At the 102nd session of the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC102), amendments to SOLAS II-1/3-8 and "Revised Guidance on Shipboard Towing and Mooring Equipment" (MSC.1/Circ.1175/Rev.1) were adopted.
Additionally, "Guidelines on the Design of Mooring Arrangements and the Selection of Appropriate Mooring Equipment and Fittings for Safe Mooring" (MSC.1/Circ.1619) and "Guidelines for Inspection and Maintenance of Mooring Equipment Including Lines" (MSC.1/Circ.1620), were approved. These new guidelines are referenced in SOLAS II-1/3-8. The amendments to SOLAS II-1/3-8 will come into force on 1 January 2024. Hence all applicable vessels, regardless of their date of construction, shall comply with the requirements by the effective date, except for certain provisions.
Therefore, shipowners, ship management companies, shipyards and design companies are required to take necessary actions accordingly referring to the following information.

1. Application
The following apply to ships of 500 gross tonnage and above engaged in international voyages.

1.1 New ships (SOLAS II-1/3-8 Para.7 or 8)
These regulations only apply to ships:
- for which the building contract is placed on or after 1 January 2024;
- in the absence of a building contract, the keel of which is laid or which is at a similar stage of construction on or after 1 July 2024; or
- the delivery of which is on or after 1 January 2027.

(1) For new ships of 3,000 gross tonnage and above falling under 1.1 (SOLAS II-1/3-8 Para.7)
Compliance with MSC.1/Circ.1175/Rev.1 and MSC.1/Circ.1619 is required.
(2) For new ships with a gross tonnage less than 3,000 tons (SOLAS II-1/3-8 Para.8)
Compliance with MSC.1/Circ.1175/Rev.1 and, to the extent reasonably practicable, with the requirements of MSC.1/Circ.1619, or compliance with the national standards established by the administration.

1.2 All ships (SOLAS II-1/3-8 Para.9)
All ships (both new and existing ships) are subject to compliance with MSC.1/Circ.1620.

(To be continued)