AWP Web Blog

SOLAS II-2/10.11 as amended by resolution MSC.532(107) - New Requirements for Firefighting Systems

This marine notice provides guidance on using an exhaust gas cleaning system (EGCS) to support compliance with the sulphur limit of 0.50 mass per cent concentration (m/m) in fuel oil.

It is estimated that around 350 seafarers and 3rd party workers have been killed due to asphyxiation in enclosed spaces on ships since 1996. 43 accidents have occurred since 2022, accounting for 70 of these deaths.

While witnessing routine testing of a fixed firefighting system during an annual exam aboard a foreign passenger vessel, the Coast Guard discovered multiple high-pressure water mist nozzles that were incapable of discharging water.

The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has approved its Interim Guidance on the Carriage of Blends of Biofuels and MARPOL Annex I Cargoes by Conventional Bunker Ships

The IMO has adopted SOLAS Regulation II-1/3-13, introducing mandatory safety requirements for on-board lifting appliances. The regulation enters into force on 1 January 2026. This news provides recommendations on how to plan for the new lifting appliances regulations.

This news highlights the most frequent detainable and ISM-related deficiencies identified during PSC inspections of DNV-classed vessels in Q2 2025. It complements our recent news (15 July and 5 August) on the upcoming PSC Concentrated Inspection Campaign (CIC) on Ballast Water Management to help operators prepare effectively.

The Paris and Tokyo MoUs’ joint Concentrated Inspection Campaign (CIC) on Ballast Water Management (BWM) will run from 1 September to 30 November 2025. The CIC questionnaire is now published. This PSC news is a follow-up of our news published on 15 July 2025.

Restrictions on open loop discharge are to take effect from 1 July 2027, and closed loop discharge from 1 July 2029. Read more about the ban in this news and on what to consider if EGCSs are an essential part of your SOx emissions compliance strategy.

Amendments to the International Code for the Safe Carriage of Grain in Bulk (“Grain Code”) have been adopted by IMO Resolution MSC.552(108). These amendments introduce requirements and guidance for a new filling type not covered by the existing code. Find out more about the amendments in this statutory news.