Strengthening Your Vessel's Compliance Framework Through MEPC.405(83) Standards

🛳 Strengthening Your Vessel's Compliance Framework Through MEPC.405(83) Standards



Company: Varuna Sentinels B.V.

At Varuna Sentinels B.V., we believe in staying one step ahead — especially when it comes to regulatory changes that affect our clients and the maritime industry. One such change now in effect is the IMO's Resolution MEPC.405(83), and it brings an important update to the guidelines for the Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM).

If you're a shipowner, operator, manager, or involved in IHM maintenance, this update is for you.

🔍 What Is MEPC.405(83)?

Adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), MEPC.405(83) introduces a critical amendment to the 2023 IHM Guidelines. The regulation officially took effect on 26 June 2025, with a key focus on anti-fouling systems that may contain Cybutryne — a substance now regulated more strictly due to environmental concerns.

📌 Key Changes at a Glance:

    New Threshold for Cybutryne:
    The limit has been reduced from 1000 mg/kg to 200 mg/kg, ensuring stricter control of hazardous substances.

    Effective Date:
    The changes apply to all Material Declarations (MDs) prepared on or after 26 June 2025.

    Scope of Applicability:

      ○   Newbuild vessels

      ○   Ships undergoing dry-docking

      ○   Ships undergoing IHM maintenance

      ○   Any updated MD submissions from suppliers

    Reference Alignment:
    This update aligns with Appendix I of MEPC.358(78) for anti-fouling systems.

🧭 What We've Done at Varuna Sentinels B.V.

We've taken proactive steps to ensure full alignment with the new guidelines:

✅ Updated MD and SDOC templates as per MEPC.405(83)
✅ Streamlined our documentation processes
✅ Supporting vessels and suppliers during the transition with guidance and clarity

⚠️ What You Should Do Next

If you're preparing MD or SDOC documents for any vessel:

    ●   Use the updated templates aligned with MEPC.405(83)

    ●   Ensure any MD created after 26 June 2025 complies with the new threshold and format

    ●   Review your internal procedures and supplier guidance

    ●   Reach out to our team for updated sample forms or one-on-one support

🤝 We're Here to Help

Regulatory updates can sometimes feel overwhelming, but with the right support and proactive communication, compliance becomes simple. Our team is ready to guide you through the new requirements and ensure your vessels remain fully compliant with international standards.

📧 contact@varuna-sentinels.com
🌐 www.varuna-sentinels.com

Varuna Sentinels B.V. – Leading with compliance, delivering with confidence.

Reference File - https://www.register-iri.com/wp-content/uploads/MEPC.40583.pdf