IMSML Web Article 5/2026: Resolution MSC.553(108) – Amendments to the International Code on the Enhanced Programme of Inspections During Surveys of Bulk Carrier and Oil Tankers, 2011 (2011 ESP Code)

Resolution MSC.553(108) was adopted on 23 May 2024, and deemed to have entered into force on 1 July 2025. The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) adopted the International Code on the Enhanced Programme of Inspections during Surveys of Bulk Carriers and Oil Tankers, 2011 ("the 2011 ESP Code"), because it had become mandatory under chapter XI-1 of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974 (SOLAS 1974).

What are the core objectives of this programme?

This is all about providing a code for an enhanced programme of inspections during the survey of bulk carriers, see the title to ANNEX A. There is also a code for enhanced inspections for survey of oil tankers, see the title to ANNEX B.

PART I - ANNEX A

PART A of the Code is on the enhanced programme of inspections during surveys of bulk carriers having single-side skin construction. In particular, Annex 5 contains procedures for approval and certification of a firm engaged

in thickness measurement of hull structures.

What are the new procedures for approval and certification in PART A?

A new Paragraph 2.2 provides:

[1] Upon reviewing of the documents submitted with satisfactory results, the firm shall be audited by the Administration;

[2] This is done in order to ascertain that the firm is duly organized and managed in accordance with the documents submitted;

[3] This is to ensure that the firm is capable of conducting thickness measurement of the hull structure of ships.

What is in PART B of the Code?

PART B of the Code is on the enhanced programme of inspections during surveys of bulk carriers having double-side skin construction.  In particular, Annex 5 provides for procedures for approval and certification of a firm engaged in thickness measurement of hull structures. A new Paragraph 2.2, which is similar to the one found in PART A above, is present here.

PART II - ANNEX B

PART A of ANNEX B is titled ‘Code on the enhanced programme of inspections during surveys of double-hull oil tankers’.  More specifically, Annex 8 of PART A contains the ‘procedures for approval and certification of a firm engaged

in thickness measurement of hull structures’.  Submissions of the correct documents are very important and is stressed on in the chapeau of a new Paragraph 2.1 which provides for a list of documents to be submitted.

What happens to the review of the auditing firm’s document?

The following is documented by a new Paragraph 2.2:

[1] The firm’s documents are to be audited by IMO;

[2] The management and organisation of the firm is to be prioritised;

[3] The documents need to show the capabilities of the audit firm;

[4] The objective is to determine the ability measure the thickness measurement of the hull structure of ships.

Are the provisions the same for tankers other than double hulled vessel when a survey is conducted?

Under PART B, Annex 7, the provisions are similar to that found in PART A above.

Thank you for reading IMSML Web Article 5/2026

Stay tuned for the next IMSML Web Article 6/2026: RESOLUTION MSC.554(108) - AMENDMENTS TO THE INTERNATIONAL LIFE-SAVING APPLIANCE (LSA) CODE

Signing-off for today,

Dr Irwin Ooi Ui Joo, LL.B(Hons.)(Glamorgan); LL.M (Cardiff); Ph.D (Cardiff); CMILT

Professor of Maritime and Transport Law

Faculty of Law

Universiti Teknologi MARA Shah Alam

Selangor, Malaysia

Tuesday,  3 February 2026

Note that I am the corresponding author for the IMSML Website Articles. My official email address is: uijoo310@uitm.edu.my