1 The Maritime Safety Committee, at its ninety-eighth session (7 to 16
June 2017), following the decision of MSC 97 to:
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.1 reiterate the need to follow the four-year cycle of entry into force of
amendments to SOLAS and related mandatory instruments (MSC.1/Circ.1481);
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.2 consider the approaches taken by port State control (PSC) regimes with
regard to early implementation of SOLAS amendments-related cases, as
appropriate; and
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.3 develop guidelines and identify criteria for a consistent approach to the
matters related to voluntary early implementation,
approved the Guidelines on the voluntary early implementation of
amendments to the 1974 SOLAS Convention and related mandatory instruments, as set
out in the annex.
2 Without prejudicing the amendments procedure specified in article VIII
of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, as amended (the
Convention), and the provisions set out in the Organization and method of work of
the Maritime Safety Committee and the Marine Environment Protection Committee
and their subsidiary bodies (MSC-MEPC.1/Circ.5), the Guidelines, as
contained in the annex, provide relevant guidance for the Committee and its
subsidiary bodies when considering proposed MSC circulars on the voluntary early
implementation of amendments to the 1974 SOLAS Convention and related mandatory
instruments.
3 The Guidelines are intended to be read in conjunction with the
Guidance on entry into force of amendments to the 1974 SOLAS Convention and
related mandatory instruments (MSC.1/Circ.1481).
4 Contracting Governments to the Convention are invited to bring the
annexed Guidelines to the attention of all parties concerned.