A summary of the decisions taken at the ninetieth session of the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 90) held from 16 to 25 May 2012 is presented hereunder for your information.

1. Adopted mandatory requirements
The main mandatory requirements adopted at the session are as follows.
(1) Amendments to SOLAS II-1/8-1 (see Attachment 1)
Amendments to SOLAS II-1/8-1 were adopted, in which new passenger ships with a length of 120 m or more, or having three or more main vertical zones are required to install a stability computer or to have access to shore-based support for the purpose of providing necessary operational information to the Master to achieve the safe return to port in case of flooding.

Application:
- new passenger ships keel laid on or after 1 January 2014

(2) Amendments to SOLAS III/20 (see Attachment 1)
Amendments to SOLAS III/20 were adopted, in which a simulated launching is accepted as a substitute for regular operational testing of free-fall lifeboats (free-fall testing), which are operated after an over-hauling (at least once every five years). An MSC Circular has since been issued to promote the early implementation of this amendment. (see Attachment 2)

Application:
- on or after 1 January 2014

(3) Amendments to SOLAS V/14 (see Attachment 1)
Amendments to SOLAS V/14 were adopted, in which the Administration is required to establish appropriate minimum safe manning levels following a transparent procedure, taking into account the guidelines adopted as Resolution A. 1047(27) in view of securing the effectiveness of Principles of Safe Manning.

Application:
- on or after 1 January 2014

(To be continued)