Instruments Relevant to Procedures for Port State Control, 2025 - 2026 Edition

Foreword

List of instruments relevant to Procedures for port State control, 2025 (appendix 21 of Procedures for port State control, 2025)

Instruments relevant to Procedures for port State control, 2025

Resolution MEPC.356(78) - 2022 Guidelines for brief sampling of anti-fouling systems on ships

Resolution MEPC.173(58) - Guidelines for ballast water sampling (G2)

Resolution MEPC.252(67) - Guidelines for port State control under the BWM Convention

Resolution MEPC.279(70) - 2016 Guidelines for approval of ballast water management systems (G8)

Resolution MEPC.297(72) - Amendments to regulation B-3 (Implementation schedule of ballast water management for ships)

BWM.2/Circ.42/Rev.2 - 2020 Guidance on ballast water sampling and analysis for trial use in accordance with the BWM Convention and Guidelines (G2)

Resolution MEPC.372(80) - Guidelines for the use of electronic record books under the BWM Convention

BWM.2/Circ.78 - Protocol for verification of ballast water compliance monitoring devices

BWM.2/Circ.79 - Convention Review Plan for the experience-building phase associated with the BWM Convention

Resolution MEPC.387(81) - Interim guidance on the application of the BWM Convention to ships operating in challenging water quality conditions

BWM.2/Circ.82 - Guidance for the temporary storage of treated sewage and/or grey water in ballast water tanks

BWM.2/Circ.80/Rev.1 - 2024 Guidance on ballast water record-keeping and reporting

Resolution A.797(19) - Safety of ships carrying solid bulk cargoes

Resolution A.862(20) - Code of practice for the safe loading and unloading of bulk carriers

MSC/Circ.656 - Safety of ships carrying solid bulk cargoes

MSC/Circ.1117 - Guidance for checking the structure of bulk carriers

MSC.1/Circ.1464/Rev.1 - Unified interpretations of the provisions of SOLAS chapters II-1 and XII, of the Technical provisions for means of access for inspections (resolution MSC.158(78)) and of the Performance standards for water level detectors on bulk carriers and single hold cargo ships other than bulk carriers (resolution MSC.188(79))

MSC.1/Circ.1464/Rev.1/Corr.1 - Unified interpretations of the provisions of SOLAS chapters II-1 and XII, of the Technical provisions for means of access for inspections (resolution MSC.158(78)) and of the Performance standards for water level detectors on bulk carriers and single hold cargo ships other than bulk carriers (resolution MSC.188(79)) - Corrigendum 1

MSC.1/Circ.1464/Rev.1/Corr.2 - Unified interpretations of the provisions of SOLAS chapters II-1 and XII, of the Technical provisions for means of access for inspections (resolution MSC.158(78)) and of the Performance standards for water level detectors on bulk carriers and single hold cargo ships other than bulk carriers (resolution MSC.188(79)) - Corrigendum 2

Resolution A.1162(32) - Encouragement of Member States and all relevant stakeholders to promote actions for the prevention and suppression of fraudulent registration and fraudulent registries and other fraudulent acts in the maritime sector

MSC/Circ.606 - Port State concurrence with SOLAS exemptions

MSC/Circ.1012 and MEPC/Circ.384 - Endorsement of certificates with the date of completion of the survey on which they are based

FAL.2/Circ.133, MEPC.1/Circ.902, MSC.1/Circ.1646 and LEG.2/Circ.4 - List of certificates and documents required to be carried on board ships, 2022

MSC-MEPC.4/Circ.1 - Retention of original records/documents on board ships

MSC-MEPC.5/Circ.6 - Guidance on the timing of replacement of existing certificates by the certificates issued after the entry into force of amendments to certificates in IMO instruments

Resolution MEPC.347(78) - Guidelines for the verification and company audits by the Administration of part III of the Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP)

Resolution MEPC.348(78) - 2022 Guidelines for Administration verification of ship fuel oil consumption data and operational carbon intensity

Resolution MEPC.349(78) - 2022 Guidelines for the development and management of the IMO Ship Fuel Oil Consumption Database

Resolution MEPC.350(78) - 2022 Guidelines on the method of calculation of the attained Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI)

Resolution MEPC.351(78) - 2022 Guidelines on survey and certification of the attained Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI)

Resolution MEPC.352(78) - 2022 Guidelines on operational carbon intensity indicators and the calculation methods (CII Guidelines, G1)

Resolution MEPC.353(78) - 2022 Guidelines on the reference lines for use with operational carbon intensity indicators (CII reference lines guidelines, G2)

Resolution MEPC.354(78) - 2022 Guidelines on the operational carbon intensity rating of ships (CII rating guidelines, G4)

Resolution MEPC.355(78) - 2022 Interim Guidelines on correction factors and voyage adjustments for CII calculations (CII Guidelines, G5)

Resolution MEPC.340(77) - 2021 Guidelines for exhaust gas cleaning systems

Resolution MSC.286(86) - Recommendations for material safety data sheets (MSDS) for MARPOL Annex I oil cargo and oil fuel

Resolution MEPC.312(74) - Guidelines for the use of electronic record books under MARPOL

Resolution MEPC.320(74) - 2019 Guidelines for consistent implementation of the 0.50% sulphur limit under MARPOL Annex VI

Resolution MSC.465(101) - Recommended interim measures to enhance the safety of ships relating to the use of oil fuel

MEPC/Circ.479 - Guidelines for port State control officers whilst checking compliance with the Condition Assessment Scheme (CAS)

MEPC/Circ.479/Corr.1 - Guidelines for port State control officers whilst checking compliance with the Condition Assessment Scheme (CAS) - Corrigendum

MEPC.1/Circ.508 - Bunker delivery note and fuel oil sampling

MEPC.1/Circ.516 - Public access to the Condition Assessment Scheme (CAS) database

MEPC.1/Circ.637 - Fuel oil availability and quality

MEPC.1/Circ.640 - Interim guidance on the use of the Oil Record Book concerning voluntary declaration of quantities retained on board in oily bilge water holding tanks and heating of oil residue (sludge)

MEPC.1/Circ.675/Rev.1 - Discharge of cargo hold washing water in the Gulfs Area, Mediterranean Sea Area and Wider Caribbean Region under MARPOL Annex V

MEPC.1/Circ.834/Rev.1 - Consolidated guidance for port reception facility providers and users

MEPC.1/Circ.864/Rev.1 - 2019 Guidelines for on board sampling for the verification of the sulphur content of the fuel oil used on board ships

MEPC.1/Circ.881 - Guidance for port State control on contingency measures for addressing non-compliant fuel oil

MEPC.1/Circ.882 - Early application of the verification procedures for a MARPOL Annex VI fuel oil sample (regulation 18.8.2 or regulation 14.8)

MEPC.1/Circ.883/Rev.1 - Guidance on indication of ongoing compliance in the case of the failure of a single monitoring instrument, and recommended actions to take if the exhaust gas cleaning system (EGCS) fails to meet the provisions of the EGCS Guidelines (resolution MEPC.340(77))

MEPC.1/Circ.899 - 2022 Guidelines for risk and impact assessments of the discharge water from exhaust gas cleaning systems

MSC-MEPC.4/Circ.3 - Blanking of bilge discharge piping systems in port

Resolution MEPC.392(82) - Form of International Air Pollution Prevention (IAPP) Certificate

MEPC.1/Circ.795/Rev.9 - Unified interpretations to MARPOL Annex VI (Regulations 2.2.15 and 2.2.18)

MSC-MEPC.2/Circ.18 - Guidelines for the sampling of fuel oil for determination of compliance with MARPOL Annex VI and SOLAS chapter II-2

Resolution MEPC.395(82) - 2024 Guidelines for the development of a Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP)

MEPC.1/Circ.914 - Revised sample format for the confirmation of compliance pursuant to regulation 5.4.5 of MARPOL Annex VI

MSC.1/Circ.1191 - Further reminder of the obligation to notify flag States when exercising control and compliance measures

MSC.1/Circ.1199 - Interim guidance on compliance of ships carrying dry cargoes in bulk with requirements of SOLAS chapters II-1, III, IX, XI-1 and XII

MSC.1/Circ.1221 - Validity of type approval certification for marine products

MSC.1/Circ.1565 - Guidelines on the voluntary early implementation of amendments to the 1974 SOLAS Convention and related mandatory instruments

MSC/Circ.1011 and MEPC/Circ.383 - Measures to improve port State control procedures

MSC-MEPC.2/Circ.2 - IMO requirements on carriage of publications on board ships

MSC-MEPC.4/Circ.2 - Code of good practice for port State control officers

MSC.1/Circ.1677 - Voluntary early implementation of the amendments to paragraphs 4.2.2 and 8.4.1 to 8.4.3 of the IGF code, adopted by resolution MSC.551(108)

MSC.1/Circ.1681 - Voluntary early implementation of the amendments to chapter 16 of the IGC Code, adopted by resolution MSC.566(109)

MSC.1/Circ.1682 - Unified interpretations of SOLAS regulations III/20.8.4 and 20.11, and resolution MSC.402(96)

MSC.1/Circ.1683 - Unified interpretations of SOLAS regulation II-2/4.5.6.1, and paragraphs 3.1.2, 3.1.4 and 3.5.3 of the IBC Code

MSC.1/Circ.1684 - Unified interpretations of SOLAS chapter II-2

MSC.1/Circ.1686 - Amendments to the International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue (IAMSAR) Manual

Resolution MSC.159(78) - Interim guidance on control and compliance measures to enhance maritime security

MSC/Circ.1097 - Guidance relating to the implementation of SOLAS chapter XI-2 and the ISPS Code

MSC/Circ.1113 - Guidance to port State control officers on the non-security related elements of the 2002 SOLAS amendments

MSC/Circ.1156 - Guidance on the access of public authorities, emergency response services and pilots on board ships to which SOLAS chapter XI-2 and the ISPS Code apply

MSC.1/Circ.1235 - Guidelines on security-related training and familiarization for shipboard personnel

MSC.1/Circ.1342 - Reminder in connection with shore leave and access to ships

Resolution A.1047(27) - Principles of minimum safe manning

MSC/Circ.592 - Carriage of dangerous goods - Acceptance of the document of compliance

MSC/Circ.811 - Identification of float-free arrangements for liferafts

MSC/Circ.887 - Interpretation of the term ?other strategic points? in SOLAS regulation III/50 and LSA Code section VII/7.2

MSC/Circ.907 - Application of SOLAS regulation III/28.2 concerning helicopter landing areas on non ro-ro passenger ships

MSC/Circ.955 - Servicing of life-saving appliances and radiocommunication equipment under the Harmonized System of Survey and Certification (HSSC)

MSC/Circ.1016 - Application of SOLAS regulation III/26 concerning fast rescue boats and means of rescue systems on ro-ro passenger ships

MSC/Circ.1107 - Application of SOLAS regulation II-1/3-6 on Access to and within spaces in, and forward of, the cargo area of oil tankers and bulk carriers and application of the Technical provisions for means of access for inspections

MSC/Circ.1326 - Clarification of SOLAS regulation III/19

MSC.1/Circ.1326/Corr.1 - Clarification of SOLAS regulation III/19 - Corrigendum

MSC.1/Circ.1331 - Guidelines for construction, installation, maintenance and inspection/survey of means of embarkation and disembarkation

MSC.1/Circ.1402 - Safety of pilot transfer arrangements

MSC.1/Circ.1495/Rev.1 - Revised unified interpretation of SOLAS regulation V/23.3.3 on Pilot transfer arrangements

MSC.1/Circ.1676 - Delays affecting the availability of new GMDSS equipment compliant with the revised performance standards set out in resolutions MSC.511(105), MSC.512(105) and MSC.513(105)

MSC.1/Circ.1460/Rev.5 - Guidance on the validity of radiocommunications equipment installed and used on ships

MSC.1/Circ.1456/Rev.1 - Revised unified interpretations of SOLAS chapter II-2 and the FSS and FTP Codes

MSC.1/Circ.1572/Rev.2 - Unified interpretations of SOLAS chapters II-1 and XII, the technical provisions for means of access for inspections (resolution MSC.158(78)); and the Performance standards for water level detectors on ships subject to SOLAS regulations II-1/25 and 25-1, and XII/12 (resolution MSC.188(79)/Rev.2)

MSC.1/Circ.1680 - Unified interpretations of SOLAS regulation XV/5.1 and paragraph 3.5 of part 1 of the International Code of Safety for Ships Carrying Industrial Personnel (IP Code) on the harmonization of the Industrial Personnel Safety Certificate with SOLAS safety certificates

MSC.1/Circ.1689 - Escape arrangements from the lower part of machinery spaces

MSC.1/Circ.1693 - Unified interpretations of paragraphs 6.1.1.3 and 6.1.2.2 of the LSA Code

MSC.1/Circ.1694 - Unified interpretations of SOLAS chapter II-2, and the 1994 and 2000 HSC Codes

STCW.7/Circ.22 - Advice for port State control officers, recognized organizations and recognized security organizations clarifying training and certification requirements for ship security officers and seafarers with designated security duties

STCW.7/Circ.24/Rev.1 - Guidance for Parties, Administrations, port State control authorities, recognized organizations and other relevant parties on the requirements of the STCW Convention, 1978, as amended

MSC/Circ.635 - Tonnage measurement of certain ships relevant to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978

MSC/Circ.1089 - Guidance on recommended anti-fraud measures and forgery prevention features for seafarers? certificates

MSC.1/Circ.1208 - Promoting and verifying continued familiarization of GMDSS operators on board ships

MSC.1/Circ.1665 - Guidelines on the use of electronic certificates of seafarers

As a specialised agency of the United Nations, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) is the global standard-setting authority for the safety, security and environmental performance of international shipping. Its main role is to create a regulatory framework for the shipping industry that is fair and effective, universally adopted and universally implemented.

In other words, its role is to create a level playing field so that ship operators cannot address their financial issues by simply cutting corners and compromising on safety, security and environmental performance. This approach also encourages innovation and efficiency.

Shipping is a truly international industry, and it can only operate effectively if the regulations and standards are themselves agreed, adopted and implemented on an international basis. And IMO is the forum at which this process takes place.