SOLAS

Question 1

What is SOLAS?

Answer 1

International Convention for the Safety of Life at SEA (SOLAS) 1974

The SOLAS convention in its successive forms in generally regarded as th emost important of all international treaties concerning the safety of merchant ships. The first version was adopted in 1914, in response to the Titanic disaster, the second in 1929, the third in 1948 and the fourth in 1960. The 1974 version includes the tacit acceptance procedure- which provides than an amendement shall enter into force on a specified date unless, before that date, objections to the amendement are received from an agreed number of Parties.

As a result the 1974 Convention has been updated and amended on numerous occasions. The Convention in force today is sometimes referred to as SOLAS, 1974 as amended.

Question 2

What is the objective of SOLAS?

Answer 2

The main ojective of the SOLAS Convention is to specify minimum standards for the construction, equipment and operation of ships, compatible with their safety. Flag States are responsible for ensuring that ships under their flag comply with its requirements, and a number of certificates are prescribed in the Conventions as proof that this has been done.

Question 3

What are the Chapters of SOLAS?

Answer 3

1. General Provisions
2. II-1 - Construction - Subdivision and stability, machinery and electrical installations
   II-2 - Fire protection, fire detectionand fire extinction
3. Life-saving appliances and arrangements
4. Radiocommunications
5. Safety of Navigation
6. Carriage of Cargoes
7. Carriage of dangerous goods
8. Nuclear Ships
9. Management for the Safe Operations of Ships
10. Safety measures for high-speed craft
11. XI - 1 - Special measures to enhance maritime safety
    XI - 2 - Special measures to enhance maritime security
12. Additional safety measures for bulk carriers
13. Verification of Compliance
14. Safety measures for ships operating in polar waters