Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) &

Convention for Prevention of Marine

Pollution (MARPOL): A General
Overview
By Anish | In: Maritime Law | Last Updated on June 13, 2019

The maritime industry’s most important concerns are the safety of personnel and
prevention of marine pollution for smooth cargo transportation and marine operation
at high seas. To achieve this, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) relies on
its two very strong pillars: SOLAS & MARPOL – The International Conventions for
safeguarding human life and marine environment from all kinds of pollutions and
accidents.

What is SOLAS Convention?

The word SOLAS is an abbreviation and SOLAS full form is “Safety Of Life At Sea”,
an international maritime treaty, also known as SOLAS Convention or International
Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), which establishes the least safety
measures in the construction, equipment and operation of merchant ships.

IMO SOLAS 74, the last adopted revised convention of 1974, includes a number of
regulations under different SOLAS chapters, which deals with safety precautions and
safety procedures starting from the construction of the ship to real emergency like –
“Abandon Ship”. The convention is updated to meet the safety norms in the modern
shipping industry from time to time.

This article explains the contents of SOLAS chapters and regulations providing a
summary of SOLAS, i.e. different chapters of SOLAS and the regulations they carry.
Marine Insight has provided links of various articles which will help the readers to
understand how the regulation of the SOLAS Annexes is implemented on a seagoing
vessel and the importance of SOLAS.

SOLAS 74
SOLAS CONTENTS:

The SOLAS 1974 international maritime treaty comprises of 13 chapters and each
chapter has its own set of regulations. The Following are the list of SOLAS all 14
chapters and the regulations they contain:
The International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), 1974 describes
the requirement for all merchant ship of any flag state to comply with the minimum
safety norms laid down in the chapters which are as follows:

Chapter I – General Provisions: Surveys and certification of all the safety items etc
are included.

Chapter II-1 – Construction – Subdivision and stability, machinery and

electrical installations: Deals with watertight integrity of the ship, especially
for passenger vessel.

Chapter II-2 – Fire protection, fire detection and fire extinction: This chapter
elaborates the means and measure for fire protection in accommodation, cargo
spaces and engine room for the passenger, cargo and tanker ship.

Chapter III – Life-saving appliances and arrangements: All the life-saving

appliances and there use in different situations is described.

Chapter IV – Radio communications: Includes requirements of

GMDSS, SART, EPIRB etc for cargo and passenger vessel.

Chapter V – Safety of navigation: This chapter deals with all the seagoing vessels
of all sizes, from boats to VLCCs, and includes passage
planning, navigation, distress signal etc.

Chapter VI – Carriage of Cargoes: This chapter defines storage and securing of

different types of cargo and containers, but does not include oil and gas cargo.
Chapter VII – Carriage of dangerous goods: Defines the International Maritime
Goods Code for storage and transportation of dangerous goods.

Chapter VIII – Nuclear ships: The code of safety for a nuclear-propelled ship is
stated in this chapter.

Chapter IX – Management for the Safe Operation of Ships: The International

Safety Management code for ship owner and the operator is described clearly.

Chapter X – Safety measures for high-speed craft: safety code for the high-speed
craft is explained.

Chapter XI-1 & 2– Special measures to enhance maritime safety: Special and
enhanced survey for safe operation, other operational requirements and ISPS
code is briefed in this chapter.

Chapter XII – Additional safety measures for bulk carriers: Includes safety
requirement for above 150 meters length bulk carrier.

Chapter XIII – Verification of Compliance

Chapter XIV -Safety Measures for Ships Operating in Polar Waters

Let’s take each chapter in detail:

Chapter I – In the SOLAS Chapter 1; General

Provisions, Surveys and certification of all the
safety items, structure, machinery etc. are included.
This chapter is further subdivided into 3 parts- Part A, Part B and Part C.

Part A contains 5 regulation which explains the “Application” of this chapter in

different types of the ship along with the “Definition” of different terminology which is
used in the chapter. The regulation may not be applicable to all types of a ship;
hence a separate section of “Exceptions” and “Exemptions” is also provided.

All the SOLAS chapter cover a general basic minimum criterion which applies to
seagoing ships, regardless of their location and nationality. It is possible that the
material or appliances available in one country are not available for the ship in
another country. An “Equivalent” Section is also provided to deal with such a
situation.

Part B contains the important regulations informing about surveys and certificates
seagoing ships need to have to be said compliant with SOLAS. For this, 15
regulations are kept under Part B. Regulation 6 to Regulation 11 provides details of
different survey requirement on different ships, equipment, machinery etc. clauses
on how to do the repair and what kind of surveys to go through.

Related Read: A List of Inspections And Surveys Deck Officers On Ships Should Be
Aware Of

What is the Harmonised Survey System for Ships?

Regulation 12 to Regulation 18 explains the different requirement for certification

obtained post surveys.
Related Read: 40 Ship Certificates and Documents that are Checked in a Port State
Control (PSC) Survey

Regulation 19 – Control: This regulation explains the jurisdiction of local government

a foreign ship is voyaging, such as coast guard, port state etc. to inspect the vessel
for ensuring the safety of the ship. It also explains the step to be taken by the
government authorities to notify the concerned (next port of call, owner, class etc.)
and how to exercise the control.

Related Read: The Ultimate Guide to Port State Control (PSC) Inspection on Ships

Regulation 20 – Privileges: this regulation explains if the ship can or cannot claim
any privileges depending upon the certificates it holds.

Part C of Chapter 1 contains only one regulation, i.e. Regulation 21, which explains
how a contracting government can carry out any inquiry for the ship which has
involved in an incident and causalities and what kind of information needs to be
collected and to be passed through.

Related Read: 10 Important Things To Do During Ship Collision Accident

How P & I Clubs Work – Procedure for Accident Response

Chapter II-1 – Construction – Subdivision and

stability, machinery and electrical installations: This
chapter of SOLAS Deals with watertight integrity of
the ship, including the passenger’s vessel and
comprises of 7 parts, explaining the requirement for
structural, machinery, electrical, stability and other
criteria for a safe ship.
Part A contains 3 regulations which explain the “Application” of this chapter on ships
as per their keel laying. The regulations explain the “Definition” of different
terminology which is used in the chapter.

Part A-1 comprises of regulations explaining the requirement for the structure of the
ship including protective coating, towing arrangements, deck equipment fittings,
construction and drawings etc. It also includes the regulation on how to provide
access to different parts of oil tanker and bulk carrier and the structure access
manual which contains the details of the structure including plans for means of
access. Method to construct a ship which complies with the regulation for protection
against noise is also included.
Related Read: Preparations For Emergency Towing Of Ship – 10 Important Points

Part B of this regulation explains the stability and watertight integrity requirement.
Under Part B 1, the regulations (Regulation 5 to 8) defines the necessary conditions
for maintaining the intact stability of the cargo ship and passenger ship. It also
includes a requirement on the information which needs to be supplied to the master
on the stability of the vessel explaining how to calculate the stability factors in
different conditions.

Related Read: Understanding Watertight Bulkheads In Ships: Construction and

SOLAS Regulations

Ship Stability – What Makes a Ship Unstable?

Part B 2 comprises of 4 regulations (Regulation 9 to 17) which takes care of the

watertight integrity of the ship (both passenger and cargo ship) by enlisting the
constructional and testing requirements of watertight and other important bulkheads,
and the provision of the double bottom on ships other than tanker ships.

Related Read: How to Test and Maintain Cargo Hatch Cover of a Dry Ship?

Designing A Ship’s Bottom Structure – A General Overview

Part B 3 explains the requirement for the subdivision load line assignment for
passenger ships.

Part B 4 of this chapter comprises of 7 regulations ( Regulation 19 to Regulation 25)

for the requirement of stability management explaining the inspections, preventions,
damage control drills, and information for cargo and passenger ships.
Part C focuses on different machinery installation in the engine room including the
requirement of emergency installations in the passenger ships from regulation 26 to
regulation 39.

Related Read: 5 Stages Of Marine Machinery Installation On Ships

Part D of this chapter (from regulation 40 to 45) focuses on the electrical installation
requirement for cargo and passenger ships including the emergency source and
arrangements along with electrical safety and hazards.

Related Read: How to Install Electronic Circuits on Ship?

How is Power Generated and Supplied on a Ship?

Part E clarifies the requirement for unattended machinery space under regulation 46
to 54 explicitly.

Related Read: Preparation for UMS Operation On Ships

Part F of this chapter gives the details about the alternative design and arrangement
for the ship’s machinery and electrical system under regulation 55. It also explains
the storage and distribution requirement for the low flashpoint fuel system.

Part G explains the application and requirements as per the regulation 56 and 57 for
the ships using low flash point fuels.

Related Read: How to select Marine Fuel Oil and Factors Necessary for Fuel Oil
System

Chapter II-2 – Fire protection, fire detection and fire

extinction: This chapter elaborates the means and
measure for fire protection in accommodation,
cargo spaces and engine room for the passenger,
cargo and tanker ship. This chapter is divided into 7
parts, explaining the various requirement for fire
safety system installed on a ship.
Part A contains regulations 1 to 3 which explains the “Application” of this chapter on
ships construction date and the regulations also explains the “Definition” of different
terminology which is used in the chapter and the objective and functional
requirement of this chapter.
Part B of this chapter specifies the requirement to prevent fire and explosion on
cargo ship including tankers. It has 3 regulations from Regulation 4 to regulation 6;
Regulation 4 giving the details of how to prevent the ignition of a combustible source
present on ships including the limitations and arrangements on the use of fuel and
lube oils used onboard, and prevention of fire in the cargo areas of the tanker ship.

Regulation 5 laid down the requirement to curb the growth of the fire in different
spaces on the ship, which includes cutting any one side of the fire triangle, i.e. to
control either air supply, oil supply or the heat source (using protection materials like
insulation, linings etc.) in the potential hazardous space.

Related Read: 16 Fire Fighting Appliances and Preventive Measures Onboard

Ships

Regulation 6 of this part focus on reduction of hazards to human life from products
which release smoke and toxic gases (such as paint, varnish etc.).

Related Read: 20 Hazards On Oil Tanker Ship Every Seafarer Must Know

Part C of this chapter comprises of 5 regulations (Regulation 7 to Regulation 11) and

focuses on requirement to suppress the fire at the earliest, including detection and
control of smoke and flames, containment requirements, structural integrity of the
space to prevent spreading of fire and firefighting systems and equipment to be used
on ships machinery, accommodation and cargo spaces.

Related Read: Basics of Fire Prevention Onboard Ships

Part D focuses on the escape of the seafarers or passengers in case of fire or any
other emergency. Regulation 13 explains the various requirement for means of
escape for different types of ships (cargo ship, passenger ship, RoRo ship etc.),
equipment and systems which helps in escaping from the hazardous place etc.

Part E of chapter II-2 consist of Regulation 14 to regulation 16 providing information

on the maintenance of the fire detection, fighting, and control equipment on cargo
ships including tankers and passenger ships. It also explains the requirement for
training and drills to be carried out on fire safety onboard ship. Regulation 16 focuses
on the fire safety booklet which should be kept on board ship for all types of vessel.

Related Read: The importance of fire drills on ships

Part F of this chapter gives the details about the alternative design and arrangement
for the ship’s fire safety under regulation 17.

Related Read: A Brief Overview of Fire Control Plan on Ship

Part G contains a special requirement for the operations which are carried out on the
tanker and bulk carrier ships such as helicopter operation (Regulation 18) giving
details of different constructional, safety and firefighting arrangements. Regulation 19
provides safety measures for carrying dangerous goods in a container, bulk, tanker
or Roro ships.

Related Read: 16 Fire Fighting Appliances and Preventive Measures Onboard

Ships

Regulation 20 focuses on ships which carry vehicle as cargoes along with

passengers explaining prevention, detection, and containment of fire on such ships.
Regulation 21, 22 and 23 are passenger-centric, describing the requirement a
passenger ship should follow in case of fire incident onboard ship to save passenger
and ship from a major accident.

Related Read: DNV GL: Enhancing Fire Safety On Ro-Ro Decks

Chapter III – Life-saving appliances and

arrangements: All the lifesaving appliances and
there use in different situations according to the
ship type is described in this chapter.
This chapter comprises of 3 Parts. Part A contains 5 regulation which explains the
“Application” of this chapter in different types of the ship along with the “Definition” of
different terminology which is used in the chapter. The regulation may not be
applicable to all types of a ship; hence a separate section of “Exceptions” and
“Exemptions” is also provided. Further, onboard testing and production testing
procedures are also explained.

Part B comprises of total 32 regulations (from Regulation no. 6 to 37) dealing with
the requirements of life-saving appliances on passenger and cargo ships. Regulation
6 describes the communication appliance (Radio, Pyrotechnics etc.) used for safety
and life-saving situations on vessels.

Related Read: What Are PyroTechnics on Ship?

History of Maritime Distress Signals

Regulation 7 list downs the requirement for the personal life-saving appliance such
as lifejackets, lifebuoys, immersion suit etc.

Related Read: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Life Jackets on Ships
Regulation 8 to Regulation 11 contains the instruction on muster station, survival
craft operation and manning, along with their embarkation arrangements explaining
the different requirements.

Related Read: Liferafts on Ships: SOLAS Requirements, Safety Features &

Launching Procedure

Regulation 12 specifically address the location of survival craft in a cargo ship (other
than free fall lifeboat). Regulation 13 to Regulation 17 details on the stowage and
necessary arrangement required for the lifeboat, liferaft, marine evacuation system,
recovery boat on the ship and Man Overboard Operation.

Related Read: Types of Lifeboats Used On Ship

Regulation 18 lists down the requirement for line throwing appliances used on the
ship. Regulation 19 deals with various training and drills requirement for onboard
crew.

Regulation 20 applied to all the ships for operational readiness, maintenance and
survey requirement of survival crafts and other lifesaving appliances onboard ship.

Related Read: Preparation For Safety Equipment Survey On Ships

Life Raft Repair Services and Maintenance Procedures: A General Overview

Regulation 21 to Regulation 30 tell about the additional requirement for passenger

ship about survival crafts and all lifesaving appliances on the passenger ships,
including drills for passengers onboard ship and helicopter operation in a passenger
ship (ro-ro passenger ships of 130m in length should be provided with a helicopter
landing area).

Related Read: Cruise Ship Passenger Drill Requirements Come Into Force On 1
January 2015

Regulation 31 to Regulation 34 tell about the additional requirement for cargo ship
about survival crafts and all lifesaving appliances on the ships.

Regulation 35 to 37 contains various instructions for onboard maintenance, muster

lists etc. and availability of training manual and other onboard training aids on the
ship.

Related Read: Important Features of Muster List on Ship

Part C of this chapter gives the details about the alternative design and arrangement
for ship’s lifesaving appliances under regulation 38.
Chapter IV – Radio communications: This chapter
Includes requirements of different radio
communication equipment used onboard ships
such as GMDSS, SART, EPIRB etc for cargo and
passenger vessel. This chapter is divided into 3
parts; Part A, Part B and Part C.
Part A contains regulations 1 to 4 which explains the “Application” of this chapter and
the regulations also explains the “Definition” of different terminology which is used in
the chapter and the objective and functional requirement of this chapter. Further, it
includes the exemptional requirement and the details of GMDSS satellite providers.

Related Read: SOLAS requirement for Global Maritime Distress Safety System
(GMDSS)

Part B consisted of Regulation 5 explaining the provisions of radiocommunication

services and the identities of GMDSS by the contracting government.

Related Read: How to get a GMDSS Endorsement Certificate?

Part C insist on the ship based requirement for the radio equipment and comprises
of 13 regulations. Regulation 6 gives the details of radio installation requirement on
all types of ship. Regulation 7 provides details of different radio equipment minimum
requirement which are to be used on ships.

Related Read: What Marine Communication Systems Are Used in the Maritime
Industry?

Regulation 8 to Regulation 11 provides the details of radio installation capability to

initial ship to shore communications and alerts in Sea areas A1, A2, A3 and A4.

Related Read: Introduction to Global Maritime Distress Safety System (GMDSS) –

What You Must Know

Regulation 12 lists down the additional duties of the officer on radio communication
equipment during a watch.

Related Read: Obsolete-yet-Famous Marine Jobs: Radio Officers

Regulation 13 gives the details of the energy source for all the radio communication
equipment including emergency reserve source of power and battery power.
Related Read: 20 Points To Consider For Handling and Taking Care of Batteries On
Ships

Regulation 14 and 15 gives the details of performance standards and maintenance

required to be carried out on radiocommunication equipment.

Related Read: Daily, Monthly And Weekly Tests Of GMDSS Equipment On Board
Ships

Regulation 16, 17 and 18 provide the need for radio personnel qualification and
different records and logs which needs to be updated in the ship log system.

Related Read: Important Points For Logbook Keeping On Ships

Chapter V – Safety of navigation: This chapter

consists of total 35 regulations dealing with all the
seagoing vessels of all sizes, from boats to VLCCs,
and includes passage planning, navigation, distress
signal etc.
Regulations 1 to 3 explains the “Application” of this chapter on the safety of
navigation and the regulations also explains the “Definition” of different terminology
which is used in the chapter and the objective and functional requirement of this
chapter. Further, it includes the exemptional requirement to be granted by the
administration to a complying ship.

Regulation 4 and 5 lists down different navigational and mineralogical service

warnings which are essential for a navigating officer for safe passage plan.

Related Read: Important Points For Dealing With Navigational Warnings On Ships

Regulation 6, 7,8 and 9 focuses on services such as the ice patrol service for safe
navigation in North Atlantic, search and rescue services (when receiving distress
alert from the ship), usage of life-saving signals and hydrographic services (for the
compilation of hydrographic data and publication) by the contracting government.

Related Read: IMO Collaborates In Worldwide Implementation Of Maritime Search

And Rescue

Regulation 10 contains the details for the requirement of ships’ routeing system for
safe and efficient navigation.
Related Read: IMO Adopts Key International Routing And Protection Measures For
Bering Sea

Regulation 11 lists down the need of reporting system to contribute towards maritime
and environmental safety, where the seagoing ship reports to the concerned
authorised body.

Regulation 12 provides the requirement for Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) undertaken
by the contracting government for safe navigation in the coastal area, channel, port
vicinity and area of maritime traffic.

Related Read: What are Vessel Traffic Services?

Regulation 13 defines the role of the contracting government for an arrangement of

establishment and operation of aids to navigation.

Related Read: Why Virtual Aids of Navigation Are Important For Ships?

Regulation 14 lists down the minimum manning requirement and crew performance
for a seagoing ship

Regulation 15 gives details of bridge design and procedures along with the
arrangement of navigation systems and equipment.

Related Read: 30 Types of Navigation Equipment and Resources Used Onboard

Modern Ships

Regulation 16 and Regulation 17 provides the need for maintenance of navigation

equipment and their electromagnetic compatibility.
Regulation 18 gives the terms for surveys, approval criteria and performance
standard of navigational equipment and system including VDR.

Related Read: What Marine Communication Systems Are Used in the Maritime
Industry?

Regulation 19 provides the requirement for carrying a navigational system and

equipment onboard ship as per the date of construction and also as per the capacity
of the vessel in gross tonnage. It also explains the requirement for Long Range
Identification and Tracking of Ships.

Related Read: The Long Range Tracking and Identification (LRIT) System: Tracking
and Monitoring Ships

Regulation 20 explains the requirement for Voyage Data Recorder on ships for
assisting in causality investigations.

Related Read: Voyage Data Recorder (VDR) on a Ship Explained

Regulation 21 provides the details of the International Code of Signals which a radio
installation on a ship should carry.

Regulation 22 talks about the visibility requirement from the ships’ bridge window
and Regulation 23 explains the pilot transfer arrangement.

Related Read: Important Pilot Transfer Arrangements And SOLAS Requirements

For Ships

Regulation 24 explains the use of heading and track control system when the ship is
in restricted visibility or high traffic area.

Related Read: 10 Important Points Ship’s Officer On Watch Should Consider During
Restricted Visibility

Regulation 25 and 26 lists down the regulatory requirement for the electrical power
source, testing, and drills for steering gear systems.

Related Read: Procedure of Testing Steering Gears on Ship

Regulation 27 talks about the nautical charts and publication available onboard ship
for passage and voyage.

Related Read: Understanding the Principles of Passage Planning

Regulation 28 provides the details of records to be kept for all the navigational
activities by ship’s navigation officer.

Related Read: Different Entries To Be Made In Bridge Log Book of The Ship

Regulation 29 insist on the requirement for the ship’s officer to understand different
life-saving signals used in distress. Regulation 30 lists the operational limitations of
passenger ships regarding safe navigation.

Regulation 31, 32, 33 and 34 contains a requirement for the master of the ship on
how to act in a dangerous situation by sending danger message (while encountering
any dangerous navigation situation to the contracting government using a message
or International code of Signal. It also includes the type of information which needs to
be sent to the authorities.

Further, the regulation also explains the obligations/ procedures on providing

assistance to the ship in danger and how to avoid such a situation which can
become a danger. Regulation 35 strictly prohibit the use of distress signal for any
other purpose other than explains in the above regulations.

Related Read: What is the Responsibility of the Master after Abandoning a Ship?

Chapter VI – Carriage of Cargoes and Oil Fuel: This

chapter defines storage and securing of different
types of cargo and containers, but does not include
oil and gas cargo. This chapter is further divided
into 3 parts; Part A, Part B, and Part C.
Part A contains regulations 1 to Regulation 5. Regulation 1 explains the “Application”
of this chapter and also explains the “Definition” of different terminology which is
used in the chapter and the requirements to carry the solid cargo other than grain.

Regulation 2 tells about the information exchange to be done between the shipper
and the master on the type of cargo being loaded.

Related Read: What is Ship-Shore Interface Management in the Shipping World?

Regulation 3 explains the need for Oxygen analyzer and other gas detection
equipment for monitoring of those solid cargoes which emits toxic or flammable
gases.
Regulation 4 describes the details of using pesticides on ship done for fumigation
purpose.

Regulation 5 provides the information on stowing and securing of the cargo. It also
lists down the requirement of MSDS for oil fuel carried onboard ship. Further, it
explains the requirement to prohibit the mixing of bulk liquid cargo and production
process during sea voyages.

Related Read: Material Safety Data Sheet or MSDS Used on Ships

Part B of this chapter list down the special provision for carrying solid bulk cargoes
and it consist of Regulation 6 and 7 which explains the procedure to accept a
shipment and how to load, unload the stow such cargo.

Related Read: 9 Common Hazards Of Bulk Cargo On Ships

Part C focuses on the requirement for carriage of grains under Regulation 8 and 9
which provides the definitions of International Grain Code and other essential terms
related to grains ailing with the criteria to carry grain cargoes on the ship.

Related Read: 23 Important Maritime Codes Used in the Shipping Industry

Solas Chapter VII – Carriage of dangerous goods:

Defines the International Maritime Goods Code for
storage and transportation of dangerous goods.
This chapter is further divided into 4 parts; Part A,
Part B, Part C and Part D.
Part A is provided with information on the carriage of dangerous goods in packaged
form under 7 regulations. Regulation 1, 2 and 3 explain the “Application” of this
chapter and also explains the “Definition” of different terminology which is used in the
chapter along with the requirements to carry dangerous goods in the packaged form.

Related Read: 8 Things Deck Officers Must Know While Handling Packaged IMDG
Cargo

Regulation 7 is dedicated for Carriage of dangerous goods in a solid bulk form

defining the terms used under this regulation along with the application of the terms.
It further explains the documentation and stowage with segregation requirement for
such type of cargoes. The reporting of the incident and other condition related to the
dangerous goods carried in solid bulk form is also provided.

Related Read: A Guide To HAZMAT Cargo Loading On Ships

Part B of this chapter explains the details about construction and equipment for
carrying dangerous liquid chemical in bulk. Regulation 8, 9 and 10 explain the
Definition” of different terminology which is used in the chapter and “Application” of
this chapter along with the requirements for chemical tankers which carry such
cargoes.

Related Read: A Guide To Plan Stowage On Chemical Tankers

Part C of this chapter explains the details about construction and equipment for
carrying liquified gas in bulk as cargo. Regulation 11, 12 and 113 tells the Definitions
of different terminology which are used in the chapter and “Application” of gas ships
along with the requirements for gas tankers which carry such cargoes.

Solas Chapter VIII – Nuclear ships: The code of

safety for the nuclear-propelled ship is stated in this
chapter.
This chapter consists of 12 regulations explaining the application, exemptions,
approvals, and requirement (for reactor installations), Safety against radiation, safety
assessment, operating manual, surveys and certifications, Controlling authority and
steps in case of any causality due to radiation etc.

Related Read: Understanding Nuclear Marine Propulsion

Chapter IX – Management for the Safe Operation of

Ships
The International Safety Management code for ship owner and the operator is
described clearly. Regulation 1 and 2 of this chapter explains the details about the
“Application” of SOLAS Chapter 9 and also explains the “Definition” of different
terminology which is used in the chapter.

Regulation 3 provides the requirement to comply with the ISM code followed by
important certifications in Regulation 4, which includes DOC, SMC etc.

Related Read: How is ISM Code Implemented On Ships?

Regulation 5 and Regulation 6 list down the maintenance of conditions and

verification & control respectively.

Related Read: What Is Safety Management System (SMS) On Ships?

Chapter X – Safety measures for high-speed craft

This chapter is dedicated to high-speed crafts only, explaining the safety
requirements and comprises of 3 regulations interpreting the Definitions of different
terminology which are used in the chapter and “Application” of high-speed craft along
with the requirements for high-speed crafts.

Related Read: Boats with a Difference: The High-Speed Crafts

Chapter XI– This chapter is divided into two

sections. Section one, i.e. Chapter XI -1 deal with the
Special measures to enhance maritime safety which
includes Special and Enhanced survey for safe
operation. The second section of this
SOLAS chapter which is Chapter XI-2 list down the
regulations for special rules to improve maritime
security.
Chapter XI-1 consist of 7 regulations. Regulation 1 provides information about the
authorization of a recognised organisation. Regulation 2 compiles the requirements
for the enhanced survey for bulk carriers and oil tankers along with the
harmonization of survey periods of ships which are not subjected to the ESP code.

Related Read: What is the Enhanced Survey Programme (ESP)?

Regulation 3 provides the details of the ship identification number and company cum
owner identification number.
Related Read: Automatic Identification System (AIS): Integrating and Identifying
Marine Communication Channels

Regulation 4 explains the role of Port state control on operational requirements.

Regulation 5 deals with the continuous synopsis record which is provided onboard
as a historical overview of the ship information.

Related Read: What is Continuous Synopsis Record (CSR) of Ships?

Regulation 6 specifies the additional requirement for the investigation of marine

causality and incidents.

Related Read: A Seafarer’s Role in Collecting Evidence During Maritime Accidents

Regulation 7 tells about the requirement for atmosphere testing instrument for
enclosed spaces for measuring oxygen, flammable gases, H2S, Carbon mono oxide
etc.

Related Read: IMO: Enclosed Space Ship Safety Rule Enters Into Force

Chapter XI-2 deals with maritime security measures which all the parties involved in
a maritime trade need to follow; i.e. ship, port, ship owner, contracting government
and authorities. This SOLAS chapter consists of 13 regulations, and Regulation 1
and 2 explain the Definition” of different terminology which is used in the chapter and
the details about the “Application” of this chapter.

Regulation 3 focuses on the contracting government stating their obligation towards

maritime security.

Regulation 4 lists down the requirement for companies and ships on how to comply
with the ISPS code followed by Regulation 5 which deals with the specific
responsibility of the companies towards maritime security.

Related Read: The ISPS Code For Ships – An Essential Quick Guide

Regulation 6 specifies the vital requirement for all seagoing ship about the Ship
Security Alert System (SSAS).

Related Read: What is Ship Security Alert System (SSAS)?

Regulation 7 deals with the threats to the vessels which needs to be set as a security
level by the contracting governments.
Related Read: What Are The Security Levels Under ISPS Code?

Regulation 8 lists down the discretion for the master for taking account of ship safety
and security.

Regulation 9 explains about the compliance and control measures that a ship should
exhibit in port and regulation 10 states the relevant requirements for port facilities
under ISPS code.

Related Read: 10 Ways to Enhance Ship Security

Regulation 11 and 12 talks about the alternative and equivalent security

arrangement by the contracting government and administration.

Regulation 13 deals with the different information that needs to be communicated to

the ship and ship manager.

Related Read: What is Ship Security Assessment (SSA)?

Chapter XII – Additional safety measures for bulk

carriers: This chapter Includes safety requirement
for above 150 meters length bulk carrier. It consists
of 14 regulations.
Regulation 1,2 and 3 gives details about the “Definition” of different terminology
which are used in the chapter and the details about the “Application” of this chapter,
followed by the implementation schedule for the survey as per the date of
construction.

Regulation 4 The damage stability requirements for bulk carriers are explained in this
regulation.

Related Read: Ship Stability: Damaged Stability of Ships

Regulation 5 & 6 provides the details of structural strength and other structural
requirements for bulk carrier ship.

Related Read: Understanding Design Of Bulk Carriers

Regulation 7 deals with the surveys and maintenance requirements of the bulk
carriers followed by Regulation 8 which explains the information on compliance for
bulk carriers.
Related Read: 9 New Aspects of IACS Harmonised Common Structural Rules
(CSR) For Ships

Regulation 9 focuses on those bulk carrier ships which are unable to comply with
regulation 4 because of the designing of cargo holds. Regulation 10 lists down the
requirement for declaring the solid bulk cargo density.

Regulation 11 provides details about the loading instruments used for cargo loading
on bulk carrier ships.

Related Read: 11 Steps to Enhance Safety of Bulk Carrier Ships

Regulation 12 lists down the terms for having water ingress alarm in holds, ballast
space and other dry spaces in a bulk carrier ship.

Regulation 13 applies to all the bulk carriers regardless of their date of construction
and explains the necessity of pumping systems to drain the ballast tanks.

Related Read: A Guide To Ballast Tanks On Ships

Regulation 14 focuses on the restrictions towards the bulk carrier ships from sailing
with an empty cargo hold.

Related Read: 9 Common Hazards Of Bulk Cargo On Ships

Apart from the above SOLAS 12 Chapters, the below two are considered to be
SOLAS new chapters which were added in recent years.

Chapter XIII – Verification of Compliance: This

chapter was adopted on 22 May 2014 which requires
all the Contracting Party to undergo periodic audits
by the approved organization following the audit
standard to verify compliance with and
implementation of the present Convention.
This chapter consists of regulation 1 to regulation 3 explaining the “Definition” of
different terminologies which are used in the chapter and the details about the
“Application” of this chapter, followed by the verification system for contracting
government.

Related Read: Mandatory Audits And Other Amendments Enter Into Force On 1
January 2016
Chapter XIV -Safety Measures for Ships Operating in
Polar Waters – As the name suggest, the SOLAS
chapter 14 deals with the ships that intend to
operate within the Arctic and Antarctic areas and
need to carry Polar Ship Certificate.
This Code entered into force on 1 January 2017 and explains the shipowners and
ship managers about the steps to be taken to have their ships in compliance within
the different categories. This is one of the latest chapter introduced within SOLAS in
2017.

It comprises of 4 Regulations starting from regulation 1 & 2 which gives the details
about the definitions of the terminology used in this chapter and application of this
code.

Related Read: The IMO Polar Code In Force, Beginning 1 January 2017: How To
Comply

Regulation 3 explains the requirements for ships to which this chapter applies
followed by regulation 4 which suggest the terms for alternative design and
arrangement for vessels sailing in Arctic and Antarctic areas.

Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) &

Convention for Prevention of Marine
Pollution (MARPOL): A General
Overview
By Anish | In: Maritime Law | Last Updated on June 13, 2019

MARPOL 73/78
Just like SOLAS, which regulates the shipping industry to follow minimum standards
to safeguard life at sea. MARPOL is another important convention which safeguards
the marine environment against ship pollution. MAPOL and SOLAS are considered
to be two effective safety and environmental protection tools of IMO.
MARPOL 73/78, since it came into force in 1973 and later revised by the protocol in
1978, ensures that shipping remains the least environmentally damaging modes of
transport. It clearly highlights the points to ensure that the marine environment is
preserved by the elimination of pollution by all harmful substance which can be
discharged from the ship.

Related Read: 5 Instruments of International Maritime Organization (IMO) Every

Seafarer Should Know

This marine environmental convention consists of six implemented annexes for

controlling and eliminating of marine pollution.

Image Credits: ghanaports.gov.gh

They are as follows:

Annex I: Regulation for prevention of pollution by oil (October 1983).

Annex II: Regulations for control of pollution by Noxious Liquid Substance in bulk
(April 1987).

Annex III: Regulation for prevention of pollution by harmful substance carried at sea
in packaged form (July 1992).

Annex IV: Regulation for prevention of pollution by sewage from ships (Sep 2003).
Annex V: Regulation for prevention of pollution by Garbage from ships (Dec 1998).

Annex VI: Regulation for prevention of Air pollution from ships (May 2005).

They are as follows:

Annex I: Regulation for prevention of pollution by

oil (October 1983).
This regulation was adopted on 2nd October 1983 to control and prevent any oil
discharge from ship intentionally or accidentally. It comprises of 11 chapters which
together contains 47 Regulations.

Chapter 1 gives a general description about MARPOL ANNEX I and consists of 5

regulations which explain the “Application” of this chapter in different types of the
ship along with the “Definition” of different terminologies which are used in the
chapter. The regulation may not apply to all types of ship hence a separate section
of “Exceptions” and “Exemptions” is also provided. It also explains the condition
where an administrator may allow alternative fittings, materials, appliances etc. to be
installed on ships to fulfil this annex.

Chapter 2 deals with Surveys and Certifications requirement for all oil tanker ships of
150GT and other sips of 400 GT. And comprises of 5 regulations.

Related Read: How to Get Dangerous Cargo Endorsement Certificate?

Regulation 6 describes the requirement for different surveys to comply with

MARPOL annex 1.

Regulation 7 provides the terms to issue or endorse the IOPP certificate to the ship
post successful survey by the appropriate administration. Regulation 8 also
describes how to issue or endorse the certificates by another contracting
government, followed by Regulation 9 which tell the form of the certificate including
languages such as English or official language of issuing country.

Regulation 10 explains the duration and validity of certificates and provide timelines
for renewal of certificates.

Regulation 11 terms the authority of port state control under Annex 1 to inspect the
ship for compliance.

Chapter 3 deals with the Requirements for Machinery spaces for all ships and list
down the requirements under Regulation 12 to 17, so that the engine room and other
machinery spaces are compliant with the MARPOL Annex 1.
Regulation 12 explains the requirement of storage tanks for oil residues produced on
all types of the ship due to machinery operation and method to dispose of the oil
residue. It further provides details to protect the fuel oil tanks for ships having fuel oil
capacity 600m3 and above.

Related Read: List of Important Tanks on a Ship

Regulation 13 describes the requirement for standard discharge connection on a

ship to dispose of oil residue from sludge and bilge tanks.

Regulation 14 The requirements of oil filtration equipment onboard ship for

discharging engine room bilges or ballast water from fuel oil tanks is given in this
regulation, followed by Regulation 15 which restricts the discharge of treated bilges
in special areas.

Related Read: An Overview Of Sludge And Bilge Management Onboard Ships

Regulation 16 explains the requirement of segregating oil and water ballast which is
carried in the fuel tank of the ship.

Related Read: A Guide To Ballast Tanks On Ships

Regulation 17 lists down the need for a compliant oil record book for machinery
space in oil tankers of 150GT and above and other ships of 400 GT and above.

Chapter 4. deals with the Requirements of Cargo areas in an oil tanker ship listing
down various regulation (Regulation 18 to 36).

Chapter 5 describes how to prevent pollution which can arise from an oil pollution
incident. Regulation 37 which list the SOPEP or Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency
plan provides the details.

Related Read: What is Ship Oil Pollution Emergency Plan (SOPEP)?

Chapter 6 lists the requirement for the reception facilities to which the ship will
dispose of the oily bilge/ sludge to under Regulation 38 providing details of the
facility outside and inside special areas.

Chapter 7 provides the special requirement for fixed or floating platform to comply
with Annex 1 of MARPOL with Regulation 39.

Chapter 8 deals with the prevention of pollution which may happen during cargo oil
in between tankers at sea also known as Ship to Ship Transfer (STS). It comprises
of 3 regulation from 40 to 42.
Related Read: What is Ship-to-Ship Transfer (STS) and Requirements to Carry Out
the Same?

Regulation 40 provides the scope of application for this chapter and Regulation 41
lists down the rules on safety and environmental protection during the STS
operation, followed by Regulation 42 which tells the notifications which need to be
provided by the ship to port state and all the other parties involved in the operation.

Related Read: 7 Important Points For Safe Lightering Operations On Ships

Chapter 9 carries the details for the special requirement for the use of carriage of oils
in the Antarctica area with Regulation 43.

Chapter 10 deals with the Verification of compliance with the provision of this
convention under Regulation 44 and 45, providing details of the application and the
process for verification of compliance.

Chapter 11 list down the important requirement on international code for ships
operating in Polar waters under Regulation 46 and 47. Regulation 46 lists down the
definition for this annexe followed by Regulation 47 for application and requirement
for the ships sailing in polar waters.

Annex II: Regulations for control of pollution by

Noxious Liquid Substance in bulk (April 1987).
This Annex was adopted on 6th of April 1987 which deals with the control and
prevent pollution due to the noxious liquid substance in bulk, intentionally or
accidentally. It comprises of 10 chapters which together contains 22 Regulations.

Chapter 1 gives general details on MARPOL ANNEX II and consists of 5 regulations

providing the “Definition” of different terminologies which are used in the chapter and
explains the “Application” of this chapter in different types of ship (Chemical tankers
etc.). The regulation may not be applicable to all types of a ship; hence a separate
section of “Exceptions” and “Exemptions” is also provided. It also explains the
condition where an administrator may allow alternative fittings, materials, appliances
etc. to be installed on ships to fulfill this annex.

Related Read: Different Types of Tankers: Extensive Classification of Tanker Ships

Chapter 2 provides the details of different categories of Noxious liquid substance

under regulation 6.

Chapter 3 list down the need for surveys and certification with 4 regulations from
regulation 7 to 10. Regulation 7 deals with the surveys and certifications needed by
chemical tanker following the provision of the International Bulk Chemical code.
Regulation 8 details the need for different surveys for the ships carrying noxious
liquid substances in bulk followed by issuing and endorsing of the certificate under
Regulation 9. The duration and validity of the certificate are provided in Regulation
10.

Chapter 4 specifies the Design, Construction, arrangement, and equipment for ships
carrying Noxious cargo in bulk under regulation 11, followed by Regulation 12 which
provides the details of pumping, piping, unloading arrangement and slop tanks.

Chapter 5 carries 3 regulation from 13 to 15 for providing the details of operational

discharge of residues of noxious liquid substances. Regulation 13 lists the need for
control of discharges of Noxious liquid substance residues.

Regulation 14 and 15 provide the details of Procedure and arrangement manual and
Cargo record book which needs to be filled by the ships’ officers.

Chapter 6 which consist of Regulation 16 describe the role of government and

authorised parties such as port state control on measures of control to check, survey
and assess the ships to carry the cargo under MARPOL Annex II.

Related Read: A List of Inspections And Surveys Deck Officers On Ships Should Be
Aware Of

Chapter 7 deals with Prevention of Pollution arising from an incident involving

noxious liquid substance and consist of Regulation 17 giving the details of Shipboard
pollution emergency plan for noxious liquid substances.

Related Read: IMO: Compensation Regime For Hazardous And Noxious Cargoes A
Step Closer

Chapter 8 lists the requirement for the reception facilities to which the ship can
dispose of the residues and mixture generated from noxious liquid substances under
Regulation 38 providing details of the facility and terminal unloading arrangements.

Chapter 9 deals with the Verification of compliance with the provision of this
convention under Regulation 19 and 20, providing details of the application and the
process for verification of compliance.

Chapter 10 list down the important requirement on international code for ships
operating in Polar waters under Regulation 21 and 22. Regulation 21 lists down the
definition for this annex followed by Regulation 22 for application and requirement for
the ships sailing in polar waters.

Related Read: How The IMO Polar Code Supports Safe And Eco-Friendly Shipping
Annex III: Regulation for prevention of pollution by
harmful substance carried at sea in packaged form
(July 1992).
This Annex deals with those substances which are hazardous in nature and carried
in packaged cargo. The identification of such material is provided in the IMDG Code.
The MARPOL Annex III came into force on 1 July 1992 and comprised of 2 Chapters
containing 11 regulations.

Related Read: What is Ithe international Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG)?

Chapter 1 gives a general details on MARPOL ANNEX III and consist of 9

regulations.

Regulations 1 & 2 explains the “Definition” of different terminologies which are used
in the chapter and the “Application” of this chapter in different types of ships which
are carrying Hazardous goods.

Regulation 3 & 4 lists down the requirement of packaging and Marking/labelling of

the packages carrying IMDG cargoes.

Regulation 5 provides the details of the documentation which are needed by the ship
which is carrying hazardous material under MARPOL Annex 3

Related Read: A Guide To HAZMAT Cargo Loading On Ships

The storage requirement and quantity limitations for carrying harmful substances in
bulk are provided under Regulation 6 & 7.

Regulation 8 lists down the exceptions which a ship carrying harmful cargo in bulk
can have under various circumstances.

The authorisation of port-state control on the operational requirement of ships

carrying such substance under MARPOL Annex III is listed in Regulation 9.

Chapter 2 deals with the Verification of compliance with the provision of this
convention providing details of the application and the process for verification of
compliance under Regulation 10 and 11.

Annex IV: Regulation for prevention of pollution

by sewage from ships (Sep 2003).
Entered into force on 27 September 2003, this Annex focuses on prevention of
sewage pollution from ships. It has 7 Chapters comprising of 18 Regulations.

Chapter 1 gives a general description about MARPOL ANNEX IV and consist of 3

regulations which explains the “Definition” of different terminologies which are used
in the chapter and “Application” of this chapter in different types of ships. The
regulation may not be applicable to all types of ship hence a separate section of
“Exceptions” is also provided.

Related Read: MARPOL ANNEX 4 Explained: How to Prevent Pollution from

Sewage at Sea

Chapter 2 list down the need for surveys and certification with 5 regulations from
regulation 4 to 8. Regulation 4 deals with the surveys to be done on ships implicated
by this Annex. Regulation 4 & 5 provide the details for issue or endorsement of
certificates by the administration and by another government. Regulation 7 & 8
gives details of form, duration, and validity of the sewage pollution prevention
certificate.

Chapter 3 provides the need of having Equipment and control of sewage discharge
from the ship. Regulation 9 under this chapter provides details of sewage system
requirement on ships followed by Regulation 10 and 11 for having a standard
sewage discharge connection to transfer sewage to port facilities and discharge of
sewage at sea within and outside special areas.

Related Read: Sewage Treatment Plant on Ships Explained

Chapter 4 consist of 2 regulations (12 & 13) with the details of the reception facilities
requirement. Regulation 12 provides the details to the government agencies
regarding the compliance to have a reception facility and Regulation 13 lists down
the requirement of reception facilities for Passenger ships in special areas.

Related Read: Cruise Ship Sewage Discharges Into The Baltic Sea To Be Banned

Chapter 5 which consist of Regulation 14 describe the role of government and

authorised parties such as port state control on measures of control to check, survey
and assess the ships under MARPOL Annex IV.

Chapter 6 deals with the Verification of compliance with the provision of this
convention providing details of the application and the process for verification of
compliance under Regulation 15 and 16.

Chapter 7 list down the important requirement on international code for ships
operating in Polar waters under Regulation 17 and 18. Regulation 17 lists down the
definition for this annex followed by Regulation 18 for application and requirement for
the ships sailing in polar waters.
Annex V: Regulation for prevention of pollution by
Garbage from ships (Dec 1998).
This annexe deals with the garbage produced onboard ships and ways to prevent
pollution from the same. It was enforced on 31 December 1988, having 3 Chapters
with 14 Regulations.

Chapter 1 gives general details on MARPOL ANNEX II and consists of 10

regulations providing the “Definition” of different terminologies which are used in the
chapter under Regulation 1 and explains the “Application” of this chapter in different
types of ship Regulation 2.

Related Read: ICS Publishes New Edition Of Industry Guidance On Garbage

Management Plans

Regulation 3 lists down the details of the general prohibition on the discharge of
garbage at sea followed by Regulation 4 for the discharge of garbage outside special
areas.

Regulation 5 specifies the special requirements for the discharge of garbage from
fixed and floating platforms. The requirement for discharge of garbage in the special
area is given under Regulation 6.

Regulation 7 & 8 describes the receptions facilities exception and requirements

including those who are inside the special areas.

Regulation 9 consist role of port-state control on measures of control to check,

survey and assess the ships under MARPOL Annex V.

Regulation 10 deals with the need for Garbage Management Plan (GMP) including
record books and placards.

Related Read: What is Garbage Management Plan (GMP) on a Ship?

Chapter 2 deals with the Verification of compliance with the provision of this
convention under Regulation 11 and 12

Chapter 3 list down the important requirement on international code for ships
operating in Polar waters under Regulation 13 and 14. Regulation 13 lists down the
definition for the purpose of this annex followed by Regulation 14 for application and
requirement for the ships sailing in polar waters.

Annex VI: Regulation for prevention of Air pollution

from ships (May 2005).
This MARPOL Annex deals explicitly with ways to prevent air pollutions from ships. It
came into force on 19th May 2005 having five chapters with 25 Regulations.

Chapter 1 gives a general description about MARPOL ANNEX VI and consists of 4

regulations which explain the “Application” of this chapter in different types of the
ship along with the “Definition” of different terminologies which are used in the
chapter. The regulation may not apply to all types of ship hence a separate section
of “Exceptions” and “Exemptions” is also provided. It also explains the condition
where an administrator may allow alternative fittings, materials, appliances etc. to be
installed on ships to fulfil this annex.

Chapter 2 lists the survey, certification, and means of control dealing with air
pollution from the ship. It has 7 Regulation with Regulation 5 explaining the need of
different surveys for the vessel having the arrangement to prevent air pollution
followed by issuing and endorsing of International Air Pollution Prevention (IOPP)
certificate and International Energy Efficiency Certificates (IEEC) in Regulation 6.

Regulation 7 provides the details for issue or endorsement of certificates by another

party followed by the forms of certificates and statement of compliance related to fuel
oil consumption reporting in Regulations 8 for both IOPP and IEEC. The details for
the validity of these certificates are provided in Regulation 9.

Related Read: Important MARPOL Amendments Enter Into Force

Regulation 10 terms the authority of port state control under Annex VI to inspect the
ship for compliance.

Regulation 11 explains how the administration and authorised party can detect ships
for the violation and how to enforce this annexe.

Chapter 3 deals with the requirements for control of emissions from ships and
consist of 7 Regulations, starting with the details of ozone-depleting substances in
Regulation12 such as in the refrigerant used on ships.

Related Read: What are Ozone Depleting Substances on Ships?

Regulation 13 gives a brief about Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) with different Tiers (Tier I,
II and III) in and outside the emission control areas.

Related Read: What is Nitrogen Oxides or NOx air pollution from Ships?

Regulation 14 gives a brief about Sulphur Oxides (SOx) with the requirement for the
quantity of sulphur in the fuel oil as per the year, in and outside emission controlled
areas.
Related Read: What is Sulphur Oxides or SOx air pollution from Ships?

The emissions of Volatile Organic Compound from the oil tankers are taken into
account in Regulation 15 providing the details to comply with the requirements.

Regulation 16 talks about the shipboard incineration operations and when the
incineration is allowed.

Related Read: Construction and Working of Waste Oil Incinerator

Regulation 17 describes the receptions facilities requirements for disposing of

ozone-depleting substance, residue from exhaust cleaning etc.

To comply with the exhaust emission requirements, proper fuel oil is made available
to burn on ships, whose condition is described in Regulation 18.

Chapter 4 provides the Regulation on Energy Efficiency on Ships having Regulations

19 to 23. Regulation 19 talks about the application of this chapter on ships of 400GT
and above.

Related Read: How to Improve Energy Efficiency of Ships?

Regulation 20 and 21 provide the details of Attained Energy Efficiency Design Index
(Attained EEDI) and Required EEDI.

Related Read: Energy Efficiency Management in the Maritime Industry

The Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP) requirements, which should
be kept onboard, is provided in Regulation 22. Further, the requirement for fuel oil
consumption data collection and reporting to the administration is also listed in this
regulation.

Related Read: What is Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan?

Regulation 23 talks about the technical cooperation between different parties

(Administration, Government agency, Shipping company etc.) to improve the energy
efficiency of ships.

Chapter 5 deals with the Verification of compliance with the provision of this
convention under Regulation 24 and 25.

Thus, SOLAS and MARPOL conventions stand as two solid pillars that support the
maritime industry by protecting the most important issues – marine pollution
prevention and safety of human life.
Disclaimer: The authors’ views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect
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