Major Amendments to IMO Treaties Set to Enhance Maritime Safety and Environmental Protections
A comprehensive set of amendments to key International Maritime Organization (IMO) treaties and codes will take effect on January 1, 2026. These changes introduce new safety measures, environmental protections, and training requirements for seafarers worldwide. The revisions span several conventions, including the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL), the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), and the Polar Code. This initiative reflects the IMO’s commitment to modernizing regulations to meet the evolving needs of the maritime industry.
Enhanced Training and Reporting Requirements
One of the most notable updates is the amendment to the STCW Code, which now mandates training to prevent and respond to bullying, harassment, and sexual assault aboard ships. This revised standard aims to provide seafarers with essential skills to recognize, prevent, and report such incidents, thereby promoting personal safety and social responsibility within maritime operations. Additionally, similar updates have been made under the STCW-F Code, which focuses on fishing vessel personnel and establishes minimum competency levels for technical and safety training.
Another significant change involves the mandatory reporting of lost containers under the MARPOL and SOLAS conventions. Ships that lose containers overboard must now provide detailed information, including the number and location of lost units, to nearby vessels, the coastal state, and the flag state. The flag state is then responsible for notifying the IMO. These measures address navigation hazards, human safety, and environmental concerns, reflecting a growing global awareness of the risks associated with container losses.
Strengthened Safety Standards and Environmental Protections
The amendments also enhance ship safety and equipment standards. New SOLAS regulations now cover onboard lifting appliances, anchor handling winches, and the proper bunkering of oil fuel, including flashpoint requirements. Furthermore, amendments to the Polar Code extend navigation and voyage planning safety standards to certain fishing vessels, pleasure yachts, and cargo ships operating in polar regions. For ships constructed after January 1, 2026, electronic inclinometers will be required on containerships and bulk carriers to monitor roll motion. Enhanced fire safety measures for vehicle, special category, and ro-ro spaces will also include mandatory detection, alarm, and monitoring systems.
Environmental protections have been significantly reinforced as well. The use of fire extinguishing systems containing perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) will be prohibited on new ships, reducing the impact of harmful chemicals on both crews and the environment. Updates to the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code, Grain Code, IGF Code, and IGC Code will further improve operational safety and regulatory clarity for vessels transporting hazardous goods, liquefied gases, or bulk grain.
These amendments represent a crucial step in aligning maritime regulations with contemporary safety, environmental, and human welfare standards. Industry experts anticipate that while widespread adoption and monitoring will be necessary, these changes are expected to significantly reduce risks, enhance crew welfare, and bolster the credibility of global shipping standards. As the shipping industry grapples with challenges posed by climate change, increasing trade volumes, and technological advancements, the 2026 IMO amendments signify a coordinated effort to strengthen international maritime governance while ensuring the safety of lives, vessels, and the marine environment.
