IMO SOLAS II-1/3-13 & MARPOL Annex VI Updates: 2026 Compliance Guide

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SOLAS Safety MARPOL Green

SOLAS II-1/3-13 & MARPOL Annex VI Updates:
Safety & Decarbonization (2026)

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is accelerating the transition toward a safer and greener fleet. Effective 1 January 2026, new dual mandates under SOLAS and MARPOL will fundamentally change how vessels operate and report.

📖 Regulation Overview: Safety & Environment

Regulation	Primary Focus	Compliance Action
SOLAS II-1/3-13	Lifting Appliances & Winches	Mandatory load testing at the first renewal survey after 1 Jan 2026.
MARPOL Annex VI	Emissions & Fuel Reporting	Strict reporting of CO₂, fuel consumption, and Energy Efficiency Indices (CII/EEXI).

⚖️ Global Enforcement Background

These amendments are not standalone; they are part of the IMO Strategy on Reduction of GHG Emissions. By integrating mechanical safety (lifting gear) with environmental accountability (emissions tracking), the IMO aims to achieve a net-zero maritime industry by 2050 while maintaining zero-accident deck operations.

⚙️ Practical Application for Ship Managers

Retrofitting & Hardware

Shipowners must install emissions monitoring systems and ensure all lifting appliances are certified by a Recognized Organization (RO).

Annual Data Submission

Data regarding fuel sulfur content, NOx emissions, and fuel consumption must be submitted annually to the IMO Data Collection System (DCS).

Operational Awareness

Bridge and Engine room teams must maintain real-time logs of inclinometer data and fuel efficiency indices (CII).

💡 Pro-Tip for Mariners: Accurate record-keeping is your best defense against Port State Control (PSC). Ensure that both your Cargo Record Book and Oil Record Book (Annex VI parts) are updated daily.

📚 Mandatory Professional Reference Library

SOLAS Consolidated Edition 2020

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MARPOL Consolidated Edition 2022

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ISM Code Guide

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Marine Engineering Manual

🛒 Buy Now

Ship Construction Guide

🛒 Buy Now

🖋️ Marine Officer's Study & Office Essentials

Marine Study Planner

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Highlighter Set

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Professional Register

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Pilot Pen Set

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Desk Organizer

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The Road Ahead

Compliance with SOLAS II-1/3-13 and MARPOL Annex VI is not just a legal hurdle—it is an investment in the future of the maritime industry. By standardizing lifting appliance safety and enforcing emission transparency, we ensure a safer, more sustainable world for every mariner.

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