Sub-Committee on Ship Systems and Equipment (SSE 11) - Closing remarks

ADDRESS OF THE SECRETARY-GENERAL AT THE CLOSING OF THE 11TH SESSION OF THE SUB-COMMITTEE ON SHIP SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT (SSE 11), 24 to 28 February 2025

Delivered by the Secretary-General, Mr. Arsenio Dominguez on 28 February 2025.

Distinguished delegates,

We have come to the end of another productive session of the Sub Committee.

Let me highlight some of the most important results of your work this week.

  • finalization of the draft amendments to the LSA Code and associated instruments on design and prototype test requirements for the arrangements used in simulated launching of free-fall lifeboats; and
  • finalization of the revision of Code of practice for atmospheric oil mist detectors (MSC/Circ.1086), which will be considered by MSC 110 for approval.

Significant progress was also made on: 

  • Revision of SOLAS chapter III and the LSA Code; 
  • Development of amendments to SOLAS chapter II-2 and the FSS Code concerning containership fires; 
  • Measures to reduce the fire risk of ships carrying new energy vehicles; and
  • Comprehensive review of resolution MSC.402(96) (Requirements for maintenance, thorough examination, operational testing, overhaul and repair of lifeboats and rescue boats, launching appliances and release gear) to address challenges with their implementation.

All these outcomes have been achieved under the new and skillful Chairmanship of Mr. Eguro of Japan, supported by your Vice-Chair, Mr. Aliperta of Palau.

I also wish to express my sincere appreciation to the Chairs of the working and drafting groups:

  • Mr. George Grills (United States);
  • Mr. Kim Are Paulsen (Norway);
  • Ms. Nanna Hahn (Denmark); and
  • Capt. Vinayak Mohla (India).

I would like to also thank the coordinators of the correspondence groups, established at the previous and present sessions, for their commitment to progress the Sub-Committee's work and, most importantly, to achieve consensus decisions. 

As always, I am grateful for the efforts of the staff of the Maritime Safety Division, who led the preparation of this meeting and also to all of the dedicated staff of the Secretariat, who worked tirelessly to provide the required professional support to meet your expectations. 

I also take this opportunity to thank the interpreters, who once again have facilitated our seamless communication during our meeting.

It is customary at this stage of the meeting to pay tribute to the delegates and observers who have left or are about to leave, for a variety of reasons. As we bid them farewell, we sincerely thank them for their valuable contribution to the work of the Sub-Committee and IMO, and wish them well. In this respect, I wish to extend my heartfelt appreciation to Mr. Chris Oliver of the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) for his years of dedicated service - 45 years in the industry. We wish you a fulfilling and joyous retirement. 

It now only remains for me to wish you all an enjoyable and restful weekend and safe journey home.

Thank you.

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