Vessel operators warned to prepare for imminent rule changes

From 1 January 2026 fixed water monitors will be mandatory on weather decks, following amendments to SOLAS Chapter II-2 and the FSS Code approved by the IMO’s 107th MSC session.

This regulation comes in response to a rising number of severe fires involving vehicle cargo, particularly electric vehicles, exposing gaps in current fire safety measures.

“The open and expansive nature of vehicle decks means a fire can escalate rapidly, potentially spreading across the entire ship,” explained Rafał Kołodziejski, head of product support and development – fire systems with maritime safety equipment firm Survitec.

“This new requirement highlights the need for practical fire suppression systems that can be deployed quickly and effectively in these large spaces.”

Water is preferred for its cooling effects, but traditional sprinkler systems often fall short. Fixed water monitors provide fast, focused firefighting, delivering high-performance coverage. They are especially suitable for smaller ships where retrofitting deluge systems is challenging.

Under the new rules, ships less than 30 metres wide require two monitors, while larger ships need four, with a minimum flow of 2.0 litres per minute per square meter and a total of at least 1,250 litres per minute.

“Interpreting these regulations and choosing the right equipment is as critical as the technical specs,” said Michał Sadzyński, product manager at Survitec.

“We advise on various options – manual, self-oscillating, hydraulic or electric – each tailored to ship design and operational needs.”

Survitec’s monitors feature corrosion resistance and cold-weather protection to ensure durability across conditions. “Prevention is better than cure, especially with EV fires. Early detection is key, but fixed water monitors support rapid response to control and suppress fires,” added Kołodziejski.