Maritime Compliance Insights

SOPEP Requirements for Yachts: A Complete Guide

Detailed guide to SOPEP template yacht requirements under MARPOL Annex I. What your plan must contain, flag state approval, and how to prepare for survey.

Dylan Apr 1, 2026 9 min

What Documents Does a Superyacht Need? The Complete Checklist

Complete superyacht documentation checklist organised by convention. MARPOL, ISM, ISPS, MLC, SOLAS, STCW requirements with GT thresholds and mandatory vs recommended status.

Dylan Apr 1, 2026 11 min

Superyacht Docs Mar 20, 2025 11 min

Yacht SMS Requirements Under 500GT: ISM Code Explained

ISM Code SMS requirements for yachts under 500GT. Mini-ISM vs full ISM, flag state expectations, what your SMS must contain, and practical implementation guidance.

Dylan Apr 1, 2026 13 min

Environmental

Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM): EU Ship Recycling Regulation Guide

A practical guide to the Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM) for superyachts covering EU Regulation 1257/2013, Hong Kong Convention, IHM Part I/II/III, maintenance requirements, class certification, and common gaps found at survey.

All Articles

Superyacht Docs Mar 15, 2025 8 min

Mediterranean ECA 2025: What Superyacht Operators Need to Know

The Mediterranean Emission Control Area takes effect May 2025. Here's what superyacht operators need to know about SOx limits, fuel switching, and compliance.

Superyacht Docs Mar 10, 2025 9 min

Noise and Vibration on Superyachts: Crew Welfare and Compliance

A practical guide to noise and vibration management on superyachts covering IMO MSC.337(91), MCA LY3 guidance, EU Directive 2003/10/EC, hearing protection programmes, and crew welfare under the Maritime Labour Convention.

Superyacht Docs Mar 5, 2025 10 min

Voyage Planning for Superyachts: SOLAS Chapter V Requirements

A comprehensive guide to voyage planning requirements for superyachts under SOLAS Chapter V Regulation 34, covering the four stages of voyage planning from IMO Resolution A.893(21), weather routing, and what Port State Control inspectors check.

Industry Updates

Cybersecurity Compliance for Yachts: The 2025-2026 Timeline

Maritime cybersecurity requirements are tightening. From IMO guidelines to IACS standards, here's what yacht operators need to implement and when.

Superyacht Docs Mar 1, 2025 9 min

Superyacht Docs Feb 25, 2025 9 min

Lifting Gear Inspection and LOLER Compliance for Superyachts

A practical guide to lifting gear inspection requirements on superyachts, covering LOLER 1998 regulations, inspection intervals, competent person requirements, record keeping, and common deficiencies found during surveys.

Superyacht Docs Feb 15, 2025 8 min

Mooring Safety on Superyachts: MSC.474(102) and Management Plans

A practical guide to mooring safety on superyachts covering IMO MSC.474(102), snap-back zones, mooring line inspection, OCIMF MEG4 guidelines, and how to build a compliant mooring management plan.

Superyacht Docs Feb 15, 2025 9 min

SEEMP Part III: New Fuel Data Collection Requirements for 2026

SEEMP Part III requires enhanced fuel data reporting from 2026. Learn what data to collect, how CII ratings work, and how to prepare your yacht's documentation.

Superyacht Docs Feb 10, 2025 7 min

Engine Room Familiarisation: What Every New Engineer Needs to Know

A practical guide to engine room familiarisation requirements under the ISM Code, including what your manual should cover, how to structure handovers, and what surveyors look for during audits.

Superyacht Docs Feb 5, 2025 11 min

Risk Assessments and Permits to Work on Superyachts: An ISM Code Guide

A practical guide to risk assessments and permit to work systems on superyachts covering ISM Code Section 7, risk assessment methodology, hot work permits, confined space entry, working at height, and common survey findings.

Environmental

Biofouling Management: From Voluntary to Mandatory

IMO biofouling guidelines are becoming mandatory requirements. Learn about MEPC.378(80), management plan requirements, and what yacht operators must do now.

Superyacht Docs Feb 1, 2025 10 min

Superyacht Docs Jan 28, 2025 10 min

Standing Orders for Bridge and Engine Room: ISM Code Requirements

A detailed guide to standing orders for bridge and engine room on superyachts, covering STCW A-VIII/2 requirements, ISM Code Sections 5 and 7, what standing orders must include, and how surveyors assess them during audits.

Superyacht Docs Jan 20, 2025 9 min

Fresh Water Management and Legionella Prevention on Superyachts

A comprehensive guide to fresh water management on superyachts, covering WHO Ship Sanitation guidelines, MLC Standard A3.1, legionella risk assessment, watermaker maintenance, and what Port State Control inspectors check.

Superyacht Docs Jan 20, 2025 12 min

ISM Code Internal Audits: A Step-by-Step Guide

A practical guide to conducting ISM Code internal audits on superyachts. Step-by-step process from planning to corrective actions.

Superyacht Docs Jan 15, 2025 9 min

Refrigerant and ODS Management Under MARPOL Annex VI

A practical guide to refrigerant and ozone-depleting substance management on superyachts covering MARPOL Annex VI Regulation 12, the Montreal Protocol, EU F-Gas Regulation, leak detection, GWP reporting, and what surveyors check.

Superyacht Docs Jan 10, 2025 10 min

MARPOL Annex I: Oil Pollution Prevention for Superyachts

Complete guide to MARPOL Annex I requirements for superyachts including SOPEP, SMPEP, Oil Record Books, and oily water separator regulations.

Superyacht Docs Dec 20, 2024 9 min

Crew Familiarisation Under ISM Code Section 6: What's Required

ISM Code Section 6 requires comprehensive crew familiarisation. Learn what must be covered, how to document it, and avoid common audit findings.

Industry Updates

Port State Control Inspections: How to Prepare Your Yacht

A practical guide to preparing your superyacht for Port State Control inspections. Know what PSCOs check, common deficiencies, and how to prepare.

Superyacht Docs Dec 10, 2024 9 min