SOLAS
SOLAS is the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, the most important international treaty concerning the safety of merchant ships.
Defined in the dictionary.
Documents in SOLAS
5 documentsChapter summaries, each linked to the official text.
SOLAS Chapter II-2 - Fire Protection, Detection and Extinction
Detailed requirements for fire protection including structural fire protection, escape routes, fire detection systems, and fixed fire-extinguishing systems for various ship types.
Official source Official sourceSOLAS Chapter III - Life-Saving Appliances and Arrangements
Requirements for lifeboats, liferafts, rescue boats, personal life-saving appliances, and survival craft.
Official source Official sourceSOLAS Chapter V - Safety of Navigation
Covers navigational equipment requirements including AIS, VDR, ECDIS, radar, and GMDSS.
Official source Official sourceSOLAS Chapter IX - Management for Safe Operation (ISM)
Makes the ISM Code mandatory, requiring companies and ships to establish and maintain a Safety Management System.
Official source Official sourceSOLAS Chapter XI-2 - Special Measures to Enhance Maritime Security
Makes the ISPS Code mandatory and includes special requirements for ship security.
Official source Official source
Related desks
The live desks on The Maritime read alongside SOLAS.
About this shelf. Each entry summarises the public instrument and links to the text on the issuing body’s own site; the summaries are reference notes, not legal advice. All documents.
Library last reviewed: September 2026.