As of 1 January 2026, new SOLAS requirements for shipboard lifting appliances will enter into force under SOLAS Regulation II-1/3-13, supported by the IMO Guidelines MSC.1/Circ.1663 (Lifting Appliances).
These requirements introduce a globally harmonised inspection, testing and documentation regime for permanently installed lifting appliances and associated loose gear on board ships.
What does MSC.1/Circ.1663 cover?
Our service portfolio:
Permanently installed lifting appliances, such as:
- Cargo cranes
- Provision / stores cranes
- Engine room cranes
- Hose handling cranes
- Fixed davits (non-LSA launching appliances)
All associated loose gear:
- Slings and strops
- Shackles
- Hooks
- Master links
- Spreader beams
- Pad eyes used for lifting operations
The regulation requires:
- Annual thorough examinations
- Five-yearly load tests and thorough examinations
- Proper certification and record keeping
- A dedicated Register of Ship’s Lifting Appliances and Cargo Handling Gear
Our support for MSC.1/Circ.1663 compliance
LSA-Service GmbH offers complete implementation of MSC.1/Circ.1663, including:
- Annual thorough examinations of lifting appliances
- Five-year load tests and thorough examinations
- Inspection and testing of associated loose gear
- Issuance of inspection and test documentation
- Establishment and maintenance of the required register
The inspections can be carried out:
- With involvement of Class, or
- Independently as a competent service provider, where accepted by Flag State, with subsequent verification by Class during surveys if required.
This approach is particularly practical for vessels with extensive rigging equipment, including offshore supply vessels, project cargo vessels, heavy lift vessels and other ships engaged in complex lifting operations, where inspection of each individual item by Class is often not practicable. At the same time, it supports vetting requirements and RightShip expectations by providing a structured inspection regime, clear certification and fully traceable documentation for lifting appliances and associated loose gear.
