Anchor Handling Winch Requirements from 1 January 2026
The maritime regulatory framework for onboard anchor handling winches was strengthened through the adoption of SOLAS Regulation II-1/3-13 and the associated MSC.1/Circ.1662 – Guidelines for Anchor Handling Winches.
The new SOLAS regulation entered into force on 1 January 2026. IMO states that SOLAS II-1/3-13 covers requirements for the application, design and construction, operation, inspection, testing, and maintenance of onboard lifting appliances and anchor handling winches.
For anchor handling winches, MSC.1/Circ.1662 provides the associated IMO technical guidelines supporting implementation of the new SOLAS requirements.
These requirements are particularly relevant to vessels using anchor handling winches in offshore and anchor handling operations. Shipowners, operators, technical managers, and surveyors should ensure that applicable equipment and its supporting documentation are prepared for the relevant statutory and class examinations.
Scope of SOLAS Regulation II-1/3-13
SOLAS II-1/3-13 establishes a regulatory framework covering applicable onboard lifting appliances and anchor handling winches. For anchor handling winches, the requirements extend beyond periodic testing and include the design, construction, installation, operation, inspection, testing, and maintenance of the equipment.
Design
Applicable anchor handling winches installed on or after 1 January 2026 are subject to design requirements in accordance with SOLAS II-1/3-13 and the applicable IMO Guidelines.
Construction
Construction of applicable new anchor handling winches must satisfy the requirements accepted by the Administration in accordance with the applicable SOLAS provisions and IMO Guidelines.
Installation
Applicable anchor handling winches installed on or after 1 January 2026 are subject to requirements concerning design, construction, installation, and testing.
Operation
Anchor handling winches are subject to operational requirements intended to support safe and controlled anchor handling operations.
Inspection
Applicable anchor handling winches and associated equipment are subject to inspection and examination arrangements under the applicable requirements.
Testing
Testing and thorough examination form part of the mandatory compliance framework, including specific requirements for existing anchor handling winches.
Maintenance
Anchor handling winches must be maintained in accordance with the applicable requirements, supporting safe operation and continuing compliance.
Documentation
Technical records, testing documentation, inspection records, maintenance information, and other applicable supporting documents should be available for verification.
1. Requirements for Anchor Handling Winches Installed on or After 1 January 2026
Anchor handling winches installed on or after 1 January 2026 are subject to the new requirements of SOLAS II-1/3-13 concerning their design, construction, installation, and testing.
The design and installation are required to satisfy the applicable requirements to the satisfaction of the Administration, using the IMO Guidelines for Anchor Handling Winches as the supporting technical framework.
The applicable design and technical documentation should demonstrate that the winch and its associated arrangements are suitable for their intended anchor handling service.
Technical Areas Requiring Attention
- Anchor handling winch design and construction
- Installation arrangements and supporting structure
- Intended operating loads and working conditions
- Brake and holding arrangements
- Control and operating arrangements
- Emergency release and safety arrangements, where applicable
- Load monitoring and protective functions
- Testing and commissioning documentation
2. Existing Anchor Handling Winches
Anchor handling winches installed before 1 January 2026 are subject to specific transitional requirements under the SOLAS amendments.
Such anchor handling winches are required to be tested and thoroughly examined, based on the applicable IMO Guidelines, no later than the date of the vessel's first renewal survey on or after 1 January 2026.
This means that existing equipment cannot simply be considered outside the new regulatory framework because it was installed before the entry-into-force date. Owners and technical managers should identify applicable winches and plan the required examination within the applicable survey window.
Existing Equipment Survey Preparation
- Confirm the installation date of the anchor handling winch
- Identify the vessel's first renewal survey on or after 1 January 2026
- Review previous testing and examination records
- Review maintenance and repair history
- Verify available manufacturer documentation
- Confirm applicable class and Administration requirements
- Arrange the required testing and thorough examination
3. Continuing Inspection, Testing & Maintenance
Compliance with SOLAS II-1/3-13 is not limited to the initial examination of an anchor handling winch.
The SOLAS amendments require applicable anchor handling winches, regardless of installation date, and loose gear utilized with anchor handling winches to be subject to continuing requirements for operational testing, thorough examination, inspection, operation, and maintenance based on the applicable IMO Guidelines.
Operational Testing
Testing arrangements should demonstrate that applicable anchor handling winch functions operate as intended under the relevant operating conditions.
Thorough Examination
Thorough examination provides an additional verification of equipment condition and compliance with the applicable requirements.
Inspection
Regular inspection should identify deterioration, defects, abnormal wear, damage, or other conditions affecting safe operation.
Maintenance
Maintenance arrangements should ensure that applicable anchor handling winches and associated loose gear remain in suitable working condition.
4. Associated Equipment & Loose Gear
The requirements are not limited to the main winch machinery. SOLAS II-1/3-13 also addresses loose gear utilized with anchor handling winches.
Accordingly, technical reviews should consider the complete anchor handling arrangement and the equipment used together with the winch, rather than treating the winch as an isolated item.
Technical Verification Areas
- Anchor handling winch and associated machinery
- Brake and holding arrangements
- Control systems and operating stations
- Wire rope and applicable handling arrangements
- Associated fittings and equipment
- Loose gear utilized with the anchor handling winch
- Safety and protective devices
- Inspection and maintenance records
5. Anchor Handling Winch Safety Functions
The detailed technical requirements of MSC.1/Circ.1662 should be considered when assessing an anchor handling winch and its associated systems.
Depending on the equipment arrangement and applicable requirements, particular attention may be required for the control system, load monitoring, overload protection, braking arrangements, spooling arrangements, emergency functions, and other safety features of the winch.
Load Monitoring
Applicable load-monitoring arrangements should provide the operator with appropriate information concerning winch loading during anchor handling operations.
Overload Protection
Applicable protective functions should be verified in accordance with the approved design and IMO Guidelines.
Braking System
Brake performance and holding capability are important elements of anchor handling winch safety and should be verified during applicable testing and examination.
Emergency Functions
Applicable emergency release and other safety functions should be maintained and tested in accordance with the approved equipment arrangement and applicable requirements.
6. Survey & Technical Verification
From a marine surveying and technical consultancy perspective, anchor handling winch compliance should be assessed through both physical examination and review of the supporting technical documentation.
The objective is not simply to confirm that a winch can operate, but to establish whether the equipment, associated arrangements, testing history, maintenance records, and documentation are consistent with the applicable statutory, class, manufacturer, and operational requirements.
Physical Condition
Examine the general condition of the winch, machinery, brake system, controls, foundations, associated equipment, and accessible components.
Testing Records
Review previous operational tests, load tests, thorough examinations, repairs, and other relevant testing records.
Maintenance History
Verify that maintenance activities, defects, repairs, replacement of components, and corrective actions are properly recorded.
Technical Documentation
Review applicable drawings, manuals, certificates, technical specifications, test reports, and approved documentation.
7. Preparing an Anchor Handling Vessel for Survey
Shipowners and technical managers should prepare applicable anchor handling winches well before the statutory or class survey. Early preparation reduces the risk of identifying outstanding testing, documentation, maintenance, or equipment-condition issues during the survey.
Recommended Preparation
- Identify all anchor handling winches installed on board
- Determine the installation date of each applicable winch
- Confirm whether the equipment is subject to SOLAS II-1/3-13
- Identify the applicable first renewal survey where required
- Review MSC.1/Circ.1662-related documentation
- Review manufacturer manuals and technical specifications
- Review inspection, testing, and maintenance records
- Verify associated equipment and loose gear
- Identify outstanding defects or corrective actions
- Arrange testing and thorough examination where required
8. Importance for Offshore & Anchor Handling Operations
Anchor handling winches are critical equipment on vessels involved in offshore anchor handling operations. Failure of a winch or its associated equipment can create significant risks to personnel, the vessel, anchors, wires, offshore structures, subsea equipment, and the marine environment.
The introduction of SOLAS II-1/3-13 therefore provides a strengthened international framework for the safe application, design, construction, operation, inspection, testing, and maintenance of applicable anchor handling winches.
For operators of offshore vessels, compliance should be treated as an ongoing technical-management responsibility rather than as a one-time survey requirement.
9. SOLAS II-1/3-13 & MSC.1/Circ.1662 Relationship
SOLAS Regulation II-1/3-13 establishes the mandatory international regulatory requirements for applicable onboard lifting appliances and anchor handling winches.
MSC.1/Circ.1662 provides the IMO Guidelines for Anchor Handling Winches that support implementation of the SOLAS requirements for anchor handling winches.
The two instruments should therefore be considered together when evaluating applicable anchor handling winch compliance.
SOLAS II-1/3-13
Mandatory international requirements covering the application, design and construction, operation, inspection, testing, and maintenance of applicable equipment.
MSC.1/Circ.1662
IMO Guidelines specifically supporting the implementation of SOLAS requirements for anchor handling winches.
Independent Marine Surveying & Technical Consultancy
PAMS Pacific Admiralty Maritime Services provides independent marine surveying and technical consultancy support for shipowners, operators, technical managers, offshore projects, and other maritime stakeholders.
Technical services may include marine surveys, technical inspections, condition assessments, regulatory compliance verification, offshore engineering consultancy, FPSO/SPM technical support, and audit preparation.
PAMS supports clients with compliance-focused assessments relating to applicable statutory and class requirements, offshore vessel operations, equipment condition, technical documentation, and survey preparation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is SOLAS Regulation II-1/3-13?
SOLAS Regulation II-1/3-13 is a new SOLAS regulation covering requirements for the application, design and construction, operation, inspection, testing, and maintenance of onboard lifting appliances and anchor handling winches. It entered into force on 1 January 2026.
What is MSC.1/Circ.1662?
MSC.1/Circ.1662 is the IMO Guidelines for Anchor Handling Winches. The guidelines support implementation of SOLAS Regulation II-1/3-13 and provide the technical framework for applicable anchor handling winch requirements.
When did the new anchor handling winch requirements enter into force?
The new SOLAS requirements entered into force on 1 January 2026.
Do existing anchor handling winches have to be tested?
Yes. Anchor handling winches installed before 1 January 2026 are required to be tested and thoroughly examined based on the applicable IMO Guidelines no later than the date of the vessel's first renewal survey on or after 1 January 2026.
Do the requirements apply only to the main anchor handling winch?
The regulatory framework is not limited to the main winch machinery. SOLAS II-1/3-13 also contains requirements concerning loose gear utilized with anchor handling winches, together with continuing operational testing, examination, inspection, operation, and maintenance requirements.
What should be checked before an anchor handling winch survey?
Owners and technical managers should review the winch's installation date, applicable SOLAS requirements, testing and thorough examination records, maintenance history, manufacturer documentation, associated equipment, loose gear, outstanding defects, and applicable class and Administration requirements.
Does compliance involve continuing maintenance and inspection?
Yes. Applicable anchor handling winches, regardless of installation date, and loose gear utilized with them are subject to continuing requirements for operational testing, thorough examination, inspection, operation, and maintenance based on the applicable IMO Guidelines.
Why are anchor handling winches important for offshore vessels?
Anchor handling winches are critical equipment during offshore anchor handling operations. Their condition, braking, controls, associated equipment, and safe operation can directly affect personnel safety, vessel safety, anchors, wires, offshore structures, subsea equipment, and the marine environment.
Can PAMS provide independent anchor handling technical support?
Yes. PAMS Pacific Admiralty Maritime Services provides independent marine surveying, technical inspection, condition assessment, offshore engineering consultancy, and maritime regulatory compliance support for shipowners, operators, technical managers, and offshore projects.
PAMS Pacific Admiralty Maritime Services
PAMS Pacific Admiralty Maritime Services is an independent marine technical consultancy specializing in marine surveying, marine technical consultancy, offshore engineering consultancy, FPSO engineering support, marine audits, technical inspections, and regulatory compliance.
Technical compliance services include statutory and class survey preparation, vessel condition assessments, offshore operations, technical equipment inspections, regulatory compliance verification, and engineering support.
Based in Manila, Philippines — operating as an independent technical consultancy.
Need Anchor Handling Winch Survey or Compliance Support?
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