IMO New Regulations for Lifting Appliances 2022

The Sub-Committee finalized several changes to the new SOLAS regulation II-1/3-13, which was approved in principle by MSC 102 and is pending formal adoption. These finalized changes clarify the applicability of this new regulation to both new and existing ships.

This new regulation prescribes requirements for the design, construction, and installation of lifting appliances and anchor handling winches. Lifting appliances include all load-handling equipment onboard ship used to handle cargo, stores, hold hatch covers or moveable bulkheads, engine-room equipment, cargo hoses, tender boats, and personnel (via cranes). All lifting appliances and anchor handling winches, regardless of the installation date, and all loose gear utilized with any lifting appliances and anchor handling winches, are required to be operationally tested, thoroughly examined, inspected, operated, and maintained based on the Guidelines referenced below. New installations of lifting appliances will be required to meet the requirements of a classification society, and new installations of anchor handling winches to be to the satisfaction of the Administration, taking into account guidelines for each which have been developed (detailed below). New definitions and terminologies have been added to SOLAS regulation II-1/2.

The new regulation II-1/3-13 will not apply to lifting appliances used on MODUs and offshore construction ships (i.e. pipe/cable laying, offshore installation vessels), and will not apply to life-saving launching appliances complying with the LSA Code. Existing lifting appliances and anchor handling winches must undergo a test and thorough examination based on the below guidelines by the first renewal survey after entry into force of these amendments.

Next Steps: The draft amendments will be presented for approval at MSC 106 (Nov-2022) and subsequent adoption at MSC 107 (Jun-2023), with anticipated entry into force on 1 January 2026.

In conjunction with the new SOLAS regulation noted above, the Sub-Committee finalized several changes to the draft MSC circular ‘Guidelines for Lifting Appliances’, which was approved in principle by MSC 102 and is pending final approval. The changes made to the draft Guidelines include clarifications of new terminology, load testing standards, and 5-yearly testing.

These guidelines include recommendations for design and testing, as well as guidance on operations and record-keeping through a register of lifting appliances to be kept on board. The Guidelines also address loose gear utilized with lifting appliances and recommend a proof test and thorough annual examination of this equipment.

Next Steps: These Guidelines will be presented to MSC 107 (Jun-2023) for further consideration and approval, alongside the related amendments to SOLAS Ch.II-1 discussed above.

In conjunction with the new SOLAS regulation noted above, the Sub-Committee finalized a draft MSC circular ‘Guidelines for Anchor Handling Winches’. Similar to the separate guidelines drafted for lifting appliances, these guidelines will provide design, testing, and maintenance requirements for anchor handling winches and associated loose gear.

Next Steps: These Guidelines will be presented to MSC 107 (Jun-2023) for further consideration and approval, alongside the related amendments to SOLAS Ch.II-1 discussed above.