The UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) has issued Marine Guidance Note (MGN) 713 (M) to inform the maritime industry about the adoption of recent International Maritime Organization (IMO) amendments to the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention, Chapter II-2 — Fire Protection, Fire Detection and Fire Extinction. These amendments become mandatory in the UK and internationally from 1 January 2026.
The guidance explains that IMO Resolutions MSC.520(106), MSC.532(107), MSC.550(108), and MSC.555(108) have been incorporated into UK domestic law under the Merchant Shipping (Fire Protection) Regulations 2023 by virtue of the ambulatory reference provision. This mechanism ensures that UK legislation automatically reflects the latest version of the relevant SOLAS provisions and associated codes.
Key regulatory changes highlighted in MGN 713 (M) include:
- Fuel oil flashpoint confirmation: New requirements mandate verification that fuel oils meet SOLAS flashpoint standards prior to bunkering.
- Ban on PFOS-based firefighting foams: The use and storage of fire extinguishing media containing perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) are prohibited under the updated SOLAS Chapter II-2. PFOS is a persistent hazardous substance previously used in firefighting foams, and its removal aligns with environmental and human health safety goals.
- Enhanced fire detection systems: New requirements for improved fire detection on all cargo ships and expanded detection and alarm provisions for ro-ro and special-category spaces.
- Stronger fire protection on passenger ro-ro ships: Significant updates to fire detection, containment, and suppression requirements on roll-on/roll-off passenger vessels, including enhancements to fixed firefighting systems and structural protections.
MGN 713 (M) advises shipowners, operators, designers, classification societies, port authorities, training providers, masters, officers, and crews to review the updated regulatory requirements and ensure compliance by the enforcement date. The notice should be read in conjunction with the Merchant Shipping (Fire Protection) Regulations 2023 and related Merchant Shipping Notices (e.g., MSN 1900, MSN 1901, MSN 1902) for complete guidance.
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Source: Gov.UK
