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.

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 International Maritime Organization (IMO) has adopted new mandatory safety requirements for onboard lifting appliances and their associated loose gear through SOLAS Regulation II-1/3-13. This regulation, effective from 1 January 2026, aims to prevent accidents, enhance safety, and establish uniform standards for the design, construction, installation, and maintenance of this equipment. These requirements are applicable to a wide range of lifting appliances, including cargo cranes, engine-room cranes, stores cranes, and hose handling cranes.

New IMSBC Code amendments take effect on 1 January 2027, with voluntary adoption from 1 January 2026. The changes introduce new cargo schedules, revised classifications, and updated certification and safety requirements for shipowners and operators carrying solid bulk cargoes.

The IMO Sub-Committee on Ship Design and Construction (SDC) convened its eleventh session from January 19 to 23, 2026. This Brief provides an overview of the more significant issues progressed at this session.