Ensuring Safety, Reliability, and Global Compliance
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) introduced SOLAS Regulation II-1/3-13 to enhance the safety of onboard lifting appliances and anchor handling winches (OLAW). These machines—widely used for cargo operations, mooring tasks, and offshore handling—present significant risks if design, installation, and maintenance are not properly controlled. This regulation establishes a mandatory, harmonized safety framework to protect seafarers, vessels, and the marine environment.
Why Was SOLAS II-1/3-13 Introduced?
For decades, lifting appliances such as cranes, davits, winches, and handling gear were not directly covered under SOLAS, even though accidents resulting from equipment failure were common and often severe.
Common issues included:
- Structural failures
- Overloading and collapse
- Corroded hoisting equipment
- Improper testing and inspection
- Lack of traceable documentation
- Hazardous anchor handling operations
To eliminate these risks, IMO added this new regulation, making compliance mandatory for all new ships and newly installed equipment.
Scope of SOLAS II-1/3-13
The regulation applies to:
1. Onboard Lifting Appliances
Equipment permanently installed on ships, including:
- Cargo cranes
- Provision cranes
- Engine room overhead cranes
- Davits used for loads other than lifeboats
- Stores hoists and lifts
(Lifeboat launching appliances are covered by separate SOLAS provisions.)
2. Anchor Handling Winches
Winches used to:
- Deploy and recover anchors
- Handle mooring and towing equipment
- Support offshore anchor-handling operations
Key Requirements Under SOLAS II-1/3-13
1. Design Requirements
Equipment must be:
- Designed according to recognized international or national standards
- Suitable for marine environmental conditions (corrosion, vibration, humidity, etc.)
- Constructed using certified materials
- Provided with manufacturer’s specifications and load charts
2. Installation Requirements
Installation must:
- Be supervised by authorized specialists
- Ensure proper foundation and structural strength
- Include correct wire rope arrangement
- Provide safe access for operation and maintenance
3. Inspection, Testing & Certification
Before being placed into service, lifting appliances and winches must undergo:
- Load testing
- Functional testing
- Non-destructive testing (NDT) (where applicable)
- Commissioning reports by competent and authorized personnel
Certification documents must remain on board throughout the life of the equipment.
4. Periodic Maintenance
Ships must implement a planned maintenance system (PMS) including:
- Regular inspections
- Wire rope condition monitoring
- Lubrication schedules
- Corrosion control
- Replacement intervals
Records of maintenance, defects, and repairs must be kept for auditing.
5. Safe Operation
Crew must be trained in:
- Load limits
- Emergency procedures
- Communication during lifting operations
- Anchor-handling techniques
- Hazard recognition
Clear markings such as Safe Working Load (SWL) must be visible.
Effective Dates of the Regulation
The implementation took place in phases:
- Applies to new ships constructed on/after 1 January 2026
- Applies to existing ships when new lifting appliances or winches are installed
- Existing equipment may require retrospective compliance if deemed unsafe or if major modifications are made
Documentation Required Onboard
Ships must maintain:
- Manufacturer’s manual
- Certificates of design and construction
- Factory acceptance test reports
- Installation records
- Load test certificates
- Maintenance and inspection logs
- Crew training records
Benefits of SOLAS II-1/3-13
Implementing this regulation improves maritime safety through:
✓ Reduced lifting-equipment failures
✓ Increased protection for seafarers
✓ Standardized global procedures
✓ Better documentation and traceability
✓ Safer anchor handling operations
✓ Lower risk of port-state control detentions
Conclusion
SOLAS II-1/3-13 marks a major advancement in maritime safety, targeting an area that was previously under-regulated. By establishing strict requirements for the design, installation, operation, and maintenance of onboard lifting appliances and anchor handling winches, the IMO has significantly reduced the risks associated with these essential—but potentially dangerous—systems.
Compliance ensures:
- Safety of the crew
- Protection of cargo and equipment
- Avoidance of PSC deficiencies
- Long-term operational reliability
