Sub-Committee on Implementation of IMO Instruments (III 10) - Closing remarks

ADDRESS OF THE SECRETARY-GENERAL AT THE CLOSING OF THE 10TH SESSION OF THE SUB-COMMITTEE ON IMPLEMENTATION OF IMO INSTRUMENTS (III 10), 22 to 26 July 2024

Delivered by IMO Secretary-General Mr. Arsenio Dominguez on 26 July 2024

Mr. Vice-Chair, distinguished delegates,

I wish to express my concern about the fishing vessel FV ARGOS GEORGIA which sank on 23 July 2024 due to uncontrolled flooding off the east of Stanley in the Falkland Islands. Out of the 27 crew members, 14 have been rescued, four remain missing, and nine are confirmed deceased.

I am also sad to inform you of the two vessels that capsized and three others involved in incidents related to Typhoon Gaemi on 25 July 2024. 

The oil tanker MT TERRANOVA encountered heavy weather off the Philippines on the early morning of 25 July 2024 causing ropes to become entangled with the vessel’s propellers. While being towed from Caballo Island to Bataan, the vessel suffered water ingress, listed, and eventually sank. Sixteen of the 17 crew members were rescued, with one confirmed deceased. I wish to commend the efforts of the Philippine authorities for the search and rescue efforts. 

I would like to convey my heartfelt condolences to all the families and friends of the deceased crew members.

The cargoship FU SHUN capsized with nine crew members onboard whereby four remain unaccounted for. Further details of the incident are yet to be reported. 

Three other vessels also ran aground during the storm. The bulk cement carrier IRIANA; all 20 crew members were safe and there was no risk of an oil leak.

Similarly, the containership, AS SOPHIA, and the vessel BASIA also ran aground. All crew members were reported safe.

Extreme weather conditions should encourage all parties to exercise the utmost caution to protect crews.

We have come to the end of the 10th session of the Sub-Committee on Implementation of IMO Instruments and I wish to acknowledge few important matters.

You have made progress by completing a number of relevant tasks namely:

  • finalization of guidance to assist competent authorities in implementing the Cape Town Agreement of 2012, to support and promote effective implementation; 

  • progress on the guidance on assessments and applications of remote surveys, ISM Code audits and ISPS Code verifications; and

  • progress on the PSC Procedures as well as model course.

Special thanks go to your Vice-Chair, Mr. Regi John of United Kingdom, who stepped in on very short notice and chaired the Sub-Committee due to the exceptional circumstances.

I would also like to express my appreciation to Ms. Claudia Grant of Jamaica who chaired the Sub Committee for the past four sessions and wish her a speedy and full recovery.

I would like to thank the Coordinators/Chairs of the Correspondence/Working/Review Groups:

  1. Capt. Jörgen Zachau (Sweden);

  2. Mr. Yuwei Cui (China); 

  3. Mr. Mikael Khelia (EC); 

  4. Mr. Casado Martinez (Spain); 

  5. Mr. Alan Blume (Marshall Islands);

  6. Mr. Bruce Whitby (Australia); and

  7. Mr. Nebu Oommen (India).   

As always, this is also an opportune moment to express our gratitude to those delegates and experts who are leaving and concluding their tenure with us and for whom this marks the final session of the Sub-Committee. We wish them all the best for their future endeavours.

I appreciate the efforts of the Technical Cooperation and Implementation Division and the Marine Environment Division who led the preparations for this meeting, as well as other divisions who provided support. I also take this opportunity to express my thanks to the interpreters, who once again have facilitated our seamless communication during our meeting.

I wish you all a restful summer holiday season, here at the Northern Hemisphere at least, and a safe journey to your destinations.

Thank you.

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