# Rules and Regulations **URL:** https://www.queseas.com/c/rules-and-regulations/11.md [Latest](https://www.queseas.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://www.queseas.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://www.queseas.com/tags.md) --- ## [About the Rules and Regulations category](https://www.queseas.com/t/about-the-rules-and-regulations-category/25)
**Author:** [@nostromo](https://www.queseas.com/u/nostromo)\ **Replies:** 0
Updates and discussion on the impact and practical application of Rules and Regulations --- ## [Seasonal Whale Protection Measures — What's in Force and What's Changing from 1 June 2026](https://www.queseas.com/t/seasonal-whale-protection-measures-whats-in-force-and-whats-changing-from-1-june-2026/1176)
**Author:** [@Stela.Spiraj](https://www.queseas.com/u/Stela.Spiraj)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [May 25, 2026, 3:00pm UTC](https://www.queseas.com/t/seasonal-whale-protection-measures-whats-in-force-and-whats-changing-from-1-june-2026/1176 "2026-05-25T15:00:10Z")
Hello QueSeanians! As whale migration activity picks up, are you across the seasonal and dynamic vessel restrictions that may affect your transits this summer? A number of authorities are activating, or are about to … --- ## [Big News from the IMO - New Guidelines on the Registration of Ships](https://www.queseas.com/t/big-news-from-the-imo-new-guidelines-on-the-registration-of-ships/1173)
**Author:** [@Ahmed](https://www.queseas.com/u/Ahmed)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [April 18, 2026, 8:06pm UTC](https://www.queseas.com/t/big-news-from-the-imo-new-guidelines-on-the-registration-of-ships/1173 "2026-04-18T20:06:56Z")
Hello QueSeas, If you’ve been following maritime news, you may have caught that the IMO’s Legal Committee just wrapped up its 113th session in London (April 13–17, 2026,) and one of the biggest takeaways was the approva… --- ## [China Adopts Major Amendments to Its Maritime Law – Effective 1 May 2026](https://www.queseas.com/t/china-adopts-major-amendments-to-its-maritime-law-effective-1-may-2026/1172)
**Author:** [@Stela.Spiraj](https://www.queseas.com/u/Stela.Spiraj)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2026, 11:01pm UTC](https://www.queseas.com/t/china-adopts-major-amendments-to-its-maritime-law-effective-1-may-2026/1172 "2026-04-13T23:01:40Z")
Hello Queseanians! For the first time in over 30 years, China has fundamentally overhauled its Maritime Law. Originally enacted in 1992 and in force since 1993, the law has governed maritime affairs in China largely unc… --- ## [Onshore Power Supply (OPS) - The EU and California Regulatory Requirements](https://www.queseas.com/t/onshore-power-supply-ops-the-eu-and-california-regulatory-requirements/1170)
**Author:** [@Stela.Spiraj](https://www.queseas.com/u/Stela.Spiraj)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2026, 8:02pm UTC](https://www.queseas.com/t/onshore-power-supply-ops-the-eu-and-california-regulatory-requirements/1170 "2026-02-17T20:02:43Z")
Hello QueSeanians, Cold Ironing, also known as Alternative Maritime Power (AMP), or more commonly shore power supply (OPS), consists of connecting vessels to shoreside power sources, thereby allowing electricity to flow… --- ## [Information on Ocean Governance and the BBNJ Treaty - Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity](https://www.queseas.com/t/information-on-ocean-governance-and-the-bbnj-treaty-conservation-and-sustainable-use-of-marine-biological-diversity/1159)
**Author:** [@Stela.Spiraj](https://www.queseas.com/u/Stela.Spiraj)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [September 21, 2025, 4:02am UTC](https://www.queseas.com/t/information-on-ocean-governance-and-the-bbnj-treaty-conservation-and-sustainable-use-of-marine-biological-diversity/1159 "2025-09-21T04:02:18Z")
Hello Queseanians, The issue of maritime biodiversity has been gaining renewed attention recently, and I wanted to share some of the latest developments from the 3rd UN Ocean Summit, held in June 2025 in Nice. Below is … --- ## [Ships operating within the EU that utilize extinguishing media containing PFOA - Update](https://www.queseas.com/t/ships-operating-within-the-eu-that-utilize-extinguishing-media-containing-pfoa-update/1138)
**Author:** [@Stela.Spiraj](https://www.queseas.com/u/Stela.Spiraj)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [August 12, 2025, 5:50pm UTC](https://www.queseas.com/t/ships-operating-within-the-eu-that-utilize-extinguishing-media-containing-pfoa-update/1138 "2025-08-12T17:50:47Z")
Hello QueSeanians, PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic acid) is subject to stringent restrictions under both the Stockholm Convention and the EU’s Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) Regulation . However, a pertinent question aris… --- ## [Emergency escape trunks (Tokyo MOU) - ABS](https://www.queseas.com/t/emergency-escape-trunks-tokyo-mou-abs/1086)
**Author:** [@Paraschos.Liadis](https://www.queseas.com/u/Paraschos.Liadis)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2025, 11:24pm UTC](https://www.queseas.com/t/emergency-escape-trunks-tokyo-mou-abs/1086 "2025-02-19T23:24:29Z")
Hello! There is a big discussion around escape trunk arrangements in machinery spaces. The Chinese MSA has launched a focus campaign. Please have a look at the well written notice by ABS. Escape-from-Machinery-Spaces-… --- ## [Coating Technical Files](https://www.queseas.com/t/coating-technical-files/1017)
**Author:** [@Adam.Trask](https://www.queseas.com/u/Adam.Trask)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [January 22, 2025, 2:06pm UTC](https://www.queseas.com/t/coating-technical-files/1017 "2025-01-22T14:06:02Z")
Hi, Since when should vessels have onboard a Coating Technical File? What is the requirement? --- ## [Underwater ship noise regulations](https://www.queseas.com/t/underwater-ship-noise-regulations/834)
**Author:** [@Captain\_Tim](https://www.queseas.com/u/Captain_Tim)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2024, 9:15pm UTC](https://www.queseas.com/t/underwater-ship-noise-regulations/834 "2024-11-05T21:15:04Z")
Hi! We hear that IMO is about to regulate the underwater ship noise. What is the current status? --- ## [Dual Fuel MAN ES ME-GI (LNG fueled) M/E pilot fuel ECA](https://www.queseas.com/t/dual-fuel-man-es-me-gi-lng-fueled-m-e-pilot-fuel-eca/969)
**Author:** [@Raj.Raganathan](https://www.queseas.com/u/Raj.Raganathan)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [September 9, 2024, 6:55am UTC](https://www.queseas.com/t/dual-fuel-man-es-me-gi-lng-fueled-m-e-pilot-fuel-eca/969 "2024-09-09T06:55:27Z")
Hello, Can 0.5%S VLSFO be used as a pilot fuel when an LNG fueled vessel equipped with a 7G80ME-GI MAN ES Main Engine in full gas mode is sailing in a Sulphur ECA? --- ## [CAP surveys thickness measurements](https://www.queseas.com/t/cap-surveys-thickness-measurements/1000)
**Author:** [@Satyajit](https://www.queseas.com/u/Satyajit)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2024, 12:30pm UTC](https://www.queseas.com/t/cap-surveys-thickness-measurements/1000 "2024-08-20T12:30:15Z")
Hello, Does anyone recall the steel thickness/diminution limits for CAP surveys in oil tankers? Do they follow the Class Special Survey requirements? --- ## [Inclining experiment after major retrofit](https://www.queseas.com/t/inclining-experiment-after-major-retrofit/996)
**Author:** [@Captain\_Tim](https://www.queseas.com/u/Captain_Tim)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2024, 12:27pm UTC](https://www.queseas.com/t/inclining-experiment-after-major-retrofit/996 "2024-08-20T12:27:43Z")
Hello all, Under what circumstances is an inclining experiment necessary after a major retrofit - according to Class Rules? --- ## [BWTS SENSORS ANNUAL CALIBRATION AS PER VGP](https://www.queseas.com/t/bwts-sensors-annual-calibration-as-per-vgp/640)
**Author:** [@AngelikiK](https://www.queseas.com/u/AngelikiK)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [July 29, 2024, 9:12am UTC](https://www.queseas.com/t/bwts-sensors-annual-calibration-as-per-vgp/640 "2024-07-29T09:12:10Z")
Is it accepted the vessel’s crew to proceed with the annual BWTS sensors/probe calibration as per VGP 2013 requirements? Or maker is required? What kind of report may be requested as evidence in case of a 3rd party ins… --- ## [UR E-26 and UR E-27 application on newbuilding contracts coming into force after 1/7/2024](https://www.queseas.com/t/ur-e-26-and-ur-e-27-application-on-newbuilding-contracts-coming-into-force-after-1-7-2024/974)
**Author:** [@tassot](https://www.queseas.com/u/tassot)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [June 25, 2024, 1:32pm UTC](https://www.queseas.com/t/ur-e-26-and-ur-e-27-application-on-newbuilding-contracts-coming-into-force-after-1-7-2024/974 "2024-06-25T13:32:07Z")
New building contracts signded after the 1st of July 2024 need to comply with the mandatory unified requirements UR E-26 and UR E-27 concerning Cyber resilience of ships and on board systems/equipment (both OT and IT). D… --- ## [Guidelines for Shipping Plastic Pellets by IMO](https://www.queseas.com/t/guidelines-for-shipping-plastic-pellets-by-imo/964)
**Author:** [@Stela.Spiraj](https://www.queseas.com/u/Stela.Spiraj)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2024, 7:38am UTC](https://www.queseas.com/t/guidelines-for-shipping-plastic-pellets-by-imo/964 "2024-06-17T07:38:30Z")
In May 2021, a fire on a vessel in the vicinity of Sri Lanka’s waters resulted in the discharge of 11,000 tons of plastic pellets into the sea. This incident underscored the necessity for clear regulations and standards … --- ## [ISO 8217:2024 - Specification of Marine Fuels](https://www.queseas.com/t/iso-8217-2024-specification-of-marine-fuels/959)
**Author:** [@Paraschos.Liadis](https://www.queseas.com/u/Paraschos.Liadis)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [June 10, 2024, 5:08pm UTC](https://www.queseas.com/t/iso-8217-2024-specification-of-marine-fuels/959 "2024-06-10T17:08:33Z")
Hello! The ISO 8217:2024 has been recently published, replacing the existing ISO 8217:2017. You can download / purchase it from: ISO 8217:2024 - Products from petroleum, synthetic and renewable sources — Fuels (class F)… --- ## [Ammonia as marine fuel - Update](https://www.queseas.com/t/ammonia-as-marine-fuel-update/955)
**Author:** [@Stela.Spiraj](https://www.queseas.com/u/Stela.Spiraj)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2024, 8:06pm UTC](https://www.queseas.com/t/ammonia-as-marine-fuel-update/955 "2024-05-28T20:06:01Z")
Since March 2020, Norway has proposed to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) a list of issues with the International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk (IGC Code) … --- ## [USCG GUIDANCE REGARDING DEVICES THAT ALTER MANEUVERING CHARACTERISTICS OF SHIPS TO ENSURE SAFE OPERATION IN WATERS OF THE UNITED STATES](https://www.queseas.com/t/uscg-guidance-regarding-devices-that-alter-maneuvering-characteristics-of-ships-to-ensure-safe-operation-in-waters-of-the-united-states/943)
**Author:** [@Paraschos.Liadis](https://www.queseas.com/u/Paraschos.Liadis)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2024, 8:38am UTC](https://www.queseas.com/t/uscg-guidance-regarding-devices-that-alter-maneuvering-characteristics-of-ships-to-ensure-safe-operation-in-waters-of-the-united-states/943 "2024-05-07T08:38:18Z")
Good day to all, In April 2024, the USCG issued the attached official guidance related to EPL/SHAPOLI installations and how ship’s should respond in US territorial waters to ensure safe maneouvrability. GUIDANCE REGARD… --- ## [Chinese MSA - Special actions to prevent the failure of ship mechanical and electrical equipment](https://www.queseas.com/t/chinese-msa-special-actions-to-prevent-the-failure-of-ship-mechanical-and-electrical-equipment/938)
**Author:** [@Paraschos.Liadis](https://www.queseas.com/u/Paraschos.Liadis)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [April 26, 2024, 5:48am UTC](https://www.queseas.com/t/chinese-msa-special-actions-to-prevent-the-failure-of-ship-mechanical-and-electrical-equipment/938 "2024-04-26T05:48:02Z")
The China Maritime Safety Administration (MSA) has issued a notice\* announcing a special safety inspection period to prevent the failure of ships’ mechanical and electrical equipment. This period of extra scrutiny for sh… --- ## [AMSA Note on Remote Surveys (for PSC detentions)](https://www.queseas.com/t/amsa-note-on-remote-surveys-for-psc-detentions/920)
**Author:** [@Paraschos.Liadis](https://www.queseas.com/u/Paraschos.Liadis)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [March 20, 2024, 3:17pm UTC](https://www.queseas.com/t/amsa-note-on-remote-surveys-for-psc-detentions/920 "2024-03-20T15:17:49Z")
Hello! AMSA no longer accept remote surveys to clear deficiencies of ships detained in Australia. Plain and simple. Remote surveys - AMSA.pdf (154.0 KB) --- ## [Report of fuel oil consumption data submitted to the IMO Ship Fuel Oil Consumption Database in GISIS (Reporting year: 2022)](https://www.queseas.com/t/report-of-fuel-oil-consumption-data-submitted-to-the-imo-ship-fuel-oil-consumption-database-in-gisis-reporting-year-2022/916)
**Author:** [@Stela.Spiraj](https://www.queseas.com/u/Stela.Spiraj)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [March 12, 2024, 2:03pm UTC](https://www.queseas.com/t/report-of-fuel-oil-consumption-data-submitted-to-the-imo-ship-fuel-oil-consumption-database-in-gisis-reporting-year-2022/916 "2024-03-12T14:03:10Z")
The 81st session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 81) is coming in two weeks. Document MEPC 81/6, the report of fuel oil consumption (FOC) data submitted to the IMO Ship Fuel Oil Consumption Database … --- ## [Regional sulphur emission limits at a glance (by GARD)](https://www.queseas.com/t/regional-sulphur-emission-limits-at-a-glance-by-gard/903)
**Author:** [@Ernesto](https://www.queseas.com/u/Ernesto)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [February 22, 2024, 7:51am UTC](https://www.queseas.com/t/regional-sulphur-emission-limits-at-a-glance-by-gard/903 "2024-02-22T07:51:18Z")
A nice link covering the Regional sulphur emissions limits in a fast and straightforward way. (Inspired by a discussion i had with a friend today) https://www.gard.no/web/updates/content/29212584/regional-sulphur-emiss… --- ## [Implementing Decision (EU) 2024/411 on the list of shipping companies specifying the Administering Authority in respect of a shipping company](https://www.queseas.com/t/implementing-decision-eu-2024-411-on-the-list-of-shipping-companies-specifying-the-administering-authority-in-respect-of-a-shipping-company/897)
**Author:** [@KTheocharis](https://www.queseas.com/u/KTheocharis)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2024, 7:45am UTC](https://www.queseas.com/t/implementing-decision-eu-2024-411-on-the-list-of-shipping-companies-specifying-the-administering-authority-in-respect-of-a-shipping-company/897 "2024-02-05T07:45:11Z")
On 30 January 2024, the European Commission published the Implementing Decision (EU) 2024/411 on the list of shipping companies specifying the Administering Authority in respect of a shipping company, in accordance with … --- ## [Hellenic Flag Requirements](https://www.queseas.com/t/hellenic-flag-requirements/896)
**Author:** [@Captain\_Tim](https://www.queseas.com/u/Captain_Tim)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [January 28, 2024, 8:09pm UTC](https://www.queseas.com/t/hellenic-flag-requirements/896 "2024-01-28T20:09:49Z")
Good evening! I am attaching an English translation of the Hellenic Flag Requirements (updated as of 2021). I know they can be useful for ships in service and for the plan approval of newbuildings. Hellenic Flag Requi… --- ## [ABS REGULATORY UPDATE - USE OF A POWER RESERVE AND REACTIVATION OF EPL/SHAPOLI](https://www.queseas.com/t/abs-regulatory-update-use-of-a-power-reserve-and-reactivation-of-epl-shapoli/879)
**Author:** [@Oswald.Alving](https://www.queseas.com/u/Oswald.Alving)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [January 18, 2024, 10:42am UTC](https://www.queseas.com/t/abs-regulatory-update-use-of-a-power-reserve-and-reactivation-of-epl-shapoli/879 "2024-01-18T10:42:31Z")
Hello all! A comprehensive regulatory update by ABS on EPL/SHAPOLI. Have a look. ABS REGULATORY UPDATE 0.cleaned.pdf (294.1 KB) --- ## [ABS 2023 Regulatory Trends and Impact](https://www.queseas.com/t/abs-2023-regulatory-trends-and-impact/871)
**Author:** [@Surcouf\_Renard](https://www.queseas.com/u/Surcouf_Renard)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [November 9, 2023, 7:28am UTC](https://www.queseas.com/t/abs-2023-regulatory-trends-and-impact/871 "2023-11-09T07:28:40Z")
Hello Queseas team! A well-crafted overview of the regulatory development and trends. One of the few highly quality regulatory overviews that are publicly available. Regulatory Trends Executive Summary\*\* \*\* --- ## [Inspection requirements for bunker tanks](https://www.queseas.com/t/inspection-requirements-for-bunker-tanks/868)
**Author:** [@Raj.Raganathan](https://www.queseas.com/u/Raj.Raganathan)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2023, 12:33pm UTC](https://www.queseas.com/t/inspection-requirements-for-bunker-tanks/868 "2023-11-01T12:33:24Z")
Could someone provide the Class inspection requirements for bunker tanks in oil tankers and bulk carriers? --- ## [2021 Guidelines for Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems - MEPC.340(77)](https://www.queseas.com/t/2021-guidelines-for-exhaust-gas-cleaning-systems-mepc-340-77/848)
**Author:** [@Ernesto](https://www.queseas.com/u/Ernesto)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2023, 7:24pm UTC](https://www.queseas.com/t/2021-guidelines-for-exhaust-gas-cleaning-systems-mepc-340-77/848 "2023-09-28T19:24:36Z")
Hello! I would like to share the latest MEPC resolution concerning Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems. We see that the requirements are significantly stricter compared to the 2015 Guidelines for Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems … --- ## [ESG Index for Shipping Companies](https://www.queseas.com/t/esg-index-for-shipping-companies/843)
**Author:** [@Plimsoll](https://www.queseas.com/u/Plimsoll)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [September 13, 2023, 7:04pm UTC](https://www.queseas.com/t/esg-index-for-shipping-companies/843 "2023-09-13T19:04:24Z")
\[Published in TradeWinds 11.09.2023\] Pilot ESG index launched with call to shipowners to upload data New tool will give shipowners a 0 to 100 rating on their reporting A pilot environmental, social and governance (ESG… [Next page](https://www.queseas.com/c/rules-and-regulations/11.md?page=1)