The 111th session of the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 111) was held from 13 to 22 May 2026. Since the minutes, resolutions and circulars of the meeting were recently released from the IMO, a summary of the decisions taken at MSC 111 is provided below for your information.

1. Adopted mandatory requirements
Mandatory requirements adopted at MSC 111 were as follows:
(1) Amendments to SOLAS Chapters IV and V, and HSC Code
Amendments to SOLAS Chapter IV and V, and HSC Code to allow the VHF Data Exchange System (VDES), which has function of VHF data exchange in addition to Automatic Identification System (AIS), to install ships as an alternative to AIS. In addition, the performance standards for shipborne VDES were adopted.
Furthermore, amendments to regulation 18 of SOLAS chapter V extend the annual testing requirements previously applicable to AIS to both AIS and VDES.

Applied: on or after 1 January 2028.

(2) Amendments to 2011 ESP Code
Amendments to 2011 ESP Code regarding Remote Inspection Technique (RIT). As a result of this amendment, in close-up surveys of the hull structure for ships subject to the ESP Code, the conditions for application of RIT and the associated limitations have been clarified. The use of RIT for surveys after the third renewal survey is subject to the agreement of the Flag Administration.
In addition, the guidelines on the use of RIT for ESP Code surveys were also approved (see 3.2(1)).

Applied: on or after 1 January 2028.

(3) Amendments to IP Code
Amendments to Part IV of IP Code to change the assumed mass of each industrial personnel from 75 kg to 90 kg in the ship stability calculation.

Applied: ships that fall under the following:
1. for which the building contract is placed on or after 1 January 2028;
2. in the absence of a building contract, the keels of which are laid or which are at a similar stage of construction on or after 1 July 2028; or
3. the delivery of which is on or after 1 January 2032.

(To be continued)