Compliance is Not a One-Time Sail | Varuna Sentinels B.V.

📘 Compliance is Not a One-Time Sail: Why Ongoing IHM Maintenance is Crucial for Responsible Ship Management

"A ship in harbour is safe, but that’s not what ships are built for."

In today’s increasingly regulated maritime world, even a ship sailing through the open seas isn’t truly “safe” unless it’s anchored in compliance—starting with a well-maintained Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM) Part I.

As global maritime standards evolve to meet environmental sustainability goals, the IHM Part I document has become an essential tool for shipowners, operators, and regulators. But here's the key: it's not a one-time checklist—it’s a living document that evolves with every change on board your vessel.

⚓ What is IHM Part I—and Why Should You Care?

Under the Hong Kong International Convention (HKC) and EU Ship Recycling Regulation (EU SRR), every operational vessel must carry an up-to-date IHM Part I. This document lists all hazardous materials found in the ship's structure, equipment, and systems.

Why does it matter? Here are the key reasons:

🛠️ Supports safe repairs and retrofits
🌿 Protects marine ecosystems and human health
♻️ Facilitates environmentally sound ship recycling at end-of-life
📋 Keeps you inspection- and audit-ready year-round

Failing to update the IHM after any changes? That’s a red flag during Port State Control inspections and can result in fines, delays, or damage to your vessel’s reputation.

🚨 MEPC 83: Cybutryne Restrictions Are Here

The Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) recently introduced critical updates regarding Cybutryne, a biocide used in anti-fouling paints that has harmful effects on marine life.

New Cybutryne Thresholds:

🎯 200 mg/kg for wet paint containers
🎯 1,000 mg/kg for hull samples

These new thresholds are now mandatory in Appendix 6 of the IHM Guidelines. If your Material Declarations (MDs) or Supplier’s Declarations of Conformity (SDoCs) still show old Cybutryne values or fail to list it entirely, your vessel is no longer compliant.

This is one of the most common compliance issues, so it’s critical to update your records immediately.

🔐 Varuna Sentinels BV: Your Trusted IHM Watchkeeper

At Varuna Sentinels BV, we understand that compliance isn’t just about paperwork—it’s about demonstrating your commitment to sustainability, safety, and operational excellence.

Here’s how we ensure your IHM stays shipshape:

📘 Continuous IHM Updates: Every change on board—whether it’s new equipment, spare parts, or structural modifications—is documented and reflected in your IHM Part I.
📑 Supplier Follow-ups & Documentation: We work closely with suppliers to gather up-to-date records and ensure all declarations are covered.
📅 Annual Reviews & Pre-Audit Checks: We perform mock audits before real ones to catch gaps or outdated entries.
👨‍✈️ Crew Training & Awareness: We train your onboard team to help report, detect and document IHM-related changes.
🔍 Remote & Onboard Verification: Whether remote or in person, we verify your IHM accurately reflects onboard conditions.

🌍 From Compliance to Circular Economy: Leading the Way in ESG

With the Hong Kong Convention set to come into force in 2025, maritime stakeholders must do more than just meet compliance—they must actively support the Circular Maritime Economy.

At Varuna Sentinels, we support this by offering:

🔗 Blockchain-backed traceability
🔄 End-to-end tracking from material purchase to vessel recycling
📊 Alignment with CSRD, GRI, and the EU Green Deal principles

⚓ Ready to Drop Anchor in Compliance?

Whether you manage a single vessel or a diverse fleet, we’re here to make IHM maintenance easier and more efficient—helping you stay compliant with updates like MEPC 83’s Cybutryne rules.

Get in touch with Varuna Sentinels BV at contact@varuna-sentinels.com and let’s build a compliance-first, future-ready maritime world—together.