MSC.8-Circ.2-VoluntaryEarlyImplementationOfTheAmendmentsToTheSolasConventionAndTheLsaCodeA(Secretariat)

MSC.8/Circ.21 June 2021VOLUNTARY EARLY IMPLEMENTATION OF THE AMENDMENTS TOTHE SOLAS CONVENTION AND THE LSA CODEADOPTED BY RESOLUTIONS MSC.482(103)AND MSC.485(103),RESPECTIVELY1The Maritime Safety Committee,at its 103rd session(5 to 14 May 2021),adoptedamendments to SOLAS regulation Ill/33.2 and paragraph 4.4.1.3.2 of the LSA Code byresolutions MSC.482(103)and MSC.485(103),respectively.The expected entry-into-forcedate of the aforementioned amendments is 1 January 2024.In adopting the amendments to the SOLAS Convention and the LSA Code,theCommittee,having considered the need for their voluntary early implementation,inaccordance with the Guidelines on the voluntary early implementation of amendments to the1974 SOLAS Convention and related mandatory instruments (MSC.1/Circ.1565),agreed toinvite SOLAS Contracting Governments to implement them prior to the entry-into-force date.3Voluntary early implementation of the amendments by a Contracting Governmentshould be communicated to the Organization,for dissemination through GISIS.In addition,aContracting Government may also consider the use of the existing provisions for equivalentarrangements under SOLAS regulation 1/5 to cover the interim period between the date of thevoluntary early implementation and the entry-into-force date of the amendments.4A Contracting Government,in line with paragraph 1.2.4 of the Procedures for portState control,2019(resolution A.1138(31)),as may be amended,when acting as a port State,should refrain from enforcing its decision to voluntarily implement the amendments early onships flying the flag of other Contracting Governments,calling at its ports.5Contracting Governments,when undertaking port State control activities,should takeinto account the present invitation and any subsequent notifications communicated by otherContracting Governments through GISIS.6Contracting Governments are invited to be guided accordingly and to bring thecontents of this circular to the attention of all concerned,especially port State controlauthonties and recognized organizations.