A wide-ranging package of amendments to core International Maritime Organization (IMO) conventions, codes, and regulations officially entered into force on 1 January 2026, marking one of the most comprehensive regulatory updates in recent years. The changes span crew welfare, vessel safety, environmental protection, cargo reporting, fuel quality, and emerging technologies, with implications across commercial shipping, fishing vessels, and specialized trades.
These amendments reflect the IMO’s increasing focus on human factors, operational transparency, and risk prevention, while also addressing newer vessel designs, alternative fuels, and evolving trading patterns. For shipowners, operators, managers, and bunker suppliers, understanding these changes is essential to maintaining compliance and minimizing operational disruption.
Addressing Bullying, Harassment, and Sexual Assault at Sea
Amendments to the STCW Code introduce new mandatory minimum training requirements aimed at preventing and responding to violence and harassment, including sexual harassment, bullying, and sexual assault. These changes are embedded in Table A-VI/1-4 and apply to basic safety and social responsibility training for seafarers.
The new requirements are designed to equip crews with practical knowledge on recognizing inappropriate behavior, preventing incidents, and responding effectively when issues arise. This marks a formal acknowledgment by the IMO that crew welfare and onboard culture are fundamental to maritime safety.
Improved Training Standards for Fishing Vessel Personnel
Amendments to the STCW-F Convention, along with the newly mandatory STCW-F Code, also took effect on 1 January 2026. These changes follow a comprehensive review aimed at modernizing training and certification standards for fishing vessel personnel.
The revised framework introduces harmonized qualification standards and establishes minimum competence levels for personnel serving on fishing vessels covered by the Convention. Part A of the STCW-F Code sets mandatory technical standards, while Part B provides guidance to support consistent global implementation.
Mandatory Reporting of Lost Containers
Amendments to both MARPOL and SOLAS now require mandatory reporting of freight containers lost overboard. Container losses pose serious risks to navigation, vessel safety, and the marine environment, particularly in high-traffic sea lanes.
Under the revised rules, masters must report container losses to nearby vessels, coastal states, and the flag state, which in turn reports incidents to the IMO. The amendments also specify the information that must be included, such as location, number of containers lost, and relevant cargo details.
Enhanced Safety Requirements for Onboard Equipment
A new SOLAS Regulation II-1/3-13 introduces comprehensive requirements for the design, operation, inspection, testing, and maintenance of onboard lifting appliances and anchor handling winches. These requirements are supported by new IMO guidelines that provide practical implementation direction.
The goal is to reduce accidents linked to mechanical failure and improper maintenance, particularly during cargo handling and offshore operations where lifting equipment plays a critical safety role.
Tighter Controls on Oil Fuel Safety
Amendments to SOLAS Chapter II-2 strengthen safeguards against the supply of oil fuels that do not meet the required 60°C flashpoint standard. Ships must now receive a signed and certified declaration from fuel suppliers prior to bunkering, confirming compliance and identifying the test method used.
These changes are particularly relevant for bunker suppliers and operators, reinforcing the importance of fuel quality documentation and compliance checks before delivery.
Expanded Polar Code Coverage
Amendments to the Polar Code, together with associated SOLAS changes, extend safety and voyage planning requirements to additional vessel categories operating in polar waters. This includes fishing vessels of 24 meters and above, certain pleasure yachts, and smaller cargo ships previously outside the Code’s scope.
The expanded coverage reflects increased vessel traffic in polar regions and the unique risks associated with ice, extreme weather, and limited emergency response infrastructure.
Inspection, Monitoring, and Fire Safety Enhancements
Several amendments target onboard monitoring and fire safety. New rules require electronic inclinometers on newly built containerships and bulk carriers of 3,000 GT and above to record and display roll motion data. This aims to improve situational awareness and accident prevention.
At the same time, amendments ban the use and storage of fire-extinguishing media containing PFOS, citing health and environmental risks. Existing ships must comply by their first survey after 1 January 2026.
Additional fire safety measures have been introduced for vehicle carriers, ro-ro ships, and special category spaces, including enhanced fire detection, video monitoring, and patrol requirements to allow faster identification and response to onboard fires.
Updates to Dangerous Goods, Fuels, and Emerging Technologies
The updated IMDG Code (Amendment 42-24) is now in force, applying to all ships carrying packaged dangerous goods. Changes improve classification, documentation, and handling requirements.
Amendments to the IGF Code and IGC Code introduce new safety measures for low-flashpoint fuels and cryogenic materials, including the approved use of high manganese austenitic steel for cryogenic service. These updates support the industry’s transition toward alternative and cleaner fuels while maintaining safety standards.
Navigation, Life-Saving Appliances, and Digitalization
Further amendments address ECDIS performance standards, enabling phased adoption of new IHO digital chart specifications and future route plan exchange capabilities. While voluntary in 2026, these updates become mandatory for new installations from 2029.
The Life-Saving Appliance Code has also been updated with new ventilation requirements for totally enclosed lifeboats, reflecting lessons learned from operational experience and accident investigations.
What This Means for the Industry
Taken together, the 2026 IMO amendments represent a clear shift toward higher accountability, improved crew welfare, enhanced safety systems, and stronger environmental controls. For shipowners and operators, compliance will require coordinated updates to training programs, onboard procedures, documentation, and supplier relationships.
As regulatory scrutiny increases across fuel quality, emissions, and safety practices, proactive planning and clear communication with technical managers, suppliers, and crews will be essential to staying ahead of enforcement and operational risk.
