# SOLAS | Navatom Maritime Glossary
The International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) is the main international treaty on the safety of merchant ships. Its first version was adopted in 1914, after the Titanic disaster. The current convention dates from 1974 and is kept up to date by amendments.

URL: https://navatom.com/glossary/solas

## Synonyms
- Safety of Life at Sea
- International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea

## Definition
## What Is SOLAS?
The International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) is widely regarded as the most important international treaty concerning the safety of merchant ships. The first version of SOLAS was adopted in 1914 in the aftermath of the Titanic disaster, and the convention has been revised and updated multiple times since then, with the current version adopted in 1974.
SOLAS is administered by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and is kept continuously up to date through a tacit acceptance amendment procedure, which allows amendments to enter into force within a defined timeframe unless a specified number of contracting states object.
## Key Chapters of SOLAS
SOLAS is organized into multiple chapters, each addressing a critical aspect of ship safety. Chapter II-1 covers construction, including subdivision, stability, machinery, and electrical installations.
Chapter II-2 deals with fire protection, fire detection, and fire extinction. Chapter III sets out requirements for life-saving appliances and arrangements, including lifeboats, life rafts, and personal protective equipment.
Chapter IV addresses radio communications, ensuring ships can send and receive distress signals. Chapter V covers safety of navigation, including carriage requirements for navigational equipment, voyage planning, and bridge procedures.
Chapter IX incorporates the International Safety Management (ISM) Code, making it mandatory for companies to operate a Safety Management System. Chapter XI-2 contains the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code provisions.
## Continuous Amendment and Evolution
Unlike many international treaties that require lengthy ratification processes for changes, SOLAS uses the tacit acceptance procedure to ensure amendments can be adopted relatively quickly. This mechanism has allowed the convention to evolve with changing technology and emerging risks.
Recent amendments have addressed topics such as mandatory verification of gross mass for containers, goal-based ship construction standards, cyber risk management, and carriage requirements for new safety equipment. The continuous amendment process means that ship operators must stay current with the latest requirements, as compliance obligations can change with each amendment cycle.
## Relevance to Ship Management
For ship management companies, SOLAS compliance is foundational. It governs the design, construction, equipment, and operation of ships, and it provides the legal basis for the ISM Code that shapes day-to-day management practices.
Ship management software supports SOLAS compliance by managing safety equipment inventories and inspection schedules, tracking certificate validity and survey due dates, maintaining navigation equipment calibration records, documenting fire drills and life-saving appliance maintenance, and ensuring that all ISPS Code security plans and assessments are current. A comprehensive platform provides fleet-wide visibility into SOLAS compliance status, alerting managers to upcoming deadlines and potential deficiencies before they become findings during flag state or port state inspections.

## Related Terms
- [ISM Code](https://navatom.com/glossary/ism-code) — The International Safety Management (ISM) Code is the international standard for managing and operating ships safely and preventing pollution. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) adopted it through Resolution A.741(18). SOLAS Chapter IX makes it mandatory.
- [STCW](https://navatom.com/glossary/stcw) — The International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) is an IMO convention. It sets minimum qualification, training and certification standards for masters, officers and watch personnel on seagoing merchant ships.
- [MLC](https://navatom.com/glossary/mlc) — The Maritime Labour Convention (MLC 2006) is an ILO convention that sets minimum standards for seafarers’ working and living conditions. It is often called the fourth pillar of international maritime regulation, alongside SOLAS, STCW and MARPOL.