IMO MSC 92nd Session

At the session, which took place in London from 1 to 21 June 2013, the Committee adopted amendments to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS).

The adopted amendments require musters of newly embarked passengers prior to or immediately upon departure, instead of within 24 hours, as stated in the current regulations. The amendments are expected to enter into force on 1 January 2015.

Another major issue that was up for discussion was the update of interim measures for passenger ships in wake of Costa Concordia recommendations.

The Committee approved new recommendations relating to harmonisation of bridge navigational procedures, securing heavy objects, stowage of lifejackets; extending the use of video for passenger emergency instruction notices; and following voyage planning guidance in the case of any deviation.

The MSC also expressed concerns over piracy and armed robbery off west and central Africa and adopted amendments to SOLAS on emergency training drills and to make mandatory the code for recognised organisations.

Other amendments include the Protocol of 1988 relating to the International Convention on Load Lines; amendments to the International Convention for Safe Containers (CSC) and to the International Management Code for the Safe Operation of Ships and for Pollution Prevention, among others.