The 12th session of the Implementation of IMO Instruments Sub-Committee (III-12) 

The 12th session of the Implementation of IMO Instruments Sub-Committee (III 12) was held in person in London (20–24 July 2026) with hybrid facilities enabling remote participation.

The Sub-Committee approved several reports regarding Port Reception Facilities (item 3), Analysis of consolidated audits summary reports (item 9), and 63 lessons learned from casualties (item 4). From these lessons, several risks were identified: incidents involving ruptured high-pressure cylinders (to be disseminated via III 3 circular), fire standards for cargo handling spaces of specialized self-unloading bulk carriers, and risks associated with wearing inflatable lifejackets. These two findings will be submitted to MSC 112 as new outputs.

The Sub-Committee initiated a comprehensive review of the Casualties Investigation Code and associated guidelines (item 5), recognizing the need for improvement in timeliness and quality. It also commenced the revision of Guidelines implementing the IMS Code (item 12).

III 12 undertook the periodic review of Survey Guidelines under the Harmonized System of Survey and Certification (HSSC), 2025 (item 10) and Procedures for Port State Control (item 6). Apart from integrating recent amendments into the lists, the Sub-Committee forwarded the work to correspondence groups for further development. The next session of the Assembly (Assembly 35) scheduled for December 2027, will adopt the consolidated outputs. The relaxed timeline enabled delegates to discuss preliminary improvements to PSC procedures—specifically the qualification of Port State Control Officers (PSCOs) and guidance on machinery and maintenance—as well as enhancements to HSSC Guidelines, including new tables and incorporation of new instruments.

The Sub-Committee agreed on draft revised guidelines for the seaworthiness and safety inspection of small fishing vessels and safety inspection checklists for small fishing vessels, with a view to approval by MSC 112 and subsequent dissemination as a joint publication by FAO and IMO (item 14).

The Sub-Committee also discussed the Revised Recommendations for Entering Enclosed Spaces Aboard Ships (MSC.581(110)) and systematic monitoring of CO₂ (item 13). Delegates expressed the need for a risk-based approach to these matters and were invited to submit amendments to the guidelines at the next MSC session.