The 103rd session of the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 103) was held from 5 to 14 May 2021 as a web conference due to the pandemic of COVID-19. Since the minutes, resolutions and circulars of the meeting were recently released from the IMO, a summary of the decisions taken at MSC 103 is provided as below for your information.

1. Adopted mandatory requirements
Mandatory requirements were adopted at MSC 103 as follows:

(1) Water level detectors on multiple hold cargo ships (See attachment 1)
Amendments to SOLAS regulation II-I/25-1 were adopted to require water level detectors on multiple hold cargo ships other than bulk carriers and tankers for cargo holds located below the freeboard deck, and intended for dry cargoes.

Applied: on or after 1 January 2024

(2) Amendments to SOLAS chapter III, LSA Code and resolution MSC.81(70) (See attachment 1, 4, 5)
Amendments to SOLAS regulation III/33, paragraph 4.4.1.3 of LSA Code and the "Revised recommendation on testing of life-saving appliances" (resolution MSC.81(70), as amended) were adopted, to exclude free-fall lifeboats from the scope of application of the requirements to launch lifeboats with the cargo ship of 20,000GT and above making headway at speeds up to 5 knots in calm water. As for early implementation of the amendments to SOLAS chapter III and LSA Code, refer to below item 2. (2).

Applied: on or after 1 January 2024

(3) Amendments to 2011 ESP Code (See attachment 2)
Amendments to 2011 ESP Code, which replace the provision of thickness measurements at the first renewal survey of double hull oil tankers, were adopted.

Applied: on or after 1 January 2023

(To be continued)