SOS INDIA – Comprehensive IHM (Inventory of Hazardous Materials) Services for the Maritime Industry
- Team Dmet Club
- Oct 27
- 4 min read
In the rapidly evolving maritime industry, compliance with international environmental and safety standards has become a cornerstone for sustainable operations. With the enforcement of the Hong Kong Convention (HKC) on 26 June 2025, alongside existing global frameworks such as the EU Ship Recycling Regulation (SRR) and the IMO MEPC.379 (80) guidelines, shipowners and operators are under increased responsibility to manage hazardous materials onboard vessels effectively.
SOS INDIA provides specialized IHM (Inventory of Hazardous Materials) services designed to help vessels meet these stringent requirements, ensuring not only compliance but also safer, greener and more responsible shipping practices.
SOS India is approved by IR Class (Indian Register of Shipping), Class NK, and Lloyd’s Register for conducting IHM services.
Why Inventory of Hazardous Materials Matters?
The Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM) is an essential document that records and tracks all hazardous materials present on a vessel. From construction to decommissioning, IHM ensures that ship operators and recycling yards have accurate information about dangerous substances, minimizing environmental risks and protecting human health.
The IHM is structured into three key parts:
Part I: Materials incorporated into the ship’s structure, systems, or equipment.
Part II: Operationally generated wastes.
Part III: Stores and consumables onboard at the end of the vessel’s life.
SOS INDIA’s IHM Service Portfolio
1. IHM Part I Preparation & Approval
The foundation of compliance begins with IHM Part I. SOS INDIA ensures a rigorous, step-by-step approach:
Development of IHM Part I: Prepared strictly according to IMO MEPC.379 (80) guidelines, guaranteeing global standard compliance.
Onboard Visual/Sampling Check & Laboratory Testing: Trained experts conduct thorough inspections, take representative samples and send them for laboratory analysis to detect hazardous substances accurately.
Preparation of IHM Part I Report: A comprehensive document is created, specifying the type, quantity and location of hazardous materials onboard.
Class Approval Coordination: SOS INDIA liaises with classification societies to secure official approval of the IHM report, a mandatory step for vessel compliance.
Additional Sampling if Required: In case of inconclusive or incomplete data, additional sampling is carried out to ensure no hazardous materials go unreported.
2. IHM Part II & III Preparation
As a vessel approaches the end of its lifecycle, IHM Part II & III become vital for recycling compliance:
Operational Waste Documentation (Part II): Captures all wastes generated during the vessel’s service life, ensuring transparency in disposal processes.
Stores & Consumables Documentation (Part III): Records all onboard consumables at end-of-life, preventing untracked hazardous discharge.
Recycling Yard Compliance Support: SOS INDIA provides hands-on support to vessels preparing for dismantling, ensuring smooth adherence to EU SRR and HKC standards.
3. IHM Gap Analysis (GA)
Vessels that already have IHM reports may still face compliance risks due to outdated or incomplete documentation. SOS INDIA’s Gap Analysis Service addresses this:
Detailed Review of Existing Reports: Checking for errors, missing details, or outdated entries.
Identification of Inaccuracies: Pinpointing sections that do not align with the latest regulations.
Re-sampling & Testing: Conducting fresh investigations where necessary to fill the gaps.
Preparation of IHM GA Report: Delivering a compliance-ready document that ensures adherence to EU SRR and HKC requirements.
4. IHM Maintenance Services
Compliance doesn’t end once the IHM is approved. Regulations demand continuous updating throughout the vessel’s operational life:
Ongoing Updates of IHM Part I: Reflecting changes when new materials, spares, or modifications are introduced onboard.
Screening of New Equipment & Materials: Ensuring no new hazardous materials slip through unnoticed.
Crew Training Programs: Empowering crew with the knowledge and skills to manage IHM records responsibly.
Designated Person (DP-IHM) Support: Acting as a direct representative for shipowners, SOS INDIA provides expert guidance and oversight, ensuring all compliance requirements are met seamlessly.
The Bigger Picture – Towards Greener Shipping
The global shipping industry is moving rapidly towards greener and more sustainable practices. With environmental regulations becoming stricter, failure to comply can result in heavy penalties, operational disruptions and reputational risks. By availing SOS INDIA’s IHM services, shipowners secure not only compliance but also demonstrate their commitment to responsible ship management and recycling.
Why Choose SOS INDIA?
Expertise in Global Standards: Aligning services with IMO, EU SRR and HKC requirements.
End-to-End Solutions: Covering every stage from preparation to approval and continuous maintenance.
Compliance Assurance: Minimizing risks of penalties or detentions.
Commitment to Safety & Sustainability: Supporting shipowners in building a cleaner, safer maritime industry.
Final Thoughts
With the Hong Kong Convention now in force, IHM services have become indispensable for every shipowner. SOS INDIA, with its comprehensive portfolio of IHM Preparation, Gap Analysis and Maintenance services, stands as a trusted partner in navigating compliance challenges and advancing the global vision of safe, sustainable and environmentally responsible shipping.
Contact Ravi & the SOS team via WhatsApp or by email at rsharma@sosindi.com to learn more about their work or to collaborate with them.
