LO1.

3 - Evaluate the Chapters I-XII of the SOLAS Convention on their

contribution to the loss prevention. (to be reported by group 3)

1.     Enumerate and define the chapters of SOLAS?

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 the 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

2.     Which chapter deals with ISM?

The ISM Code was adopted by the IMO as Resolution A. 741(18), in

November 1993. It came into force on 1 July 1998 through SOLAS Chapter IX,

''Management for the Safe Operation of Ships''. The ISM Code provides an

international standard for the safe management and operation of ships and

for pollution prevention.

3.     How often the lifeboat has to be moved out from stowed position to

embarkation deck without person on board if weather permitted?  

4.     Which chapter deals with steering gear test?

The guidelines for tests and drills are provided in chapter V regulation 26

of SOLAS 74.

5.     Which chapter deals with GMDSS?

The regulations governing the GMDSS are contained in Chapter IV of the

International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), 1974.

6.     How often abandon ship drill has to be carried out on board? 

One abandon ship drill every month. and • one fire drill every month. In

passenger shipsthere must be an abandon ship drill and a fire drill every

week but it is permissible for these drills not to include all the crew as long as

the requirement for participation by each crew member at least once per

month is met.
7.     Which chapter deals with damage control information?

As per SOLAS chapter II-1/19, damage control booklet need to have all

the informationas per damage control plan. To comply with this, usually, a

copy of damage control plan will be included in the damage control booklet.

8.     Which chapter deals requirements for cargo ships carrying grain?

The 1991 International Code for the Safe Carriage of Grain in Bulk

(International GrainCode), adopted by resolution MSC. 23(59), has been

mandatory under SOLAS chapter VI since 1 January 1994.

9.     Which chapter deals carrier of dangerous goods in solid form in bulk?

SOLAS Chapter VII parts A and A-1 is for Carriage of Dangerous Goods in

Packaged Form and in Solid form in Bulk.

10.  What is the minimum recovery time for a rescue boat on a moderate sea

condition?

Recovery time of the rescue boat shall be not more than 5 min in moderate

sea conditions when loaded with its full complement of persons and

equipment.
LO1.4 – Evaluate the Annexes of the SOLAS Convention on their contribution

to the loss prevention. (To be reported by group 4)

1.     Read the Annex 1 and Annex 2 of SOLAS Res. 883(21) and make a list of

certificates and documents required to be carried on board ships as on

different types of vessel.

• Passenger Ship Safety Certificate

• Cargo Ship Safety Construction Certificate

• Cargo Ship Safety Equipment Certificate

• Cargo Ship Safety Radio Certificate

• Cargo Ship Safety Certificate

• Record of Equipment for the Passenger Ship Safety Certificate (Form P)

• Record of Equipment for the Cargo Ship Safety Equipment Certificate (Form

E)

• Record of Equipment for the Cargo Ship Safety Radio Certificate (Form R)

• Record of Equipment for the Cargo Ship Safety Certificate (Form C

• International Load Line Certificate

• International Load Line Exemption Certificate

2.     Complete the details of the Annex 3 list of resolutions adopted by the

SOLAS conferences.

a.     International conference on Safety of Life at Sea, 1974 (October

1974) - The SOLAS Convention in its successive forms is generally regarded as

the most important of all international treaties concerning the safety of

merchant ships. The first version was adopted in 1914, in response to the

Titanic disaster, the second in 1929, the third in 1948, and the fourth in 1960.

The 1974 version includes the tacit acceptance procedure - which provides

that an amendment shall enter into force on a specified date unless, before

that date, objections to the amendment are received from an agreed number

of Parties.

b.     Conference of contracting governments to the international convention

for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974 (May 1994)

c.     Conference of contracting governments to the international convention

for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974 (November 1995)

d.     Conference of contracting governments to the international convention

for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974 (November 1997)

e.     Conference of contracting governments to the international convention

for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974 (December 2002)

3.     Explain the Harmonized System of Survey and Certification (HSSC) and

which ships are required to have them?

The purpose of HSSC is simplifying and better organizing the process of

survey and certifications of ships. The Harmonized System of Survey and

Certification (HSSC) was introduced as a way to standardize the periods and

validity and time intervals between surveys for the major convention

certificates.

4.     Differentiate the statutory and mandatory certificates to be carried on

board and, explain the importance of statutory and mandatory certificates.

5.     Indicate the years of validity and issuing authority of the various

certificates.

a.     International Tonnage Certificate (1969) - Lifelong, as issued by the

Administration or by any person or organization duly authorized by it.

b.     International Load line Certificate (1966) - Maximum 5 Years, as issued

by the Administration or by any person or organization duly authorized by it.

c.     International Load line Exemption Certificate - Maximum 5 Years, as

issued by the Administration or by any person or organization duly

authorized by it.

d.     Minimum Safe Manning document - Maximum 5 Years, as issued by the

Ship Registry.

e.     Certificates of masters, officers and ratings - Maximum 5 Years, as issued

by the Administration.

f.      IOPP Certificate + Record of construction as per Regulation Safety

Construction Certificate (SAFECON) - Maximum 5 Years, as issued by the

Administration.

g.     Safety Equipment Certificate (500 GRT and above) - Maximum 5 Years, as

issued by the Administration or by any person or organization duly

authorized by it.