MSC.536(107): Amendments to the International Code of Safety for High-Speed Craft, 1994

The International Maritime Organization has amended the International Code of Safety for High-Speed Craft, 1994 through Resolution MSC.536(107).

The Maritime Safety Committee, recalling Article 28(b) of the Convention on the International Maritime Organization concerning the functions of the Committee,

Noting resolution MSC.36(63), by which it adopted the International Code of Safety for High-Speed Craft ("the 1994 HSC Code") which has become mandatory under chapter X of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974 ("the Convention"),

Noting also article VIII(b) and regulation X/1.1 of the Convention concerning the procedure for amending the 1994 HSC Code,

Having considered, at its 107th session, amendments to the 1994 HSC Code proposed and circulated in accordance with article VIII(b)(i) of the Convention,

1 Adopts, in accordance with article VIII(b)(iv) of the Convention, amendments to the 1994 HSC Code, the text of which is set out in the annex to the present resolution;

2 Determines, in accordance with article VIII(b)(vi)(2)(bb) of the Convention, that the said amendments shall be deemed to have been accepted on 1 July 2025, unless, prior to that date, more than one third of the Contracting Governments to the Convention or Contracting Governments the combined merchant fleets of which constitute not less than 50% of the gross tonnage of the world's merchant fleet, have notified their objections to the amendments;

3 Invites Contracting Governments to the Convention to note that, in accordance with article VIII(b)(vii)(2) of the Convention, the amendments shall enter into force on 1 January 2026 upon their acceptance in accordance with paragraph 2 above;

4 Requests the Secretary-General, for the purposes of article VIII(b)(v) of the Convention, to transmit certified copies of the present resolution and the text of the amendments contained in the annex to all Contracting Governments to the Convention;

5 Also requests the Secretary-General to transmit copies of this resolution and its annex to Members of the Organization which are not Contracting Governments to the Convention.

Annex: Amendments to the International Code of Safety for High-Speed Craft, 1994 (1994 HSC Code)

CHAPTER 7: FIRE SAFETY

Part A
General

7.9 Miscellaneous

1. The following new paragraph 7.9.4 is added after the existing paragraph 7.9.3.4, together with the associated footnote:

"7.9.4 Fire-extinguishing media restrictions

7.9.4.1 The following restrictions should apply for the use, storage, or disposal of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS):

.1 On all craft, use, or storage of extinguishing media containing perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) should be prohibited no later than the date of the first survey* on or after 1 January 2026; and

.2 The substances prohibited by the requirements of 7.9.4.1.1 should be delivered to appropriate shore-based reception facilities when removed from the craft."

*Refer to the Unified interpretation of the term "first survey" referred to in SOLAS regulations (MSC.1/Circ.1290)."

ANNEX 1: FORM OF SAFETY CERTIFICATE FOR HIGH-SPEED CRAFT

Record of Equipment for High-Speed Craft Safety Certificate

2. In the table for "Details of life-saving appliances", entries 9 to 10.2 are replaced by the following:

9. Number of immersion suits ....................
10. Number of anti-exposure suits ....................

This resolution was adopted on 8 June 2023 and will become effective on 1 January 2026.

For more information, please see the document below (available only to subscribers):

Amendments to the International Code of Safety for High-Speed Craft, 1994 (1994 HSC Code)