Outcomes from IMO Assembly 33rd Session

C23080 | 19 December 2023

Notice to: Ship Owners / Managers/ Operators / Surveyors/ Auditors

This circular is issued to advise that the 33rd Session of the IMO Assembly took place from 27 November to 06 December 2023. Several Resolutions were adopted, notably:

• The “Procedures for Port State Control” has been revised and will come into force on 01 January 2024. The procedures have been updated to include amendments to IMO instruments.
• The “Survey Guidelines under the Harmonized System of Survey and Certification (HSSC)” has been revised to include amendments to relevant mandatory instruments and SOLAS. The new Resolution will apply from 01 January 2024.
• There are new requirements under the “IMO Instruments Implementation Code”, including outcomes from recent MEPC and MSC Sessions, entering into force up to 01 July 2024. The new Resolution will enter into force on 01 January 2024.
• “Guidelines on places of refuge for ships in need of assistance” is to be revised, to provide a clear framework and robust operational processes to enable quick decision-making.

Several GMDSS-related Resolutions will be revoked or superseded from 01 January 2024 as they are rendered obsolete by amendments to SOLAS.

A Resolution was adopted urging Member States and all relevant stakeholders to promote actions to prevent illegal operations by the ‘dark fleet’.

Act now

All Ship Owners / Managers / Operators / Surveyors / Auditors should take note of the above and be guided accordingly.