SOLAS

SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) is the most important international treaty governing the safety of merchant ships. First adopted in 1914 in response to the Titanic disaster, it has been revised many times — the current version is SOLAS 1974 with extensive amendments.

SOLAS sets minimum standards across 14 chapters covering: construction (subdivision, stability, machinery), fire protection, life-saving appliances, communications, safety of navigation, carriage of cargoes (including grain and dangerous goods), nuclear ships, safety management (ISM Code, Chapter IX), high-speed craft, special measures, security (ISPS Code, Chapter XI-2), bulk carriers, and polar code.

All ships engaged in international voyages must comply with SOLAS, with certificates issued by the flag state administration or its recognised organisation (typically a classification society).