IMSML Web Article 10/2026: MSC.558(108) - Amendments to the Performance Standard for Protective Coatings for Cargo Oil Tanks of Crude Oil Tankers (Resolution MSC.288(87), as Amended)

Today’s article is another short one. It contents are similar to what was published last week. This time, instead of ballast water tanks, the provision apply instead to ‘cargo oil tanks’ for ‘crude oil tankers’.

The provisions are necessary because the performance standards had become mandatory under the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) 1974, in particular Chapter II-1, see amendment by Resolution MSC.342(91) The amedments under MSC.558(108) come into force on 1 January 2026.

What are the new coating inspection requirements?

The current coating inspection requirements can be found in a new Paragraph 6.1, which replaced the previous version of that paragraph. The whole aims of this amendment is to ensure compliance with a determined ‘Standard’. Therefore, it provides for the usage of ‘qualified coating inspectors’.

According to Paragraph 6.1, the following certifications are recognised:

[1] AMPP Certified Coatings Inspector;

Note: AMPP, a non-profit organisation, has a Malaysian Chapter at Empire Subang Soho, Jalan SS 16/1, SS16, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor.

[2] FROSIO Inspector Level III;

Note: This inspector has competency in the field of corrosion protection. At Level III, this inspector more than 5 years experience, with at least 2 years inspection experience.

[3] Any equivalent verified by IMO.

Note: This usually involves verification of Classification Society Inspectors such as Lloyd’s Register.

Thank you for reading IMSML Web Article 10/2026

Stay tuned for the next IMSML Web Article 11/2026: MSC.559(108) - Amendments to the Requirements for Maintenance, Thorough Examination, Operational Testing, Overhaul and Repair of Lifeboats and Rescue Boats, Launching Appliances and Release Gear (MSC.402(96) as amended)

Signing-off for today,

Dr Irwin Ooi Ui Joo, LL.B(Hons.)(Glamorgan); LL.M (Cardiff); Ph.D (Cardiff); CMILT

Professor of Maritime and Transport Law

Faculty of Law

Universiti Teknologi MARA Shah Alam

Selangor, Malaysia

Tuesday,  10 March 2026

Note that I am the corresponding author for the IMSML Website Articles. My official email address is: uijoo310@uitm.edu.my