Starting January 1, 2026, ship masters must report every container lost overboard under new International Maritime Organization (IMO) rules. These changes to SOLAS Chapter V will improve safety for vessels, crews, and the marine environment.

What Must Be Reported Immediately

When containers go overboard, the master has to notify nearby ships, the closest coastal state, and the flag state without delay. The required details include:

1. Exact position of the loss
2. Total number of containers lost
3. Whether any carried dangerous goods

Masters may also add useful extra information such as cargo type, weather, and sea state.

Follow-Up Actions

The flag state forwards the report to IMO through a dedicated module in the Global Integrated Shipping Information System (GISIS). Masters must update the report as new facts emerge and confirm the final count after a full ship inspection.

Ships that spot drifting containers at sea must alert nearby vessels and the nearest coastal authority.

Why the New Rules Matter

Lost containers create serious risks. They can damage other ships, spill hazardous materials, or harm sea life. Fast reporting allows rescue teams, coast guards, and cleanup crews to act quickly.

Lars Kjaer, Senior Vice President for Safety and Security at the World Shipping Council (WSC), called the amendments "a major step forward in maritime safety and environmental protection."

Recent Loss Statistics

In 2023, only 221 containers were lost from the 250 million moved worldwide. This is the lowest figure since WSC began tracking in 2008 and beats the previous record low of 661 in 2022. About one-third of the 2023 losses were recovered.

John Butler, WSC chief executive, welcomed the drop but stressed that "every lost container is a potential hazard." The industry continues to work on prevention.

Key Changes to SOLAS

The amendments update two regulations:

1. Regulation 31: Ship-to-shore reporting of lost containers
2. Regulation 32: Ship-to-ship alerts for drifting containers

All officers and crew should study the exact wording in the updated SOLAS text.

Training Tips for Seafarers

1. Know the checklist: Keep a short form on the bridge with position, count, and dangerous-goods fields.
2. Practice the sequence: Report to ships, coastal state, flag state, then enter data in GISIS.
3. Log everything: Record time of loss, weather, and any photos or videos.
4. Drills: Include lost-container scenarios in monthly safety meetings.
5. Lookout duty: Train watchkeepers to recognize container shapes in the water and report instantly.

Summary for Deck Officers

From 2026, losing even one container triggers a mandatory report. Speed and accuracy save lives and protect the ocean. Review your company's SMS procedures now to meet the deadline.

Resource: IMO SOLAS Chapter V (2026 edition) – free download from IMO website.