Other news from this ISM News Update:

• SOLAS Chapter V – Safety of navigation – Magnetic Compass – deviation and adjustment
• Safety Improvement Sheets from NSI nr 7 – Lookout
• New publication of ISPS interpretation by IL&T
• Inventory of Hazardous Materials and Ship Recycling from 26 June 2025 for all ships > 500 GT
• Upcoming Lloyd’s Register Training: ISM/ISPS/MLC Internal Auditor – Rotterdam, 9–11 Sept 2025

Fire-Fighting foam containing PFAS no longer permitted on board

Effective January 1, 2026, the storage and use of perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) in fire extinguishing agents on board ships is prohibited. This decision is reflected in the amendments to SOLAS Chapter II-2, Part C, Regulation 10, as set out in MSC.532(107), which can be consulted here.

PFOS belongs to the group of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often referred to as “perpetual chemicals” due to their slow degradation and harmful environmental impact. These synthetic chemicals accumulate in humans and are linked to various health problems, including cancer. PFAS chemicals are widely used due to their high stability and low surface tension. These chemicals are found in several common products, including firefighting foam. PFOS is often found in Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF), which is used on ships to fight fires caused by flammable solids and liquids.

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