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

ADDRESS OF THE IMO SECRETARY-GENERAL AT THE OPENING OF THE TENTH 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 22 July, 2024

Good morning distinguished delegates.

Welcome to the tenth session of the Sub-Committee on Implementation of IMO Instruments. As the chair is indisposed, I would like to welcome your vice-chair Mr. Regi Jun of the United Kingdom, who will be taking the reins today.

Before I proceed, it is with profound sadness that I share the news of the passing of our esteemed colleague, Mr. Ralf-Sören Marquardt, the Accredited Representative of CESA (Community of European Shipbuilders Association) to the IMO. After graduation and his PhD studies he started his career in a ship design office before moving on to the German Shipbuilding and Ocean Industries Association in 1999. Ralf, as he was known by his colleagues, attended IMO meetings for 25 years, as the voice of CESA. He was well known for his substantial, technically sound and elaborate contributions. A passionate naval architect, he remained deeply interested in IMO developments until his very last days, earning high regard among his colleagues, IMO peers, and the IMO Secretariat alike. I am sure that I speak for all of us present here when I say that our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.

I would also like to offer my heartfelt condolences to the family of the Indian crew member who lost his life in the capsizing of the vessel PRESTIGE FALCON (which had 13 Indians and 3 Sri Lankan crew members) on 15 July 2024 near Oman. I would like to commend the efforts of all the authorities actively involved in the search and rescue operations, which saved the lives of nine seafarers. I hope that the report on this tragic accident will be submitted to this Sub-committee without delay, so that we can learn valuable lessons from this unfortunate event. 

Also last Friday, there was a collision that occurred between vessels CERES I and HAFNIA NILE off the coast of Singapore. I would like to thank the authorities who coordinated and participated in the successful search and rescue operations and I would encourage them to submit a report on this incident to the Organization as soon as possible, so we can learn the valuable lessons to avoid similar accidents in the future. Our thoughts are with the families of all those affected by these indicidents.

I would now like to invite the Sub-Committee to observe a minute of silence to pay tribute to Mr. Ralf-Sören Marquardt and those seafarers, key workers and innocent victims who have lost their lives.

(One minute of silence observed)

With regards to the continuing situation in the Red Sea, I wish to remind you of the importance of protecting seafarers who are currently exposed to unacceptable attacks by the Houthis in the Red Sea. These repeated attacks are also causing regular pollution, as seen in the recent case of the vessel CHIOS LION.

Our maritime community must support the seafarers and their families who are currently being held hostage. I reiterate my call for the immediate and unconditional release of the MV GALAXY LEADER and its crew. 

With regards to the agenda this week, your Sub-Committee is expected to consider amendments to three Assembly resolutions on matters related to port State control, survey and certification, and obligations under instruments relevant to the IMO Instruments Implementation Code.

You are also expected to consider safety issues emanating from the analysis of marine safety investigation reports, as the Secretariat has embarked upon initiatives to enhance data collection and analysis to support data-driven decision-making and policy development at IMO. 

You are expected to finalize two important guidance documents at this session – the guidance on assessments and applications of remote surveys, ISM Code audits and ISPS Code verifications; and Guidance to assist competent authorities in implementing the Cape Town Agreement of 2012, to support and promote effective implementation and assist in reaching its entry into force.

As I mentioned, your Chair is currently not available to chair the meeting, but I’m sure that under the guidance of Mr. Regi John of the United Kingdom, as well as the staff of Technical Cooperation and Implementation Division together with the staff of supporting divisions, you will be able to successfully achieve the objectives set for this session.

I extend my best wishes to all of you for every success in your deliberations; and I invite you all to join me and the Secretariat at my welcome reception after the close of today's business.

Thank you.

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