Session: MSC 110 | Date: 18–27 June 2025 | Location: IMO Headquarters, London
The 110th session of the IMO Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 110) convened at IMO Headquarters in London from 18 to 27 June 2025. The session delivered significant outcomes across a wide range of safety matters, from pilot transfer arrangements and autonomous ships to cybersecurity and alternative fuels. This report highlights the key decisions of most direct relevance to superyacht operators, flag administrations, management companies, and yacht captains.
Pilot Transfer Arrangements — SOLAS Chapter V Amendments
MSC 110 adopted amendments to SOLAS Regulation V/23 and associated performance standards governing pilot transfer arrangements. These updated requirements — entering into force on 1 January 2028 — are particularly relevant for superyachts that regularly receive marine pilots when navigating regulated waterways, ports and VTS zones. The new standards address the adequacy of pilot ladders, manropes, and associated equipment to ensure safe personnel transfer in a wide range of sea conditions.
Yacht operators should review current pilot boarding arrangements against the forthcoming requirements ahead of 2028, and discuss compliance pathways with their class societies and flag administrations during upcoming surveys.
Remote Inspection Techniques (RITs) for Survey
MSC 110 approved draft amendments to the 2011 ESP Code to allow remote inspection techniques (RITs) — including drones, ROVs, robotic arms, and remote sensing devices — for close-up surveys. These are expected to enter into force in January 2028, following finalisation of associated guidelines at SDC 12.
This is a positive development for the superyacht sector. RITs have the potential to reduce out-of-service time during surveys, improve access to difficult structural areas, and offer surveyors greater flexibility. Yacht owners and managers should monitor the developing RIT guidelines and engage with their recognised organisations on how these tools may be incorporated into upcoming survey programmes.
Cybersecurity — Non-Mandatory Code in Development
MSC 110 agreed that a non-mandatory goal-based cybersecurity code, incorporating risk management principles, is the preferred next step in developing maritime cybersecurity standards. Member States were invited to submit proposals for a new output. A mandatory framework may follow after an experience-building phase.
For large superyachts — many of which operate sophisticated integrated bridge systems, satellite communications, and remote monitoring platforms — this trajectory signals that formal cybersecurity management will become a regulatory expectation. Prudent operators should ensure that cyber risk management is already embedded in their Safety Management Systems, consistent with existing IMO guidelines and MCA / flag state expectations.
Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) Code
Significant progress was made on the non-mandatory MASS Code, with adoption expected at MSC 111 in May 2026. A mandatory version is not anticipated before 2032. While primarily targeted at commercial autonomous vessels, the MASS framework will influence future regulatory thinking on remote operation, connectivity, and onboard decision-making — areas increasingly relevant to highly automated superyachts.
Enclosed Space Entry — Revised Recommendations
MSC 110 adopted a revised resolution on recommendations for entering enclosed spaces aboard ships. This updates resolution A.1050(27) to reflect current best practice. Enclosed space entry remains a significant cause of fatalities across the industry. Yacht captains and safety officers should ensure crew familiarisation drills reflect the updated guidance, and that vessel-specific enclosed space entry procedures are reviewed accordingly.
Emergency Towing Arrangements
Interim guidelines for emergency towing arrangements on ships other than tankers were approved, supplementing SOLAS amendments adopted at MSC 108 (resolution MSC.549(109)) requiring such arrangements on new ships of 20,000 GT and above, constructed on or after 1 January 2028. While most superyachts fall below this threshold, flag administrations and classification societies may extend best-practice expectations to large yachts, particularly those operating in remote or exposed cruising grounds.
What This Means for the Superyacht Industry
MSC 110 reinforces a clear regulatory direction: enhanced safety standards, greater use of technology in survey and operations, and an evolving framework for cybersecurity and autonomy. Key near-term actions for superyacht stakeholders include:
- Review pilot boarding arrangements against forthcoming SOLAS V/23 requirements
- Engage with recognised organisations on the use of RITs at upcoming surveys
- Implement cyber risk management within your SMS in line with existing IMO guidelines
- Update enclosed space entry procedures to reflect the revised MSC resolution
