The 111st session of the IMO Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) took place in London from May 13 to 22, 2026. SYBAss attended the whole committee to represent superyachts. The key milestones of this session were the adoption of a non-mandatory International Code of Safety for Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS Code) addressing the growing need for a standardized framework to regulate this developing technology, the approval of the revised Explanatory Notes for the Safe Return to Port concept for passenger ships, as well as draft amendments to the IGC Code.
Major takeaways could be summarized as follows:
• Non-mandatory MASS Code: adoption of the non-mandatory International Safety
Framework for Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships, with entry into force on 1 January 2032.
• Amendments to Mandatory Instruments: approval of amendments to the LSA Code on the
design and testing requirements for free-fall lifeboats, with entry into force on 1 January 2031,
and amendments to the Load Line Convention addressing guard rail and bulwark
requirements around exposed decks .
• Safe Return to Port: approval of the revised Explanatory Notes.
• Hydrogen as fuel: approval of the interim Guidelines for hydrogen as fuel establishing a
goal-based safety framework.
• GHG safety work plans: endorsement of the safety regulatory work along priority items to
support the reduction of GHG emissions from ships using new technologies.
• FRP Guidelines: approval of the Revised interim guidelines for the use of fibre-reinforced
plastic in ships structures.
• New Emission Control Areas: Committee adopted the NE Atlantic Emission Control Area.
Please note that the presented information reflects the status at the time of MSC 111 and may
change because of ongoing developments. It is also uncertain at this time whether the mentioned
amendments or new regulations will eventually be adopted in future versions of the Red Ensign
Group Yacht Codes or other flag codes.