IMO's Resolution MSC.531(107): Strengthening measures for ensuring the safety of international shipping

The International Maritime Organization has issued Resolution MSC.531(107), Strengthening Measures for Ensuring the Safety of International Shipping.

The Resolution was adopted on 8 June 2023.

The Maritime Safety Committee,

Recalling that the purposes of the Organization are to encourage and facilitate the general adoption of the highest practicable standards in matters concerning maritime safety, efficiency of navigation and to deal with administrative and legal matters related to the purposes.

Recalling that the Committee shall consider any matter within the scope of the Organization concerned with maritime safety procedures and requirements, hydrographic information and any other matters directly affecting maritime safety.

Noting that the Council at the 128th session strongly condemned the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) for its recent missile launches without proper prior notification, aside from the incompatibility of ballistic missile launches with the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions, which seriously threatened the safety of international shipping.

Noting that the Council at the 128th session urgently called upon the DPRK to comply strictly with SOLAS regulation V/4, the recommendations contained in resolution A.706(17), as amended, on World-Wide Navigational Warning Service (in particular, paragraph 4.2.1.3.13 of annex 1 thereto) and relevant circulars, and cease unlawful and unannounced ballistic missile launches across international shipping lanes.

Considering the invitation from the Council to consider possible measures to be taken to address the issue of missiles launches without proper prior notification by the DPRK and inform the Council of any action taken, including recommendations and guidelines, as appropriate, for consideration at its 129th session.

1. STRONGLY CONDEMNS the DPRK for its missile launches without proper prior notification, aside from the incompatibility of ballistic missile launches with the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions, which seriously threatened the safety of seafarers and international shipping.
2. URGENTLY CALLS upon the DPRK to comply strictly with SOLAS regulation V/4, the recommendations contained in resolution A.706(17), as amended, on World-Wide Navigational Warning Service (in particular, paragraph 4.2.1.3.13 of annex 1 thereto) and relevant circulars, that Member States should provide prior notification via transmission as NAVAREA warning.
3. URGENTLY CALLS upon the DPRK to cease unlawful and unannounced ballistic missile launches across international shipping lanes.
4. REQUESTS the Secretary-General to take appropriate and practicable actions to establish close and cooperative relationships with relevant other international organizations including the International Civil Aviation Organization, which face the common serious challenges posed by the afore-said DPRK missile launches endangering the safety of international transport, and to report an update to Member States and relevant maritime stakeholders.

For more information, please see the document below (available only to subscribers):

Strengthening Measures for Ensuring the Safety of International Shipping