The latest edition of the Technical Rules for Statutory Inspection of Domestic Seagoing Ships (2026 Amendment Notice) has been officially released, mandating the installation of intelligent monitoring systems on all domestic seagoing vessels. This regulatory move aims to strengthen the technical requirements for remote shore-based management by shipping companies and serves as a key supporting measure for implementing the Guidelines for Shipping Enterprises to Fulfill Primary Safety Production Responsibilities and its six supporting work directives.
With the rapid deployment of 5G networks along China's coastline and the accelerated construction of a domestic low-orbit satellite internet constellation, the technical foundation for real-time ship-to-shore communication is now in place. This enables shore-based operators to use smart monitoring to gain real-time insights into crew watchkeeping, safety operations, and other critical activities. The revised ship inspection regulations now require vessels to be equipped with intelligent monitoring equipment, which will significantly drive shipping companies to upgrade their on-site safety control hardware, thereby strengthening the foundation of maritime traffic safety.
The technical requirements for the ship smart monitoring system include integrating AI video recognition, real-time alerts, and remote intercom functions. The system is designed to automatically identify unsafe behaviors such as driver fatigue or absence from duty, and simultaneously push alert notifications to the shore-based platform. By implementing these requirements on ships, the focus of enterprise remote management shifts from "post-accident accountability" to "pre-warning and real-time intervention."
Installing smart monitoring brings three tangible benefits for businesses. First, it provides a 24/7 "electronic safety officer" on duty. AI-powered video surveillance watches the bridge, automatically identifying and alerting for abnormal behaviors like fatigue, absenteeism, or unauthorized phone use. This helps shore-based monitoring staff filter out risk points from massive video feeds, significantly reducing their monitoring pressure and allowing limited human resources to focus on interventions that truly need attention, thereby improving both monitoring efficiency and coverage.
Second, it enables remote fleet management on a single screen. The system displays vessel location, speed, heading, and equipment status at a glance on a large screen. For any vessel that needs verification, remote voice intercom can be used to directly contact the crew, dramatically improving shore-based control efficiency and response times. Even with a large fleet, the company can maintain a clear picture of all vessels, supporting precise scheduling and scientific management.
Third, it provides a concrete platform for implementing the "One Guide, Six Directives" framework. Requirements like shore-based duty, voyage risk assessment, and "dual checks" for high-risk operations often risk becoming mere formalities. Smart monitoring serves as a crucial technical support: alerts are automatically logged, helping standardize watchkeeping records and significantly reducing clerical work; real-time speed and heading comparison enables dynamic tracking of voyage plan execution; remote monitoring of pump rooms and loading areas supports shore-based oversight of high-risk operations, aiding the "dual check" system; and regular analysis of alert data helps identify weak vessels or routes, providing data-driven targets for corrective actions.
The new regulation adheres to a principle of differentiated implementation and steady progress, establishing distinct installation deadlines and exemption policies to drive the equipping of all domestic seagoing vessels with smart monitoring systems. The new rules will take effect on September 1, 2026. While requiring installation on newbuilds, they also outline retrofit requirements for existing vessels. Passenger ships, high-speed passenger ships, oil tankers, gas carriers, and chemical tankers must be equipped before their first scheduled inspection after the amendment notice takes effect. Coastal and sheltered area cargo ships, along with high-speed cargo ships, must be installed by December 31, 2027. Ocean-going and offshore area cargo ships must comply by December 31, 2028. Furthermore, non-self-propelled engineering vessels, harbor tugs, and ships scheduled for scrapping within one year after the installation deadline are eligible for exemption. Existing equipment that meets the standards does not need to be reinstalled.
While equipping the hardware is the foundation, the key to success lies in its effective use. Shipping companies must not only complete the installation on schedule but also simultaneously establish supporting systems, including 24-hour duty monitoring, closed-loop alert handling, and equipment inspection. They must also ensure a sufficient number of monitoring personnel to match the fleet size, enabling real-time risk detection and immediate intervention. This will transform smart monitoring into a core tool for fulfilling primary responsibility, using technology to build a solid defense line for maritime traffic safety.
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