On January 1, 2026, SOLAS regulation II-1/3-13 officially entered into force. Alongside this, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) released two "voluntary (yet effectively mandatory)" guidelines—MSC.1/Circ.1662 (Anchor Handling Winches) and MSC.1/Circ.1663 (Lifting Appliances)—aimed at comprehensively enhancing the safety of relevant shipboard equipment.

These new regulations are not merely technical standards; they are new tools in the hands of PSC (Port State Control) inspectors.

Prior to this, PSC inspections of windlasses and cranes were conducted solely in accordance with the MLC Convention. Now, with the powerful tool of SOLAS in place, inspections have become much stricter. Non-compliance can result in anything from minor deficiency records to detention, fines, or even disruptions to vessel operations.

In this issue, the editor at PSCReady, drawing on the latest circulars, has compiled the key PSC inspection points to sound the alarm and raise awareness for shipowners, management companies, and crew members.

I. Which Cranes and Windlasses Are Subject to These Requirements?

First, clarify the scope of application. The new regulations apply to most permanently installed lifting appliances on board ships, including:

· Cargo cranes / Derrick cranes

· Derrick systems

· Hatch cover cranes

· Engine room overhead cranes

· Stores cranes

· Hose-handling cranes

· Boat davits for personnel transfer vessels

· Personnel baskets

Not applicable: Removable or portable equipment is excluded, such as pad/eye arrangements typically part of emergency/rescue systems, and temporary chain or rope hoist trolleys mounted on runway beams. Also excluded are mobile/portable hoists in workshops or centrifuge rooms, tailshaft removal trolleys, lifeboat davits (unless dual‑purpose), elevators, and conveyor systems.

For equipment with SWL < 1 ton, some flag States may grant exemptions, but this must be confirmed.

II. When Must Compliance Be Achieved?

The new regulations provide different compliance paths for new equipment and existing equipment. Please identify which category applies to your vessel.

1. New equipment installed on or after January 1, 2026

· Design and certification: Must be designed, constructed, and installed in accordance with recognized classification society rules (e.g., CCS, ABS, LR) and must obtain plan approval and product certificates from the classification society.

· Before first use: Must undergo a load test and thorough examination. Once passed, a Certificate of Test and Thorough Examination will be issued by a surveyor.

· Marking and documentation: Key information such as SWL must be permanently and clearly marked on the equipment. The ship must establish a Register of Lifting Appliances and keep all certificates on file.

2. Existing equipment installed before January 1, 2026 (The highest‑risk area for PSC!)

This is a major focus of PSC inspections and is divided into two scenarios:

Scenario A: Equipment with valid certificates

If your equipment already holds valid certificates compliant with ILO Convention No. 152 or other certificates acceptable to the competent authority, these certificates may be considered prima facie evidence of compliance with the new regulations. However, you must still complete the following before the first renewal survey of the Construction Safety Certificate after January 1, 2026:

o Ensure the equipment is permanently marked with SWL as required.

o Incorporate the original certificate information into the newly required Register of Lifting Appliances.

Scenario B: Equipment without valid certificates (Immediate action required!)

This is a common issue for many older vessels or uncertified equipment. The compliance path is as follows:

Deadline: Compliance must be achieved by the date of the first renewal survey after January 1, 2026.

Key steps:

Assign SWL: The company must assign a reasonable SWL based on the equipment’s condition and technical documentation. If original data is unavailable, the assessment must be conducted carefully.

Load test and thorough examination: Engage a competent person (usually a classification society surveyor) to conduct a load test (test load calculated based on the assigned SWL) and a thorough examination in accordance with standards.

Obtain a Statement of Fact: Since the equipment was not built to the new standards, the surveyor will not issue a standard certificate. Instead, a Statement of Fact will be issued. This document is key evidence that the equipment meets the minimum safety requirements of SOLAS and must be properly kept in the Register of Lifting Appliances.

In summary, new equipment (installed on or after January 1, 2026): Must have a Certificate of Compliance issued by a Classification Society, including records of plan approval, material verification, manufacturing inspection, installation testing, etc.

Existing equipment (installed before January 1, 2026): Must complete load testing, thorough examination, and obtain certification before the first renewal survey after January 1, 2026.

If valid certificates such as ILO 152 are already held, they may be considered prima facie evidence of compliance.

If no valid certificates exist, a "Statement of Fact" certification is required in accordance with MSC.1/Circ.1696. However, this "Statement of Fact" only demonstrates compliance with transition period requirements and does not replace the certification required for new equipment.

III. PSC Inspection Focus Areas

PSC officers will inspect the following aspects in accordance with the new regulations. Please ensure you are well-prepared:

Certificates and Documentation (Mandatory Check):

Register of Lifting Appliances and Cargo Handling Gear

Certificates of Test and Thorough Examination

Manufacturer's Operation and Maintenance Manuals (If unavailable, they may be compiled by a third party).

PSC will pay special attention to:

For existing equipment: Do you hold valid old certificates or a newly issued "Statement of Fact"?

Are all certificates within their validity period (especially the 5-year load test certificates)?

Are the Operation and Maintenance Manuals for the lifting appliances available on board?

Equipment Markings (Visual Inspection):

Is the SWL marking on the equipment body clear and permanent?

Winches/Windlasses: Manufacturer, model, serial number, maximum rope pull, braking holding capacity, SWL, etc.

Lifting Appliances: SWL, maximum/minimum radius of gyration, etc.

Detachable Parts: Unique serial number, SWL.

Inoperative Equipment: Must be clearly marked "Not to be Used" and stored in an isolated manner.

Maintenance and Inspection Records (Routine Check):

Are there records of the annual thorough examination, signed by the responsible person (Master or designated person)?

Are daily maintenance records complete? Especially those for critical components such as wire ropes, brakes, and limit switches.

Equipment Condition (On-site Verification):

Is there any obvious deformation, cracking, or severe corrosion in the equipment structure?

Are safety devices (such as overload protection and limit switches) functional?

Do moving parts (hooks, shackles, blocks, etc.) have SWL markings, are they in good condition, and free of cracks or excessive wear?

Personnel Familiarization (On-site Check):

Are the operators familiar with the safe operating procedures and emergency procedures of the equipment?

Are the crew aware of the basic requirements of the new regulations, especially regarding how to regularize uncertified equipment?

Are the operators qualified, familiar with the equipment, and authorized by the Master?

Certificates, markings, personnel, maintenance, and familiarization. If PSC checks these five areas, I believe most cranes and windlasses will not be able to hold up.

IV. Examples of High-Frequency PSC Deficiencies (Prediction)

Given the large number of existing cranes and windlasses, although some classification societies have introduced inspection flexibility windows (e.g., Lloyd’s Register), some Port State or local authorities may not accept this arrangement. If a vessel’s inspection is scheduled for the very end of the window period, it may be deemed "expired" in certain ports, leading to a deficiency.

For equipment installed before January 1, 2026, that lacks valid certificates, PSC officers will check whether load testing and thorough examination have been completed in accordance with the guidelines, and whether the corresponding "Statement of Fact" or equivalent documentation has been obtained. A mere claim that it is "being arranged" will be insufficient to pass the inspection.

High-frequency deficiencies PSC may issue:

• No Statement of Fact or incomplete documentation (e.g., SWL and test load not specified);

• Missing nameplates or discrepancies between nameplate parameters and documentation; detachable components lacking SWL markings;

• Missing or unclear operating instructions for emergency release devices; anti‑misactivation design not meeting requirements;

• Incomplete maintenance records; excessive broken wires in wire ropes; rope clip spacing not complying with standards;

• Crew unfamiliar with emergency release operations; no records of regular drills;

• No compliant certificates and no Statement of Fact submitted; equipment not meeting the basic requirements of SOLAS II‑1/3‑13;

• Safety devices inoperative (e.g., overload alarms unresponsive, emergency release devices inoperable);

• Operating crew unlicensed or lacking the necessary operational competence;

• Inoperative equipment not isolated and still being used in violation of regulations.

V. The original convention text and relevant circulars are attached below. Please download if needed:

 ------------------------------------------------------------Reposted from PSCReady