The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is intensifying efforts to enhance the safe management and operation of ships globally, with a renewed emphasis on seafarer welfare, including work/rest hours, fatigue, and prevention of violence and harassment on board.
During its 110th session held in London recently, the IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) prioritized the comprehensive revision of guidelines for implementing the International Safety Management (ISM) Code, the global standard for ship safety and pollution prevention.
The Committee agreed to update these guidelines to close gaps identified in the Code’s application and to strengthen enforcement through port State control measures.
A key focus of the revision is addressing violence and harassment at sea, including sexual harassment, bullying, and assault. The updated guidelines will require shipping companies and administrations to integrate policies into safety management systems for prevention, reporting, and victim support, alongside clear responsibilities for senior management and adequate resources for response and training.
The MSC also tackled seafarer fatigue by initiating a review of legal instruments governing hours of work and rest, aiming to balance workload and crew levels to protect seafarers’ health and safety. This work will continue through 2027, involving collaboration between IMO sub-committees, and will consider recommendations from an independent study on the ISM Code’s effectiveness.
Beyond seafarer issues, the Committee made significant progress on other maritime safety fronts, including:
Advancing the draft non-mandatory Code for Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS), with 24 of 25 chapters finalized.
Developing safety regulations for ships using alternative fuels to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, including reviewing the Nuclear Code.
Enhancing maritime security through improved information-sharing resolutions.
Endorsing the creation of a non-mandatory cybersecurity Code to address emerging cyber risks in shipping.
Adopting amendments to SOLAS to improve pilot transfer arrangements with mandatory performance standards.
IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez underscored the urgency of proactive safety regulation amid evolving technologies and recent maritime incidents, highlighting the IMO’s commitment to safeguarding both seafarers and the environment.
This session reflects the IMO’s ongoing dedication to uniting the shipping industry around safety, security, and seafarer well-being as foundational pillars for sustainable maritime transport worldwide. A detailed summary of the MSC 110 outcomes will be released in due course.
