New 2026 Maritime Safety Regulations: What Galveston Offshore Workers Need to Know About Injury Claims
A New Standard of Safety for 2026
As of January 1, 2026, the maritime industry has entered a new era of regulation. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the U.S. Coast Guard have officially implemented a series of mandatory safety updates that change the landscape for offshore workers, seamen, and longshoremen.
If you work on a vessel, a rig, or at the Port of Galveston, these changes aren’t just “red tape”—they are your new legal shield. If you are injured on the job in 2026, your case may now hinge on whether your employer met these specific new standards.
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The Major Changes Affecting Your Rights
Several critical safety mandates went into effect this month. At the Law Firm of Aaron Perry, we are closely monitoring how these new laws impact injury liability:
- Anchor Handling & Lifting Safety: New mandatory requirements for anchor handling winches and onboard lifting appliances (SOLAS Regulation II-1/3-13) are now in force. If you were injured due to equipment failure or a “snap-back” incident, we look specifically at whether the machinery was certified under these new 2026 inspection protocols.
- The PFOS Ban: As of January 1, the use and storage of fire-extinguishing foams containing PFOS are strictly prohibited on new vessels. Exposure to these “forever chemicals” is a serious health risk. If your vessel is still using outdated, hazardous firefighting media, it may be legally classified as unseaworthy.
- Mandatory Workplace Culture Training: For the first time, the STCW Code now requires mandatory training to prevent and respond to harassment and bullying at sea. If you have been the victim of a hostile work environment or assault, your employer can no longer claim they weren’t required to have specific prevention training in place.
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Why “The Local Advantage” Matters in 2026
When safety laws change, big “nationwide” firms often take months to update their strategies. In the meantime, critical evidence at the Port of Galveston can disappear.
As a Galveston-based maritime attorney, Aaron Perry is already on the ground. We know the local docks, we know the companies operating out of the ship channel, and we know exactly which vessels have—and haven’t—updated their safety protocols for the new year.
Negligence is More Than Just a “Mistake”
Under the Jones Act, your employer has a “featherweight” burden of proof. This means even the slightest negligence can lead to a successful claim. With the 2026 regulations now active, a company’s failure to follow these new safety codes is often all the proof needed to show they were negligent.
If you’ve been injured offshore since the start of the year, don’t rely on outdated legal advice. Click to contact the Law Firm of Aaron Perry today. Get a free, confidential consultation with a Galveston maritime specialist who knows the 2026 laws. Let’s make sure you get the compensation you deserve.