The SOLAS Convention is an international convention that specifies minimum safety standards for the construction, equipment, and operation of ships. This article explains the purpose of the convention, its scope of application, its main provisions, and its relationship with surveys and certificates.

1.2.1 Purpose and Development of the SOLAS Convention

Its official name is the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974. SOLAS is an abbreviation derived from “Safety of Life at Sea.”

The first convention was adopted in 1914, prompted by the sinking of a large passenger ship. It sought to ensure the safety of ships internationally by setting requirements such as lifeboats and lifesaving drills, the installation of radiotelegraphy and listening watch on the distress frequency, and ice patrol in the North Atlantic. However, because of the First World War, this convention never entered into force.

New conventions were subsequently adopted in 1929, 1948, and 1960. The 1974 Convention, which forms the basis of the current convention, was adopted on 1 November 1974 and entered into force on 25 May 1980.

The 1974 Convention has been amended many times since then. The current convention is also referred to as “SOLAS, 1974, as amended.”

1.2.2 Scope of Application Varies by Chapter and Regulation

The SOLAS Convention applies to certain classes of ships engaged on international voyages. However, not all chapters apply to the same scope.

For example, Chapter IV on radiocommunications requires passenger ships and cargo ships of 300 gross tonnage and upwards on international voyages to carry equipment for distress and safety communications. On the other hand, Chapter V on safety of navigation applies in general to all ships on all voyages and is not limited to international voyages.

Even within Chapter V, individual equipment has its own conditions of application according to ship type, size, and other factors. The carriage requirement for the automatic identification system (AIS) covers not only ships of 300 gross tonnage and upwards engaged on international voyages, but also cargo ships of 500 gross tonnage and upwards not engaged on international voyages, and all passenger ships irrespective of size.

For this reason, it cannot be concluded that all provisions of the SOLAS Convention are inapplicable simply because a ship “does not make international voyages” or “is below a certain gross tonnage.”

1.2.3 Main Contents of the SOLAS Convention

The convention consists of the articles, which set out general obligations, amendment procedures, and other matters, and the annex, which sets out technical requirements and other provisions. Examples of the main provisions are shown below.

Table 1.2-1 Examples of the Main Provisions of the SOLAS Convention

Chapter	Main Contents
Chapter I	Surveys, issue of certificates, control by port States
Chapter II-1	Watertight subdivision, stability, machinery and electrical installations
Chapter II-2	Fire protection, fire detection, fire extinction
Chapter III	Life-saving appliances, crew muster and training
Chapter IV	Radiocommunication equipment
Chapter V	Safety of navigation, navigational equipment, rescue of persons in distress
Chapters VI and VII	Stowage and securing of cargoes, carriage of dangerous goods
Chapter IX	Management for the safe operation of ships
Chapter XI-2	Security of ships and port facilities
Chapter XV	Safety measures for ships carrying industrial personnel

Chapter XV entered into force on 1 July 2024. It addresses safety when ships carry industrial personnel working at facilities such as offshore wind farms, and responds to hazards specific to offshore work, such as personnel transfers between ships and facilities.

1.2.4 Role of Related Codes

The SOLAS Convention also contains provisions that make compliance with related codes mandatory. For example, for life-saving appliances under Chapter III, the LSA Code (International Life-Saving Appliance Code) sets out the specific technical requirements.

Table 1.2-2 Examples of Codes Related to the SOLAS Convention

Code	Related Chapter	Main Subject
LSA Code	Chapter III	Technical requirements for life-saving appliances
ISM Code	Chapter IX	Management for safe operation and pollution prevention
ISPS Code	Chapter XI-2	Security of ships and port facilities
IP Code	Chapter XV	Safety of ships carrying industrial personnel

The ISM Code is an international standard for the safe management and operation of ships and for pollution prevention. It requires the assessment of risks to ships, personnel, and the environment and the establishment of appropriate safeguards. Managers both ashore and at sea are required to have knowledge and awareness appropriate to their respective roles.

The ISPS Code is a framework for preparing against security threats to ships and port facilities. Security officers are designated for ships, companies, and port facilities, and they carry out security assessments and prepare and implement security plans. The code consists of Part A, which sets out mandatory requirements, and Part B, which provides recommendatory guidelines on their implementation.

1.2.5 Verification Through Surveys and Certificates

Compliance with the convention is verified through surveys and certificates. Surveys are carried out by officers of the flag State Administration or by recognized organizations authorized by it.

Verification is not limited to the condition of the ship at the time of construction. It also covers whether the ship has been designed, constructed, maintained, and managed in accordance with the applicable conventions and codes.

Depending on the ship type and other factors, certificates such as the Passenger Ship Safety Certificate, Cargo Ship Safety Construction Certificate, Cargo Ship Safety Equipment Certificate, and Cargo Ship Safety Radio Certificate are issued. The certificates and documents carried on board are also subject to inspection under port State control (PSC).

1.2.6 Amendments and Relationship with National Systems

Amendments to the chapters of the annex other than Chapter I use the tacit acceptance procedure. Under this procedure, an amendment enters into force on a set date unless objections meeting specified conditions are made within a certain period. However, amendments to the articles of the convention and to Chapter I of the annex follow a different procedure.

In Japan, national systems corresponding to the convention have also been established. For example, with regard to the security of ships and port facilities, the Act on Assurance of Security of International Ships and Port Facilities was enacted in response to the 2002 amendments to the annex of the SOLAS Convention.

In addition, under the amendments on mooring arrangements that entered into force on 1 January 2024, ships to which the SOLAS Convention applies must meet the requirements for the inspection and maintenance of mooring equipment, including mooring lines, regardless of their date of construction. In Japan, the corresponding application of the Ordinance on Industrial Safety and Health for Seafarers has also been set out.

When reading the SOLAS Convention, it is necessary to consider not only the names of the chapters but also the ships covered, the equipment covered, and the entry-into-force dates and conditions of application of amendments.

About This Article

Sources

• International Maritime Organization, “International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), 1974”
• International Maritime Organization, “AIS transponders”
• International Maritime Organization, “The International Safety Management (ISM) Code”
• International Maritime Organization, “SOLAS XI-2 and the ISPS Code”
• International Maritime Organization, “Surveys, Verifications and Certification”
• International Maritime Organization, “New code of safety for ships carrying industrial personnel adopted”
• Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, “International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974 (SOLAS Convention)” (in Japanese)
• Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, “What Is the Act on Assurance of Security of International Ships and Port Facilities?” (in Japanese)
• Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, “Application of the Ordinance on Industrial Safety and Health for Seafarers Following the SOLAS Amendments (Safety Measures for Mooring Equipment)” (in Japanese)

(Last accessed: October 16, 2026)


*This article was compiled based on the author’s understanding and practical knowledge, with reference to the above literature.