RS took part in the 48th session of the Facilitation Committee

A representative of Russian Maritime Register of Shipping (RS) participated in the 48th session of the Facilitation Committee (FAL) as a member of the delegation of the Russian Federation. The session was held in April 2024 at the headquarters of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), London.
Within the framework of the Committee the following were
approved:
• a new version of the IMO Compendium on Facilitation and Electronic Business, including new data sets. The document was developed by IMO in cooperation with country representatives, governmental and non-governmental organizations, a dedicated inter-agency modelling group that included experts from the World Customs Organization, the UN Economic Commission for Europe, IMO and ISO, and the IMO Expert Group on Data Harmonization (EGDH);
• a new version of the Explanatory Manual to the FAL Convention. This manual will provide guidance for Member States on adhering to the provisions of the Convention more effectively in practice;
adopted:
• new guidelines on Port Community Systems;
• revised Guidelines for the Prevention and Suppression of the Smuggling of Wildlife on Ships Engaged in International Maritime Traffic;
considered:
• recommendations and proposals for the standardization and harmonization of digital systems in ports around the world. This work is driven by differences in port call interfaces and documentation among Member States, as well as the lack of IT infrastructure on many ships, hindering the efficient exchange of data with ports;
• the issue of revising the Guidelines on Authentication, Integrity and Confidentiality of Information Exchange through the Maritime Single Window;
The discussion also touched upon issues:
• emerging from the implementation of the Maritime Single Window (MSW) by governments party to the Convention on Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic (FAL-1965) – the use of the MSW became mandatory from January 1, 2024;
• regarding the regulation Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS). The Committee approved a revised roadmap for further action on the topic in the scope of its jurisdiction.

Detailed results of the FAL 48 can be found under the section "Useful Information" on the official RS website. The next session will be held from March 10 to 14, 2025.

Additional information:
Founded in 1913, Russian Maritime Register of Shipping (RS) is a world-renowned classification society that operates within all spheres of the maritime industry. The organization’s main objectives are to enhance the safety standards of human life at sea, ensure the safe navigation of ships and the secure transportation of cargoes by sea and inland waterways, as well as to develop standards for environmental protection.
RS reviews technical documentation, surveys ships under construction and in service, issues documents and certificates for vessels, offshore facilities, ship machinery, equipment and devices; conducts measurements of ships and floating facilities; carries out surveys to ensure compliance with international conventions; certifies industrial products and manufacturers, quality management systems, sustainability management and occupational health and safety management systems in compliance with ISO standards. RS surveys general cargo containers, thermal containers, tank containers, platform containers, offshore containers, etc.