This is a summary report of the decisions and discussions taken at the eighty-first session of the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 81) held on 10 - 19 May 2006.

1. Adoption of Mandatory Instruments
The following amendments adopted at this session. Please be informed that each amendment is mentioned to put as per each estimated date of entry into force in order as follows.

1.1 Estimated date of entry into force: 1 January 2008
(1) Relating amendments to SOLAS Reg. V/19
(i) Amendments to SOLAS reg. V/19-1 - Long-range Identification and Tracking system
(refer to Attachment 1, MSC.202(81))
SOLAS Reg. V/19-1 that prescribed to provide Long-range Identification and Tracking system will be added. This regulation is applied to all ships (cargo ships of 300gross tonnages and upward). Each ship shall be fitted with the system not later than the first survey of the radio installation after 31 December 2008.
(ii) Performance Standards and Functional Requirements (refer to Attachment 2, MSC.210(81))
Performance Standards and Functional Requirements for the Long-range Identification and Tracking of Ships was also adopted with the regulation as mentioned above (1)(i).

(2) Amendments to STCW Convention and the Code (refer to Attachment 3, MSC.203(81))
Amendments to STCW Convention and STCW Code regarding Ship Security Officer (SSO) prescribed International Code for the Security of Ships and of Port Facilities (ISPS Code) were adopted. Although these amendments should enter into force on 1 January 2008, the transitional date of 1 July 2009 will be allowed for a transitional period of 18 months after the entry into force of these amendments.

(3) Amendments to IMDG Code (refer to Attachment 4, MSC.205(81))
Amendments to IMDG Code in accordance with the periodicity reviewing and amendments to the UN Model Regulations were adopted.
(To be continued)