MSC 111 has put another batch of 2028 changes in motion. The headlines are technical, but some of it will be familiar to anyone sailing: GMDSS updates, VDES, radio survey questions, lifeboat testing, IMDG cargo rules, remote inspections and more paperwork around evidence and procedures.
My question is simple: how does this usually work in your company?
Do the ships get proper guidance early, or does it show up close to survey time as another office circular and a list of things the Master, mate or chief engineer is expected to sort out?
On many ships, major IMO changes only become visible when a survey, audit, vetting inspection, or flag circular highlights them. By then, the vessel is expected to have procedures updated, equipment verified, crew familiarized, and documentary evidence available.
The companies that manage these transitions well usually start several years ahead by:
Conducting a gap analysis against the new requirements.
Updating SMS procedures and checklists early.
Identifying equipment upgrades and budget requirements.
Providing practical guidance to ships, not just copies of IMO circulars.
Including the changes in training, drills, and internal audits before they become mandatory.
