To enhance seafarer safety and prevent the loss and damage of bulk cargo due to strong movements at sea, the IMO is introducing amendments to SOLAS Chapter V. Through Resolution MSC.532(107), it has adopted a new requirement (SOLAS Reg. V/19.2.12) that mandates the carriage of electronic inclinometers for new container ships and bulk carriers of 3,000gt and above. This will enable the Voyage Data Recorder (VDR) to determine, display and record the ship’s roll motion and provide critical information about operational stability.

The regulations come into force on 1 January 2026.

Applicability of new requirement

The amendments apply to new container ships and bulk carriers of 3,000gt and above constructed (keel laid) on or after 1 January 2026.

It does not apply to existing bulk carriers and container ships, nor to cargo ships occasionally carrying cargo in bulk and general cargo ships carrying containers on deck.

SOLAS definitions

The following definitions have been added to SOLAS Chapter V:

• “Bulk carrier”: as defined in regulation XII/1.1, this means “a ship which is intended primarily to carry dry cargo in bulk, including such types as ore carriers and combination carriers”.
• “Container ship”: this means a ship which is intended primarily to carry containers.

Safety certificates and records

“Container ship” will now be indicated as “type of ship” on the SOLAS Safety Equipment Certificate for Cargo Ships.

“Electronic inclinometer” will be indicated in section “3. Details of navigational systems and equipment” of the Record of Equipment for Cargo Ship Safety.

IMO amendments have also simplified the section relating to immersion suits in the following safety equipment related records:

• Record of Equipment for Cargo Ship Safety (Form E or C)
• Record of Equipment for Passenger Ship Safety (Form P)
• Record of Equipment for the Special Purpose Ship Safety Certificate (Form SPS)
• Record of Equipment for High-Speed Craft Safety Certificate.

For details, see IMO Resolutions MSC.532(107), MSC.533(107), MSC.534(107), MSC.536(107), MSC.537(107), MSC.542(107) and MSC.543(107).

What should owners and operators do now?

On or after 1 January 2026, shipowners, ship operators, masters and officers of applicable ships should consult Lloyd Register’s surveyors to make sure:

• The vessel’s certificate and record of safety equipment indicate the amendments where applicable.
• Electronic inclinometers are type approved to Resolution MSC.363(92)– Performance Standards of Electronic Inclinometers.