International Convention for the Safety

of Life at Sea (SOLAS), 1974

Adoption: 1 November 1974; Entry into force: 25 May 1980
History

The first version of the treaty was passed in 1914 in response to the sinking of the RMS Titanic. It
prescribed numbers of lifeboats and other emergency equipment along with safety procedures, including
continuous radio watches.
Newer versions were adopted in 1929, 1948, 1960, and 1974.
The intention had been to keep the convention up to date by periodic amendments, but the procedure to
incorporate the amendments proved to be very slow: it could take several years for the amendments to be
put into action since countries had to give notice of acceptance to IMO and there was a minimum
threshold of countries and tonnage.
As a result, a complete new convention was adopted in 1974 which includes all the agreements and
acceptant procedures. Even though the Convention was updated and amended numerous times, the
Convention in force today is sometimes referred to as SOLAS, 1974. [1]

1960 version
The 1960 Convention which was activated on 26 May 1965 was the first major achievement for
International Maritime Organization (IMO) after its creation and represented a massive advance in
updating commercial shipping regulations and in staying up-to-date with new technology and procedures
in the industry.

1974 version
The 1974 version simplified the process for amending the treaty. A number of amendments have been
adopted since. The latest Convention in 1974 included the "tacit acceptance" procedure whereby
amendments enter into force by default unless nations file objections that meet a certain number or
tonnage.

1980 version
In particular, amendments in 1988 based on amendments of International Radio Regulations in 1987
replaced Morse code with the Global Maritime Distress Safety System (GMDSS) and came into force
beginning 1 February 1992. An idea of the range of issues covered by the treaty can be gained from the
list of sections (below).

Later amendments
The up-to-date list of amendments to SOLAS is maintained by the International Maritime Organization. As
of April 2012, the most recent amendment dates from May 2011.
AIM
Safety of ship and cleaner ocean

SOLAS CHAPTER

Chapter I General Provisions

Surveying the various types of ships and certifying that they meet the requirements of the
convention.
Chapter II-1 Construction Subdivision and stability, machinery and electrical installations

The subdivision of passenger ships into watertight compartments so that after damage to its hull,
a vessel will remain afloat and stable.
Chapter II-2 Fire protection, fire detection and fire extinction
Fire safety provisions for all ships with detailed measures for passenger ships, cargo ships and
tankers.
Chapter III Life-saving appliances and arrangements
Life-saving appliances and arrangements, including requirements for life boats, rescue boats and
life jackets according to type of ship
Chapter IV Radiocommunications
The Global Maritime Distress Safety System (GMDSS) requires passenger and cargo ships on
international voyages to carry radio equipment, including satellite Emergency Position Indicating
Radio Beacons (EPIRBs) and Search and Rescue Transponders (SARTs).
Chapter V Safety of navigation
This chapter requires governments to ensure that all vessels are sufficiently and efficiently
manned from a safety point of view. It places requirements on all vessels regarding voyage and
passage planning, expecting a careful assessment of any proposed voyages by all who put to
sea. Every mariner must take account of all potential dangers to navigation, weather forecasts,
tidal predictions, the competence of the crew, and all other relevant factors. It also adds an
obligation for all vessels' masters to offer assistance to those in distress and controls the use of
lifesaving signals with specific requirements regarding danger and distress messages. It is
different to the other chapters, which apply to certain classes of commercial shipping, in that
these requirements apply to all vessels and their crews, including yachts and private craft, on all
voyages and trips including local ones.
Chapter VI Carriage of Cargoes and Oil fuel
Requirements for the stowage and securing of all types of cargo and cargo containers except
liquids and gases in bulk.
Chapter VII Carriage of dangerous goods
Requires the carriage of all kinds of dangerous goods to be in compliance with the International
Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG Code).
Chapter VIII Nuclear ships
Nuclear powered ships are required, particularly concerning radiation hazards, to conform to the
Code of Safety for Nuclear Merchant Ships.
Chapter IX Management for the Safe Operation of Ships
Requires every shipowner and any person or company that has assumed responsibility for a ship
to comply with the International Safety Management Code (ISM).
Chapter X Safety measures for high-speed craft
Makes mandatory the International Code of Safety for High-Speed Craft (HSC Code).
Chapter XI-1 Special measures to enhance maritime safety
Requirements relating to organisations responsible for carrying out surveys and inspections,
enhanced surveys, the ship identification number scheme, and operational requirements.
Chapter XI-2 Special measures to enhance maritime security
Includes the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS Code). Confirms that the
role of the Master in maintaining the security of the ship is not, and cannot be, constrained by the
Company, the charterer or any other person. Port facilities must carry out security assessments
and develop, implement and review port facility security plans. Controls the delay, detention,
restriction, or expulsion of a ship from a port. Requires that ships must have a ship security alert
system, as well as detailing other measures and requirements.
Chapter XII Additional safety measures for bulk carriers
Specific structural requirements for bulk carriers over 150 metres in length.

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Saturday, August 18, 2012

STCWCONVENTION
International Convention on Standards of Training,
Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarer
History

Adoption: 7 July 1978; Entry into force: 28 April

1984; Major revisions in 1995 and 2010
The 1978 STCW Convention was the first to establish basic requirements on training, certification and
watchkeeping for seafarers on an international level. Previously the standards of training, certification and
watchkeeping of officers and ratings were established by individual governments, usually without
reference to practices in other countries. As a result standards and procedures varied widely, even though
shipping is the most international of all industries.
The Convention prescribes minimum standards relating to training, certification and watchkeeping for
seafarers which countries are obliged to meet or exceed.
1995 revision

On July 7, 1995 the IMO adopted a comprehensive revision of STCW. They also included a proposal to
develop a new STCW Code, which would contain the technical details associated with provisions of the
Convention. The amendments entered force on February 1, 1997. Full implementation was required by
February 1, 2002. Mariners already holding licenses had the option to renew those licenses in
accordance with the old rules of the 1978 Convention during the period ending on February 1, 2002.
Mariners entering training programs after August 1, 1998 are required to meet the competency standards
of the new 1995 Amendments.
The most significant amendments concerned:

a) enhancement of port state control;

b) communication of information to IMO to allow for mutual oversight and consistency in

application of standards,

c) quality standards systems (QSS), oversight of training, assessment, and certification

procedures,
o

The Amendments require that seafarers be provided with "familiarization training" and
"basic safety training" which includes basic fire fighting, elementary first aid, personal
survival techniques, and personal safety and social responsibility. This training is
intended to ensure that seafarers are aware of the hazards of working on a vessel and
can respond appropriately in an emergency.

d) placement of responsibility on parties, including those issuing licenses, and flag states
employing foreign nationals, to ensure seafarers meet objective standards of competence, and

e) rest period requirements for watchkeeping personnel.

STCW Convention chapters

Chapter I: General provisions
Chapter II: Master and deck department
Chapter III: Engine department
Chapter IV: Radiocommunication and radio personnel
Chapter V: Special training requirements for personnel on certain types of ships
Chapter VI: Emergency, occupational safety, medical care and survival functions
Chapter VII: Alternative certification
Chapter VIII: Watchkeeping

Abilities specified in the standards of competence are

separated into 7 functions:
1. Navigation
2. Cargo Handling and stowage.
3. Controlling the operation of the ship and care for persons on board.
4. Marine Engineering.
5. Electrical, electronic and control engineering.
6. Maintenance and repair.
7. Radiocommunications.

The Manila Amendments(2010)

The IMO Convention on Standards of Training Certification and

Watchkeeping of Seafarers adopted a new set of amendments in Manila in
2010 called "The Manila Amendments". These amendments were necessary
to keep training standards in line with new technological and operational
requirements that require new shipboard competencies. The Manila
Amendments were effective as of January 1, 2012. There is a transition
period until 2017 when all seafarers must be certified and trained according
to the new standards. Implementation is progressive, every year a modified
set of requirements comes into force. The most significant amendments are:

New rest hours for seafarers

New grades of certificates of competence for Able seaman in both deck and engine

New and updated training, refreshing requirements

Mandatory security training

Additional medical standards

Specific Alcohol limits in blood or breath.

Reg II/5 able seafarer deck

**Reg III/5 able seafarer engine room
**Reg III/6 electro-technical officer
**Reg III/7 electro-technical rating

The Manila amendments of the STCW convention will come in force on 1st January 2012. In this post you
will find the major amendments and application time table.
The following application dates may change depending on flag states. We strongly recommend you to
contact your flag administration and the crewing certification issuing authorities. Use the following dates
1st January 2012
*Rest hours increased from 70 to 77 for a set of 7 days period and a minimum of 10 hours rest in
every 24 hours period.
The 10 hours of rest can not be divided in to more than two periods , one of which must be at least 6
hours.
The intervals between rest periods can not be more than 14 hours.
*New requirements for the prevention of drag and alcohol. Specific limit of blog alcohol level 0.05% and
0.25mg/l alcohol in the breath.

1st July 2013

All new entrance commencing training should be trained according with new standards below:
*Able seaman both deck (Reg II/5) and engine (Reg III/5) should have a certificate of competency. This is
a new type of certificate.
*New requirements relating to training in electronic charts and information systems (ECDIS)
*New training and certification requirements for electro-technical officers (Reg III/6) and electro-technical
ratings (Reg III/7)
*New Training guidance for personnel serving on board ships operating in polar waters
*New training guidance for personnel operating Dynamic positioning Systems
*New requirements for maintaining standards of competence and refresher training
*Introduction of modern training methodology including distance learning and web based learning
*Updating of competence requirements for personnel serving on board all types of tankers, including new
requirements for personnel serving on liquefied gas tankers.
*Updating of competence requirements for deck and engine officers
*New requirements for marine environment awareness training and training in leadership and teamwork.

1st January 2014

New requirements for security training:
*Security relating familiarization training STCW Reg VI/6 & Part A Section A-VI/6.1
*Security awareness training STCW Reg VI/6 & Part A Section A-VI/6.4
*Training for mariners with designated security duties STCW Reg VI/6 & Part A-VI/6.6
On board or ashore training should be via an approved course recognized by the issuing authority.

1st January 2017

*All above requirements to be applicable for both new seafarers and seafarers with certificates issued
before 1st January 2012.
*Updated standards relating to medical fitness standards for seafarers.
*Safe manning certificate should include the following new qualifications: (Confirm the below with your
flag administration)
**Reg II/5 able seafarer deck
**Reg III/5 able seafarer engine room
**Reg III/6 electro-technical officer
**Reg III/7 electro-technical rating