IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee

Maritime security and seafarer safety, including the human element of seafaring, were the focus of the International Maritime Organization’s Maritime Safety Committee held between 18 and 27 June

As trials of equipment relating to Maritime Autonomous Surface Shipping (MASS) continue to take place, The Nautical Institute worked with the delegations of Mexico and Nigeria to introduce a paper proposing mitigations for any MASS trials that use technological solutions to replace the second bridge lookout during periods of darkness. Our paper received positive support from several delegations, with the Chair noting that there are existing safeguards which will be reviewed, along with our proposals, as the non-mandatory MASS Code is finalised.

One of our fellow organisations in consultative status, the Oil Companies International Maritime Forum (OCIMF) formally informed the Committee of the release of their new edition of ‘Best Management Practices - Maritime Security’. This superb guide sets out in a single volume a threat and risk mitigation process for state and non-state maritime security threats ranging from piracy to hijack, or even cargo theft. The Committee agreed to update MSC Circular 1601 to reflect the release of this valuable publication. It is available for free download here.

The Nautical Institute was a co-sponsor of a proposal to the Committee to conduct a review of seafarers’ hours of work and rest. This proposal was linked to a previous proposal for a holistic review of the principles that underpin safe manning documents. We are delighted that this proposal was passed to the Human Element, Training and Watchkeeping sub-Committee to review as part of their scoping exercise and enhancement of the effectiveness of provisions on fatigue and seafarers' hours of work and rest, to take place over the next two years.

The Nautical Institute was represented by Captains Chris O’Flaherty AFNI, Ian Clarke AFNI, Aly ElSayed AFNI, Moin Ahmed FNI, and Ms Emma Petruccelli MNI.  With over 30 formal changes to mandatory instruments, IMO guidance documents and circulars agreed at this Committee, a more comprehensive report will be published in our Journal, Seaways.