Guidance

MGN 670 (M) Amendment 2 Ships built on or after 1st January 2009 and engaged on international voyages – guidance on SOLAS chapter II-1

Published 10 June 2026

Summary

This Marine Guidance Note provides advice and recommendations in relation to the requirements contained in SOLAS Chapter II-1 and introduces new regulation 3-13 relating to Lifting appliances and anchor handling winches implemented by IMO resolution MSC 532(107).

1. Introduction

1.1 In accordance with the Merchant Shipping (Cargo and Passenger Ship Construction and Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2023 (“2023 Regulations”), ships built on or after 1 January 2009 engaged on international voyages are required to comply with provisions of Chapter II-1 of the Annex to SOLAS (“SOLAS Chapter II-1”) as those provisions apply to those ships, and as amended from time to time. Amendments made to SOLAS Chapter II-I will be incorporated into UK law by means of the ambulatory reference provision in the 2023 Regulations.

1.2 SOLAS Chapter II-1 contains a number of provisions in which there is reference to technical requirements which are required to be done “to the satisfaction of the Administration”, or otherwise require Administration approval. The intention of this Marine Guidance Note is to provide guidance where this terminology is used in SOLAS Chapter II-1. The guidance provided is not exhaustive and may be subject to future amendment.

1.3 As such, the Annex to this Note sets out guidance relating to those occasions where SOLAS Chapter II-1 makes such provision. Each table in the Annex refers to a specific Part of SOLAS Chapter II-1 for ease of reference.  

1.4 In column 3 of each table, actions are usually attributed to the MCA as this is the body ultimately responsible for the safety of ships under the UK flag. Often, for certain types and classes of ship, the Secretary of State will authorise other organisations to give approvals (for example, classification societies).  In some instances, only the Secretary of State has the authority to take action (for example, the decision to exempt ships in accordance with regulation 1.4 and 1.5 of SOLAS Chapter II-1).  In general, unless expressly stated otherwise, no distinction is made in this document between actions which may be taken by the Secretary of State, the MCA or a body authorised by the Secretary of State as this will often depend on the type and size of ship being approved.

1.5 Amendments to SOLAS Chapter II-1 Part A (General) and A-1 (Structure of ships) were adopted by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) on 8 June 2023 via Resolution MSC.532(107). These amendments enter into force on 1 January 2026 and include amended Regulation 2, adding new definitions relating to lifting appliances and anchor handling winches and new Regulation 13-3 which concerns the Design, Construction, Installation, operation and testing of lifting appliances and anchor handling winches. Regulations 2 and 13-3 has been included in Table 2 within the Annex of this ‘Amendment 2’ guidance document which has replaced MGN 670(M) Amendment 1.

Annex

More Information

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