How to document PFOS-free fire-extinguishing foam on board

By the first safety equipment survey after 1 January 2026, all merchant vessels must ensure that fire-extinguishing foams on board are entirely PFOS-free. This mandate, highlighted by Hellenic Shipping News, requires rigorous verification by attending surveyors to avoid part-held surveys or restrictive Conditions of Authority. Whether operating bulk carriers in Singapore or tankers in Rotterdam, crews must proactively audit their inventory. Compliance is essential to maintaining vessel seaworthiness and avoiding costly delays during routine port state control inspections worldwide.

This transition aligns with the latest amendments to SOLAS Chapter II-2, which strictly prohibit the use of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) in firefighting systems. Beyond SOLAS, these requirements reflect broader environmental commitments under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants. Compliance departments must ensure that all foam concentrates are accompanied by valid certificates of analysis confirming the absence of PFOS. Failure to provide documented proof during the first survey after the 2026 deadline will lead to immediate non-compliance findings, jeopardizing the vessel's operational certification and safety management system status.

Chief engineers and second engineers bear the primary responsibility for this transition. These officers must conduct a thorough inventory of all foam stocks, including portable extinguishers and fixed installations. They are required to replace non-compliant foam, secure original manufacturer documentation, and update the vessel’s maintenance records. Ensuring that all technical data sheets are readily available for surveyors is critical to passing the inspection without incident and maintaining the vessel’s operational readiness at sea.