Key Decisions from IMO Bodies Relevant to the SSE 11th Session

Eda Zenic -

The International Maritime Organization has issued a document SSE 11/2 outlining key decisions made by various International Maritime Organization (IMO) bodies that are relevant to the work of the Sub-Committee on Ship Systems and Equipment (SSE) during its 11th session. These decisions provide context and guidance for agenda items to be discussed by the SSE.

Decisions impacting the SSE's work were drawn from several recent IMO sessions. The 11th session of the Sub-Committee on Pollution Prevention and Response (PPR 11) held in February 2024 focused on environmental and pollution-related matters. The 108th session of the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 108) in May 2024 deliberated on maritime safety regulations and guidelines. The 132nd session of the IMO Council (C 132) in July 2024 addressed administrative and procedural issues, while the 10th session of the Sub-Committee on Implementation of IMO Instruments (III 10), also in July 2024, reviewed issues related to the effective implementation of IMO regulations. The 133rd session of the Council (C 133) in November 2024 considered amendments to the organization’s rules and procedures, and the 109th session of the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 109) in December 2024 discussed updates to technical standards and operational safety practices.

The document connects these decisions to specific agenda items for the SSE 11th session. One of the agenda items focuses on standards-related matters, including discussions on the validity of standards such as EN 54:2001 in the Fire Safety Systems (FSS) Code and revised ISO standards like 18813:2022 in the Life-Saving Appliances (LSA) Code. Another agenda item covers new requirements for ventilation systems in survival craft, drawing on guidance from recent MSC sessions. There is also an agenda item addressing efforts to establish design and prototype testing requirements for operational testing of free-fall lifeboat release systems without requiring actual launches.

The Sub-Committee is tasked with considering revisions to SOLAS Chapter III and the LSA Code, aiming to address lifeboat sling accidents and clarify the application provisions for amendments to the LSA Code. Amendments have also been proposed to require new ships to carry self-righting or canopied reversible liferafts under updated provisions in the LSA Code. Discussions include revisions to the 2010 FTP Code to allow for the inclusion of modern fire protection systems and materials.

Other agenda items involve reviewing unified interpretations of IMO conventions to ensure consistent implementation of provisions under IMO safety, security, and environmental conventions. The Sub-Committee will validate updated model training courses to align with modern maritime standards and discuss enhanced provisions for fire detection and control systems in cargo holds and on cargo decks. The document also highlights discussions about expanding restrictions on fluorinated substances in fire-fighting foams to further reduce environmental impact.

Amendments are being developed to enhance the thermal performance standards for immersion suits. Evaluations are underway to ensure adequate fire protection in ro-ro spaces and special vehicle spaces, especially for ships carrying new energy vehicles. The Sub-Committee will review progress on its outputs and plan the provisional agenda for SSE 12, considering new outputs and terms of reference.

In addition to technical discussions, the document highlights procedural decisions affecting the work of the Sub-Committee. MSC 108 and MSC 109 introduced requirements for Member States submitting new proposals to include an initial assessment of capacity-building implications. These changes aim to streamline the development of new or amended IMO instruments. The Council, through its sessions (C 132 and C 133), approved rules for hybrid meetings to improve accessibility and flexibility in decision-making. Committees, including the SSE, will receive draft amendments to harmonize their respective Rules of Procedure. Revisions to voting procedures were also introduced, with further guidance to be developed for implementation across IMO committees.

The Sub-Committee is invited to review the above information and take appropriate action under the relevant agenda items, ensuring alignment with recent decisions and updates from other IMO bodies. This document provides a structured framework for SSE 11 discussions, addressing both technical standards and procedural improvements to enhance maritime safety and environmental protection.