Regulations Dictionary Entry
SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea)
"An international maritime treaty setting minimum safety standards in the construction, equipment, and operation of merchant ships."
SOLAS (International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea)
SOLAS is generally regarded as the most important of all international treaties concerning the safety of merchant ships. The first version was adopted in 1914 in response to the Titanic disaster.
Key Chapters
- Chapter I: General Provisions
- Chapter II-1: Construction - Structure, subdivision and stability, machinery and electrical installations.
- Chapter II-2: Fire protection, fire detection and fire extinction.
- Chapter III: Life-saving appliances (LSA) and arrangements.
- Chapter IV: Radiocommunications (GMDSS).
- Chapter V: Safety of navigation (includes AIS and VDR requirements).
- Chapter IX: Management for the Safe Operation of Ships (ISM Code).