The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has introduced new guidelines (MSC.1/Circ.1663) to enhance the safety and compliance of lifting appliances aboard ships, including yachts.
The new IMO guidelines for yachts, effective from 1 January 2026, are part of the amendments to the SOLAS Convention, specifically regulation II-1/3-13, and are crucial for yacht owners and operators to understand and implement.
Scope and Applicability For The New IMO Guidelines for Yachts
The guidelines apply to lifting appliances and associated loose gear used on ships. For yachts, this includes equipment such as davits, cranes, and hoists used for launching tenders or cargo. The regulations are applicable to vessels of 500 gross tonnage or above and smaller vessels required by their classification society.
Design and Installation Requirements
Lifting appliances installed on or after 1 January 2026 must be designed, constructed, and installed in accordance with the requirements of a recognised classification society or standards acceptable to the Administration, ensuring an equivalent level of safety.
Testing and Examination
Lifting appliances must undergo load testing and thorough examination to verify structural integrity and safe operation before being put into service, after a repair / modification or exceptional circumstances. Thorough examinations and load tests are required at regular intervals as instructed by the applicable classification society or flag state.
Certification and Documentation
A certificate of test and thorough examination must be issued upon satisfactory completion of testing. Additionally, a register of lifting appliances and cargo handling gear should be maintained on board, documenting all relevant information and certificates.
Maintenance and Inspection
Regular maintenance and inspections should be conducted in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations, industry standards, or classification society requirements. This ensures continued safe operation and compliance with the guidelines.
Operational Manuals in Compliance With The New IMO Guidelines for Yachts
An operations manual for each lifting appliance should be available on board, detailing design limitations, compatible gear, safety instructions, and operating procedures. If the manufacturer’s manual is unavailable, a manual developed by a competent third party may be used.
Inoperative Equipment
If a lifting appliance or loose gear is found to be unsafe or not in compliance, it must be taken out of service, clearly marked as “not to be used,” and recorded in the register until necessary repairs and re-examinations are completed.
Implications for Yacht Owners and Operators
Yacht owners and operators should assess their lifting appliances and associated gear to ensure compliance with the new guidelines. This includes verifying design standards, conducting required tests and examinations, maintaining accurate records, and ensuring that operational manuals are available and up to date.
