UK Brings Sweeping Maritime Safety and Pollution Rules Into Force

A wide-ranging package of updates to UK maritime legislation has now come into force, implementing a series of international safety, environmental and training amendments agreed at the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). 

The changes, effective from 1st January 2026, ensure that the UK remains aligned with its global obligations under SOLAS, MARPOL and STCW through the use of “ambulatory references” in domestic law, meaning UK regulations automatically reflect the latest international standards.

The updates span ship construction, fire safety, pollution prevention, navigation, cargo handling and seafarer training. 

Many of the amendments apply to new ships built from 2026 onwards, while others introduce immediate operational requirements across the UK fleet:

Ship construction and equipment (SOLAS Chapter II‑1)

New requirements for lifting appliances and anchor-handling winches are now active, following IMO Resolution MSC.532(107). These introduce enhanced design, maintenance and testing standards.

Updates to the IGF Code and SOLAS II‑1 - via MSC.524(106) and MSC.551(108) - apply to ships constructed from 1st January 2026, strengthening rules for vessels using low‑flashpoint fuels such as LNG and methanol.

Qualification standards for coating inspectors have also been modernised. References to the former NACE Level 2 certification have been replaced with AMPP or FROSIO Level III credentials, ensuring alignment with current professional bodies.

Minor clarifications to the ESP Code for bulk carriers and tankers are also now in effect.

Fire safety (SOLAS Chapter II‑2 and High-Speed Craft Codes)

A suite of fire safety amendments is now active, including:

• mandatory flashpoint verification for fuel oils
• a ban on PFOS‑containing firefighting foams
• new fire detection requirements for cargo ships
• major upgrades to fire detection, containment, and suppression systems on Ro‑Ro passenger ships

The 1994 and 2000 High-Speed Craft Codes have been updated to reflect the PFOS ban.

Life-saving appliances (SOLAS Chapter III)

New requirements for totally enclosed lifeboats installed from 2029 mandate 24‑hour ventilation capability.

Life jacket performance standards have been strengthened to eliminate any tolerance for failure in turning an unconscious casualty face‑up.

Additional safeguards for release hooks and updated lowering‑speed requirements for survival craft are also now in force.

Routine lifeboat testing must now include verification of ventilation systems, following consequential amendments under MSC.559(108).

Navigation safety (SOLAS Chapter V)

To reduce container loss and cargo damage from excessive rolling, newly built container ships and bulk carriers of 3,000 GT and above must now be fitted with electronic inclinometers capable of recording roll motion.

Cargo regulations (SOLAS Chapter VI)

Updates to the International Grain Code introduce a new class of loading conditions for ships with specially suitable compartments.

The IMSBC Code’s next full edition becomes mandatory in 2027 but may already be used voluntarily in 2026. Amendment 08‑25 adds new cargo types and updates existing schedules.

Gas carriers (IGC Code)

Two major amendments are now active:

• approval of high‑manganese austenitic steel for gas carrier construction
• permission for gas carriers to use additional liquefied gas cargoes as fuel, supporting decarbonisation

Pollution prevention (MARPOL)

Protocol I has been updated to require mandatory reporting of lost freight containers, including those containing harmful substances—ensuring consistency with SOLAS V.

Annex VI amendments to the NOx Technical Code will take effect later in 2026, updating procedures for controlling nitrogen oxide emissions.

SEEMP requirements have been strengthened, with clearer planning and reporting obligations. Ships must now report fuel use by engine type, shore‑power usage, cargo‑distance metrics and installed energy‑saving technologies.

Seafarer training (STCW)

Mandatory training on preventing and responding to violence and harassment - including sexual harassment, bullying and assault - is now part of the Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (PSSR) module. All new seafarers undertaking basic training in 2026 will receive this updated content.

These changes collectively modernise the UK’s maritime regulatory framework, ensuring alignment with international safety and environmental standards while strengthening protections for seafarers, ships and the marine environment.

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