Previous amendments to the SOLAS Convention regarding maritime security measures have been advised in earlier ClassNK Technical Information Nos. TEC-0497, 0504 and 0505. The latest developments, agreed during the seventy-seventh session of the IMO's Maritime Safety Committee are introduced hereunder.

1. Format of the Continuous Synopsis Record (CSR)

With regard to how to update information recorded by the CSR, two methods were considered. The first was to revise the CSR totally, and the second was to issue supplementary notes. Forms for CSR covering both methods were prepared however, due to the shortage of time, the forms will be considered further by a correspondence group for adoption by the 23rd Assembly scheduled November 2003. The format may be further modified by the Maritime Safety Committee if necessary.
However, for those Administrations which have already initiated work setting up a format for the CSR, they are encourage to continue their work rather than waiting for the development of the CSR format by the IMO.

2. Training of personnel involved in maritime security matters and other relevant matters concerning seafarers

(1) The outcome of the STW Sub-Committee
The decisions taken by the STW Sub-Committee held in February 2003 were noted as follows:
(I) The course frame work for the training courses for SSO(Ship Security Officer), CSO(Company Security Officer), FPSO(Port Facility Security Officer)
(ii) Terms of reference for course developers
(iii) The United States and India volunteered as course developers
(iv) Establishment of a validation panel
(v) The IMO Secretariat would monitor relevant developments
It was also noted that validation by the ILO was also necessary.

(2) In house training of SSO
Noting very limited time available before the coming into force of the Convention, it was agreed that any decision on SSO training would not prevent the company from conducting in-house training of SSO.

(To be continued)