A new mandatory requirement introduced by the IMO for anchor handling winches under SOLAS Regulation II-1/3-13, as amended by IMO Resolution MSC.532(107), which came into force on 1 January 2026.
As explained, these amendments follow previous updates covering lifting appliances, and are supported by the IMO Guidelines for Anchor Handling Winches (MSC.1/Circ.1662). The new requirements apply specifically to anchor handling winches, defined as “winches used for the purpose of deploying, recovering and repositioning anchors and mooring lines in subsea operations.”
Such winches are commonly found on dedicated anchor handling vessels, offshore support ships, and certain tugboats, and may be either purpose-built for anchor handling or integrated into a towing winch system.
It is important to note that these requirements do not apply to anchor windlasses, which are used to handle a ship’s own anchors.
Requirements for new anchor handling winches (installed on or after 1 January 2026)
Under SOLAS Regulation II-1/3-13.2.2, new anchor handling winches must comply with the technical requirements specified in the IMO circular and are to be certificated before entering service. Certification includes:
- A plan appraisal of the anchor handling winch and foundation connections
- Verification of materials
- Survey, testing and examination during fabrication
- Verification of component certificates, including its loose gear
- Overload brake holding capacity (BHC) test at 110% of BHC (calculations may be accepted if testing is impractical)
- Overload testing to 110% of maximum line pull (MLP)
- Testing and thorough examination when installed on board.
Requirements for new anchor handling winches (installed on or after 1 January 2026)
Under SOLAS Regulation II-1/3-13.2.5, existing winches must undergo testing and thorough examination in accordance with IMO guidelines.
Although the IMO guidelines permit acceptance of certification under another international instrument approved by the Administration, there have been no previous class requirements specifically for anchor handling winches.
As informed, the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) is expected to standardize survey and testing requirements. In the meantime, LR will apply the following for existing installations:
- Document review, including verification that maintenance and operations manuals are available on board
- Survey of winch structure, foundations and supporting structure
- Survey of wires and loose gear
- Survey of hydraulic systems, control stations and electrical arrangements
- Operational testing, including alarms and safety functions
- Overload brake holding capacity test at 110% of BHC (calculations may be accepted if testing is impractical)
- Overload testing to 110% of maximum line pull (MLP)
- Thorough examination after completion of overload tests.
These requirements must be verified no later than the first Cargo Ship Safety Construction Renewal Survey conducted on or after 1 January 2026. A suitable note will be raised on a ships record.
Maintenance, operation, inspection and testing for all anchor handling winches
Under SOLAS Regulation II-1/3-13.3, all anchor handling winches, associated equipment, and loose gear must be operationally tested, thoroughly examined, inspected, and maintained in accordance with IMO guidelines.
Shipowners and operators must:
- Follow manufacturer recommendations, industry standards and operational profiles
- Include winches in the onboard maintenance program
- Ensure maintenance and operational manuals are available (or reconstructed per IMO guidelines if missing)
- Confirm personnel are properly qualified and familiarized with equipment.
Records of thorough examinations
Although no prescribed register booklet exists (as for lifting appliances), IMO guidelines require thorough examination and testing records to be legible, complete, and authenticated by a competent person.