New MED 2025/1533 equipment compliant before 23 Sep 2025 can be used on EU ships until 23 Sep 2028
Effective Date: 23 September 2025
Scope: Marine Equipment Directive (MED) 2014/90/EU
Purpose: This regulation updates the requirements for marine equipment placed on EU-flagged vessels, ensuring safety, standardization, and alignment with modern technology.
1. New Equipment Category
• IRNSS Equipment added under MED/4.63 GNSS Equipment.
o Explanation: IRNSS (Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System) equipment is now formally recognized for type approval under MED. This ensures ships can legally use this navigation system as part of their safety and operational systems.
2. Updated Standards / Equipment Categories
Several equipment categories have revised type approval, testing, and performance requirements to improve safety and compliance:
Life-Saving Appliances
• MED/1.1 – Lifebuoys: Updated performance and marking standards.
• MED/1.2b – Position-indicating lights for lifebuoys: Ensures visibility in low-light and emergency conditions.
• MED/1.2c – Position-indicating lights for lifejackets: Enhanced reliability for search and rescue.
• MED/1.4 – Lifejackets: Updated material and buoyancy requirements.
• MED/1.3 – Lifebuoys with self-activating smoke signals: Improved signalling during rescue operations.
• MED/1.5a/1.5b/1.5c – Immersion & anti-exposure suits: Clarifies suits worn with or without lifejackets, including inherent insulation and anti-exposure features.
• MED/1.6a/1.6b/1.6c – Immersion suits without lifejackets: Ensures protection for crew in cold or hazardous waters.
• MED/1.7 – Thermal protective aids: For fire or heat-related emergencies.
Means of Rescue & Safety Systems
• MED/1.28 – Means of rescue: Updated operational and design standards.
• MED/1.29 – Embarkation ladders: Updated safety and accessibility requirements.
• MED/1.44a – Public Address & General Alarm (PAGA) systems: Improved reliability and control of onboard alarms.
Fire-Fighting Equipment
• MED/3.4 – Fire-fighter’s outfit: boots: Updated durability and protection standards.
3. Transitional Provisions
• Equipment compliant with previous national type-approval requirements before 23 September 2025 may continue to be used until 23 September 2028.
o Explanation: This gives manufacturers and ship operators time to update or replace equipment without disrupting operations, while gradually moving to full compliance with the new regulation.
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