6/25/2025 - As international regulators tighten enforcement of standards like the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), the International Safety Management (ISM) Code, and the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, commercial boats under 200 feet and recreational yachts between 25 and 250 feet are increasingly expected to demonstrate compliance.

These vessels—ranging from tugboats and passenger ferries to luxury yachts and offshore workboats—are now being flagged for audits, port inspections, and insurance verification processes that require documented safety management systems and operational oversight. For operators unaccustomed to the scale of IMO compliance, this new reality poses operational, financial, and legal risks.

A&L Maritime Experts, one of Florida’s most trusted marine consulting firms with over 55 years of hands-on maritime experience, has announced a dedicated initiative aimed at helping owners and operators of commercial boats and yachts comply with key International Maritime Organization (IMO) safety codes.

With new regulatory pressures and heightened scrutiny facing vessels under 250 feet, this initiative fills a critical gap for smaller operators navigating complex safety requirements previously focused on larger ships.

A&L Maritime Experts’ initiative directly addresses this growing concern by offering tailored maritime consulting that adapts international safety codes to the unique needs and realities of smaller vessels.

“Instead of imposing ship-scale frameworks, our consultants deliver practical, vessel-specific solutions designed for operators with lean crews, local operating ranges, or seasonal work cycles. Whether working with a 95-foot crew boat or a 210-foot charter yacht, our firm ensures the systems in place meet IMO expectations without burdening operations with unnecessary complexity,” shared a representative from the consultancy.

According to a recent report by the U.S. Coast Guard, over 2,000 sub-500 gross-ton commercial vessels were cited for safety deficiencies related to documentation, life-saving appliances, and emergency protocols during routine inspections. These figures indicate a rising trend of enforcement in the under-250-foot category, especially among vessels engaged in international or coastal operations.

Furthermore, marine insurers have begun requiring visible ISM and SOLAS compliance for policy renewals on vessels in this segment, citing increased litigation related to human error and poor emergency response during onboard incidents.

A&L Maritime Experts’ initiative provides a full range of services to support these evolving requirements. Their compliance consultants offer initial audits to assess gaps in existing practices, develop Safety Management Systems (SMS) tailored to vessel type and operation, and train captains and crew on reporting protocols, drills, and equipment inspections.

The firm also prepares operators for flag-state audits, Port State Control inspections, and insurance reviews—key moments where improper documentation or weak procedures can delay departures or trigger costly penalties.

This initiative arrives at a time when many owners of boats and yachts between 20 and 250 feet are expanding their operational footprints. Whether chartering across borders, working in international waters, or accessing foreign ports, these vessels must now meet expectations once reserved for ships over 500 gross tons.

For example, international charter clients increasingly request proof of SOLAS-aligned equipment, ISM-based crew protocols, and MARPOL-consistent waste handling. Yacht management companies and commercial fleet operators are similarly asking for SMS documentation that aligns with IMO codes—even if the vessel’s flag state hasn’t yet mandated it formally.

The growing regulatory burden has left many smaller vessel operators in need of accessible, experience-based compliance support. That’s where A&L Maritime Experts stand out.

“With deep knowledge of commercial boat operations, recreational yacht systems, and the day-to-day realities of running a vessel under 250 feet, our team turns technical requirements into achievable practices. Their consultants have surveyed and worked aboard tugs, barges, charter vessels, and yachts for decades, allowing us to deliver solutions rooted in practicality, not paperwork,” he added.

With over five decades of Florida-based experience and a reputation for unbiased, actionable marine advice, A&L Maritime Experts continues to serve as a leading authority in the mid-size vessel segment. Their new compliance initiative demonstrates their commitment not just to technical excellence, but to the operational wellbeing of the very people who work on the water every day.

For commercial vessel operators navigating the challenges of modern compliance, A&L Maritime Experts offers a rare blend of credibility, customisation, and clarity. By translating IMO codes into real-world systems that work on boats from 20 to 250 feet, they’re making safety and legality more accessible than ever before.

About A&L Maritime Experts, LLC

A&L Maritime Experts, LLC is a Florida-based firm providing technical, forensic, and investigative consulting across the maritime industry. Founded by Captain Arlen Leiner, a veteran Master Mariner and Marine Engineer, the firm offers expert witness services, marine surveying, incident investigations, and litigation support.
A&L Maritime Experts is known for its commitment to precision, integrity, and objective, evidence-based analysis. Serving clients across the United States and internationally, the firm supports law firms, insurers, vessel owners, operators, and financial institutions in navigating complex maritime challenges with confidence and clarity.

Contact Information

Website: https://www.almaritimeexperts.com/
Phone: +1 813 5389507
Email Address: [email protected]