Are there any exceptions in the application of Regulation 3-13?
This regulation does not apply to:
1. lifting appliances on ships certified as MODUs;
2. lifting appliances used on offshore construction ships, such as pipe/cable laying/repair or offshore installation vessels, including ships for decommissioning work, which comply with standards acceptable to the Administration;
3. integrated mechanical equipment for opening and closing hold hatch covers; and
4. life-saving launching appliances complying with the International Life-Saving Appliance (LSA) Code.
How will the Load Testing and Thorough Examination of Non-Certified Lifting Appliances[SS1] be demonstrated?
The IMO Maritime Safety Committee at its 106th session noted that a factual statement from the Administration or a recognized classification society can demonstrate compliance for existing lifting appliances lacking valid test certificates under other international instruments.
In February 2025, to ensure consistent application of SOLAS regulation II-1/3-13.2.4, a draft unified interpretation (SSE 11/10/5) was submitted at IMO Ship Systems and Equipment Sub-Committee (SSE 11). IACS, as a co-sponsor acknowledged that recognized organizations should use a separate form to document compliance with SOLAS regulation II-1/13.2.4 for these appliances, as their certification history differs from those with valid certificates.
This interpretation provides a factual statement as documentation for load testing and thorough examination of existing lifting appliances without valid certificates, installed before January 1, 2026, effective from that date. The unified interpretation clarifies how to present information to distinguish between lifting appliances with and without valid certificates.
The Sub-Committee agreed to the draft MSC circular on this interpretation, pending approval by MSC 110 in June 2025.
For existing vessels is this just a matter of reissue of the ILO 152 certificate under a new SOLAS format certificate?
For existing lifting appliances with valid certificates, paragraph 3.3.3 of the MSC.1/Circ.1663 states that existing lifting appliances with valid certificates under other international instruments comply with SOLAS regulation II-1/3-13.2.4. Acceptable instruments may include the ILO Convention on Occupational Safety and Health in Dock Work (No. 152)
For existing lifting appliances without valid certificates, the MSC.1/Circ.1663 do not specifically address these appliances, except that paragraph 3.2.1.2 mandates load testing for all applicable lifting appliances. Documentation as per the draft unified interpretation mentioned in the question 2 above can serve to fulfill the requirements for those lifting appliances installed before January 1, 2026.
Are Lifting Appliances with SWL < 1,000 KG subject to SOLAS II-1/3-13.2.1 and 2.4?
The Administration shall determine to what extent the requirements do not apply to lifting appliances which have a safe working load below 1,000 kg.
To date, there are varying practices among flag Administrations regarding this application. The following flag Administrations have issued marine notices that indicate applicability.
- Barbados: Not Applicable
- Georgia: Applicable
- Gibraltar: Applicable
- Isle of Man: Not Applicable
- Liberia: Not Applicable
- Marshall Islands: Not Applicable
- Singapore: Applicable
- Vanuatu: Not Applicable
- Turkey: Not Applicable
It is advisable to consult the flag Administration of the vessel.
What information is included in the certification of test and thorough examination of lifting appliances?
A sample format is provided below:

What information is included in the certification of test and thorough examination of loose gear?
A sample format is provided below:

What information should be included in the register of lifting appliances and cargo handling gear?
A sample format is provided below:

What are the relevant References?
More information can be found in the following documents:
- ABS Publication No. 152 - ABS Guide for the Certification of Lifting Appliances
Are lifesaving launching appliances complying with the International Life-Saving Appliance (LSA) Code, explicitly excluded from the scope of these requirements?
Yes. SOLAS Regulations II-1/2 and II-1/3-13 do not apply to lifesaving launching appliances complying with the International Life-Saving Appliance (LSA) Code. However, there have been suggestions/proposals for Lifting Appliances of Dual Use (serving both as lifting appliance and launching of LSA e.g. survival craft, rescue boat) provided the appliance complies with the requirements of both instruments i.e. SOLAS Ch. II-1/3-13 and SOLAS Ch. III/LSA Code. There has been no further development on this topic so far, and it is expected that such equipment will not finally fall under the Lifting Appliances.
Which lifting appliances are considered as “installed” and therefore within scope of SOLAS Regulations II-1/2 and II-1/3-13?
As per the new Regulation II-1/3-13 (effective from 1 January 2026), the term "installed" refers to lifting appliances that are permanently affixed to the ship's structure (by welding or bolting) or permanently travel on fixed rails onboard. Examples include engine room monorail trolleys with hoist (both permanently installed) and lifting platforms for cargo or personnel. Removable or portable appliances are not considered under the scope. Examples include any pad/lifting eyes (usually fitted in E/R) and chain or rope hoist trolleys temporarily mounted on runway beams.
Are the following lifting appliances being excluded from the scope?
Lifting appliance within scope of SOLAS Regulations II-1/2 and II-1/3-13 means any ship's equipment used for cargo loading, transfer or discharge, for raising and lowering hold hatch covers or movable bulkheads, for launch and recovery of tender boats and similar applications, or used as engine-room cranes, stores cranes, hose handling cranes and personnel handling cranes. Therefore:
1. Steering Gear Room Davit: Fall under SOLAS II-1/3-13 if it is permanently installed and used for lifting operations (e.g., motors, pumps).
2. Sludge Handling Davit: Fall under SOLAS II-1/3-13 if it is permanently installed.
3. Suez Canal Searchlight Davit: Does not fall under SOLAS II-1/3-13, unless it is also used for cargo or stores lifting.
4. Bunker Hose Davit & Bosun Store Davit: Both fall under SOLAS II-1/3-13 if they are permanently installed.
5. Pump Room Davit – Personnel Handling in Emergency: Falls under SOLAS II-1/3-13 if it is permanently installed and in certain emergency situations may be used to lift personnel (e.g., rescue from confined space).
Does +3M window and 3M extension apply to the Annual and 5-yearly Lifting Appliances surveys?
SOLAS II-1/3-13 and guidelines per MSC.1/Circ. 1663 do not consider window or extension to the Annual and 5-yearly survey.
Should the Lifting Appliance surveys be harmonized with the rest of the statutory surveys?
Harmonization is not mandated. However, if the corresponding Lifting Appliances survey for the year has not been carried out at the time of the SOLAS Cargo Ship Safety Construction (SLC) or SOLAS Passenger Safety Ship (SLP) surveys, the SLC or SLP surveys cannot be completed.
Can the SLC Renewal or SLP surveys on/or after 01 January 2026 be completed without the Lifting Appliance compliance survey being carried out?
SLC or SLP surveys cannot be completed in such a case.
After compliance with SOLAS II-1/3-13, can the subsequent periodical SLC or SLP surveys be completed if the Lifting Appliance surveys have not been carried out?
If the corresponding SOLAS Lifting Appliance survey for the year has not been carried out by its due date, the periodical SLC or SLP surveys cannot be completed.