RS participates in the 10th session of the Sub-Committee on Implementation of IMO Instruments

The session covered a wide range of topics, including:

• the development of interim Guidance to assist competent authorities in the implementation of the Cape Town Agreement of 2012 (CTA);
• improvements to the harmonized system of survey and certification;
• remote vessel surveys and inspections under the ISM and ISPS Codes.

The Sub-Committee finalized the development of an interim guidance to assist competent authorities in the implementation of the CTA. The document further clarifies the provisions of the CTA and provides detailed recommendations to States regarding the survey and certification of fishing vessels, the application of technical requirements and port state control inspections. The document will be submitted to the upcoming 109th session of the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC), which is to take place from December 2 to 6, 2024 for further consideration.

During the session, the Survey Guidelines under the Harmonized System of Survey and Certification (HSSC) as well as the non-exhaustive list of obligations under instruments relevant to the IMO Instruments Implementation Code (III Code) underwent further refinement.

In addition, the Sub-Committee discussed the development of Guidance on assessments and applications of remote surveys, ISM Code audits and ISPS Code verifications. The view was expressed that remote verification should be limited to extraordinary circumstances. The session also considered principles of ISM audits for issuing interim documents. It is expected that the document will be finalized by the following session of the Sub-Committee after modifications made during the intersessional period.

Additional information:

Founded in 1913, Russian Maritime Register of Shipping (RS) is a world-renowned classification society that operates within all spheres of the maritime industry. The organization’s main objectives are to enhance the safety standards of human life at sea, ensure the safe navigation of ships and the secure transportation of cargoes by sea and inland waterways, as well as to develop standards for environmental protection.

RS reviews technical documentation, surveys ships under construction and in service, issues documents and certificates for vessels, offshore facilities, ship machinery, equipment and devices; conducts measurements of ships and floating facilities; carries out surveys to ensure compliance with international conventions; recognizes and certifies industrial products and manufacturers, certifies quality management systems for compliance with international and national standards. RS surveys all container types, including tank containers and offshore containers, confirms compliance of packaging for dangerous goods, as well as renders services on the declaration and certification of dangerous goods and bulk cargoes.