Maritime Safety Committee - 110th session (MSC 110), 18-27 June 2025

The Maritime Safety Committee met for its 110th session at IMO Headquarters in London (in-person with hybrid participation) from 18-27 June 2025. The meeting was chaired by Mrs. Mayte Medina of the United States, supported by Vice-Chair, Capt. Theofilos Mozas of Greece.

MSC 110 highlights

1. Amendments to mandatory instruments

  • SOLAS chapters II-2 and V

  • IMSBC Code

  • 1994 HSC Code

  • 2000 HSC Code

2. Progress with developing non-mandatory Code for autonomous ships

3. Development of a GHG safety regulatory framework  

  • Alternative fuels on gas carriers - "one ship one code"

  • Allocation of tasks to relevant Sub-Committees, including future revision of the Nuclear Code

4. Seafarer matters related to the International Safety Management Code

  • Violence and harassment on ships

  • Hours of work and rest

5. Cyber risk management – proposals invited for a new output

6. Using maritime information-sharing centres to enhance maritime security

7. Piracy and armed robbery against ships

8. Reports of Sub-Committees – various provisions adopted/approved

  1. Amendments to mandatory instruments

Enhancing safety of pilot transfer arrangements

Marine pilots, as part of their job, routinely face high-risk transfers between moving ships and small boats, often in challenging conditions. Inadequate safety measures or boarding arrangements can lead to serious injuries or fatalities.

To address these issues, the Maritime Safety Committee adopted amendments to chapter V, regulation 23 of the International Convention on Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and the SOLAS Appendix to improve the safety of pilot transfer arrangements, introducing key measures that will enter into force on 1 January 2028 and apply globally across the industry.     

The amendments introduce new mandatory performance standards for pilot transfer equipment and arrangements, which were also adopted at this session. These include mandatory standards for the design, manufacture, construction and installation of relevant equipment, along with requirements for inspection, stowage, maintenance, replacement, and familiarization of all pilot transfer arrangements.

The amendments forbid the use of mechanical pilot hoists and require adequate lighting for all pilot transfer areas and deck embarkation points. Pilots (or any person) are urged to inform the master about non-compliant transfer arrangements and refuse to use them until they are made compliant.

Associated guidance and consequential amendments

The Committee approved the following associated non-mandatory guidance:

  • MSC circular on Required pilot transfer arrangements for pilots and other personnel;

  • MSC circular on Voluntary early implementation of the amendment to SOLAS regulation V/23 on pilot transfer arrangements

Consequential amendments were approved/adopted for the following provisions, also effective from 1 January 2028:

  • annex 1 of the 1994 and 2000 High-Speed Craft Codes, adding pilot ladders and manropes to the Record of Equipment for High-Speed Craft Safety Certificate;

  • the 2008 Code of Safety for Special Purpose Ships (SPS Code), updating forms for the Record of Equipment for certificates; and

  • the 2005 Code of Safety for Fishermen and Fishing Vessels.

Amendments to the IMSBC Code adopted

The Committee adopted amendments to the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes (IMSBC) Code, with the entry into force date of 1 January 2027, with voluntary application from 1 January 2026.

The amendments (08-25) introduce a number of technical updates to the IMSBC Code, including the revision of 11 existing individual cargo schedules and the addition of 11 new ones, covering both hazardous and non-hazardous bulk cargoes

This includes amendments to the following existing individual schedules of solid bulk cargoes:

  • ALUMINIUM FERROSILICON POWDER UN 1395
  • ALUMINIUM SILICON POWDER, UNCOATED UN 1398
  • ALUMINIUM SMELTING BY-PRODUCTS or ALUMINIUM REMELTING BY-PRODUCTS UN 3170
  • CASTOR BEANS or CASTOR MEAL or CASTOR POMACE or CASTOR FLAKE UN 2969
  • DIRECT REDUCED IRON (A), Briquettes, hot-moulded
  • DIRECT REDUCED IRON (B), Lumps, pellets, cold-moulded briquettes
  • FERROSILICON UN 1408 with 30% or more but less than 90% silicon (including briquettes)
  • FERROSILICON with at least 25% but less than 30% silicon, or 90% or more silicon
  • FERROUS METAL BORINGS, SHAVINGS, TURNINGS or CUTTINGS UN 2793 in a form liable to self-heating
  • FISH MEAL (FISH SCRAP), STABILIZED Anti-oxidant treated
  • IRON ORE PELLETS

The following new individual schedules were added to the Code:

  • ALUMINIUM SULPHATE GRANULAR
  • APATITE CONCENTRATE
  • ASPHALT GRANULATES
  • CRUSHED GRANODIORITE, COARSE
  • FERRIC SULPHATE GRANULAR
  • FISH MEAL (FISH SCRAP), STABILIZED
  • IRON ORE BRIQUETTES
  • PEA PROTEIN CONCENTRATE PELLETS
  • PHOSPHATE ROCK FINES (uncalcined)
  • TUFF, COARSE
  • ZINC SLAG (coarse)

Amendments were also adopted in relation to the following:

  • Appendix 3 of the IMSBC Code on Properties of solid bulk cargoes
  • Appendix 4 on the Index, and
  • Appendix 5 on Bulk cargo shipping names in three languages (English, Spanish and French).

In conjunction with the above-mentioned amendments, the Committee approved circulars on the following:

  • MSC.1/Circ.1266/Rev.1 on Carriage of dangerous goods;
  • MSC.1/Circ.1264/Rev.1 on Recommendations on the safe use of pesticides in ships applicable to the fumigation of cargo holds;
  • MSC.1/Circ.1358/Rev.1 on Recommendations on the safe use of pesticides in ships; and
  • MSC.1/Circ.1395/Rev.7 on Lists of solid bulk cargoes for which a fixed gas fire-extinguishing system may be exempted or for which a fixed gas fire extinguishing system is ineffective.

Application of the IGF Code to ships using gas as fuel

The Committee considered amendments to SOLAS chapter II-1 to clarify the application of the International Code of Safety for Ships Using Gases or Other Low-flashpoint Fuels (IGF Code). The draft revisions to SOLAS chapter II-1 and the IGF Code introduce a new definition for "gaseous fuel", alongside the existing definition of "low-flashpoint fuel", and address gaseous fuels independently.

These amendments will be further considered at MSC 111, for approval at the 111th session of the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 111) and adoption at MSC 112 in 2026, with an intended entry-into-force date of 1 July 2028.

Draft amendments to the IGC Code

The Committee considered a broad set of draft amendments to the International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk (IGC Code).

These amendments have been referred to the Sub-Committee on Carriage of Cargoes and Containers (CCC) for further review, to be submitted with a view to approval to MSC 111 in 2026.

2. Progress with non-mandatory Code for Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) 

The Committee advanced the development of a non-mandatory Code for Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS), aimed at providing a global regulatory framework for the safe, secure, and environmentally sound operation of autonomous ships.

The Committee finalized the following chapters of the draft Code: Chapters 1–3, 6, 11, 14, 16, 17bis, 19, and 21–26. Chapters 4, 5 and 8–10 were also progressed but are subject to further review alongside the remaining Chapter 15 on the Human Element.

Revised roadmap

The Committee agreed to a revised road map for development of the Code, to include the following indicative target dates:

  • MSC 111 (May 2026): Finalization and adoption of the non-mandatory MASS Code

  • MSC 112 (December 2026): Development of a framework for the Experience-Building Phase (EBP)

  • By 1 July 2030: Adoption of the mandatory MASS Code, for entry into force on 1 Jan 2032.

The Committee re-established the MASS Intersessional Working Group, scheduled to meet from 29 September to 3 October 2025, to focus on finalizing Chapter 15 (Human element) together with other relevant chapters, and to report back to MSC 111.

3. Development of a GHG safety regulatory framework - priorities agreed

The Committee continued its work to develop a safety regulatory framework to support the use of new technologies and alternative fuels for reducing GHG emissions from ships.

The Committee considered the report of the Correspondence Group on GHG Safety, which was established at MSC 108. The report analyzed 51 regulatory gaps and barriers in current IMO regulations that could hinder the adoption of alternative fuels and technologies. It presented 32 recommendations to address these issues, some of which are already being implemented.

The Committee updated the list of regulatory gaps and endorsed detailed recommendations to address them. Specific tasks were assigned to the following sub-committees:

  • Sub-Committee on Carriage of Cargoes and Containers (CCC)
  • Sub-Committee on Ship Design and Construction (SDC)
  • Sub-Committee on Ship Systems and Equipment (SSE)

In addition, the Committee agreed to inform the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) of identified gaps concerning Hydrothermal Liquefaction (HTL) fuel, Pyrolysis fuel, Fischer-Tropsch (FT) diesel, and Ammonia, under the scope of "ISO/TC 8 on Ships and Marine Technology".

Alternative fuels on gas carriers - "one ship, one code" policy

The Committee discussed how to clarify the regulatory framework for gas carriers using alternative fuels, particularly whether the IGF Code or IGC Code should apply.

Following extensive discussion on a potential "one ship, one code" approach, the Committee agreed:

  • Gas carriers using products listed in chapter 19 of the IGC Code, as fuel, would be subject to the IGC Code requirements;
  • Gas carriers using gaseous or low-flashpoint fuels other than products listed in chapter 19 of the IGC Code, as fuel, would be subject simultaneously to relevant parts of the IGF Code and the IGC Code;
  • This dual application of both Codes should be addressed by guidelines to be developed by IMO;
  • The CCC Sub-Committee is expected to develop two sets of guidelines:
    • For products listed in chapter 19 of the IGC Code, used as fuel; and
    • For gaseous or low-flashpoint fuels other than products listed in chapter 19 of the IGC Code, used as fuel.

Revision of the Code of Safety for Nuclear Merchant Ships

As part of its work to develop a GHG safety regulatory framework, the Committee tasked the SDC Sub-Committee with revising the Code of Safety for Nuclear Merchant Ships (Nuclear Code), originally adopted in 1981, to reflect advancements in nuclear technology.

The revision will be technology-agnostic, adopting a goal-based and/or prescriptive approach as deemed appropriate, and taking into account relevant International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) standards.

The SDC Sub-Committee will also review and develop amendments to SOLAS chapter VIII to address safety aspects of nuclear-powered ships.

Additionally, regulating the safety of non-self-propelled Floating Nuclear Power Units (FNPPs) was also discussed and the Committee invited for a relevant new output proposal, noting the potential relevance of FNPPs to supply clean energy to remote areas and critical infrastructure.

4. Seafarer matters related to the International Safety Management Code

The Committee agreed to launch a comprehensive revision of the IMO guidelines on the implementation of the International Safety Management (ISM) Code, for both Administrations and companies.

The revision aims to address gaps in the Code's implementation and will take into account recommendations from an independent study commissioned by the IMO Secretariat on the ISM Code's effectiveness and effective implementation.

This work will be carried out by the Sub-Committee on Implementation of IMO Instruments (III), in association with the Sub-Committee on Human Element, Training and Watchkeeping (HTW), as a new output over three years with completion of the work set for 2028.

Addressing violence and harassment on ships

This revision of the guidelines on the implementation of the ISM Code is also intended to address key recommendations for Administrations and shipping companies related to the prevention of violence and harassment on board ships, including sexual harassment, bullying and sexual assault. These include:

  • incorporating policies into safety management systems to prevent, report, respond to, and document, cases of violence and harassment, including sexual harassment, bullying and sexual assault, with provisions for victim care, protection against retaliation, and clear safety management objectives;
  • ensuring safety management systems compliance with all mandatory regulations, including national laws on violence and harassment, while observing guidance from relevant industry bodies;
  • assigning clear responsibilities to a company's senior management and maritime administrations for addressing reported cases, and providing adequate resources for onboard and shoreside response, including access to medical and mental health support for victims;
  • providing training and familiarization for seafarers and designated shoreside personnel on company policies and their implementation.

These recommendations were developed by the Joint IMO/ILO Tripartite Working Group to Identify and Address Seafarers' Issues and the Human Element (JTWG) at its 2024 meeting.

Hours of work and rest

The Committee agreed to prioritize efforts to address seafarer fatigue by means of a scoping exercise of relevant provisions, such as those concerning hours of work and rest or crewing, aiming to better protect seafarers' well-being.

The HTW Sub-Committee was tasked to coordinate this work, in association with the III Sub-Committee, over 2026–2027. This work will also consider relevant recommendations from the aforementioned ISM Code study, which took a holistic look at regulations related to personnel and resources.

5. Cyber risk management - proposals invited for new output

The Committee agreed that a non-mandatory cybersecurity Code should be developed and invited interested Member States and international organizations to submit proposals for a new output in this regard to MSC 111.

The Committee noted that any cybersecurity requirements should be goal-based and include risk management.

6. Using maritime information-sharing centres to enhance maritime security  

The Committee adopted a resolution on Encouragement of maritime information-sharing through the use of national and regional maritime information-sharing centres to enhance maritime safety and security.

The resolution seeks to address the threat of organized crime by encouraging the sharing of relevant information and data on maritime safety and security, illicit activities in the maritime sector, environmental incidents, and search and rescue situations, via national and regional maritime information-sharing centres.

7. Piracy and armed robbery against ships  

The Committee reviewed the latest update on piracy and armed robbery against ships. Reports for 2024 show a slight global decrease in the number of cases, with 146 incidents recorded (both attempted and actual) compared to 150 in 2023 - a 3% drop.

The most affected areas in 2024 were: Straits of Malacca and Singapore (91 incidents); Indian Ocean (19); West Africa (17); South China Sea (10); Arabian Sea (7); South America (Caribbean) (1) and South America (Atlantic) (1).

Notably, incidents in the Gulf of Guinea (West Africa) fell by 5 compared to 2023 - a reduction of about 23%.

The Committee urged Member States to continue reporting piracy and armed robbery incidents to the Secretariat and to regularly update the Questionnaire on port and coastal State requirements for privately contracted armed security personnel (PCASP) on board ships.

The Committee was informed of the new consolidated version of the Best Management Practices (BMP) for Maritime Security issued in April 2025, which replaces the previous Global BMP, BMP5 and BMP West Africa. The Committee agreed to revise MSC.1/Circ. 1601 on Revised industry counter piracy guidance, to reflect the updated BMP.

8. Reports of Sub-Committees

The Committee considered the reports from the following Sub-Committees and took the following actions:

Sub-Committee on Carriage of Cargoes and Containers (CCC 10)

The Committee adopted a resolution on Revised recommendations for entering enclosed spaces aboard ships. This completes the Committee's work under the output on "Revision of resolution A.1050(27) to ensure the safety of personnel entering enclosed spaces on board ships".

Sub-Committee on navigation, communications and search and rescue (NCSR 12, urgent matters)

Introduction of the VHF Data Exchange System

The Committee approved draft amendments to SOLAS chapter V and its appendix to introduce the VHF Data Exchange System (VDES) as an alternative to the Automatic Identification System (AIS) for shipborne navigation.

These amendments will be submitted with a view to adoption by MSC 111, along with consequential amendments to other instruments.

The Committee approved the following draft MSC resolutions, with a view to adoption at MSC 111:

  • draft MSC resolution on Introduction of VHF data exchange system (VDES) into the IMO regulatory framework
  • draft MSC resolution on Performance standards for shipborne VHF data exchange system (VDES).

Additionally, the Committee agreed on Guidelines for the operational use of shipborne VHF data exchange system (VDES), for approval at MSC 111.

Dissemination of MSI and SAR related information

The Committee approved the following provision, to be submitted to the next MSC session (MSC 111) for adoption:

  • draft amendments to SOLAS regulations IV/5, V/4 and V/5 to clearly state the requirement for dissemination of maritime safety information and SAR-related (search and rescue) information through all operational recognized mobile satellite services.  
  • draft resolution MSC.509(105)/Rev.2 on Provision of Radio Services for the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS), adding additional criteria for the provision of an international enhanced group call service in the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS).  

Sub-Committee on human element, training and watchkeeping (HTW 11)

Comprehensive review of the 1978 STCW Convention and Code

The Committee noted that phase 1 of the comprehensive review of the 1978 STCW Convention and Code (identifying gaps in the STCW Convention and Code) had been completed.

It endorsed a revised road map proposed by the Secretariat for phase 2 (developing amendments to address those gaps) to expedite the completion of the comprehensive review, and instructed the HTW Sub-Committee to organize phase 2 accordingly.

Development of generic interim guidelines on training for seafarers on ships using alternative fuels and new technologies

The Committee approved Generic interim guidelines on training for seafarers on ships using alternative fuels and new technologies (STCW.7/Circ.25) and invited MEPC 84 to note this action.

The Committee noted that several individual sets of fuel/technology-specific interim guidelines were also in development.

In this regard, the Committee noted the results of a study on the identification of specific competences for seafarers on ships using alternative fuels and energy systems that was commissioned by the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA).

The Committee referred the study to the Correspondence Group on Development of Training Provisions for Seafarers on Ships Using Alternative Fuels and New Technologies, established by HTW 11, for its consideration in the ongoing development of the Interim Guidelines.

Revision of the Guidelines for the development, review and validation of model courses

The Committee approved the draft revision of the Guidelines for the development, review and validation of model courses (MSC-MEPC.2/Circ.15/Rev.2), subject to the concurrent approval of MEPC 84.

Resolution on Accessibility of information related to medical provisions in the STCW Convention

The Committee adopted a resolution on Accessibility of information on seafarer medical certificates and medical practitioners recognized for the purpose of conducting seafarer medical examinations. The resolution aims to enable access to key information that would help facilitate the issuance and use of medical certificates for seafarers.  

Secretary-General's report pursuant to STCW regulation I/8

The Committee considered the reports for Canada, Cyprus, Kenya, Latvia, Liberia, Luxembourg and the United Republic of Tanzania, and confirmed that the information provided demonstrated that these STCW Parties continued to give full and complete effect to the provisions of the STCW Convention.

Approval of competent persons

The Committee approved the inclusion of 18 competent persons in the list of competent persons maintained by the Secretary-General, as required by section A-I/7 of the STCW Code.

This list includes qualified experts who serve a key role in assessing and verifying that Member States are complying with the relevant provisions of the STCW Convention and Code. They review information submitted by the Parties to the Convention on how they administer, educate, train and certify seafarers, and assist the Secretary-General in preparing reports for the Committee on how each Party is implementing the Convention. An updated list will be issued as MSC.1/Circ.797/Rev.42.

Sub-Committee on ship design and construction (SDC 11)

Emergency towing arrangements on ships other than tankers – guidelines approved

The Committee approved the circulars on the following items:

  • Interim guidelines for emergency towing arrangements on ships other than tankers (MSC.1/Circ.1691);
  • Revised guidance on shipboard towing and mooring equipment (MSC.1/Circ.1175/Rev.2); and
  • Revised guidelines for owners/operators on preparing emergency towing procedures (MSC.1/Circ.1255/Rev.1).

IP Code – draft amendments approved

The Committee approved the draft amendments to part IV of the International Code of Safety for Ships Carrying Industrial Personne (IP Code) regarding the industrial personnel weight for stability calculations to align the IP Code's calculations for ships certified in accordance with SOLAS and the HSC Codes, ensuring consistent safety standards across all ship types, with a view to adoption at MSC 111.

Use of remote inspection techniques (RIT) - amendments to the 2011 ESP Code approved

The Committee approved draft amendments to the 2011 Enhanced Programme of Inspections (ESP) Code to allow the use of Remote Inspection Techniques (RIT), to be submitted for adoption at MSC 111.

RITs use tools like drones, remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and crawlers to enable quicker, safer and more efficient inspections by allowing surveyors to access hard-to-reach areas and perform tasks such as close-up surveys and ultrasonic thickness measurements.

The Committee also approved:

  • Revised guidance on pressure testing of cargo oil tank boundaries under the master's direction (MSC.1/Circ.1502/Rev.1), aligning these provisions with the 2011 ESP Code
  • Revised guidelines for the construction, maintenance, and inspection of means of embarkation and disembarkation, including safety net rigging on accommodation ladders and gangways (MSC.1/Circ.1331/Rev.1)

Requirement for setting of guard rails on the deck structure

The Committee approved draft amendments to regulation 25 of the 1988 Load Lines Protocol, regarding the requirement for setting of guard rails on deck structures, with a view to adoption at MSC 111.

Review of the 2009 Code on Alerts and Indicators

The Committee concurred with the decision of MEPC 83 and concurrently approved the draft Code on Alerts and Indicators, 2025, inviting A 34 to adopt.

Means of escape

The Committee approved an MSC circular on Escape arrangements from the lower part of machinery spaces (SOLAS regulations II-2/13.4.1 and 13.4.2), as a short-term measure, inviting port State control authorities to take a pragmatic approach during inspections.

As a long-term measure, the Committee agreed to a new output on the review of the relevant provisions in SOLAS with respect to means of escape and tasked SDC 12 accordingly. The output would indicate whether amendments to SOLAS are necessary.

Sub-Committee on Ship Systems and Equipment (SSE 11)

Draft amendments to LSA Code approved - Design and prototype test requirements of free-fall lifeboat release systems for simulated launching

The International Life-Saving Appliance Code (LSA Code) outlines technical requirements for the manufacturing, testing and maintenance of life-saving appliances. The Committee approved draft amendments to chapter IV of the LSA Code, for adoption by MSC 111.

These draft amendments provide design and prototype test requirements for free-fall lifeboat release systems used during simulated launching (without actually launching them into the water), to be applicable to all new free-fall lifeboats (from 1 January 2031). This is to ensure the safety of seafarers and prevent accidents during inspections and safety drills for free-fall lifeboats.  

Consequential amendments to associated instruments: 

In conjunction with the above draft amendments to the LSA Code, the Committee approved draft amendments to the following, with a view to adoption by MSC 111:

  • resolution MSC.81(70) on Revised Recommendation on Testing of Life-Saving Appliances. These amendments are related to specific arrangements for testing the lifeboat release mechanisms.
  • resolution MSC.402(96) on Requirements for maintenance, thorough examination, operational testing, overhaul and repair of lifeboats, launching appliances and release gear. These amendments would require the thorough examination and testing of simulated free-fall lifeboat release systems on board ships to be conducted every year, beginning from 1 January 2031.

The Committee approved consequential draft amendments to the following circulars:

  • MSC.1/Circ.1205/Rev.1 on Revised guidelines for developing operation and maintenance manuals for lifeboat systems;
  • MSC.1/Circ.1529 on Unified Interpretations of paragraph 4.4.7.6 of the LSA Code, as
  • amended by resolution MSC.320(89);
  • MSC.1/Circ.1578 on Guidelines on safety during abandon ship drills using lifeboats; and
  • MSC.1/Circ.1630/Rev.3 on Revised standardized life-saving appliance evaluation and test report forms.

Test procedure and acceptance criteria for lifejacket buoyancy test

The Committee adopted amendments to the Revised recommendation on testing of life-saving appliances (resolution MSC.81(70)), related to the procedure for lifejacket buoyancy test and acceptance criteria.

The Committee approved Revised standardized life-saving appliance evaluation and test report forms (personal life-saving appliances) (MSC.1/Circ.1628/Rev.4), to reflect consequential amendments.

Unified Interpretations

The Committee approved the following Unified Interpretations (UIs):

  • UIs of paragraphs 6.1.1.3 and 6.1.2.2 of the LSA Code, related to the launching of rescue boats (MSC.1/Circ.1693)
  • UIs of SOLAS chapter II-2, and the 1994 and 2000 HSC Codes, relating to fire-extinguishing media containing perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) (MSC.1/Circ.1694)
  • UI of the Fire Safety Systems (FSS) Code, related to acceptable spacings of combined smoke and heat detectors (MSC.1/Circ. 1695)
  • UI of SOLAS regulation II-1/3-13.2.4, related to documentation of load testing and thorough examination for existing non-certified lifting appliances (MSC.1/Circ.1696).
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