Refers to: Ship-owners, Operators, Masters and Managers of PHRS certified vessels
Action Date: Immediate
This newsletter provides a concise overview of the 110th session of the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 110), held from 18 to 27 June 2025. Key outcomes included the adoption of SOLAS amendments to enhance the safety of pilot and personnel transfer arrangements, as well as substantial progress on the development of a non-mandatory Code of Safety for Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS Code). The Committee also completed a review of regulatory safety barriers related to alternative fuels and new technologies, initiating measures to address these challenges in support of greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction from a safety standpoint.
Meeting highlights
- Adopted amendments to SOLAS Chapter V and the associated new Performance Standards to improve pilot transfer safety
- Approved draft amendments to the 2011 ESP Code to include remote inspection techniques (RITs) for close-up surveys
- Approved a 2025 Code on Alerts and Indicators
- Approved a revision of Resolution A.1050(27) “Revised Recommendations for Entering Enclosed Spaces Aboard Ships”
- Approved guidelines to support the introduction of emergency towing requirements on ships other than tankers
- Approved generic interim guidelines on training for seafarers on ships using alternative fuels and new technologies
- Agreed on draft amendments to SOLAS Chapter II-1 to clarify the IGF Code application to all gaseous fuels, regardless of flashpoint
- Initiated measures to address identified regulatory barriers that may prevent the use of alternative fuels and new technologies, including updating the Code of Safety of Nuclear Merchant Ships
- Progressed the non-mandatory Code of Safety for Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS Code)
- Invited PSC authorities to adopt a pragmatic approach to the inspection of escape arrangements from machinery spaces while the Committee reviews the clarity of the current regulations
Amendments to mandatory instruments
- SOLAS Chapter V – safety of pilot transfer arrangements MSC 110 adopted amendments to SOLAS Regulation V/23 and the associated new Performance Standards for pilot transfer arrangements to ensure safe arrangements for pilots and other personnel embarking and disembarking ships in all conditions of draught and trim.
- Pilot transfer arrangements installed on or after 1 January 2028 shall be designed, manufactured, constructed, secured and installed in accordance with the new Performance Standards on or after 1 January 2028.
- Pilot transfer arrangements on SOLAS ships installed before 1 January 2028 shall be designed, manufactured, constructed, secured and installed with the new Performance Standards no later than the first survey on or after 1 January 2029.
- The requirements of the new Performance Standards for the inspection, stowage, maintenance, replacement and familiarization of all pilot transfer arrangements will enter into force on 1 January 2028, regardless of the installation date.
MSC 110 also approved an MSC circular on voluntary early implementation of the amendments to SOLAS Regulation V/23.
The following related instruments were approved:
- Amendments to the Code of Safety for Special Purpose Ships (2008 SPS Code)
- Amendments to the Code of Safety for Fishermen and Fishing Vessels, 2005
- A new MSC circular on “Required Pilot Transfer Arrangements for Pilots and Other Personnel”, revoking the illustrative guidance in MSC.1/Circ.1428 on “Pilot Transfer Arrangements – Required Boarding Arrangements or Pilots”.
The assembly will be invited to revoke Resolutions A.1045 (27) and A.1108(29) from 1 April 2030 as a consequence of the new Performance Standards.
SOLAS Chapter II-2 – correction of references
MSC 110 adopted amendments to two references in SOLAS Regulation II-2/11 to refer to the correct fire integrity tables in SOLAS Regulation II-2/9. The amendments will enter into force on 1 January 2028.
High Speed Craft Codes – life jackets
MSC 110 adopted amendments to Paragraph 8.3.5 of Annex 1 of the 1994 and 2000 High Speed Craft (HSC) Codes to harmonize the life jacket carriage requirements in the codes with the corresponding requirements in SOLAS Chapter III with respect to the number of infant life jackets and accessories to adult life jackets to accommodate large persons. The amendments will enter into force on 1 January 2028.
IMSBC Code – ships carrying solid bulk cargo
MSC 110 adopted amendments to the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes (IMSBC) Code. The amendments include:
See more https://www.phrs.gr/en/company/introduction
