60th Anniversary of the FAL Convention

IMO Secretary-General Mr. Arsenio Dominguez opened the special event held during the 49th session of the Facilitation Committee. Attendees reflected on the milestones in the establishment and improvement of the Convention, exchanging ideas and plans for its future development.

The session featured a commemorative video showcasing the history of the Convention, along with interview excerpts from IMO Member State representatives who played a role in shaping its legacy. Among them was Russian representative Mr. Yuri Melenas, who served as Chairman of the Committee from 2013 to 2018.

The agenda of the 49th session of the Facilitation Committee also covered:

• amendments to the FAL Convention on mandatory reporting of passenger and reservation information as well as provisions on key workers during pandemics;
• amendments to the Guidelines for setting up a maritime single window (FAL.5/Circ.42/Rev.3);
• measures to account for Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) in instruments managed by the Committee;
• development of an integrated maritime digitalization strategy;
• revisions to the Guidelines on maritime cyber risk management;
• drafting of the joint FAL-LEG-MEPC-MSC guidelines on electronic certificates.

It is worth noting that the Soviet Union signed the FAL Convention at its establishment on 9 April, 1965, with it taking effect two years later, on 5 March, 1967. The primary goals of the Convention are to minimize delays in maritime traffic, foster cooperation among governments and achieve the highest level of uniformity in formalities and related procedures.