SOLAS

Question 1

What is SOLAS?

Answer 1

SOLAS is the international convention for the safety of life at sea. It was introduced in 1914 after the Titantic disater. It sets minimum standards from the start of a ships life in its construction phase through to what equipment it must carry and how operations on the ship should be carried out.

Flag states are responsible for ensuring that ships under their flag comply with its requirements.

Question 2

Who does SOLAS apply to?

Answer 2

SOLAS applies to:

• A passenger ship engaged on an international voyage
• A non-passenger ship of 500gt or more engaged on international voyages

Question 3

What are the chapters of SOLAS?

Answer 3

1 - General Provisions
2.1 - Construction: Structure, subdivisions and stability, machinery and electrical installations
2.2 - Construction: Fire protection, fire detection and fire extinction (where the FSS Code comes from)
3 - Life-Saving Appliances and Arrangements (where the LSA Code comes from)
4 - Radiocommunications
5 - Safety of Navigation
6 - Carriage of Cargoes and Oil Fuels
7 - Carriage of Dangerous Goods
8 - Nuclear Ships
9 - Management for the safe operation of ships ( where the ISM Code comes from)
10 - High-Speed craft
11.1 - Special Measures to Enhance Maritime Safety
11.2 - 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
Appendix - Certificates
Annexe 1 - Certificates and documents require to be carried onboard ships
Annexe 2 - List of resolutions adopted by the SOLAS conference