Sub-Committee on Implementation of IMO Instruments (III 9) - opening remarks

III 9 - opening remarks 

Delivered by Ms. Tatjana Krilic, Chief, Department for Member State Audit and Implementation Support on behalf of the Secretary-General.

Good morning distinguished delegates.

it is a pleasure for me to welcome you to the nineth session of the Sub-Committee on Implementation of IMO Instruments and to share opening remarks on behalf of the Secretary-General. This session is important as it is the first time for this Sub-Committee to meet in person, following the prolonged disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Before proceeding with the welcome remarks permit me to share the sad news of the sudden passing of   Mr. David Harris one of the interpreters that has facilitated meetings at IMO for over 20 years. Only a week ago he was in his French booth facilitating the Council meeting. I am sure that I speak for all of us present here when I say that our thoughts and prayers are with his family in these difficult times. I would now like to invite the Sub-Committee to observe a moment of silence to pay tribute to Mr. Harris.

Over the last years, your Sub-Committee has made great strides in promoting implementation of IMO instruments and achieved significant results. 

As you may be aware, the Council, at its 129th session earlier this month, endorsed the proposal regarding next year's World Maritime Theme: "Navigating the future: safety first! ". This theme reflects IMO's commitment and work to enhance maritime safety and would provide the opportunity to the maritime community to assess and ultimately address the full range of safety regulatory implications arising from new and adapted technologies and the introduction of alternative fuels among others.

In terms of the agenda of the meeting, your Sub-Committee is expected to prepare four draft Assembly resolutions, on matters related to port State control, survey and certification, implementation of the ISM Code and obligations under instruments relevant to the IMO Instruments Implementation Code, with a view to adoption by A 33.

You are also expected to consider safety issues emanating from the analysis of marine safety investigation reports and the proposals for a holistic and comprehensive review of the Casualty Investigation Code.

In this regard it is instructive to note that the Secretariat has embarked upon initiatives to enhance collection analysis in support of data-driven decision-making and policy development at IMO. In that context, the analysis of various data-sets will enhance the Sub-Committee's contribution to regulatory work and policy development.

Building on important insights on the level of implementation of the mandatory IMO instruments globally, gained from analysis of audit outcomes under the IMO Member State Audit Scheme (IMSAS), at this session you are expected to finalize the draft text of the III Code Implementation Guidance to assist Member States in the implementation of the III Code.

You will also consider and finalize draft amendments to the Procedures for port State control, 2021, including guidance related to the suspension of PSC inspections, as well as consider the regulatory context for the role of port State control and future developments and opportunities.

The changing working modalities during and beyond the pandemic, and the new rapidly evolving technologies all bring challenges, but also present opportunities to the maritime industry. This week your Sub-Committee is expected to finalize part of a package work on guidance on assessments and applications of remote surveys, ISM Code audits and ISPS Code verifications, as contained in Survey Guidelines and Guidelines on implementation of ISM Code, with a view to adoption by A 33.

Another important area the Sub-Committee will consider is the draft guidance to assist competent authorities in the implementation of the Cape Town Agreement of 2012, which is expected to both support effective implementation and assist in the promotion and reaching the entry into force of the Cape Town Agreement of 2012.

Distinguished delegates,

You have a highly diverse set of subjects on your agenda. I hope that the usual IMO spirit of cooperation will prevail, and I hope that under the leadership of your Chair, Ms. Claudia Grant of Jamaica, you will make sound, balanced and timely progress at this session. I extend my best wishes to all of you for every success in your deliberations.

Thank you.