSC98 and MSC99, submitted by the Committee; and - Duration and dates of the next two sessions: MSC98 (7-6 Jun 207) and MSC99 (tentatively in May 208) Election of Chair and Vice-Chair for 207 (Agenda Item 20) The Committee unanimously re-elected Mr. Bradley George Groves, General Manager of Navigation Safety & International Relations of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), as Chairman of the Committee and Mr. Juan Carlos Cubisino, Principal of the Prefectura Naval Argentina, as Vice Chairman, both for Any other business (agenda item 2) The Committee considered some following matters: - Proposed amendments to SOLAS Form E, part 3, item 3. and Forms C and P, part 5, item 3. include multi-system shipborne radio navigation receivers; - Unified interpretations of SOLAS chapters II- and XII, of the Technical provisions for means of access for inspections (resolution MSC.58(78) and of the Performance standards for water level detectors on bulk carriers and single hold cargo ships other than bulk carriers (resolution MSC.88(79)); - Some matters related to the Polar Code: Additional performance and/or test standards in support of the implementation of the Polar Code and Non-SOLAS ships operating in polar water; - Prohibiting the use of asbestos on board ships; 5

16 - Marine evacuation system; - Updated information on ratification of the 202 Cape Town Agreement; - Training and Experience of Key DP Personnel; - Approval of the battery installation on a hybrid ro-ro passenger ship; - Safe and efficient evacuation of cruise ships; - Integrated on-board monitoring system for safe and efficient ship operation; and - Global integrated shipping information system (GISIS). 3. Conclusion The MSC 97 was successfully organized at the IMO Headquarter in London, UK with its very tight and busy agendas. All the delegates including two representatives of the International Association of Maritime Universities (IAMU) who were participated in the MSC 97 session have contributed their excellent ideas and opinions to various matters. We do believe the above briefing summaries of the IMO MSC 97 would be relevant to the work of the International Association of Maritime Universities (IAMU) and may be considered as a reference for all members of the Association in the task of education, training and research. Respectfully submitted, Dr. Pham Xuan Duong, PhD. Vice President, Vietnam Maritime University phxduong@vimaru.edu.vn Prof. Mykhaylo Miyusov Rector National University Odessa Maritime Academy rector@onma.edu.ua 6