Regulatory Watch

Stay informed about the latest regulatory developments in the maritime sector

Maritime regulatory monitoring involves continuously identifying, analyzing and disseminating changes in international laws and standards (IMO, SOLAS, MARPOL, STCW, MLC 2006). Like a constantly updated nautical chart, it enables industry stakeholders to navigate in compliance, anticipate changes and ensure operational safety. For training centers and seafarers, it's a strategic tool that ensures programs adapt to new standards, skills maintenance and international certificate validity.

All Articles

Title: SVMO: Transport Canada clarifies the conditions for recognition of sea service

Transport Canada has updated the clarifications applicable to the Small Vessel Machinery Operator (SVMO) certificate and the Small Vessel Machinery Operator certificate with restrictions (SVMO-R). Beyond a simple summary of eligibility requirements, this guidance raises a concrete operational issue: how sea service is recognized and how operators should document it going forward. This article is intended for commercial vessel owners, Authorized Representatives, masters, and crewing managers who want to structure their employees’ certification pathway.

Alain Auclair•3 Sep 2026

Fuel Sampling on Board: What SSB 12/2026 Means for Canadian Vessels

Transport Canada published Ship Safety Bulletin (SSB) No. 12/2026 on 10 August 2026. The bulletin sets out Transport Canada’s policy regarding the installation or designation of fuel sampling points on board Canadian ships, in direct relation to the sulphur content requirements of MARPOL Annex VI. It is particularly relevant to shipowners, operators, technical managers and maritime surveyors responsible for compliance with the rules on fuel sulphur content.

Alain Auclair•2 Sep 2026

IMO Rules that Entered into Force on 1 January 2026

As of 1 January 2026, new IMO rules have come into force, transforming several aspects of maritime operations. They strengthen environmental protection, improve crew training and welfare, and tighten technical requirements for ship safety. Updates to the IMDG and IGF Codes confirm the importance of this regulatory development for the entire maritime sector. Summary: Effective 1 January 2026, the IMO has introduced reforms that raise environmental standards, enhance crew competency and welfare, and tighten ship safety requirements. Revisions to the IMDG and IGF Codes signal a sector-wide regulatory step-change.

auclair.alain•18 Jan 2026

MARPOL Annex VI and NOx Technical Code 2008, with Guidelines for Implementation

MARPOL Convention: Amendments to Annex VI — 24 October 2025

Use of multiple operational profiles for a marine diesel engine, including clarification of engine test cycles and clarification of entries in data reports required under Regulations 27 and 28; designation of the North-East Atlantic as a new Emission Control Area; accessibility to the IMO Ship Fuel Oil Consumption Database (IMO DCS); and the review clause for the short-term GHG reduction measure. Summary: Outlines measures to refine marine engine compliance and emissions control: enabling multiple operational profiles, clarifying engine test cycles and data reporting under Regulations 27 and 28, designating the North-East Atlantic as a new Emission Control Area, improving access to the IMO fuel oil consumption database, and incorporating a review clause for short-term GHG reduction requirements.

Alain Auclair•23 Nov 2025

New Amendments to the SOLAS Convention (2025)

At its 110th session, held from 18 to 27 June 2025, the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) approved several significant draft amendments to the SOLAS Convention (1974), in anticipation of their formal adoption in May 2026. Circular Letter No. 5063 of 29 September 2025 sets out a series of approved amendment proposals, the first of which concerns chapters IV and V and the annex (Certificates) of the 1974 SOLAS Convention. Summary (English): - The IMO’s MSC, at its 110th session (18–27 June 2025), approved major draft amendments to SOLAS (1974). - Formal adoption is planned for May 2026. - Circular Letter No. 5063 (29 September 2025) details the approved proposals, starting with changes to SOLAS chapters IV and V and the Certificates annex.

Alain Auclair•20 Nov 2025

Electronic Inclinometers Required from 2026: What Maritime Professionals Should Prepare

Maritime safety takes another step forward. From 1 January 2026, the IMO (International Maritime Organization) will require the installation of electronic inclinometers on certain new ships. Summary: Starting 1 January 2026, the IMO will mandate electronic inclinometers on specified newbuilds, marking a further advance in maritime safety.

Alain Auclair•17 Sep 2025

Canada — Toward an Overhaul of the Marine Personnel Regulations: New Requirements and Transition

The Marine Personnel Regulations (MPR 2007 – SOR/2007-115) form the foundation for the certification and professional obligations of Canadian seafarers. However, this regulatory framework no longer fully reflects international requirements (STCW, STCW-F, MLC 2006) or safety expectations (passenger management, fatigue, etc.). Summary: Canada’s Marine Personnel Regulations (2007) underpin mariner certification and duties, but they are now out of step with international standards (STCW, STCW-F, MLC 2006) and evolving safety practices, including passenger management and fatigue risk management.

Alain Auclair•17 Sep 2025