SAF-020 - New SOLAS regulation II-1/3-13 on Lifting appliances and Anchor Handling Winches

Rev. 1 2/25

______________________________________________________________________________

TO: ALL SHIPOWNERS, OPERATORS, MASTERS AND OFFICERS OF MERCHANT SHIPS, AND AUTHORIZED CLASSIFICATION SOCIETIES

SUBJECT: New SOLAS regulation II-1/3-13 on Lifting appliances and Anchor Handling Winches

References: (a) SOLAS 74, as amended by Resolution MSC.532(107)

1. MSC.1/Circ.1662 on Guidelines for anchor handling winches
2. MSC.1/Circ.1663 on Guidelines for lifting appliances
3. MSC.1/Circ.1696 on Unified Interpretation of SOLAS II-1/3-13.2.4

Supersedes: Marine Notice SAF-020, dated 10/25

The following changes have been included:

1. Added application to boom conveyors on self-unloading ships
2. Provided clarification for lifting appliances with safe working load below 1,000 Kgs
3. Added a non-exhaustive list of loose gear under paragraph 1.2:
4. Added links to authorized RO’s in paragraphs 1.4 and 1.17.
5. Provided additional clarification to the definition of thorough examination in paragraphs 1.15 and 1.31.
6. Corrected factor for test load of multi-sheave blocks and hook blocks from 0.993 to 0.933.
7. Added a cautionary note under paragraph 2.1.1.14
8. Added clarification on the date for use of the official Register of Lifting Appliances under paragraph 2.4.1.2.
9. Added additional column 4 to the Form of Factual Statement under Annex III.

PURPOSE

This Notice provides guidance to vessel owners, operators and managers for compliance with the amendments to SOLAS Chapter II-1 adopted by Resolution MSC.532(107) and the associated guidelines in MSC.1/Circ.1662 and MSC.1/Circ.1663 on lifting appliances and anchor handling winches, which will enter into force on 1 January 2026.

The fundamental purpose and intent behind the discussions and the formulation of regulations is to prevent accidents, injuries, and fatalities caused due to failures of lifting appliances and anchor handling winches, by enforcing mandatory design, construction, installation, testing, thorough examination, operational and maintenance standards.

Inquiries concerning the subject of this Notice should be directed to the Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Republic of

Liberia, the Liberian International Ship & Corporate Registry, 22980 Indian Creek Dr., Suite 200, Dulles VA 20166,

USA. The most current version of all Marine Notices are available in the Online Library at: http://www.liscr.com

APPLICABILITY

This Marine Notice applies to lifting appliances and anchor handling winches, and loose gear utilized with the lifting appliances and the anchor handling winches, installed on or after 1 January 2026. Lifting appliances and anchor handling winches installed before 1 January 2026 shall be tested and thoroughly examined, based on the Guidelines in MSC.1/Circ.1662 and

MSC.1/Circ.1663, no later than the date of the first renewal survey on or after 1 January 2026.

In this regard, “installed on or after 1 January 2026” means:

Lifting appliances

For the purpose of SOLAS Chapter II-1, regulation 3-13, lifting appliances and loose gear have been defined under paragraph 1.3.

This regulation does not apply to:

The Administration will not apply the requirements for lifting appliances and loose gear to the boom conveyors of self-unloading ships, which are designed, constructed and installed in accordance with standards acceptable to the Administration, such as ASME B20.1, CAN/CSA S16, or other international standards which provide an equivalent or higher level of safety; and are operated, maintained, inspected, examined and tested in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions. However, if owners/operators wish to apply the requirements on a voluntary basis, they should contact the authorized RO.

With regard to lifting appliances with a safe working load below 1,000 kg installed on or after 1 January 2026,these shall be load tested and thoroughly examined by the manufacturer, shipbuilder or commissioning contractor after installation onboard and provided with a certificate of test. For all lifting appliances installed on board with a safe working load below 1,000 kg, shipowners and operators should assess their usage and associated risks and incorporate procedures for inspection and maintenance into the shipboard Safety Management System (SMS).

Anchor handling winches

This regulation applies to anchor-handling winches of offshore anchor-handling ships (see definition of anchor handling winches). In other words, the requirements do not apply to the windlass and other associated parts of the equipment/arrangements of dropping and lifting ship’s own anchor.

1.0 DEFINITIONS:

1.1 Anchor handling winch means any winch for the purpose of deploying, recovering and repositioning anchors and mooring lines in subsea operations.

1.2 Loose gear

For the purpose of applying requirements for both anchor handling winches and lifting appliances:

Loose gear means an article of ships equipment by means of which a load can be attached to a lifting appliance or an anchor handling winch, but which does not form an integral part of the appliance or load (regulation II-1/2.32).

Note: A non-exhaustive list of loose gear includes Blocks, hooks, shackles, chains and slings, rings, swivels, lifting beams, spreaders, frames, grabs.

1.3 Lifting appliances

For the Purpose of applying requirements to lifting appliances in SOLAS:

Lifting appliance means any load-handling ship's equipment (regulation II-1/2.1.30):

.1 used for cargo loading, transfer, or discharge;

.2 used for raising and lowering hold hatch covers or moveable bulkheads;

.3 used as engine-room cranes;

.4 used as stores cranes;

.5 used as hose handling cranes;

.6 used for launch and recovery of tender boats and similar applications; and

.7 used as personnel handling cranes.

For the Purpose of applying the provisions in the Guidelines for Lifting Appliances

1.4 Authorized RO means a RO that has been authorized to conduct examination and

certification of lifting appliances and loose gear on behalf of the Administration. Refer to the list of authorized RO’s (SOLAS II-1/3-13).

1.5 Certified means that the lifting appliance or loose gear has been verified and documented in accordance with paragraphs 3.3 or 4.3 of MSC.1/Circ.1663, respectively, as compliant to the satisfaction of the Administration or recognized organization acting on its behalf.

Note: Liberia has delegated certification of lifting appliances and loose gear to its SOLAS II-1/3-13 authorized RO’s.

1.6 Certificate of test and thorough examination means a certificate issued by a competent person upon satisfactory completion of the test and thorough examination of the lifting appliance and/or loose gear.

1.7 Competent person means a person possessing the knowledge and experience required for the performance of duties specified in these Guidelines and acceptable as such to the Administration.

Note: The Administration considers that to be qualified as competent person, the individual need to meet the following:

.1 Attending an applicable training course and being issued a certificate of completion; or

.2 from hands on training and certification by the lifting appliance manufacturers.

.3 The designated competent person should be acceptable to the authorized RO.

1.8 Inspection means an assessment carried out by a responsible person to ascertain if the lifting appliance or loose gear is in good working condition for continued safe use.

1.9 Load test means a test in excess of the SWL, carried out in the presence of a competent person in order to check the structural integrity of the lifting appliance and its attachment to and adequacy of its supporting structure.

1.10 Maintenance means any activity carried out by a responsible person to keep the lifting appliance or loose gear in good working condition for continued safe use.

1.11 Operational testing means a test carried out by a responsible person to verify the correct functioning of a component or operation of the lifting appliance and/or associated loose gear.

1.12 Recognized Organized (RO) means a classification society recognized by the Administration.

1.13 Responsible person means a person appointed by the master or company as defined in SOLAS regulation IX/1, as appropriate, possessing the knowledge and experience required for the performance of duties specified in MSC.1/Circ.1662 and MSC.1/Circ.1663.

1.14 Safe working load (SWL) is the maximum static load at a specified radius which a lifting appliance or item of loose gear is certified to lift for a specified operating condition.

1.15 Thorough examination means a detailed assessment carried out by a competent person in order to determine whether or not the lifting appliance or loose gear is in compliance with the applicable requirements of the Administration.

Note: The Administration considers that following is required, as a minimum to satisfy to meet the requirements of the thorough examination:

.1 A systematic and detailed visual examination by a competent person acceptable to the RO, and supplemented by other suitable means such as function testing, wear measurements, non-destructive tests carried out carefully to determine that there are no unacceptable defects, fractures, excessive corrosion, unacceptable wear or deformation, in accordance with the applicable standards and recommendations, and arrive at a reliable conclusion as to the safety of the examined lifting appliances and loose gear.

2 For this purpose, the component parts of the lifting appliance or loose gear is to be dismantled if the competent person deems it necessary.

For the Purpose of applying the provisions in the Guidelines for Anchor Handling Winches

1.16 A wire means a dedicated line (wire rope, synthetic rope or chain cable) used for the handling of anchors by means of an anchor handling winch. The wire may include connecting loose gear.

1.17 Authorized RO means a RO that has been authorized to conduct survey and certification of anchor handling winches and loose gear on behalf of the Administration. Refer to the list of authorized RO’s (SOLAS II-1/3-13).

1.18 Brake holding capacity is the maximum line pull that the winch brake can withstand without slipping of the brake.

1.19 Brake holding force is the maximum force for which the winch brake is designed.

1.20 Certified means that the anchor handling winches or associated loose gear have been verified and documented in accordance with paragraphs 3.3 or 4.3 of MSC.1/Circ.1662, respectively, as compliant to the satisfaction of the Administration or recognized organization acting on its behalf.

Note: Liberia accepts anchor handling winches and associated loose gear approved and tested in accordance with applicable rules of its authorized RO’s.

1.21 Chain stopper is a device used for securing and holding a section of wire, thereby relieving the load on the winch drum.

1.22 Competent person means a person possessing the knowledge and experience required for the performance of duties specified in these guidelines and acceptable as such to the Administration.

Note: The Administration considers that to be qualified as competent person, the individual needs to meet the following:

.1 Attending an applicable training course and being issued a certificate of completion; or

.2 from hands on training and certification by the lifting appliance manufacturers.

.3 The designated competent person should be acceptable to the authorized RO

1.23 Inspection means an assessment carried out by a responsible person to ascertain if the anchor handling winches or associated loose gear are in good working condition for continued safe use.

1.24 Load test means a test in excess of the maximum line pull, carried out in the presence of a competent person in order to check the structural integrity of the anchor handling winches and their attachment to and adequacy of their supporting structure.

1.25 Maintenance means any activity carried out by a responsible person to keep the anchor handling winches or associated loose gear in good working condition for continued safe use.

1.26 Maximum line pull is the maximum sustained force the winch is capable of pulling.

1.27 Operational testing means a test carried out by a responsible person to verify the correct functioning of a component or operation of the anchor handling winches and/or associated loose gear.

1.28 Recognized Organized (RO) means a classification society recognized by the Administration.

1.29 Responsible person means a person appointed by the master or company as defined in SOLAS regulation IX/1, as appropriate, possessing the knowledge and experience required for the performance of duties specified in these Guidelines.

1.30 Static bollard pull is the maximum sustained pulling force a vessel is capable of generating at maximum power (i.e. 100% maximum continuous rating (MCR)) and zero forward speed.

1.31 Thorough examination means a detailed assessment carried out by a competent person in order to determine whether or not the anchor handling winches or associated loose gear are in compliance with the applicable requirements of the Administration.

Note: The Administration considers that following is required, as a minimum to satisfy to meet the requirements of the thorough examination:

.1 A systematic and detailed visual examination by a competent person acceptable to the RO, and supplemented by other suitable means such as function testing, wear measurements, non-destructive tests carried out carefully to determine that there are no unacceptable defects, fractures, excessive corrosion, unacceptable wear or deformation, in accordance with the applicable standards and recommendations, and arrive at a reliable conclusion as to the safety of the examined anchor handling winch and loose gear.

.2 For this purpose, the component parts of the anchor handling winch or loose gear is to be dismantled if the competent person deems it necessary.

2.0 REQUIREMENTS:

The following are the clarification of the technical requirements given in the SOLAS regulation II-1/3-13 and the Guidelines presented in MSC.1/Circ. 1662 and MSC.

1/Circ.1663.

2.1 Design, construction, installation, marking, load testing and examination

2.1.1 Lifting appliances and loose gear

2.1.1.1 Lifting appliances installed on or after 1 January 2026 shall be:

.1 designed, constructed and installed in accordance with the requirements of a RO or standards acceptable to the Administration which provide an equivalent level of safety (paragraph 3.1 of MSC.1/Circ.1663);

Note: In this regard, the Administration accepts the design, construction and installation in accordance with the rules of its authorized RO’s.

.2 load tested and thoroughly examined to the satisfaction of the

Administration by a competent person after installation and before being taken into use for the first time and after repairs, modifications or alterations of major character (paragraph 3.2.1.1 of MSC.1/Circ.1663); and

.3 shall be permanently marked based on Guidelines in paragraph 3.4 of MSC.1/Circ.1663 and provided with documentary evidence for the safe working load (SWL).

2.1.1.2 Lifting appliances installed before 1 January 2026 shall be:

.1 tested and thoroughly examined to the satisfaction of the Administration by a competent person no later than the date of the first renewal survey on or after 1

January 2026 or after repairs, modifications or alterations of a major character

(paragraph 3.2.1.2 of MSC.1/Circ.1663); and

.2 permanently marked based on the Guidelines in MSC.1/Circ.1663 and provided with documentary evidence for the safe working load (SWL) no later than the date of the first renewal survey on or after 1 January 2026.

Note: “To the satisfaction of the Administration” implies the thorough examination is to be carried out as described under 1.7 above.

2.1.1.3 Lifting appliances to which SOLAS regulations II-1/3-13.2.1 and 3-13.2.4 apply should be retested at least once in every five years.

2.1.1.4 For load testing of lifting appliances intended for use while the ship is in port or sheltered waters, the test load, as set out in table 1 below, should be established using the SWL.

Table 1: Lifting appliances minimum test loads

2.1.1.5 For lifting appliances intended for open-sea operations, the test loads should be to the satisfaction of the Administration or a RO, taking into account the applicable dynamic loads (paragraph 3.2.1.5 of MSC.1/Circ.1663).

Note: In this regard, the Administration accepts the rules of its authorized RO’s for applicable test loads for open-sea operations, taking into account the applicable dynamic loads.

2.1.1.6 Where the safe working load of the lifting appliances is undocumented and design information is not available, e.g. for lifting appliances which are installed on board before 1 January 2026 and the manufacturer no longer exists, the test load should be calculated using table 1, based on a safe working load nominated by the company, to the satisfaction of the Administration (Paragraph 3.2.1.6 of MSC.1/Circ.1663).

Note: “to the satisfaction of the Administration” implies the Administration will accept test load calculated using table 1 and based on safe working load nominated by the Company.

2.1.1.7 Lifting appliances should be subject to thorough examination to the satisfaction of

the Administration by a competent person (paragraph 3.2.2 of MSC.1/Circ.1663):

.1 upon completion of any load test; and

.2 annually

Note: To the satisfaction of the Administration” implies the thorough examination is to be carried out as described under 1.15 above.

2.1.1.8 Lifting appliances found unsafe for operation after a thorough examination by a competent person should be taken out of service and clearly marked ‘not to be used” and status recorded in the register of lifting appliances.

2.1.1.9 Loose gear utilized with lifting appliances should be designed and manufactured in accordance with requirements acceptable to the Administration or a RO (paragraph 4.1 of MSC.1/Circ.1663).

Note: In this regard, the Administration accepts the design and manufacture in accordance with the rules of its authorized RO’s.

2.1.1.10 All loose gear in use with lifting appliances should have documentary evidence of a proof test and be retested after repairs, modifications or alterations of a major character to the satisfaction of the Administration. Where an item of loose gear is tested, minimum test loads should be to the satisfaction of the Administration, based on table 2 below:

Table 2: Loose gear minimum test loads

Note: “to the satisfaction of the Administration” implies the Administration will accept minimum test loads based on table 2.

2.1.1.11 Loose gear should be subject to thorough examination by a competent person to the satisfaction of the Administration:

.1 upon completion of any proof test; and

.2 annually

Note: ‘to the satisfaction of the Administration” implies the thorough examination is to be carried out as described under 1.7 above

2.1.1.12 Loose gear should be marked in accordance with paragraph 4.4 of MSC.1/Circ.1663. With regard to subparagraph 4.4.2.5 which states “other equipment as per the requirements of the classification society or industry standards acceptable to the Administration.”

Note: In this regard, the Administration accepts the rules of its authorized RO’s.

2.1.1.13 Loose gear found unsafe for operation after a thorough examination by a competent person should be taken out of service and clearly marked ‘not to be used” and status recorded in a register of lifting appliances.

2.1.1.14 The intervals for testing and thorough examination of lifting appliances and loose gear are permitted to be in concert with the terms of the HSSC surveys stipulated in SOLAS regulation I/7 for passenger ships and regulation I/10 for cargo ships, notwithstanding the intervals specified in the Guidelines in MSC.1/Circ.1663.

Note: When sailing to countries that are signatory to ILO Convention No. 152, local port authorities may require that any lifting appliances and loose gear used for cargo operations is also certified in accordance with the requirement of ILO Convention No. 152 and may not recognize the HSSC survey intervals as stipulated in SOLAS. It is recommended that ship Masters obtain information about any local requirements prior to arriving at a port in that country.

2.1.2 Anchor handling winches and loose gear

2.1.2.1 Anchor handling winches installed on or after 1 January 2026 shall be designed, constructed, installed and tested in accordance with the requirements of a RO or standards acceptable to the Administration which provide an equivalent level of safety. Anchor handling winches should also comply with the additional guidance specified in paragraphs 3.1.2 to 3.1.8 of MSC.1/Circ.1662.

Note: In this regard, the Administration accepts the rules of its authorized RO’s.

2.1.2.2 Anchor handling winches installed before 1 January 2026 shall be tested and thoroughly examined by a competent person, based on the Guidelines in MSC.1/Circ.1662 no later than the date of the first renewal survey on or after 1 January 2026.

2.1.2.3 For anchor handling winches installed on or after 1 January 2026, a commissioning test should be carried out according to the manufacturer's instructions and the requirements of a RO, or with applicable international standards acceptable to the Administration and which provide an equivalent level of safety.

Note: In this regard, for the commissioning test, the Administration accepts the rules of its authorized RO’s.

2.1.2.4 The commissioning test should include the elements in the Guidelines in MSC.1/Circ.1662 (paragraph 3.2.1.1).

2.1.2.5 After any repairs, modifications or alterations of a major character, anchor handling winches are to be tested in accordance with Guidelines in MSC.1/Circ.1662 (paragraph 3.2.1.2)

2.1.2.6 Anchor handling winches and associated equipment should be operationally tested annually and five-yearly according to the manufacturer's recommendation and the requirements or recommendations of a RO. The annual test should include function tests of all equipment. The Administration or RO should witness the five-yearly test (paragraph 3.2.2 of MSC.1/Circ.1662).

Note: The Administration accepts the rules of authorized RO’s for the annual and five-yearly operational tests.

2.1.2.7 Anchor handling winches and associated equipment should be subject to a thorough examination by a competent person to the satisfaction of the Administration during annual surveys required by SOLAS regulations I/7 for passenger ships and I/10 for cargo ships, before re-entering service after any structural repairs or modifications of major character and after load testing (paragraph 3.2.3.1 of MSC.1/Circ.1662).

Notes: The requirements are for offshore anchor handling vessels, not anchor handling equipment of the vessel’s own anchor; therefore, it applies to passenger ships only if such an offshore anchor handling vessel is certified as a passenger ship.

‘to the satisfaction of the Administration’ implies the thorough examination is to be carried out as described under paragraph 1.31 above.

2.1.2.8 The intervals for testing and thorough examination of anchor handling winches may be in concert with the terms of the HSSC surveys stipulated in SOLAS regulation I/7 for passenger ships and regulation I/10 for cargo ships, notwithstanding the intervals specified in the Guidelines in MSC.1/Circ.1662.

2.1.2.9 Anchor handling winches found unsafe for operation after a thorough examination by a competent person should be taken out of service and clearly marked ‘not to be

used’.

2.1.2.10 Anchor handling winches should be provided with a permanently affixed name plate which should include at least the information in MSC.1/Circ.1662 (paragraph 3.4).

2.1.2.11 Loose gear utilized with anchor handling winches to which SOLAS regulations II1/3-13.2.2 and II-1/3-13.2.5 apply should be designed and manufactured in accordance with requirements acceptable to the Administration or a RO (Paragraph 4.1 of MSC.1/Circ.1662).

Note: In this regard, the Administration accepts the rules of its authorized RO’s.

2.1.2.12 All loose gear in use with anchor handling winches and associated equipment to which SOLAS regulation II-1/3-13 applies should have documentary evidence of a proof test and be retested after repairs, modifications or alterations of major character acceptable to the Administration.

Note: In this regard, the Administration will accept the rules of its authorized RO’s.

2.1.2.13 Loose gear should be subject to thorough examination to the satisfaction of the Administration (paragraph 4.2.2.1 of MSC.1/Circ.1662):

.1 after any proof test; and

.2 annually.

Note: “to the satisfaction of the Administration” implies the thorough examination is to be carried out as described under paragraph 1.25 above.

2.1.2.14 The intervals for thorough examination of loose gear utilized with anchor handling winches are permitted to be in concert with the terms of the HSSC surveys stipulated in SOLAS regulation I/7 for passenger ships and regulation I/10 for cargo ships, notwithstanding the intervals specified in the Guidelines in MSC.1/Circ.1662.

2.1.2.15 Loose gear of anchor handling winches found unsafe for operation after a thorough examination by a competent person should be taken out of service and clearly marked ‘not to be used’ and the status should be recorded as detailed in paragraph 2.4.2 below.

2.2 Maintenance, inspection and operational testing

2.2.1 All lifting appliances, anchor handling winches and all loose gear utilized with any lifting appliances and anchor handling winches, regardless of date of installation, shall be operationally tested, thoroughly examined, inspected and maintained, based on the Guidelines in MSC.1/Circ.1662 and MSC.1/Circ.1663.

2.2.2 Maintenance, inspection, operational testing and their respective intervals should be in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations, industry standards and guidelines or classification society requirements and recommendations acceptable to the Administration, considering factors such as the operational profile of the ship and the lifting appliance, anchor handling winch and loose gear (paragraphs 3.5.1.1 and 4.6.1 of MSC.1/Circ.1662 and paragraphs 3.5.1.1 and 4.6.1 of MSC.1/Circ.1663).

Note: In this regard, the Administration will accept manufacturer’s recommendations, industry standards and guidelines or the requirements/recommendations of its authorized RO’s.

2.2.3 Due regard should be given to the marine environmental conditions when implementing the inspection and maintenance regime including permits to work and safe access, while paying particular attention to examples of items in the Guidelines in MSC.1/Circ.1662 (paragraph 3.5.1.4) and MSC.1/Circ.1663(paragraph 3.5.1.4)

2.2.4 Damaged, broken, worn or corroded ropes, including their terminations, should be inspected by a responsible person and discarded according to manufacturers' recommendations, relevant industry and international standards (e.g. ISO 4309:2017 on Cranes – Wire Ropes – Care and maintenance, inspection and discard) or requirements of classification societies acceptable to the Administration (paragraphs 3.5.1.5 of MSC.1/Circ. 1662 and MSC.1/Circ.1663).

Note: In this regard, the Administration will accept manufacturer’s recommendations, relevant industry and international standards or the rules of its authorized classification societies recognized by the Administration.

2.2.5 Lifting appliances, anchor handling winces and associated loose gear found unsafe for operation after an inspection by a responsible person should be taken out of service and clearly marked ‘not to be used” and status recorded in a register of lifting appliances.

2.2.6 A maintenance manual should be provided by the manufacturer. Where maintenance manuals for existing lifting appliances and anchor handling winches are not available from the manufacturer, these may be provided by competent third parties.

2.2.7 The maintenance manual should, as a minimum, include the items for each lifting appliance and anchor handling winch, described in the Guidelines in MSC.1/Circ. 1662 (paragraph

3.5.2.2) and MSC.1/Circ/1663 (paragraph 3.5.2.2)

2.3 Operations

2.3.1 All lifting appliances, anchor handling winches and all loose gear utilized with any lifting appliances and anchor handling winches, regardless of date of installation, shall be operated in accordance with the operations manual and Guidelines in MSC.1/Circ.1662 and MSC.1/Circ.1663.

2.3.2 Personnel operating lifting appliances, anchor handling winches and their associated equipment should be qualified, familiarized with the equipment and be authorized by the master. They should understand their role during the operation, in particular the signals

that may be required to commence, coordinate or stop the operation and should be equipped with appropriate personnel protective equipment for the task.

2.3.3 Operations should be planned, supervised and carried out so that any identified risks are minimized, any procedures and instructions should relate to the specific type of equipment and should be provided in the operations manual.

2.3.4 Due consideration should be given to any limiting conditions such as ship's motion/inclination, wind speeds including wind gusts, environmental conditions such as ice and snow accretion, limitations such as SWL, slew radius, maximum line pull, maximum brake holding capacity, etc. as applicable.

2.3.5 Effective communication should be established between ship's personnel and shore-based personnel involved in the operation. Safe means of access to the equipment and work area should be established, including safe areas for all personnel involved in the operations.

2.3.6 Procedures and measures for safe operation should take account of applicable international instruments, such as the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 and best practices for occupational safety and health.

2.3.7 Lifting appliances and anchor handling winches should be restrained and stowed in order to avoid uncontrolled movement during sea voyages using arrangements as required by the manufacturer.

2.3.8 An operations manual for lifting appliances should be provided by the manufacturer. Where operations manuals for existing lifting appliances and anchor handling winches are not available from the manufacturer, these may be provided by competent third parties. The operations manual should, as a minimum, include the following for each lifting appliance and anchor handling winch:

.1 design, operational and environmental limitations;

.2 compatible loose gear;

.3 safety instructions; and

.4 operating procedures, including special procedures, if any.

2.3.9 For lifting appliances and anchor handling winches installed before 1 January 2026, their operations manual should be developed with original manufacture, design and build data, and take into account any modifications since installation. Where original data or modification data is not available, the operations manuals should be developed on the current operational procedures and practices.

2.4 Records of Inspection, Maintenance, Testing and Thorough Examination

2.4.1 Lifting appliances and loose gear

2.4.1.1 A record of thorough examination and load testing shall be maintained in a register of lifting appliances officially issued by the Administration and be available on board. To order the books, please complete this publications order form or directly from the website.

2.4.1.2 Vessels maintaining a register of lifting appliances in the format prescribed under the ILO Convention concerning Occupational Safety and Health in Dock Work (N0.152), 1979 (ILO C.152) prior to 1 January 2026, may continue to use the register until the pages are exhausted or until the compliance date in accordance with paragraph 2.4 of SOLAS II-1/3-13, whichever is earlier. All superseded register books are to be kept on board for record purposes.

2.4.1.3 Load testing and thorough examination shall be documented in the ‘Certificate of test and thorough examination’ in the format set out in Annexes 1 and II of this Marine Notice (Paragraphs 3.2.3.2 and 4.7.1.2 of MSC.1/Circ.1663).

2.4.1.4 For existing lifting appliances installed before 1 January 2026 without valid certificates of the test and thorough examination issued under ILO C.152, load testing and thorough examination may be documented by means of a ‘Factual Statement” (also known as a ‘Statement of Fact”) in the format set out in Annex IIII of this Marine Notice (Paragraph 1 of MSC.1/Circ.1696). Authorized RO’s may issue the ‘Factual Statement’ for a period not exceeding five (5) years from the date of load testing after successful completion of load testing and thorough examination conducted in accordance with paragraph 2.1 above.

2.4.1.5 Authorized RO’s shall issue the ‘Certificate of Test and Thorough Examination of Lifting Appliances’ for a period not exceeding five (5) years from the date of load testing in the format specified in Annex I of this Marine Notice, after successful completion of load testing and thorough examination conducted in accordance with paragraph 2.1 above.

2.4.1.6 Authorized RO’s shall issue the ‘Certificate of Test and Thorough Examination of Loose Gear’ in the format specified in Annex II of this Marine Notice, after verifying documentary evidence of proof test and carrying out a thorough examination conducted in accordance with paragraph 2.1 above.

2.4.1.7 Existing lifting appliances and loose gear with valid certificates under the ILO C.152 and issued prior to 1 January 2026 will be considered compliant with SOLAS regulation II-1/3-13.2.4 (paragraph 3.3.3 of MSC.1/Circ.1663) until they expire, after which the Authorized RO will issue the Certificates referred to in 2.4.1.5 and 2.4.1.6 above.

2.4.1.9 Records of the routine inspection and maintenance of lifting appliances or their components or parts should be maintained and kept on board. The records and particulars of inspection and maintenance may be documented in any convenient form, provided each entry contains the necessary information, is clearly legible and is authenticated by a responsible person. Any recommendations of the manufacturer for such inspection and maintenance records should be used.

2.4.2 Anchor handling winches and loose gear

2.4.2.1 A record of thorough examination and evidence of proof testing of anchor handling winches and loose gear utilized with anchor handling winches should be maintained and kept on board.

2.4.2.2 Records of testing and thorough examination may be documented in any convenient form, provided each entry includes the necessary information, is clearly legible and is authenticated by the competent person. Forms issued by the relevant RO or any equivalent forms for documenting the thorough examination and testing should be considered for use (paragraphs 3.2.4 and 4.7.1.2 of MSC.1/Circ.1662).

Note: The Administration will accept forms issued by its authorized RO or any equivalent forms.

2.4.2.3 Existing anchor handling winches with valid certificates under another international instrument acceptable to the Administration and issued prior 1 January 2026 will be considered compliant with SOLAS regulation II-1/3-13.2.5 (paragraph 3.3.3 of MSC.1/Circ.1662).

Note: The Administration will accept valid certificates issued by its authorized RO’s for existing anchor handling.

2.4.2.4 The existing loose gear utilized with anchor handling winches and associated equipment to which SOLAS regulations II-1/3-13.2.2 and II-1/3-13.2.5 apply, with valid certificates under another international instrument acceptable to the Administration and issued prior to the entry into force of SOLAS regulation II-1/313, should be considered compliant with SOLAS regulation II-1/3-13.5 (paragraph 4.3.2 of MSC.1/Circ.1662).

Note: The Administration will accept valid certificates issued by its authorized RO’s for existing loose gear utilized with anchor handling winches.

2.4.2.5 Records of the routine inspection and maintenance of anchor handling winches or their components or parts and loose gear utilized with anchor handling winches should be maintained and kept on board.

2.4.2.6 The records and particulars of inspection and maintenance may be documented in any convenient form, provided each entry contains the necessary information, is clearly legible and is authenticated by a responsible person. Any recommendations of the manufacturer for such inspection and maintenance records should be used.

2.5 Inoperative lifting appliances, anchor handling winches and loose gear

While all reasonable steps shall be taken to maintain lifting appliances, anchor handling winches and loose gear in working order, malfunctions of that equipment shall not be assumed as making the ship unseaworthy or as a reason for delaying the ship in ports, provided that action has been taken by the master to take the inoperative lifting appliance or anchor handling winch into account in planning and executing a safe voyage. Any such malfunctions should be reported to the Administration and authorized RO that issued the relevant certificate.

2.5.1 Additionally, the following actions should be taken by the master to mitigate risks posed by inoperative lifting appliances:

* * * * *

ANNEX 1

FORM OF CERTIFICATE

OF TEST AND THOROUGH EXAMINATION OF LIFTING APPLIANCES

Certificate No.__________

Name of Ship:

IMO Number:

Call Sign:

Port of Registry:

Name of Owner:

This is to certify that the lifting appliances listed below have been tested and thoroughly examined as required by SOLAS regulation II-1/3-13.

This certificate is valid until …………… (dd/mm/yyyy)

Completion date of the testing and thorough examination on which this certificate is based:

Issued at ………………………………. (place of issue of the certificate)

Date of issue …………… (dd/mm/yyyy)

Signature of competent person issuing the certificate ………………………….

(Seal or stamp of the issuing authority)

ANNEX 1I

FORM OF CERTIFICATE

OF TEST AND THOROUGH EXAMINATION OF LOOSE GEAR

Certificate No.__________

Name of Ship:

IMO Number:

Call Sign:

Port of Registry:

Name of Owner:

This is to certify that the loose gear listed below have been tested and thoroughly examined as required by SOLAS regulation II-1/3-13.

Name and address of makers or suppliers: ........................................................... ......

Name and address of the company of competent person who witnessed testing and carried out thorough examination: ................................................................

Name of the competent person and

position in public service, association, company: ............................................................

Completion date of the testing and thorough examination on which this certificate is based:

Issued at ………………………………. (place of issue of the certificate)

Date of issue …………… (dd/mm/yyyy)

Signature of competent person issuing the certificate ………………………….

(Seal or stamp of the issuing authority

ANNEX 1II

FORM OF FACTUAL STATEMENT OF TEST AND THOROUGH EXAMINATION OF

NON-CERTIFIED EXISTING LIFTING APPLIANCES INSTALLED BEFORE

1 JANUARY 2026

Issued under the provisions of paragraph 3.2.3.2 of the Guidelines for lifting appliances (MSC.1/Circ.1663).

Document No.__________

Name of Ship:

IMO Number:

Call Sign:

Port of Registry:

Name of Owner:

THIS FACTUAL STATEMENT:

This factual statement is valid until: .................................................... (dd/mm/yyyy)

Date of load test and thorough examination: ...................................... (dd/mm/yyyy)

Issued at: ............................................................... (place of issue of the statement)

Date of issue: ...................................................................................... (dd/mm/yyyy)

Signature of the competent person issuing the factual statement: ............................