AWP Web Blog

Pilot transfer remains a critical and high-risk operation for the maritime industry. Numerous incidents and fatalities involving seafarers and maritime pilots have occurred worldwide. The safety issues that have been identified include improper maintenance of ladders, rigging of pilot transfer arrangements and inadequate assessment of risks when boarding or disembarking from a ship. These repeated issues indicate a need for improved awareness regarding the importance of pilot transfer arrangements.

Code of safe working practices for merchant seafarers (COSWP) 2026 edition, outlines the updates reflected following the 2025 annual review.

This Regulatory News provides an update and guidance on the latest developments regarding the arrangements for the emergency escape trunk from Category A machinery spaces.

The 12th session of the IMO Sub-Committee on Ship Systems and Equipment (SSE 12) took place from 9 to 13 March 2026.

Starting 1 May 2026, all EEDI-relevant speed trials must be conducted according to ISO 15016:2025 or ITTC Recommended Procedure 7.5-04-01-01.1 “Preparation, Conduct and Analysis of Speed/Power Trials”, 2024. From that date, ISO 15016:2015 will no longer be accepted as a valid reference.

The 12th session of the IMO’s Sub-Committee on Human Element, Training and Watchkeeping (HTW 12) was held from 22 to 27 February 2026.

This article presents an overview of the upcoming regulations in 2026 to improve safety and environmental protection.

Despite decades of awareness campaigns, regulatory updates, and repeated industry commitments, seafarers and shore workers continue to lose their lives in enclosed spaces on board ships, often in circumstances that were entirely preventable.

The state of the holds on delivery is usually a requirement to validly tender an N.O.R. In the absence of any specific clause, most charters require that the ship be “ready to receive cargo with clean swept holds” (e.g. line 22 NYPE) i.e. she is ready to commence loading without delay.

Nickel ore cargoes present significant hazards to shipping, with the potential for catastrophic outcomes if not handled properly.