What Actually Changed in 2026? On January 1, 2026, amendments to major maritime conventions entered into force, including updates to: SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) STCW (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping) Mandatory reporting for safety incidents These changes were adopted through the International Maritime Organization and affect commercial and certain offshore operations globally. While these regulations primarily target commercial shipping, insurance providers and national maritime authorities often adopt similar standards for high-risk private offshore voyages — especially long-distance solo crossings. That’s where older solo sailors begin to feel pressure.