The IMO Sub-Committee on Ship Systems and Equipment (SSE) convened its 12th session from March 9 to 13, 2026, where significant advancements were made, particularly regarding proposed amendments to the Life-Saving Appliances (LSA) Code. These amendments mandate that partially enclosed lifeboats installed after January 1, 2032, must be equipped to maintain CO₂ levels below 5,000 ppm for all occupants, even with closed entrances.
To comply, options include a ventilation system providing at least 5 m³/h per person for a minimum of 24 hours, or ventilation openings with a minimum cross-sectional area of 0.015 m² per person. Member States are encouraged to submit technological evidence to refine these requirements, particularly regarding ventilation openings’ dimensions and placements.
Additionally, draft amendments to resolution MSC.81(70) were proposed, establishing testing requirements for lifeboat ventilation systems to ensure they meet the new standards. Testing must verify air quality under various conditions, including stationary lifeboats with closed entrances.
Other notable progress from the SSE session included revised guidelines for carbon dioxide fire-extinguishing systems, new design guidelines for water mist lances, and a new SOLAS regulation on portable infrared thermal imagers.
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