IMO: Revised Joint IMO/IHO/WMO Manual on Maritime Safety Information

Eda Zenic -

The International Maritime Organization issued circular MSC.1/Circ.1310/Rev.2 introducing the revised Joint IMO/IHO/WMO Manual on Maritime Safety Information.

This circular, dated 24 June 2024, follows approval at the Maritime Safety Committee's 108th session (15 to 24 May 2024).

The manual was prepared collaboratively by the World Meteorological Organization and the International Hydrographic Organization and endorsed by the Sub-Committee on Navigation, Communications and Search and Rescue (NCSR) during its tenth session (10 to 19 May 2023).

Acknowledging the manual's comprehensive guidance on the structure and content of navigational warnings, meteorological warnings, and forecasts, the Committee emphasized the importance of uniformity. To achieve this, examples of messages from the manual will be provided exclusively in English within circulars and publications issued in Spanish and French languages.

The revised manual, detailed in the annex of the circular, is scheduled for implementation starting 1 January 2025.

Member States are encouraged to promote widespread adoption of the Joint IMO/IHO/WMO Manual on Maritime Safety Information among mariners and stakeholders involved in issuing navigational warnings and meteorological forecasts.