SOLAS CONSOLIDATED EDITION 2009

The IMO publication which does not require any special introduction. The most important and basic international convention. The must-have document on board any ship and in the office of any shipping company; the necessary one for the marine surveyors, port state control inspectors, and even students - i.e. anyone whose day-to-day activities are related to the safety of human life at sea.

Traditionally, the content of the document is divided into twelve major chapters. The first chapter provides the general provisions. The second chapter has been divided in two parts addressing the construction of the ship, namely structure of the ship, subdivision of the hull, stability of the vessel, ship machinery and electrical installations on board. The next three chapters deal with the lifesaving appliances, radiocommunications and navigational safety. Then, there come two chapters addressing the carriage of cargoes and dangerous goods in particular.

There is one separate chapter on nuclear ships. The remaining chapters are dealing with the management of safe operation, safety measures for HSC, i.e. high-speed crafts, measure to enhance marine safety and security, and some additional measures applicable to the bulk carriers. The appendices contain sample certificates that are issued to the ships fully complying with the requirements of the Convention.