IMO advises that its Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) is to meet at the Organization's London headquarters for its 93rd session, from 14 to 23 May 2014, and a preview of main agenda items follows:
The MSC is expected to adopt amendments to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) related to lifeboat safety; continue its action plan of work on passenger ship safety, following the Costa Concordia incident; review the draft mandatory Polar Code and related draft SOLAS amendments; adopt amendments to SOLAS and other treaties to make mandatory the IMO Member State Audit Scheme; adopt a number of other important amendments; and consider items submitted by the sub-committees.
Lifeboat safety:
SOLAS amendments set to be adopted: the MSC is expected to adopt draft amendments to SOLAS chapter III to make mandatory the requirements for periodic servicing and maintenance of lifeboats and rescue boats, launching appliances and release gear, which are also expected to be adopted at the session. The MSC is also expected to approve a related draft MSC circular on Guidelines on safety during abandon ship drills using lifeboats, providing additional recommendatory provisions.
Passenger ships safety
The MSC is expected to establish a working group to continue its work related to passenger ship safety, stemming from recommendations arising from the Costa Concordia incident. The long-term action plan on passenger ship safety will be reviewed.
Specific issues for consideration include those relating to subdivision and damage stability. The MSC will have for its consideration a number of submissions, including the report of the Experts Group on Formal Safety Assessment.
Draft mandatory Polar Code and SOLAS amendments to be considered
The MSC will be invited to consider, with a view to approval for future adoption, the draft mandatory international code for ships operating in polar waters (Polar Code).
For more detailed information visit: http://www.imo.org
Source: IMO
