SOLAS Convention

SOLAS is a set of international standards first released in 1914, in consequence to the Titanic disaster. Today SOLAS regulates basic safety aspects for ships on international voyages such as stability, machinery, electrical installations, fire protection and lifesaving appliances. 

The main objective of the SOLAS Convention is to specify minimum standards for the construction, equipment and operation of ships. 

Regulatory Focus

The current SOLAS Convention includes the following themes: 

• Chapter I - General Provisions 
• Chapter II-1 – Construction – Structure, Subdivision and stability, machinery and electrical installations 
• Chapter II-2 – Construction - Fire protection, fire detection and fire extinction 
• Chapter III – Life- Saving Appliances and arrangements 
• Chapter IV - Radio Communications 
• Chapter V - Safety of Navigation 
• Chapter VI - Carriage of Cargoes and Oil Fuels 
• Chapter VII - Carriage of Dangerous Goods 
• Chapter VIII - Nuclear Ships 
• Chapter IX - Management for the Safe Operation of Ships 
• Chapter X - Safety Measures for high-speed crafts 
• Chapter XI-1 - Special Measures for enhance maritime safety 
• Chapter XI-2 - Special Measures for enhance maritime security 
• Chapter XII - Additional safety measures for bulk carriers. 
• Chapter XIII – Verification of Compliance 
• Chapter XIV – Safety measures for ships operating in polar waters 
• Chapter XV – Safety measures for ships carrying industrial personnel 

Further IMO Codes provide guidelines in line with SOLAS requirements, such as: 

• International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS) 
• Intact Stability Code (IS) 
• International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk (IBC) 
• International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk (IGC) 
• International Code of Safety for High-Speed Craft (HSC) 
• International Safety Management (ISM) Code 
• Life-Saving Appliances (LSA) Code 
• Fire Test Procedures (FTP) Code 
• Fire Safety Systems (FSS) Code. 

Deliverables

RINA conducts surveys during construction and throughout a vessel's service life, based on a satisfactory document review and periodical surveys, when delegated for these purposes by a Flag Administration. 

RINA issues the certificates required by the SOLAS Convention on behalf of the Flag Administrations by which it is authorised: 

• International Bulk Chemical Certificate 
• International Certificate for Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk 
• High Speed Craft Safety Certificate 
• Cargo Ship Safety Construction Certificate 
• Cargo Ship Safety Equipment Certificate 
• Cargo Ship Safety Radio Certificate 
• Passenger Ship Safety Certificate 
• Document of Compliance for the Carriage of Dangerous Goods. 

Why RINA?

We are authorized to act on behalf of 123 Flag States, for the activities related to SOLAS verification and certification. RINA provides its services to ship owners worldwide through global network of offices and highly skilled personnel. 

Our experts answer to the most frequently questions