Solas 1974
Solas 1974
WHAT IS SOLAS?
- The International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) outlines the minimum
safety standards to be adhered to while constructing and operating merchant ships.
- It is an international maritime treaty, also known as the SOLAS Convention or
International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), that establishes the least
safety measures in the construction, equipment, and operation of merchant ships.
International Code for the Security of Ships and Port Facilities (ISPS Code).
International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Dangerous
Chemicals in Bulk (IBC Code)
Code for the Safe Carriage of Irradiated Nuclear Fuel, Plutonium and High-Level
Radioactive
International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases
Bulk (IGC Code)
International Code for the Safety of High-Speed Craft (HSC Code 1994)
International Code for the Safety of High-Speed Craft (HSC Code 2000)
Chapter I – General Provisions: Surveys and certification of all the safety items, etc., are
included.
Chapter II-2 – Fire protection, fire detection and extinction: This chapter elaborates on the
means and measures for fire protection in accommodation, cargo spaces and engine rooms for
passenger, cargo and tanker ships.
Chapter III—Lifesaving appliances and arrangements: This chapter describes all the lifesaving
appliances and their use in different situations.
Chapter V—Safety of navigation: This chapter deals with seagoing vessels of all sizes, from
boats to VLCCs, and includes passage planning, navigation, distress signals, etc.
Chapter VI – Carriage of Cargoes: This chapter defines the storage and securing of different
cargo and containers but does not include oil and gas cargo.
Chapter VII—Carriage of Dangerous Goods: This chapter defines the International Maritime
Goods Code for storing and transporting hazardous goods.
Chapter VIII – Nuclear ships: The code of Safety for a nuclear-propelled ship is stated in this
chapter.
Chapter IX – Management for the Safe Operation of Ships: The International Safety
Management Code for ship owners and operators is described clearly.
Chapter X – Safety measures for high-speed craft: The safety code for high-speed craft is
explained.
Chapter XI-1 & 2—Special measures to enhance maritime Safety: This chapter briefs on special
and enhanced surveys for safe operation, other operational requirements, and the ISPS code.
Chapter XII—Additional safety measures for bulk carriers: This chapter includes safety
requirements for bulk carriers over 150 meters in length.
✅ What is SOLAS?
SOLAS stands for International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea.
It’s an international agreement that sets safety standards for merchant ships to protect
lives at sea.
🔍 Purpose of SOLAS:
Make sure rescue equipment is available (like lifeboats and life jackets).
📚 Key Requirements:
Must have enough lifeboats, life jackets, and emergency signals for everyone.
Ships must have radar, compasses, and communication systems to avoid collisions.
Crews must train regularly for emergencies like fires, man overboard, or sinking.
Why is SOLAS Important?
🔥 Fun Fact:
The first version of SOLAS was created in 1914 after the Titanic tragedy — to prevent such
disasters from happening again. The current version was updated in 1974 and is still used today!