The sub-committee on the Implementation of IMO Instruments (III) plays a key role in the analysis of port State control data and keeps under review the procedures for port State control.

It is also responsible for updating the survey guidelines under the Harmonized System of Survey and Certification (HSSC) on a biennial basis and  brings together flag, port and coastal States to consider implementation issues, including the analysis of consolidated audit summary reports from the mandatory IMO Member state Audit Scheme.

III 10 met in London from 22 - 26 July 2024.

Outcomes from III 10:

  1. III 10 made progress on Phase 2 of developing the draft Guidance on assessments and applications of remote surveys, ISM Code audits and ISPS Code verifications, and the associated draft MSC-MEPC circular. III agreed that interim, initial, renewal and additional DOC (Document of Compliance) ISM audits should be in person, except for interim DoC audits adding a new ship type, where remote methods may be considered, and remote ISPS verifications should be limited to extraordinary circumstances due to the sensitive nature of the information. An intersessional correspondence group has been tasked to finalise the draft guidance by next III session, for expected adoption at Assembly 34 (December 2025).
  2. III 10 continued working on the draft amendments to the Survey Guidelines under the Harmonized System of Survey and Certification (HSSC) 2023, Resolution A.1186(33). The draft revision will incorporate relevant survey requirements for mandatory instruments that will enter into force up to and including 31 December 2025, as well as amendments to SOLAS with the four-year cycle of entry into force. The revised guidelines are expected to be finalised at III 11 for adoption at Assembly 34 (December 2025), with an anticipated entry into force on 1 January 2026.
  3. III 10 continued discussions on proposed draft amendments to the “Procedures for Port State Control 2023” (Resolution A.1185(33)). The agreed draft amendments include developing PSC Guidelines on control and compliance measures to enhance maritime security, with the aim of including it as a new appendix to the Procedures of PSC, 2023. Additionally, draft amendments to appendix 2, 8, 9, 11, 18 of the Procedures of PSC, 2023 were agreed, to have a single source for detainable deficiencies to ensure consistent guidance on ship detentions.
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