The 11th session of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Sub-Committee on Implementation of IMO Instruments (III) was held in London from 21 to 25 July 2025. This Sub-Committee plays a key role in ensuring that maritime regulations are consistently enforced and understood across all flag, port, and coastal States, reports Lloyd’s Register.
Outcomes from III 11
During this session, significant progress was made on several fronts, particularly regarding remote inspections, port state control procedures, and harmonized certification surveys. One of the major outcomes of the session was the finalization of guidance for remote surveys, ISM Code audits, and ISPS Code verifications. These guidelines will support the use of remote technologies in carrying out statutory compliance functions and are expected to be formally adopted by the relevant IMO committees in 2026. The move reflects the industry’s ongoing shift toward digital solutions that improve efficiency while maintaining compliance and safety standards.
In addition, the Sub-Committee completed revisions to the Procedures for Port State Control and the Survey Guidelines under the Harmonized System of Survey and Certification (HSSC). These updates aim to enhance clarity, consistency, and alignment with evolving maritime safety requirements. Both sets of amendments are expected to be adopted at the IMO Assembly in December 2025, with an anticipated entry into force date of 1 January 2026.
The session also emphasized the importance of ensuring that certificates issued under IMO instruments strictly follow the applicable conventions. Delegates were reminded that certificates, including any equivalents, must fully comply with the requirements of the conventions and should be evaluated in accordance with established port state control procedures. This is particularly relevant for aspects such as the arrangement of escape routes from spaces below the bulkhead deck.
Looking ahead, the updated procedures and survey guidelines will provide a stronger foundation for consistent enforcement and improved safety performance across the global shipping industry. The adoption of remote survey protocols marks a step forward in modernizing compliance tools and increasing accessibility for ships operating in remote or constrained environments.
The session concluded with recognition of the Sub-Committee’s achievements, including the advancement of digital tools for port state control monitoring. These developments reaffirm the IMO’s commitment to fostering a regulatory framework that is both robust and adaptable to the challenges of modern maritime operations.
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Source: Lloyd’s Register
