IMO Regulations On Mandatory Electronic Inclinometers For New Bulk Carriers And Container Ships
The mandatory requirements for electronic inclinometers on new bulk carriers and container ships are primarily derived from Resolution MSC.532(107) (amending the SOLAS Convention) and Resolution MSC.363(92) (specifying performance standards for electronic inclinometers). Below is the core content and access information:
1. Resolution MSC.532(107)
This resolution amends Chapter V of the SOLAS Convention and enters into force on 1 January 2026. Key provisions are as follows:
| Clause | Core Content |
|---|---|
| Scope of Application | Applies to new container ships and bulk carriers with a gross tonnage of 3,000 and above, whose keels are laid on or after 1 January 2026. |
| Mandatory Equipment Requirement | A new Regulation V/19.2.12 is added, stipulating that the aforementioned ships shall be equipped with electronic inclinometers or other measures to determine, display and record the ship's rolling motion. |
| Terminology Definitions | 1. Bulk carrier: As defined in SOLAS Regulation XII/1.1, referring to ships primarily designed for the carriage of dry bulk cargoes, including ore carriers and combination carriers. 2. Container ship: Referring to ships primarily designed for the carriage of containers. |
| Certificate & Record Adjustments | "Container Ship" shall be clearly indicated in the "Ship Type" column of the Cargo Ship Safety Equipment Certificate. The equipment record shall include the "Electronic Inclinometer" status under navigation systems and equipment details. |
Access Link: https://www.ccs.org.cn/ccswzen//special?columnid=202206080248772574&id=0
2. Resolution MSC.363(92)
This resolution specifies technical performance standards for electronic inclinometers, adopted by relevant national standards. Core technical requirements:
| Technical Dimension | Core Content |
|---|---|
| Basic Functions | The electronic inclinometer shall provide real-time heel angle, roll amplitude, and roll period to support maritime decision-making and accident investigations. It consists of sensors, signal processors, displays, input devices, and interfaces with other ship systems. |
| Display Requirements | Equipped with analog or digital displays to continuously present real-time heel angle, roll amplitude, and roll peak hold value. Displays shall comply with performance standards in IMO MSC.191(79). |
| Interface & Power Supply | Interfaces shall meet IEC 61162-1 and IEC 61162-2 requirements. The power supply system shall ensure stable operation under normal ship operating conditions. |
| Accuracy Requirements | Heel angle/roll amplitude range: ±90° (accuracy: ±1°); Roll period range: 4-40s (accuracy: ±1s). |
3. Other Relevant IMO Regulations
Electronic inclinometers shall also comply with:
IMO Resolution A.694(17): General requirements for marine navigation and radio communication equipment (design, quality control, and reliability).
SOLAS Convention (2020 Consolidated Edition): Incorporates amendments from MSC.532(107), covering equipment certification and inspection frameworks. Full text available via document platforms such as Doc88.
Full Text Access
For complete versions of the resolutions, search and download via the IMO Official Database: https://docs.imo.org/ (enter resolution numbers for retrieval).
