REGULATION news
Recent and future regulation changes
A number of safety, environmental, training, fuel, construction and reporting requirements have recently entered into force, or are becoming become available for voluntary application. Here's an overview.
January 2026 proved to be a major regulatory milestone.
1 January was the single most significant date on the 2026 calendar, with a large number of IMO, SOLAS, MARPOL amendments entering into force simultaneously.
Safety, equipment and ship design - Mandatory carriage of electronic inclinometers New container ships and bulk carriers ≥3,000 GT must be fitted with electronic inclinometers under SOLAS Chapter V, with data potentially linked to the VDR.
- Amendments to the LSA Code
New requirements for single fall and hook systems on lifeboats and rescue boats to prevent accidental release during recovery.
- Launching appliances using falls and winches (LSA Code)
Limits introduced on maximum and minimum lowering speeds for survival craft and rescue boats.
- Enhanced performance standards for SOLAS adult lifejackets
Lifejackets on ships constructed on or after 1 January 2026 must meet new in-water performance standards, including reliable face-up turning of unconscious persons.
- Ventilation of totally enclosed lifeboats New design standards require a minimum ventilation rate of 5 m³/h per person for at least 24 hours (noting phased installation dates extending to 2029).
- Amendments to SOLAS Chapter II-1 – lifting appliances and anchor handling winches New requirements for design, testing, inspection, maintenance and provisions for inoperative equipment.
Fire safety and extinguishing media - PFOS ban in fire-extinguishing media From 1 January 2026, fire-extinguishing systems and equipment must not use or store PFOS-containing media. This applies to SOLAS ships; 1994 and 2000 High-Speed Craft (HSC) Codes and; Fixed and portable fire-fighting systems and
- Fire safety upgrades for ro-ro and vehicle spaces New requirements for smoke and heat detection, video monitoring, water-based fire-extinguishing systems,
54 | ISSUE 115 | MAR 2026 | THE REPORT and structural fire protection on ships carrying vehicles.
- Fire protection of control stations and cargo control rooms New SOLAS requirements apply to cargo ships constructed on or after 1 January 2026.
Environmental protection and fuels - Amendments to SOLAS II-2/4 on oil fuel parameters Oil fuel must not jeopardise ship safety, machinery performance, or crew health. Suppliers, ship managers and crews all carry new responsibilities.
- Reporting of non-compliant oil fuel suppliers Amendments to SOLAS Chapter II-2 introduce reporting obligations where flashpoint requirements are not met.
Navigation, reporting and documentation - Mandatory reporting of containers lost at sea Amendments to SOLAS Chapter V require immediate reporting of container losses or sightings.
- Amendments to IAMSAR Manual (Volumes II & III) Updated SAR guidance enters into force, including new appendices, improved night-search guidance, offshore wind farm considerations and enhanced flight-tracking use.
- Procedures for Port State Control, 2025 New PSC procedures take effect, including: - Security-specific guidelines for PSCOs - Updated list of relevant instruments, including SEEMP and IGF Code changes
Training and human element - New STCW training requirements Mandatory training on preventing and responding to violence, harassment, bullying and sexual assault must be included in all basic and advanced safety courses.
Cargoes and dangerous goods - Amendments 42-24 to the IMDG Code New and revised requirements apply to all ships carrying dangerous goods in packaged form.
- Amendments to the Grain Code
New provisions clarify loading conditions and calculation of heeling moments for partially filled compartments.
Polar and high-seas operations - UN High Seas Treaty (BBNJ Agreement) The treaty enters into force, establishing a new global framework for protecting biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction.
- Amendments to SOLAS Chapter XIV and the Polar Code New navigation and voyage planning requirements apply to non-SOLAS ships operating in polar waters, with transitional provisions for existing vessels.
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