Refers to: Ship-owners, Operators, Masters and Managers of PHRS certified vessels

Effective Dates: 5/11/2025

The Liberian Maritime Authority has issued Marine Notice SAF-020 (Rev. 10/25) to provide guidance for compliance with the new SOLAS regulation II-1/3-13, adopted through IMO Resolution MSC.532(107). The regulation, effective 1 January 2026, introduces mandatory requirements for design, construction, testing, maintenance, and certification of lifting appliances and anchor handling winches.

Applies to all lifting appliances, anchor handling winches, and associated loose gear installed on or after 1 January 2026. Existing equipment must undergo testing and examination at the first renewal survey after that date.

Liberia has delegated certification and survey responsibilities for lifting appliances and anchor handling winches to its Authorized ROs.

• New installations must be load tested and thoroughly examined before first use.

• Existing units must be tested by the first renewal survey post-2026.

• Periodic testing and thorough examination must align with HSSC survey intervals.

Owners must ensure ongoing maintenance, inspection, and operational testing in accordance with manufacturers’ recommendations, RO rules, and IMO guidelines.

Additional information is available at SAF-020.