SOLAS Lifting Appliances Regulations 2026: Full Guide to Compliance and Certification

Introduction

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has introduced a significant update to the SOLAS Convention by adopting Regulation II-1/3-13, which mandates new safety and certification standards for lifting appliances on cargo vessels. These changes, effective from 1 January 2026, aim to reduce accidents, improve operational safety, and ensure consistent global standards for the design, installation, and maintenance of lifting equipment at sea.

What Are SOLAS Lifting Appliances?

Lifting appliances refer to permanently installed equipment for handling cargo, machinery, and personnel on board ships. These include:

• Cargo cranes and derricks
• Hatch cover and bulkhead handling gear
• Engine-room and stores cranes
• Hose handling cranes
• Personnel handling systems
• Tender boat launch and recovery systems

The new SOLAS lifting appliances regulations apply to all equipment installed on cargo vessels, ensuring they meet strict safety and performance criteria.

Scope of SOLAS Regulation II-1/3-13

The regulation applies to:

• New ships constructed on or after 1 January 2026
• Existing ships with lifting appliances installed before that date, which must comply during their following Class Renewal Survey

It does not apply to:

• Mobile or temporary lifting appliances
• Life-saving appliances (covered under the LSA Code)
• Offshore construction vessels and MODUs (if compliant with other standards)

Key Compliance Requirements for New Lifting Appliances

For lifting appliances installed on or after 1 January 2026, the following steps are mandatory:

1. Design Approval
   All lifting appliances must undergo design review and approval by a recognized classification society.
2. Manufacturing Survey
   The manufacturing process must be monitored to ensure compliance with approved designs and material standards.
3. Product Certification
   Each appliance must be certified according to the applicable standards, such as the Lloyd’s Register or DNV Lifting Appliance Standard or MSC.1/Circ.1663.
4. Installation Testing
   After installation, appliances must undergo:
   • Load testing
   • Thorough examination
   • Verification of Safe Working Load (SWL) markings
5. Documentation
   Ships must maintain:
   • A Register of Ship’s Lifting Appliances and Cargo Handling Gear (LA1)
   • Certificates of Test and Thorough Examination (LA2 and LA3)
   • An Operations Manual for each appliance

Requirements for Existing Lifting Appliances

For appliances installed before 1 January 2026, the following apply:

• Load Testing and Examination
  A certified surveyor must test and examine appliances during the following Class Renewal Survey.
• Marking and Certification
  Each appliance must be permanently marked with its SWL and have a valid certification. The SWL must be determined and verified through testing if no certificate exists.
• Factual Statement (LAFS)
  A Factual Statement must be issued by MSC.1/Circ.1663 and the ILO Code of Practice for non-certified appliances.

Maintenance and Inspection Responsibilities

Shipowners are responsible for ensuring ongoing compliance through:

• Regular Maintenance and Inspection
  Based on the manufacturer’s manual, inspections must be carried out by qualified personnel and documented onboard.
• Operational Testing
  Periodic operational tests must be performed to verify functionality and safety.
• Record Keeping
  All maintenance, inspections, and tests must be logged in a clear, legible format and authenticated by a responsible person.
• Crew Training
  Operators must be trained, familiarized with the equipment, and authorized by the ship’s master.

Certification and Survey Scheme

Classification societies like DNV and Lloyd’s Register have introduced new survey schemes to support compliance with SOLAS lifting appliances regulations:

• Initial Survey: For new installations
• Annual Survey: To verify ongoing compliance
• Occasional Survey: After major repairs or modifications
• Quinquennial Load Test: Every five years

These surveys ensure that lifting appliances remain safe and operational throughout their service life. 

Benefits of the New SOLAS Lifting Appliances Rules

• Enhanced Safety: Reduces the risk of accidents during cargo handling
• Global Standardization: Ensures uniform compliance across all flag states
• Improved Reliability: Regular inspections and testing enhance equipment performance
• Regulatory Clarity: Clear guidelines for both new and existing vessels

How to Prepare for Compliance

Shipowners and operators should take the following steps before the 2026 deadline:

1. Audit Existing Equipment
   Identify all lifting appliances onboard and verify their certification status.
2. Schedule Surveys
   Coordinate with classification societies to conduct required inspections and tests.
3. Update Documentation
   Ensure all manuals, certificates, and registers are current and available onboard.
4. Train Crew
   Provide training for crew members responsible for operating and maintaining lifting appliances.
5. Plan for Upgrades
   If existing equipment cannot be certified, plan for replacement or retrofitting.

Conclusion

The 2026 SOLAS lifting appliances regulations mark a pivotal shift in maritime safety standards. The IMO aims to reduce accidents and improve operational efficiency on cargo vessels worldwide by enforcing rigorous design, testing, and maintenance protocols. To ensure full compliance and avoid costly delays or penalties, shipowners must act now.

A. Dimitriou, MaritimeHub Editor.