New IMO SOLAS II-1/3-13 Rules 2026: Mandatory Lifting Appliances & Winch Testing Guide

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Critical Amendment

IMO SOLAS II-1/3-13:
Compliance Guide 2026

The maritime landscape is shifting. On January 1, 2026, the new SOLAS II-1/3-13 amendments become mandatory. This update fundamentally redefines how onboard lifting appliances and anchor-handling winches are certified and maintained.

The Compliance Pillars

Load Testing 2.0

Historical data is no longer enough. Mandatory load tests must be performed at the first renewal survey following the Jan 2026 deadline.

Class Certification

All lifting gear must now be certified by a "Recognized Organization" (RO). Third-party generic certificates will no longer be valid for PSC.

Rigorous Reporting

Maintenance logs must be integrated into a certified register, providing a transparent audit trail for surveyors.

Operational Roadmap

Failures in lifting gear account for a significant percentage of maritime accidents. These IMO regulations aim to unify safety standards across cargo and offshore vessels. For mariners, this means a shift from reactive maintenance to a strictly documented proactive regime.

Shipboard Action Plan

• Equipment Audit: Tag every crane, hoist, and davit on board for class verification.
• Logbook Migration: Move toward digital maintenance records for instant inspection readiness.
• Survey Coordination: Schedule renewal surveys early to avoid class bottlenecks in 2026.

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Superintendent’s Tip

Don't wait until the first survey of 2026. Start your structural NDT (Non-Destructive Testing) now to identify fatigue before the mandatory load tests reveal critical failures.

Essential Surveyor Resources

SOLAS 2020 Edition

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MARPOL 2022 Guide

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ISM Code Manual

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Ship Construction

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Final Verdict

Compliance with SOLAS II-1/3-13 isn't just a legal hurdle—it's a commitment to crew safety. The countdown to 2026 has begun; preparation today prevents detention tomorrow.

📌 Indexed Tags: IMO SOLAS 2026 • Port State Control • Lifting Appliances • Marine Engineering

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