New IMO Fire Safety Instrument Requirements Come into Force on January 1, 2026

They Prohibit the Use and Storage of Fire-Extinguishing Substances Based on PFOS on All Ships

New IMO Fire Safety Instrument Requirements come into force on January 1, 2026. This is reported by the press service of the Russian Maritime Register of Shipping (RS, Register).

The requirements of the IMO instruments aimed at enhancing ship fire safety include a prohibition on the use and storage of fire-extinguishing substances based on PFOS on all ships—new and existing. Compliance with the requirements is checked at the next periodic survey. The removed substances must be delivered to onshore reception facilities. A similar ban is also introduced for high-speed craft.

New requirements for fire detection systems, fire protection systems, and measures on a number of specialized passenger and cargo ships also come into force. Detailed requirements are included in the International Code for Fire Safety Systems.

The requirements include clarifications regarding the location of openings in the structures of passenger ship accommodation spaces, taking into account the safe arrangement of life-saving appliances, embarkation and assembly stations, control stations, living and service spaces, and requirements for liquid fuel suppliers to provide confirmation of safe flashpoint.

Original: https://portnews.ru/news/386457/