C O N S O L I D A T E D E D I T I O N 2020

Consolidated text of

the I n t e rn a t i o n a l C o n v e n t i o n for

the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974,

and its Protocol of 1 9 8 8 :

articles, a n n e x e s and certificates

I n c o r p o r a t i n g all a m e n d m e n t s

i n effect from 1 J a n u a r y 2020

Electronic edition

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London,2020
 Print edition (ISBN 978-92-807-7690-8) published in 2020 by the

INTERNATIONAL MARITIME ORGANIZATION

4 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7SR

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Electronic edition 2020

IMO P U B LI C A T I O N

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(seventh edition)

Editorial revision: September 2020

C o p y r i gh t O I n t e r n a ti o n a l Maritime Organization 2020

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Contents

Part 1

Articles of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Protocol of 1 9 8 8 relating to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974 11

Consolidated text of the annex to the 1974 SOLAS Convention

and the 1 9 8 8 Protocol relating thereto

Chapter I General provisions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Chapter 1 1 - 1 Construction -- Structure, s u b d i v i s i o n and stability, m a c h i n e r y

and electrical installations . 37

Chapter 1 1 - 2 Construction - Fire protection,

fire detection and fire extinction . 159

Chapter I l l Life-saving a p p l i a n c e s and arrangements . 285

Chapter IV Radiocommunications . 327

Chapter V Safety of navigation . 347

Chapter VI Carriage of cargoes a n d o i l fuels . 387

Chapter V I I Carriage of dangerous goods . 399

Chapter V I I I N u cl e a r s h i p s . 413

Chapter IX Management for the safe operation of s h i p s . 421

Chapter X Safety measures for high-speed craft . 427

Chapter X l - 1 Special measures to enhance m a r i t i m e safety . 433

Chapter Xl-2 Special measures to enhance m a r i t i m e security . 445

Chapter X I I A d d i t i o n a l safety measures for b u l k carriers . 459

Chapter X I I I Verification of c o m p l i a n c e . 477

Chapter X I V Safety measures for s h i p s operating in polar waters . 483

Appendix Certificates . 491

Part 2

Annex 1 Certificates a n d documents required to be carried on board s h i p s . 551

Annex 2 List of resolutions adopted by the SOLAS Conferences . 573

SOLAS C O N S O LI D A T E D E D I T I O N 2020 iii

Foreword

I n t r o d u ct i o n

The International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), 1974, currently in force, was adopted

on 1 November 1974 by the International Conference on Safety of Life at Sea, u n d e r the auspices of the

International M a r i t i m e Organization (IMO), and entered into force on 25 May 1 9 8 0 . It has s i n c e been amended

twice by means of protocols:

.1 by the Protocol adopted on 1 7 February 1 9 7 8 by the International Conference on Tanker Safety and

Pollution Prevention ( 1 9 7 8 SOLAS Protocol), w h i c h entered into force on 1 May 1 9 8 1 ; a n d

.2 by the Protocol adopted on 1 1 November 1 9 8 8 by the International Conference on the H a r m o n i z e d

System of Survey a n d Certification ( 1 9 8 8 SOLAS Protocol), w h i c h entered into force on 3 February

2000 and replaced a n d abrogated the 1 9 7 8 Protocol, as between Parties to the 1 9 8 8 Protocol.

2 In addition, the 1974 SOLAS Convention has been amended by means of resolutions adopted either

by IMO's Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) in its expanded form specified in SOLAS article VIII or by

Conferences of SOLAS Contracting Governments, also specified i n article V I I I , as follows:

.1 by the 1 9 8 1 amendments, w h i c h were adopted by resolution MSC.l(XLV) and entered into force

on 1 September 1984;

.2 by the 1 9 8 3 amendments, w h i c h were adopted by resolution MSC.6(48) and entered into force on

1 July 1986;

.3 by the A p r i l 1 9 8 8 amendments, w h i c h were adopted by resolution M S C. 11 ( 5 5 ) and entered into

force on 22 October 1989;

.4 by the October 1 9 8 8 amendments, w h i c h were adopted by resolution M S C. 1 2 ( 5 6 ) and entered into

force on 29 April 1990;

.5 by the November 1 9 8 8 amendments, w h i c h were adopted by resolutions 1 a n d 2 of the Conference

of Contracting Governments to SOLAS 1974 on the Global M a r i t i m e Distress and Safety System

and entered into force on 1 February 1 9 9 2 ;

.6 by the 1 9 8 9 amendments, w h i c h were adopted by resolution M S C. 13 ( 5 7 ) a n d entered into force on

1 February 1992;

.7 by the 1 9 9 0 amendments, w h i c h were adopted by resolution M S C. 1 9 ( 5 8 ) and entered into force on

1 February 1992;

.8 by the 1 9 9 1 amendments, w h i c h were adopted by resolution MSC.22(59) a n d entered into force on

1 J a n u a r y 1994;

.9 by the April 1 9 9 2 amendments, w h i c h were adopted by resolutions MSC.24(60) a n d MSC.26(60)

and entered into force on 1 October 1994;

.10 by the December 1 9 9 2 amendments, w h i c h were adopted by resolution MSC.27(61) and entered

into force on 1 October 1994;

.11 by the May 1 9 9 4 amendments, w h i c h were adopted by resolution M S C . 3 1 ( 6 3 ) a n d entered into

force on 1 J a n u a r y 1 9 96 (annex 1 ) and on 1 J u l y 1 9 9 8 (annex 2);

SOLAS CONSOLIDATED E D I T I O N 2020 V

Foreword

.12 by the May 1994 amendments, which were adopted by resolution 1 of the Conference of

Contracting G o v e rn m e n t s to SOLAS 1974 and entered into force on 1 January 1 9 96 (annex 1) and

on 1 July 1998 (annex 2);

.13 by the December 1994 amendments, which were adopted by resolution M S C. 4 2 ( 6 4 ) and entered

into force on 1 July 1 9 96 ;

.14 by the May 1995 amendments, which were adopted by resolution M S C .4 6 ( 6 5 ) and entered into

force on 1 January 1997;

.15 by the November 1995 amendments, which were adopted by resolution 1 of the Conference of

Contracting G o v e rn m e n t s to SOLAS 1974 and entered into force on 1 July 1997;

.16 by the June 1 9 96 amendments, which were adopted by resolution M S C. 4 7 ( 6 6 ) and entered into

force on 1 July 1998;

.17 by the December 1 9 96 amendments, which were adopted by resolution M S C. 5 7 ( 6 7 ) and entered

into force on 1 July 1998;

.18 by the June 1997 amendments, which were adopted by resolution M S C. 6 5 ( 6 8 ) and entered into

force on 1 July 1999;

.19 by the November 1997 amendments which were adopted by resolution 1 of the Conference of

Contracting G o v e rn m e n t s to SOLAS 1974 and entered into force on 1 July 1999;

.20 by the May 1998 amendments, which were adopted by resolution M S C. 6 9 ( 6 9 ) and entered into

force on 1 July 2002;

.21 by the May 1999 amendments, which were adopted by resolution M S C. 8 7 ( 7 1 ) and entered into

force on 1 January 2001;

.22 by the May 20 0 0 amendments, which were adopted by resolution M S C. 9 1 ( 72 ) and entered into

force on 1 January 2002;

.23 by the November 20 0 0 amendments, which were adopted by resolution M S C. 9 9 ( 7 3 ) and entered

into force on 1 July 2002;

.24 by the June 2 0 01 amendments, which were adopted by resolution M S C. 1 1 7 ( 7 4 ) and entered into

force on 1 January 2 0 03 ;

.25 by the May 2002 amendments, which were adopted by resolution M S C. 1 23 ( 7 5 ) and entered into

force on 1 January 2004;

.26 by the December 2002 amendments, which were adopted by resolution M S C. 13 4 ( 7 6 ) and entered

into force on 1 July 2004;

.27 by the December 2002 amendments, which were adopted by resolution 1 of the Conference of

Contracting G o v e rn m e n t s to the I n t e rn a t i o n a l Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974 and

entered into force on 1 July 2004;

.28 by the June 2 0 03 amendments, which were adopted by resolution M S C. 1 4 2 ( 77 ) and entered into

force on 1 July 2006;

.29 by the May 2004 amendments, which were adopted by resolutions M S C. 1 5 1 ( 7 8 ) , M S C. 1 5 2 ( 7 8 ) and

M S C. 1 5 3 ( 7 8 ) , and entered into force on 1 January 2006, 1 July 2006 and 1 July 2006, respectively;

.30 by the December 2004 amendments, which were adopted by resolution M S C. 1 7 0 ( 7 9 ) and entered

into force on 1 July 2006;

.31 by the May 2005 amendments, which were adopted by resolution MSC.194(80) and entered into

force on 1 January 2007 (annex 1) and 1 January 2009 (annex 2);

vi SOLAS C O N S O LI D A T E D EDITION 2020

 Foreword

.32 by the May 2006 amendments, w h i c h were adopted by resolutions M S C. 2 01 ( 8 1 ) and MSC.202(81)

and entered into force on 1 J u l y 2010 a n d 1 J a n u a r y 2008, respectively;

.33 by the December 2006 amendments, w h i c h were adopted by resolution M S C. 2 1 6 ( 8 2 ) and entered

into force on 1 J u l y 2008 (annex 1 ) , 1 J a n u a r y 2009 (annex 2), and 1 J u l y 2010 (annex 3);

.34 by the October 2007 amendments, w h i c h were adopted by resolution MSC.239(83) a n d entered

into force on 1 J u l y 2009;

.35 by the May 2008 amendments, w h i c h were adopted by resolutions MSC.256(84) and MSC.257(84)

and entered into force on 1 J a n u a r y 201 O;

.36 by the December 2008 amendments, w h i c h were adopted by resolution MSC.269(85) and entered

into force on 1 J u l y 2010 (annex 1 ) a n d 1 J a n u a r y 2 0 1 1 (annex 2);

.37 by the J u n e 2009 amendments, w h i c h were adopted by resolution MSC.282(86) and entered into

force on 1 J a n u a r y 2 0 1 1 ;

.38 by the May 2010 amendments, w h i c h were adopted by resolutions MSC.290(87) a n d M S C. 2 9 1 ( 8 7 )

and entered into force on 1 J a n u a r y 2 01 2 ;

.39 by the December 2010 amendments, w h i c h were adopted by resolution MSC.308(88) and entered

into force on 1 J u l y 2 01 2 ;

.40 by the May 2011 amendments, w h i c h were adopted by resolution M S C. 3 1 7 ( 8 9 ) and entered into

force on 1 J a n u a r y 2013;

.41 by the May 2 0 1 2 amendments, w h i c h were adopted by resolution MSC.325(90) and entered into

force on 1 J a n u a r y 2 0 1 4 ;

.42 by the November 2 0 1 2 amendments, w h i c h were adopted by resolution M S C. 3 3 8 ( 9 1 ) and entered

into force on 1 J u l y 2 01 4 ;

.43 by the J u n e 2013 amendments, w h i c h were adopted by resolution MSC.350(92) and entered into

force on 1 J a n u a r y 2 0 1 5 ;

.44 by the May 2 01 4 amendments, w h i c h were adopted by resolutions MSC.365(93) a n d M S C. 3 6 6 ( 9 3 )

and entered into force on 1 J a n u a r y 2 0 1 6 ;

.45 by the November 2 01 4 amendments, which were adopted by resolutions MSC.380(94) and

MSC. 386(94) and entered into force on 1 J u l y 2 01 6 a n d on 1 J a n u a r y 2 0 1 7, respectively;

.46 by the J u n e 2 0 1 5 amendments, w h i c h were adopted by resolutions MSC.392(95), MSC.394(95) and

MSC.395(95) a n d entered into force on 1 J a n u a r y 2017;

.47 by the Secretariat corrections to resolution MSC.290(87) (see subparagraph . 3 8 above) u n d e r the

cover of Note Verbale NV.009;

.48 by the May 2 01 6 amendments, w h i c h were adopted by resolution MSC.404(96) a n d entered into

force on 1 J a n u a r y 2020;

.49 by the November 2 01 6 amendments, w h i c h were adopted by resolution MSC.409(97) a n d entered

into force on 1 J a n u a r y 2020;

.50 by the J u n e 2 01 7 amendments, w h i c h were adopted by resolution MSC.421(98) a n d entered into

force on 1 J a n u a r y 2020; a n d

.51 by the May 2018 amendments, w h i c h were adopted by resolution MSC.436(99) a n d entered into

force on 1 J a n u a r y 2020.

3 In addition to the above-mentioned amendments, the 1978 SOLAS Protocol has been amended, as

follows:

.1 by the 1 9 8 1 amendments, w h i c h were adopted by resolution MSC.2(XLV) a n d entered into force

on 1 September 1984;

SOLAS CONSOLIDATED E D I T I O N 2020 vii

Foreword

.2 by the 1988 amendments, which were adopted by resolution 1 of the Conference of Contracting

G o v e rn m e n t s to SOLAS 1974 on the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System and entered into

force on 1 February 1992; and

.3 by the 2 01 2 amendments, which were adopted by resolution M S C. 3 4 3 ( 9 1 ) and entered into force

on 1 July 2014.

4 The 1988 SOLAS Protocol has also been amended, as fo l l o w s :

.1 by the May 20 0 0 amendments, which were adopted by resolution M S C. 9 2 ( 72 ) and entered into

force on 1 January 2002;

.2 by the December 20 0 0 amendments, which were adopted by resolution M S C. 10 0 ( 7 3 ) and entered

into force on 1 July 2002;

.3 by the May 2002 amendments, which were adopted by resolution M S C. 1 2 4 ( 7 5 ) and entered into

force on 1 January 2004;

.4 by the May 2004 amendments, which were adopted by resolution M S C. 1 5 4 ( 7 8 ) and entered into

force on 1 July 2006;

.5 by the December 2004 amendments, which were adopted by resolution M S C. 1 7 1 ( 7 9 ) and entered

into force on 1 July 2006;

.6 by the May 2006 amendments, which were adopted by resolution M S C. 2 0 4 ( 8 1 ) and s h a ll be

deemed to have been accepted on the date on which they are accepted by two thirds of the Parties

to the Protocol and s h a ll enter into force six months after that date;

.7 by the December 2006 amendments, which were adopted by resolution M S C. 22 7 ( 8 2 ) and entered

into force on 1 July 2008;

.8 by the October 2007 amendments, which were adopted by resolution M S C. 2 4 0 ( 8 3 ) and entered

into force on 1 July 2009;

.9 by the May 2008 amendments, which were adopted by resolution M S C. 2 5 8 ( 8 4 ) and entered into

force on 1 January 2 01 O;

.10 by the June 2009 amendments, which were adopted by resolution M S C. 2 8 3 ( 8 6 ) and entered into

force on 1 January 2 0 11 ;

.11 by the December 2 0 10 amendments, which were adopted by resolution M S C. 3 0 9 ( 8 8 ) and entered

into force on 1 July 2012; and

.12 by the November 2012 amendments, which were adopted by resolution M S C. 3 4 4 ( 9 1 ) and entered

into force on 1 July 2014.

Content of the consolidated text

5 This publication, compiled by the Secretariat to p ro v i d e an easy reference to SOLAS requirements,

contains a consolidated text of the 1974 SOLAS Convention, the 1988 SOLAS Protocol, and a ll subsequent

amendments thereto in force as on 1 January 2020.

6 In addition to the above, this publication contains the U n i fi e d Interpretations of SOLAS regulations,

approved by IMO's M a r i t i m e Safety C o m m i tt e e ( M S C ) in o r d e r to fa c i l i t a t e g l o b a l and consistent implementation

of the requirements of the Convention. The Secretariat have co m p i l e d a ll U n i fi e d Interpretations approved by

the MSC since 2 0 11 (i.e. MSC 89). The U n i fi e d Interpretations are arranged by chapter and placed at the end

of each chapter. They are also numbered by chapter and cross-referenced to the regulation they clarify.

7 The publication has been a rr a n g e d in two parts:

.1 part 1, which contains the 1974 SOLAS Convention and 1988 SOLAS Protocol a r t i cl e s , requirements

and certificates; and

viii SOLAS C O N S O LI D A T E D EDITION 2020

 Foreword

.2 part 2, wh i c h contains a list of certificates a n d documents to be carried on board s h i p s a n d a list

of resolutions adopted by the aforementioned SOLAS Conferences.

8 The operational requirements contained in this consolidated text are, i n general, a p p l i c a b l e to all ships,

w h i l s t the requirements for s h i p construction a n d e q u i p m e n t apply to s h i p s constructed on or after the dates

specified in the various regulations. To identify construction and e q u i p m e n t requirements a p p l i c a b l e to s h i p s

constructed before 2020, previous texts of the 1974 SOLAS Convention, the 1 9 8 8 SOLAS Protocol and the

amendments to the Convention s h o u l d be consulted.

9 Those requirements of chapter I a n d of the appendix to the annex to the 1974 SOLAS Convention w h i c h

have been modified by the 1 9 8 8 SOLAS Protocol are indicated by the symbol [El. No s i m i l a r symbol is shown

for requirements of the 1974 SOLAS Convention w h i c h were modified by the 1 9 7 8 SOLAS Protocol because,

whilst, in respect of chapter I of the Convention, the requirements thereof have been replaced a n d abrogated

by the 1988 SOLAS Protocol, as between Parties to the Protocol, for requirements in other chapters of the

Convention, they have been superseded by SOLAS amendments subsequently adopted.

10 In general, this publication reproduces the text of the 1974 SOLAS Convention and the 1988 SOLAS

Protocol a n d i n cl u d e s the modifications a n d amendments thereto given i n their authentic texts. I n addition, it

i n cl u d e s some m i n o r editorial changes, w h i c h , w h i l e not altering the substance, a i m at achieving a degree of

consistency between the texts of the 1974 SOLAS Convention and the 1 9 8 8 SOLAS Protocol a n d the various

amendments. In particular:

.1 while the decimal numbering system is used for paragraphs and subparagraphs of regulations

in chapters 1 1 - 1 , 11-2, 1 1 1 , IV, V, VI and VII, which were completely rewritten in the respective

amendments, the o r i g i n a l n u m b e r i n g system is retained in chapters I a n d V I I I ;

.2 the references to regulations, paragraphs and chapters in the texts adopted in the 1981 and

subsequent amendments use an abbreviated form (e.g. "regulation 11-2/55.5"), whereas the

original reference system is retained i n u n a m e n d e d regulations (e.g. "regulation 5 of t h i s chapter",

"paragraph (a) of t h i s regulation", etc.);

.3 the term tons gross tonnage has been replaced by the term gross tonnage i n view of the Assembly's

decision (resolution A.493(XII)) that the term tons gross tonnage used i n I M O instruments s h o u l d be

considered as having the same m e a n i n g as gross tonnage as determined u n d e r the 1 9 6 9 Tonnage

Convention; a n d

.4 metric values of the S I system have been used in accordance with resolution A. 3 5 1 ( I X ) .

Status of footnotes

11 Some of the footnotes contained i n this p u b l i c a t i o n are not part of the authentic text of the Convention.

They were inserted or updated at the time of p u b l i c a t i o n by the Secretariat, taking into account the provisions

of the u n i fo r m wording for referencing IMO instruments (resolution A.911(22)). Footnotes inserted or updated

refer to codes, g u i d e l i n e s , recommendations, explanatory notes or decisions of the MSC relating to a p a r t i c u l a r

text. The reader must make use of the latest versions of the referenced texts, bearing i n m i n d that such texts

may have been revised or superseded by updated material since p u b l i c a t i o n of t h i s consolidated edition of

the 1974 SOLAS Convention, as amended. However, t h i s does not apply to footnotes co n t a i n i n g references to

specific editions of industry standards, such as their n u m b e r or effective date, w h i c h s h o u l d o n l y be amended

after approval of the relevant revised edition of the industry standard by the IMO.

The list o n l y i n cl u d e s the certificates and documents that are required under IMO instruments and it does not i n cl u d e certificates

or documents required by other international organizations or governmental a u t h o r i t i e s . It s h o u l d not be used in the context of port

State control inspections for which convention requirements s h o u l d be referred to.

SOLAS C O N S O LI D A T E D E D I T I O N 2020 ix
A r t i c l e s of the I n t e r n a t i o n a l C o n v e n t i o n for

t h e Safety of Life at Sea, 1 9 74

T H E CONTRACTING GOVERNMENTS

B E I N G DESIROUS of promoting safety of life at sea by e s t a b l i s h i n g i n a co m m o n agreement u n i fo r m p r i n c i p l e s

and r u l e s directed thereto,

C O N S I DE R I N G that t h i s end may best be achieved by the co n cl u s i o n of a Convention to replace the International

Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1960, taking account of developments since that Convention was

concluded,

HAVE AGREED as follows:

Article I

General obligations under the Convention

(a) The Contracting Governments undertake to give effect to the provisions of the present Convention and

the annex thereto, which shall constitute an integral part of the present Convention. Every reference to the

present Convention constitutes at the same time a reference to the annex.

(b) The Contracting Governments undertake to promulgate all laws, decrees, orders a n d regulations a n d to

take all other steps w h i c h may be necessary to give the present Convention full and complete effect, so as to

ensure that, from the point of view of safety of life, a s h i p is fit for the service for w h i c h it is intended.

Article I I

Application

The present Convention shall apply to s h i p s entitled to fly the flag of States the Governments of w h i c h are

Contracting Governments.

Article Ill

Laws, regulations'

The Contracting Governments undertake to co m m u n i c a t e to a n d deposit with the Secretary-General of the

Inter-Governmental M a r i t i m e Consultative Organization+ (hereinafter referred to as "the Organization"):

(a) a list of non-governmental agencies w h i c h are authorized to act i n their behalf i n the administration of

measures for safety of life at sea for c i r c u l a t i o n to the Contracting Governments for the information of their

officers;

Refer to Transfer of ships between States (MSC/Circ.1140-MEPC/Circ.424).

t Refer to Article Ill of the 1988 SOLAS Protocol; Notification and circulation through the Global Integrated Shipping Information

System (CISIS) (resolution A.1074(28)).

The name of the Organization was changed to "International Maritime Organization" (IMO) by virtue of amendments to the

Organization's Convention w h i c h entered into force on 22 May 1 9 8 2 .

SOLAS C O N S O LI D A T E D E D I T I O N 2020 5
International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974

Article IV

(b) the text of laws, decrees, orders and regulations w h i c h shall have been promulgated on the various

matters w i t h i n the scope of the present Convention;

(c) a sufficient n u m b e r of specimens of their certificates issued under the provisions of the present Convention

for c i r c u l a t i o n to the Contracting Governments for the information of their officers.

Article IV

Cases of force majeure

(a) A ship, w h i c h is not subject to the provisions of the present Convention at the time of its departure on

any voyage, shall not become subject to the provisions of the present Convention on account of any deviation

from its intended voyage due to stress of weather or any other case of force majeure.

(b) Persons who are on board a s h i p by reason of force majeure or i n consequence of the obligation laid

upon the master to carry shipwrecked or other persons s h a l l not be taken into account for the purpose of

ascertaining the application to a s h i p of any provisions of the present Convention.

Article V

Carriage of persons in emergencies

(a) For the purpose of evacuating persons in order to avoid a threat to the security of their lives a Contracting

Government may permit the carriage of a larger n u m b e r of persons in its s h i p s than is otherwise permissible

under the present Convention.

(b) Such permission shall not deprive other Contracting Governments of any right of control under the

present Convention over such s h i p s w h i c h come w i t h i n their ports.

(c) Notice of any such permission, together with a statement of the circumstances, shall be sent to the

Secretary-General of the Organization by the Contracting Government granting such p e r m i s s i o n .

Article VI

Prior treaties and conventions

(a) As between the Contracting Governments, the present Convention replaces and abrogates the

International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea w h i c h was signed i n London on 1 7 J u n e 1 96 0 .

(b) All other treaties, conventions and arrangements relating to safety of life at sea, or matters appertaining

thereto, at present in force between Governments parties to the present Convention s h a ll continue to have full

and complete effect d u r i n g the terms thereof as regards:

(i) s h i p s to w h i c h the present Convention does not apply;

(ii) s h i p s to w h i c h the present Convention applies, i n respect of matters for w h i c h it has not expressly

provided.

(c) To the extent, however, that such treaties, conventions or arrangements conflict with the provisions of

the present Convention, the provisions of the present Convention s h a l l prevail.

(d) All matters which a r e not expressly provided for in the present Convention remain subject to the

legislation of the Contracting Governments.

6 SOLAS CONSOLIDATED E D I T I O N 2020

 International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 7974

Article V I I I

Article V I I

Special rules drawn up by agreement

When in accordance with the present Convention special rules are drawn up by agreement between a l l or

some of the Contracting Governments, such rules shall be communicated to the Secretary-General of the

Organization for c i r c u l a t i o n to all Contracting Governments.

Article VIII

Amendments

(a) The present Convention may be amended by either of the procedures specified in the following

paragraphs.

(b) Amendments after consideration w i t h i n the Organization:

(i) Any am e nd m e nt proposed by a Contracting Government shall be submitted to the Secretary­

General of the Organization, who shall then circulate it to all Members of the Organization and a l l

Contracting Governments at least six months prior to its consideration.

(ii) Any am e nd m e nt proposed and circulated as above shall be referred to the Maritime Safety

Committee of the Organization for consideration.

(iii) Contracting Governments of States, whether or not Members of the Organization, s h a l l be entitled

to participate in the proceedings of the Maritime Safety Committee for the consideration and

adoption of amendments.

(iv) Amendments shall be adopted by a two-thirds majority of the Contracting Governments present

and voting i n the M a r i t i m e Safety Committee expanded as provided for i n subparagraph ( i i i ) of t h i s

paragraph (hereinafter referred to as "the expanded M a r i t i m e Safety Committee") on co n d i t i o n that

at least one third of the Contracting Governments shall be present at the time of voting.

(v) Amendments adopted in accordance with subparagraph (iv) of this paragraph s h a l l be communicated

by the Secretary-General of the Organization to all Contracting Governments for acceptance.

(vi) (1) An am e nd m e nt to an article of the Convention or to chapter I of the annex shall be deemed

to have been accepted on the date on which it is accepted by two thirds of the Contracting

Governments.

(2) An am e nd m e nt to the annex other than chapter I s h a l l be deemed to have been accepted

(aa) at the end of two years from the date on which it is co m m u n i c a t e d to Contracting

Governments for acceptance; or

(bb) at the end of a different period, w h i c h s h a l l not be less than one year, if so determined at

the time of its adoption by a two-thirds majority of the Contracting Governments present

and voting in the expanded M a r i t i m e Safety Committee.

However, if w i t h i n t h e specified period either more than one third of Contracting Governments,

or Contracting Governments the co m b i n e d merchant fleets of w h i c h constitute not less than

50% of the gross tonnage of the world's merchant fleet, notify the Secretary-General of the

Organization that they object to the amendment, it shall be deemed not to have been accepted.

(vii) (1) An a m e n d m e n t to an article of the Convention or to chapter I of the annex shall enter into

force with respect to those Contracting Governments w h i c h have accepted it, six months after

the date on w h i c h it is deemed to have been accepted, a n d with respect to each Contracting

Government which accepts it after that date, six months after the date of that Contracting

Government's acceptance.

Refer to Guidance on entry into force of amendments to the 7974 SOLAS Convention and related mandatory instruments

( M S C. 1 / C i r c. 1 4 8 1 ) and Guidance on drafting of amendments to the 7974 SOLAS Convention and related mandatory instruments

(MSC.1 /Circ.1500/Rev.1 ).

SOLAS C O N S O LI D A T E D E D I T I O N 2020 7
International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974

Article IX

(2) An am e nd m e nt to the annex other than chapter I shall enter into force with respect to all

Contracting Governments, except those which have objected to the amendment under

subparagraph (vi)(2) of t h i s paragraph and w h i c h have not withdrawn such objections, 6 months

after the date on w h i c h it is deemed to have been accepted. However, before the date set for

entry into force, any Contracting Government may give notice to the Secretary-General of

the Organization that it exempts itself from giving effect to that amendment for a period not

longer than one year from the date of its entry into force, or for such longer period as may be

determined by a two-thirds majority of the Contracting Governments present and voting i n the

expanded M a r i t i m e Safety Committee at the time of the adoption of the a m e n d m e n t.

(c) A me n d me n t by a Conference:

(i) Upon the request of a Contracting Government concurred in by at least one t h i r d of the Contracting

Governments, the Organization shall convene a Conference of Contracting Governments to

consider amendments to the present Convention.

(ii) Every amendment adopted by such a Conference by a two-thirds majority of the Contracting

Governments present and voting shall be co m m u n i c a t e d by the Secretary-General of the

Organization to all Contracting Governments for acceptance.

(iii) Unless the Conference decides otherwise, the amendment shall be deemed to have been accepted

and shall enter into force in accordance with the procedures specified in subparagraphs (b)(vi) a n d

(b)(vii) respectively of t h i s article, provided that references in these paragraphs to the expanded

M a r i t i m e Safety Committee shall be taken to mean references to the Conference.

(d) () A Contracting Government w h i c h has accepted an amendment to the annex w h i c h has entered

into force s h a l l n o t be obliged to extend the benefit of the present Convention in respect of the

certificates issued to a s h i p entitled to fly the flag of a State the Government of w h i c h , pursuant to

the provisions of subparagraph (b)(vi)(2) of t h i s article, has objected to the a men dmen t a n d has not

withdrawn such an objection, but o n l y to the extent that such certificates relate to matters covered

by the a m e n d m e n t i n question.

(ii) A Contracting Government w h i c h has accepted an amendment to the annex w h i c h has entered

into force shall extend the benefit of the present Convention in respect of the certificates issued

to a s h i p entitled to fly the flag of a State the Government of w h i c h , p u r s u a n t to the provisions of

subparagraph (b)(vii)(2) of t h i s article, has notified the Secretary-General of the Organization that it

exempts itself from giving effect to the a m e n d m e n t.

(e) Unless expressly provided otherwise, any a m e n d m e n t to the present Convention made u n d e r this article,

which relates to the structure of a ship, shall apply o n l y to s h i p s the keels of w h i c h are l a i d or w h i c h are at a

s i m i l a r stage of construction, on or after the date on w h i c h the amendment enters into force.

(f) Any declaration of acceptance of, or objection to, an amendment or any notice given under

subparagraph (b)(vii)(2) of t h i s article shall be submitted i n w r i t i n g to the Secretary-General of the Organization,

who shall inform all Contracting Governments of any such s u b m i s s i o n a n d the date of its receipt.

(g) The Secretary-General of the Organization shall inform all Contracting Governments of any amendments

which enter into force under this article, together with the date on which each such amendment enters

into force.

Article IX

Signature, ratification, acceptance, approval and accession

(a) The present Convention s h a ll remain open for signature at the Headquarters of the Organization from

1 November 1974 u n t i l 1 J u l y 1 9 7 5 and s h a ll thereafter remain open for accession. States may become parties

to the present Convention by:

(i) signature without reservation as to ratification, acceptance or approval; or

8 SOLAS C O N S O LI D A T E D E D I T I O N 2020
 International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 7974

Article X I I

(ii) signature subject to ratification, acceptance or approval, followed by ratification, acceptance or

approval; or

(iii) accession.

(b) Ratification, acceptance, approval or accession shall be effected by the deposit of an instrument to that

effect with the Secretary-General of the Organization.

(c) The Secretary-General of the Organization shall i n fo r m the Governments of all States w h i c h have signed

the present Convention or acceded to it of any signature or of the deposit of any instrument of ratification,

acceptance, approval or accession and the date of its deposit.

Article X

Entry into force

(a) The present Convention shall enter into force 1 2 months after the date on w h i c h not less than 25 States,

the co m b i n e d merchant fleets of w h i c h constitute not less than 50% of the gross tonnage of the world's

merchant s h i p p i n g , have become parties to it i n accordance with article I X .

(b) Any instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession deposited after the date on w h i c h the

present Convention enters into force shall take effect three months after the date of deposit.

(c) After the date on which an am e nd men t to the present Convention is deemed to have been accepted

u n d e r article V I I I , any instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession deposited shall apply to

the Convention as amended.

Article XI

Denunciation

(a) The present Convention may be denounced by any Contracting Government at any time after the expiry

of five years from the date on w h i c h the Convention enters into force for that Government.

(b) Denunciation shall be effected by the deposit of an instrument of d e n u n c i a t i o n with the Secretary­

General of the Organization who shall notify all the other Contracting Governments of any instrument of

denunciation received and of the date of its receipt as well as the date on which such denunciation takes

effect.

(c) A d e n u n c i a t i o n shall take effect one year, or such longer period as may be specified i n the instrument of

d e n u n c i a t i o n , after its receipt by the Secretary-General of the Organization.

Article XII

Deposit and registration

(a) The present Convention shall be deposited with the Secretary-General of the Organization who shall

transmit certified true copies thereof to the Governments of all States w h i c h have signed the present Convention

or acceded to it.

(b) As soon as the present Convention enters into force, the text shall be transmitted by the Secretary­

General of the Organization to the Secretary-General of the United Nations for registration and p u b l i c a t i o n ,

in accordance with Article 102 of the Charter of the United Nations.

SOLAS C O N S O LI D A T E D E D I T I O N 2020 9
International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974

Article X I I I

Article XIII

Languages

The present Convention is established in a s i n g l e copy i n the Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish

languages, each text being equally authentic. O ff i c i a l translations in the Arabic, German a n d I t a l i a n languages

shall be prepared and deposited with the signed o r i g i n a l.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF the u n d e r s i g n e d , b ei n g duly authorized by their respective Governments for that

purpose, have signed the present Convention.

D O N E AT LONDON this first day of November one thousand n i n e h u n d r e d and seventy-four.

Signatures omitted.

10 SOLAS C O N S O LI D A T E D E D I T I O N 2020
Protocol of 1 9 8 8 r e l a t i n g

to t h e I n t e r n a t i o n a l

C o n v e n t i o n for t h e Safety

of Life at Sea, 1 9 74
Protocol of 1 9 8 8 r e l a t i n g to t h e I n t e r n a t i o n a l

C o n v e n t i o n for t h e Safety of Life at Sea, 1 9 74

T H E PARTIES TO T H E PRESENT PROTOCOL,

B E I N G PARTIES to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, done at London on 1 November

1974,

R EC O G N I Z I N G the need for the introduction into the above-mentioned Convention of provisions for survey

and certification harmonized with co rr e s p o n d i n g provisions i n other international instruments,

C O N S I D E R I N G that t h i s need may best be met by the co n cl u s i o n of a Protocol relating to the International

Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974,

HAVE AGREED as follows:

Article I

General obligations

The Parties to the present Protocol undertake to give effect to the provisions of the present Protocol a n d

the a n n e x hereto, w h i c h s h a l l constitute an integral part of the present Protocol. Every reference to the present

Protocol constitutes at the same t i m e a reference to the annex hereto.

2 As between the Parties to the present Protocol, the provisions of the International Convention for the

Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, as amended, (hereinafter referred to as "the Convention") s h a l l a p p l y subject to the

modifications and a d d i t i o n s set out in the present Protocol.

3 With respect to s h i p s entitled to fly the flag of a State w h i c h is not a Party to the Convention and the

present Protocol, the Parties to the present Protocol s h a l l apply the requirements of the Convention and the

present Protocol as may be necessary to ensure that no more favourable treatment is given to such s h i p s .

Article I I

Prior treaties

As between the Parties to the present Protocol, the present Protocol replaces and abrogates the Protocol

of 1 9 7 8 relating to the Convention.

2 Notwithstanding any other provisions of the present Protocol, any certificate issued under, and in

accordance with, the provisions of the Convention a n d any s u p p l e m e n t to such certificate issued under, and

i n accordance with, the provisions of the Protocol of 1 9 7 8 relating to the Convention w h i c h is current when

the present Protocol enters into force in respect of the Party by which the certificate or s u p p l e m e n t was issued,

shall remain v a l i d until it expires u n d e r the terms of the Convention or the Protocol of 1 9 7 8 relating to the

Convention, as the case may be.

3 A Party to the present Protocol s h a l l not issue certificates under, and i n accordance with, the provisions

of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, as adopted on 1 November 1974.

SOLAS CONSOLIDATED E D I T I O N 2020 13

Protocol of 7988 relating to SOLAS 7974

Article I l l

Article I l l

Communication of information

The Parties to the present Protocol undertake to communicate to, and deposit with, the Secretary-General of

the International M a r i t i m e Organization (hereinafter referred to as "the Organization"):

(a) the text of laws, decrees, orders a n d regulations a n d other instruments which have been promulgated

on the various matters w i t h i n the scope of the present Protocol;

(b) a l i s t of nominated surveyors or recognized organizations which are authorized to act on their

behalf in the administration of measures for safety of life at sea for circulation to the Parties for

information of t h e i r officers, and a notification of the specific responsibilities a n d co n d i t i o n s of the

authority delegated to those nominated surveyors or recognized organizations; a n d

(c) a sufficient n u m b e r of specimens of t h e i r certificates issued u n d e r the provision of the present

Protocol.

Article IV

Signature, ratification, acceptance, approval and accession

The present Protocol s h a l l be open for signature at the Headquarters of the Organization from 1 March

1989 to 28 February 1990 and shall thereafter remain open for accession. Subject to the provisions of

paragraph 3, States may express t h e i r consent to be b o u n d by the present Protocol by:

(a) signature without reservation as to ratification, acceptance or approval; or

(b) signature subject to ratification, acceptance or approval, followed by ratification, acceptance or

approval; or

(c) accession.

2 Ratification, acceptance, approval or accession s h a l l be effected by the deposit of an instrument to that

effect with the Secretary-General of the O r g a n i z a t i o n .

3 The present Protocol may be signed without reservation, ratified, accepted, approved or acceded to o n l y

by States w h i c h have signed without reservation, ratified, accepted, approved or acceded to the Convention.

Article V

Entry into force

The present Protocol s h a ll enter into force twelve months after the date on which both the fo l l o w i n g

c o n d i t i o n s h a v e been met:

(a) not less than fifteen States, the co m b i n e d merchant fleets of w h i c h constitute not less than 50% of

the gross tonnage of the world's merchant s h i p p i n g , have expressed t h e i r consent to be b o u n d by

it in accordance with article IV, a n d

(b) the co n d i t i o n s for the entry into force of the Protocol of 1 9 8 8 relating to the International Convention

on Load Lines, 1 9 6 6 , have been met,

provided that the present Protocol shall not enter into force before 1 February 1 9 9 2 .

2 For States which have deposited an instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession in

respect of the present Protocol after the co n d i t i o n s for entry into force thereof have been met but prior to the

date of entry into force, the ratification, acceptance, approval or accession shall take effect on the date of entry

into force of the present Protocol or three months after the date of deposit of the instrument, whichever is the

later date.

Refer to Notification and circulation through the Global Integrated Shipping Information System (CISIS) (resolution A.1074(28)).

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 Protocol of 7988 relating to SOLAS 7974

Article V I I I

3 Any instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession deposited after the date on w h i c h the

present Protocol enters into force s h a l l take effect three months after the date of deposit.

4 After the date on which an amendment to the present Protocol is deemed to have been accepted

u n d e r article V I , any instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession deposited s h a l l a p p l y to the

present Protocol as a m e n d e d .

Article VI

Amendments

The procedures set out in article V I I I of the Convention s h a l l a p p l y to amendments to the present Protocol,

provided that:

(a) references in that article to the Convention a n d to Contracting Governments shall be taken to mean

references to the present Protocol and to the Parties to the present Protocol respectively;

(b) amendments to the articles of the present Protocol and to the a n n e x thereto s h a l l be adopted and

brought into force in accordance with the procedure a p p l i c a b l e to amendments to the articles of

the Convention or to chapter I of the annex thereto; and

(c) amendments to the a p p e n d i x to the a n n e x to the present Protocol may be adopted and brought into

force in accordance with the procedure a p p l i c a b l e to amendments to the a n n e x to the Convention

other than chapter I.

Article VII

Denunciation

The present Protocol may be denounced by any Party at any time after the expiry of five years from the

date on w h i c h the present Protocol enters into force for that Party.

2 Denunciation shall be effected by the deposit of an instrument of d e n u n c i a t i o n with the Secretary-

General of the Organization.

3 A d e n u n c i a t i o n shall take effect one year, or such longer period as may be specified i n the instrument of

d e n u n c i a t i o n , after its receipt by the Secretary-General of the Organization.

4 A denunciation of the Convention by a Party shall be deemed to be a denunciation of the present

Protocol by that Party. S u c h denunciation s h a l l take effect on the same date as d e n u n c i a t i o n of the Convention

takes effect according to paragraph (c) of article XI of the Convention.

Article VI 1 1

Depositary

The present Protocol shall be deposited with the Secretary-General of the Organization (hereinafter

referred to as "the depositary").

2 The depositary s h a l l :

(a) inform the Governments of a l l States w h i c h have signed the present Protocol or acceded thereto of:

(i) each new signature or deposit of an instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession,

together with the date thereof;

Refer to Guidance on entry into force of amendments to the 7974 SOLAS Convention and related mandatory instruments

( M S C. l / C i r c. 1 4 8 1 ) and Interim guidance on drafting of amendments to the 7974 SOLAS Convention and related mandatory instruments

( M S C. l / C i r c. 1 4 8 3 ) .

SOLAS CONSOLIDATED E D I T I O N 2020 15

Protocol of 7988 relating to SOLAS 7974

Article IX

(ii) the date of entry into force of the present Protocol;

(iii) the deposit of any instrument of d e n u n c i a t i o n of the present Protocol together with the date on

w h i c h it was received and the date on which the denunciation takes effect;

(b) transmit certified true copies of the present Protocol to the Governments of a l l States w h i c h have

signed the present Protocol or acceded thereto.

3 As soon as the present Protocol enters into force, a certified true copy thereof s h a l l be transmitted by

the depositary to the Secretariat of the United Nations for registration and publication in accordance with

Article 1 0 2 of the Charter of the United Nations.

Article IX

Languages

The present Protocol is established in a single original in the Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and

S p a n i s h languages, each text being e q u a l l y authentic. An official translation into the Italian language s h a l l be

prepared and deposited with the signed o r i g i n a l.

D O N E AT LONDON this eleventh day of November one thousand n i n e h u n d r e d and eighty-eight.

IN WITNESS W H E R EO F the undersigned,* being duly authorized by their respective Governments for that

purpose, have signed the present Protocol.

Signatures omitted.

16 SOLAS CONSOLIDATED E D I T I O N 2020

C o n s o l i d a t e d text of t h e

a n n e x to t h e 1 9 7 4 S O L A S

Convention a n d the 1 9 8 8

Protocol r e l a t i n g thereto
Chapter I V

Radiocommunications
Chapter IV

Radiocommunications

Part A General

Regulation 1 Application . 331

Regulation 2 Terms and d e fi n i t i o n s . 331

Regulation 3 Exemptions . 332

Regulation 4 F u n c t i o n a l requirements . 333

Regulation 4 - 1 G M D S S satellite providers . 333

Part B Undertakings by Contracting Governments

Regulation 5 Provision of r a d i o co m m u n i c a t i o n services . 334

Regulation 5 - 1 G l o b a l M a r i t i m e Distress and Safety System identities . 334

Part C Ship requirements

Regulation 6 Radio installations . 335

Regulation 7 Radio e q u i p m e n t: General . 336

Regulation 8 Radio e q u i p m e n t: Sea area A 1 . 337

Regulation 9 Radio e q u i p m e n t: Sea areas Al and A2 . 337

Regulation 10 Radio e q u i p m e n t: Sea areas A 1 , A2 and A3 . 338

Regulation 11 Radio e q u i p m e n t: Sea areas Al, A2, A3 and A4 . 339

Regulation 1 2 Watches . 340

Regulation 13 Sources of energy . 340

Regulation 14 Performance standards . 342

Regulation 1 5 Maintenance requirements . 342

Regulation 1 6 Radio personnel . 343

Regulation 17 Radio records . 343

Regulation 18 P o s i t i o n - u p d a t i n g . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 344

U n i fi e d Interpretations for Chapter IV . 345

SOLAS CONSOLIDATED E D I T I O N 2020 329

Part A

General

Regulation 1

Application

1 U n l e s s expressly provided otherwise, this chapter a p p l i e s to all s h i p s to w h i c h the present regulations

a p p l y and to cargo s h i p s of 300 gross tonnage a n d upwards.

2 T hi s chapter does not a p p l y to s h i p s to which the present regulations would otherwise apply w h i l e such

s h i p s are being navigated w i t h i n the Great Lakes of North America a n d their connecting and tributary waters

as far east as the lower exit of the St Lambert Lock at Montreal in the Province of Quebec, Canada.

3 No provision i n this chapter s h a ll prevent the use by any ship, s u r v i v a l craft or person in distress, of any

means at their disposal to attract attention, make known t h e i r position and obtain h e l p .

Regulation 2

Terms and definitions

1 For the purpose of t h i s chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings defined below:

.1 Bridge-to-bridge communications means safety c o m m u n i c a t i o n s between s h i p s fr o m the position

from which the s h i p s are n o r m a ll y navigated .

.2 Continuous watch means that the radio watch concerned s h a ll not be interrupted other than for brief

intervals when the ship's receiving capability is impaired or blocked by its own c o m m u n i c a t i o n s or

when the fa c i l i t i e s are under periodical maintenance or checks .

.3 Digital selective calling (DSC) means a t e c h n i q u e u s i n g digital codes w h i c h e n a b l e s a radio station

to establish contact with, and transfer information to, another station or group of stations, and

c o m p l y i n g with the relevant recommendations of the International Radio Consultative Committee

(CC1R).'

.4 Direct-printing telegraphy means automated telegraphy techniques w h i c h co m p l y with the relevant

recommendations of the International Radio Consultative Committee (CCIR).'

.5 General radiocommunications means operational and p u b l i c correspondence traffic, other than

distress, urgency and safety messages, conducted by radio .

.6 Inmarsat means the Organization established by the Convention on the International Maritime

Satellite Organization adopted on 3 September 1 9 7 6 .

Such ships are subject to special requirements relative to radio for safety purposes, as contained in the relevant agreement between

Canada and the United States of America.

t The name of the Committee was changed to "ITU R a d i o co m m u n i c a t i o n Sector" (ITU-R) due to Article 1 of the International

Telecommunication Constitution, Geneva, 1 9 9 2 .

The name of the Organization was changed to "International M o b i l e Satellite Organization" (lnmarsat) by virtue of amendments to

its Convention and Operating Agreement adopted by the 1 0 t h (extraordinary) A s s e m b l y (5 to 9 December 1994 ).

SOLAS CONSOLIDATED E D I T I O N 2020 331

Chapter IV: Radiocommunications

Regulation 3

.7 International NAVTEX Service means the coordinated broadcast and automatic reception on

5 18 kHz of m a r i t i m e safety information by means of narrow-band direct-printing telegraphy u s i n g

the E n g l i s h language.*

.8 Locating means the fi n d i n g of ships, aircraft, units or persons i n distress .

.9 Maritime safety information means navigational and meteorological warnings, meteorological

forecasts and other urgent safety-related messages broadcast to s h i p s .

. 10 Polar orbiting satellite service means a service w h i c h is based on p o l a r o r b i t i n g satellites w h i c h

receive a n d relay distress alerts from satellite E P I R B s and w h i c h provides t h e i r position .

.1 1 Radio Regulations means the Radio Regulations annexed to, or regarded as being annexed to, the

most recent International T e l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n Convention w h i c h is i n force at any time.

.1 2 Sea area A l means an area within the radiotelephone coverage of at least one V H F coast station i n

w h i c h co n t i n u o u s DSC alerting is available, as may be defined by a Contracting Government.'

.13 Sea area A 2 means an area, e x cl u d i n g sea area A l , w i t h i n the radiotelephone coverage of at least

one MF coast station in which continuous DSC alerting is available, as may be defined by a

Contracting Government.'

.14 Sea area A3 m e a n s an area, e x cl u d i n g sea areas Al a n d A2, w i t h i n the coverage of an lnmarsat

geostationary satellite i n w h i c h c o n t i n u o u s alerting is available.

.1 5 Sea area A4 means an area outside sea areas A l , A2 and A 3 .

.1 6 Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (CMOSS) identities means maritime m o b i l e services

identity, the ship's call sign, recognized m o b i l e satellite service identities and serial n u m b e r identity

w h i c h may be transmitted by the ship's e q u i p m e n t and used to identify the s h i p.

.1 7 Recognized mobile satellite service means any service w h i c h operates through a satellite system

and is recognized by the Organization, for use i n the G l o b a l Maritime Distress and Safety System

(GMDSS).

2 All other terms and abbreviations w h i c h are used i n this chapter and w h i c h are defined in the Radio

Regulations and in the International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue (SAR), 1979, as may be

amended, s h a l l have the m e a n i n g s as defined i n those Regulations and the SAR Convention.

Regulation 3

Exemptions

1 The Contracting Governments co n s i d e r it h i g h l y d e s i r a b l e not to deviate from the requirements of this

chapter; nevertheless the Administration may grant partial or co n d i t i o n a l exemptions to i n d i v i d u a l s h i p s from

the requirements of regulations 7 to 1 1 provided:

.1 such s h i p s c o m p l y with the functional requirements of regulation 4; a n d

.2 the Administration has taken into account the effect such exemptions may have upon the general

efficiency of the service for the safety of all s h i p s .

2 An exemption may be granted u n d e r paragraph 1 only:

.1 if the c o n d i t i o n s affecting safety are such as to render the full a p p l i c a t i o n of regulations 7 to 11

unreasonable or unnecessary;

.2 in exceptional circumstances, for a s i n g l e voyage outside the sea area or sea areas for which the

s h i p is e q u i p p e d .

Refer to the NAVTEX Manual.

Refer to Provision of radio services for the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (CMDSS) (resolution A . 8 0 1 (19), as amended).

332 SOLAS CONSOLIDATED E D I T I O N 2020

 Part A: General

Regulation 4-1

3 Each Administration shall s u b m i t to the Organization, as soon as possible after the first of January in each

year, a report showing all exemptions granted u n d e r paragraphs 1 and 2 d u r i n g the previous calendar year and

g i v i n g the reasons for granting such exemptions.

Regulation 4

Functional requirements

1 Every ship, w h i l e at sea, shall be c a p a b l e :

.1 except as provided i n regulations 8 . 1 . 1 and 10 . 1 .4 .3 , of transmitting ship-to-shore distress alerts by

at least two separate and independent means, each u s i n g a different radiocommunication service;

.2 of receiving shore-to-ship distress alerts;

.3 of t r a n s m i tt i n g and receiving ship-to-ship distress alerts;

.4 of t r a n s m i tt i n g and receiving search and rescue coordinating communications;

.5 of t r a n s m i tt i n g and receiving on-scene c o m m u n i c a t i o n s ;

.6 of t r a n s m i tt i n g and, as required by regulation V / 1 9 . 2 . 3 . 2 , receiving signals for locating;t

.7 of t r a n s m i tt i n g and receiving+ m a r i t i m e safety information;

.8 of transmitting and receiving general radiocommunications to and from shore-based radio systems

or networks subject to regulation 1 5 . 8 ; and

.9 of t r a n s m i tt i n g and receiving bridge-to-bridge c o m m u n i c a t i o n s .

Regulation 4-1

GMDSS satellite providers

The M a r i t i m e Safety Committee shall determine the criteria, procedures and arrangements for the evaluation,

recognition, review a n d oversight of the p ro v i s i o n of m o b i l e satellite communication services in the G l o b a l

M a r i t i m e Distress a n d Safety System (GMDSS) pursuant to the provisions of t h i s chapter.S

• It should be noted that ships performing GMDSS functions should use Guidance for the avoidance of false distress alerts

(resolution A . 8 1 4 ( 1 9 )) .

Refer to Carriage of radar operating in the frequency band 9,300-9,500 MHz (resolution A . 6 1 4 ( 1 5 )) .

* It s h o u l d be noted that ships may have a need for reception of certain m a r i t i m e safety information w h i l e in port.

§ Refer to Criteria for the provision of mobile satellite communication systems in the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System

(GMDSS) (resolution A . 10 0 1( 25 )) and Guidance to prospective GMDSS satellite service providers (MSC.1/Circ.1414).

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Part B

Undertakings by Contracting Governments

Regulation 5

Provision of radiocommunication services

1 Each Contracting Government undertakes to make available, as it deems practical and necessary either

i n d i v i d u a l l y or in cooperation with other Contracting Governments, appropriate shore-based fa c i l i t i e s for space

and terrestrial r a d i o co m m u n i c a t i o n services having d u e regard to the recommendations of the Organization.'

These services are:

.1 a radiocommunication service utilizing geostationary satellites in the maritime mobile-satellite

service;

.2 a r a d i o co m m u n i c a t i o n service u t i l i z i n g polar orbiting satellites in the mobile-satellite service;

.3 the m a r i t i m e m o b i l e service in the bands between 1 5 6 M H z and 174 MHz;

.4 the m a r i t i m e m o b i l e service in the bands between 4,000 k H z and 27,500 kHz; and

.5 the m a r i t i m e m o b i l e service in the bands between 4 1 5 kHz a n d 535 kHz+ a n d between 1 , 6 0 5 k H z

a n d 4,000 k H z .

2 Each Contracting Government undertakes to provide the Organization with pertinent information

co n c e rn i n g the shore-based fa c i l i t i e s in the maritime mobile service, mobile-satellite service and maritime

mobile-satellite service, established for sea areas which it has designated off its coasts.

Regulation 5-1

Global Maritime Distress and Safety System identities

1 This regulation a p p l i e s to all s h i p s on all voyages.

2 Each Contracting Government undertakes to ensure that s u i t a b l e arrangements are made for registering

G l o b a l Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) identities and for m a k i n g information on these identities

available to rescue coordination centres on a 2 4 - h o u r basis. Where appropriate, international organizations

m a i n t a i n i n g a registry of these identities s h a ll be notified by the Contracting Government of these assignments.

* 1 Each Contracting Government is not required to provide a l l radiocommunication services.

2 The requirements s h o u l d be specified for shore-based facilities to cover the various sea areas.

t Refer to Provision of radio services for the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) (resolution A . 8 0 1 ( 1 9 ) , as amended).

* Refer to Implementation of the NAVTEX system as a component of the World-Wide Navigational Warning Service (resolution A. 6 1 7 ( 1 5 )) .

§ The Master Plan of shore-based fa c i l i t i e s for the GMDSS based on information provided by Contracting Governments is i n cl u d e d in

the Organization's G l o b a l Integrated S h i p p i n g Information System ( G I S I S ) .

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Part C

S h i p requirements

Regulation 6

Radio installations

1 Every s h i p s h a l l be provided with radio installations capable of c o m p l y i n g with the functional requirements

prescribed by regulation 4 throughout its intended voyage and, u n l e s s exempted u n d e r regulation 3, c o m p l y i n g

with the requirements of regulation 7 and, as appropriate for the sea area or areas t h ro u g h w h i c h it w i l l pass

d u r i n g its intended voyage, the requirements of either regulation 8, 9, 1 0 o r 11 .

2 Every radio installation s h a l l :

.1 be so located that no harmful interference of m e c h a n i c a l , electrical or other origin affects its proper

use, and so as to ensure electromagnetic co m p a t i b i l i t y and avoidance of harmful interaction with

other e q u i p m e n t and systems;

.2 be so located as to ensure the greatest possible degree of safety and operational availability;

.3 be protected against harmful effects of water, extremes of temperature and other adverse

environmental conditions;

.4 be provided with reliable, permanently arranged electrical lighting, independent of the m a i n and

emergency sources of electrical power, for the adequate illumination of the radio controls for

operating the radio installation; and

.5 be cl e a r l y marked with the call sign, the s h i p station identity and other codes as a p p l i c a b l e for the

use of the radio installation.

3 Control of the VHF radiotelephone channels, required for navigational safety, shall be immediately

a v a i l a b l e on the navigation bridge convenient to the co n n i n g position and, where necessary, fa c i l i t i e s s h o u l d

be a v a i l a b l e to p e r m i t r a d i o co m m u n i c a t i o n s from the wings of the navigation bridge. Portable V H F e q u i p m e n t

may be used to meet the latter provision.

4 I n passenger s h i p s , a distress panel s h a l l be installed at the co n n i n g position. T h i s panel s h a l l contain either

one s i n g l e button which, when pressed, initiates a distress alert using all radiocommunication installations

required on board for that purpose or one button for each i n d i v i d u a l i n s t a l l a t i o n . The panel shall clearly a n d

visually indicate whenever any button or buttons have been pressed. Means shall be provided to prevent

inadvertent activation of the button or buttons. If the satellite E P I R B is used as the secondary means of distress

alerting and is not remotely activated, it shall be acceptable to have an additional EPIRB installed in the

w h e e l h o u s e near the c o n n i n g position.

5 I n passenger ships, information on the ship's position s h a l l be co n t i n u o u s l y a n d automatically provided

to a l l relevant radiocommunication e q u i p m e n t to be i n cl u d e d i n the i n i t i a l distress alert when the button or

buttons on the distress panel is pressed.

6 I n passenger s h i p s , a distress a l a r m panel shall be installed at the co n n i n g p o s i t i o n . The distress a l a r m

panel shall provide v i s u a l and aural i n d i c a t i o n of any distress alert or alerts received on board a n d s h a l l also

indicate through w h i c h r a d i o c o m m u n i c a t i o n service the distress alerts have been received.

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Regulation 7

Regulation 7

Radio equipment: General

1 Every s h i p s h a ll be provided with:

.1 a V H F radio installation capable of transmitting a n d receiving:

.1 DSC on the frequency 1 5 6 . 5 2 5 M H z (channel 70). It s h a l l be possible to initiate the transmission

of distress alerts on c h a n n e l 70 from the position from w h i c h the s h i p is n o r m a l l y navigated;

and

.2 radiotelephony on the frequencies 1 5 6 . 3 0 0 M H z (channel 6), 1 5 6 . 6 5 0 M H z (channel 13) and

1 5 6 . 8 0 0 M H z (channel 16);

.2 a radio installation capable of m a i n t a i n i n g a co n t i n u o u s DSC watch on V H F c h a n n e l 70 w h i c h m a y

be separate from, or combined with, that required by subparagraph 1 . 1 ;

.3 a search a n d rescue locating device capable of operating either i n the 9 G H z band or on frequencies

dedicated for AIS, w h i c h :

.1 shall be so stowed that it can be easily utilized; a n d

.2 may be one of those required by regulation 1 1 1 / 6 . 2 . 2 for a s u r v i v a l craft;

.4 a receiver capable of receiving international NAVTEX service broadcasts if the s h i p is engaged on

voyages i n any area in w h i c h an international NAVTEX service is provided;

.5 a radio fa c i l i t y for reception of m a r i t i m e safety information by a recognized m o b i l e satellite service

enhanced group c a l l i n g system if the s h i p is engaged on voyages i n sea area Al, or A2 or A3 but

in which an international NAVTEX service is not provided. However, s h i p s engaged exclusively

on voyages i n areas where an H F direct-printing telegraphy m a r i t i m e safety information service is

provided and fitted with e q u i p m e n t capable of receiving such service, may be exempt from t h i s

requirement;'

.6 subject to the provisions of regulation 8 . 3 , a satellite emergency p o s i t i o n - i n d i c a t i n g radio beacon

(satellite E P I R B ) w h i c h sh al l be:

.1 capable of transmitting a distress alert through the polar orbiting satellite service operating in

the 406 M H z band;

.2 installed in an easily accessible position;

.3 ready to be m a n u a l l y released and capable of being carried by one person into a survival

craft;

.4 capable of floating free if the s h i p s i n k s and of being automatically activated when afloat; and

.5 capable of being activated m a n u a ll y .

2 Every passenger ship s h a ll be provided with means for two-way on-scene radiocommunications for

search a n d rescue purposes u s i n g the aeronautical frequencies 1 2 1 . 5 M H z and 1 23 . 1 M H z fr o m the position

from w h i c h the s h i p is n o r m a ll y navigated.

Certain ships may be exempted from this requirement (see regulation IV/9.4).

"I Refer to the Recommendation on promulgation of maritime safety information adopted by the Organization by resolution A . 7 0 5 ( 1 7 ) ,

as a me n d e d .

* Refer to Search and rescue homing capability (resolution A . 6 1 6 ( 1 5 )) .

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Regulation 9

Regulation 8

Radio equipment: Sea area A 7

1 In addition to meeting the requirements of regulation 7, every s h i p engaged on voyages exclusively in

sea area Al shall be provided with a radio installation capable of i n i t i a t i n g the transmission of ship-to-shore

distress alerts from the position from w h i c h the s h i p is normally navigated, operating either:

.1 on VHF using DSC; this requirement may be fulfilled by the EPIRB prescribed by paragraph 3,

either by i n s t a ll i n g the E P I R B close to, or by remote activation from, the position from w h i c h the

s h i p is n o r m a ll y navigated; or

.2 through the polar orbiting satellite service on 406 M H z ; this requirement may be f u l fi ll e d by the

satellite EPIRB, required by regulation 7.1.6, either by i n s t a ll i n g the satellite E P I R B close to, or by

remote activation from, the position from w h i c h the s h i p is normally navigated; or

.3 if the s h i p is engaged on voyages w i t h i n coverage of M F coast stations equipped with DSC, on M F

u s i n g DSC; or

.4 on H F u s i n g DSC; or

.5 through a recognized m o b i l e satellite service; this requirement may be f u l fi ll e d by:

.1 a s h i p earth s t a ti o n ; o r

.2 the satellite E P I R B , required by regulation 7.1.6, either by i n s t a ll i n g the satellite E P I R B close to,

or by remote activation from, the position from which the s h i p is n o r m a ll y navigated.

2 The V H F radio installation, required by regulation 7 . 1 . 1 , shall also be capable of transmitting and receiving

general r a d i o co m m u n i c a t i o n s u s i n g radiotelephony.

3 S h i p s engaged on voyages exclusively i n sea area Al may carry, i n l i e u of the satellite E P I R B required by

regulation 7 . 1 . 6 , an E P I R B w h i c h shall be:

.1 c a p a b l e of transmitting a distress alert u s i n g DSC on V H F channel 70 and providing for locating by

means of a radar transponder operating i n the 9 G H z band;

.2 installed i n an easily accessible position;

.3 ready to be m a n u a ll y released and capable of b e i n g carried by one person into a survival craft;

.4 c a p a b l e of floating free if the s h i p s i n k s and b e i n g automatically activated when afloat; and

.5 c a p a b l e of being activated manually.

Regulation 9

Radio equipment: Sea areas A 7 and A2

1 I n addition to meeting the requirements of regulation 7, every s h i p engaged on voyages beyond sea area

Al, but r e m a i n i n g w i t h i n s e a area A2, shall be provided with:

.1 an M F radio installation c a p a b l e of transmitting and receiving, for distress a n d safety purposes, on

the fr e q u e n c i e s :

.1 2 , 1 8 7 . 5 k H z u s i n g DSC; and

.2 2 , 1 8 2 kHz u s i n g radiotelephony;

T h i s requirement can be met by recognized mobile satellite service ship earth stations capable of two-way communication s, such

as Fleet-77 (resolutions A.808(19) and M S C. 13 0 ( 7 5 )) or Inmarsat-C (resolution A.807(19), as amended) ship earth stations. Unless

otherwise specified, this footnote applies to a l l requirements for a recognized m o b i l e satellite service ship earth station prescribed by

t h i s chapter.

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Chapter IV: Radiocommunications

Regulation 10

.2 a radio installation c a p a b l e of m a i n t a i n i n g a co n t i n u o u s DSC watch on the frequency 2,187.5 k H z

w h i c h may be separate from, or co m b i n e d with, that required by subparagraph . 1.1 ; and

.3 means of i n i t i a t i n g the transmission of ship-to-shore distress alerts by a radio service other than MF

operating either:

.1 through the polar or b i t i n g satellite service on 406 MHz; t h i s requirement may be f u l f i l l e d by

the satellite E P I R B , required by regulation 7 . 1 . 6 , either by i n s t a l l i n g the satellite E P I R B close to,

or by remote activation from, the position from w h i c h the s h i p is n o r m a l l y navigated; or

.2 on H F u s i n g DSC; or

.3 through a recognized m o b i l e satellite service by a s h i p earth station.

2 It shall be possible to initiate transmission of distress alerts by the radio installations specified in

paragraphs 1 . 1 a n d 1 . 3 from the position from which the s h i p is n o r m a ll y navigated.

3 T h e s h i p shall, in a d d i t i o n , be c a p a b l e of transmitting and receiving general radiocommunications u s i n g

radiotelephony or direct-printing telegraphy by either:

.1 a radio installation operating on working frequencies in the bands between 1,605 kHz and

4,000 kHz or between 4,000 kHz and 27,500 kHz. This requirement may be f u l fi l l e d by the

addition of t h i s c a p a b i l i t y i n the e q u i p m e n t required by paragraph 1.1 ; or

.2 a recognized m o b i l e satellite service s h i p earth station.

4 T h e Administration may exempt s h i p s constructed before 1 February 1997, which are engaged exclusively

on voyages w i t h i n sea area A2, from the requirements of regulations [Link] and 7.1.2 provided such ships

m a i n t a i n , when practicable, a c o n t i n u o u s listening watch on V H F channel 1 6 . T h i s watch s h a l l be kept at the

position from w h i c h the s h i p is n o r m a ll y navigated.

Regulation 1 0

Radio equipment: Sea areas A 1, A2 and A3

1 In addition to meeting the requirements of regulation 7, every ship engaged on voyages beyond sea

areas Al a n d A2, but r e m a i n i n g w i t h i n sea area A3, shall, if it does not co m p l y with the requirements of

paragraph 2, be provided with:

.1 a recognized m o b i l e satellite service s h i p earth station capable of:

.1 transmitting and receiving distress a n d safety co m m u n i c a t i o n s u s i n g direct-printing telegraphy;

.2 i n i t i a t i n g and receiving distress priority calls;

.3 maintaining watch for shore-to-ship distress alerts, i n cl u d i n g those directed to s p e c i fi c a l l y

defined geographical areas;

.4 transmitting and receiving general radiocommunications, using either radiotelephony or

direct-printing telegraphy; and

.2 an M F radio installation capable of transmitting and receiving, for distress and safety purposes, on

the frequencies:

.1 2 , 1 8 7 . 5 k H z u s i n g DSC; and

.2 2 , 1 8 2 k H z u s i n g radiotelephony; and

.3 a radio installation c a p a b l e of m a i n t a i n i n g a co n t i n u o u s DSC watch on the frequency 2 , 1 8 7 . 5 k H z

w h i c h may be separate from or co m b i n e d with that required by subparagraph . 2 . 1 ; and

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 Part C: Ship requirements

Regulation 1 1

.4 means of initiating the transmission of ship-to-shore distress alerts by a radio service operating either:

.1 through the polar or b i t i n g satellite service on 406 MHz; t h i s requirement may be f u l fi l l e d by

the satellite E P I R B , required by regulation 7 . 1 . 6 , either by i n s t a l l i n g the satellite E P I R B close to,

or by remote activation from, the position from w h i c h the s h i p is n o r m a l l y navigated; or

.2 on H F u s i n g DSC; or

.3 through a recognized m o b i l e satellite service by an a d d i t i o n a l s h i p earth station.

2 In addition to meeting the requirements of regulation 7, every s h i p engaged on voyages beyond sea

areas Al and A2, but r e m a i n i n g within sea area A3, shall, if it does not comply with the requirements of

paragraph 1 , be provided w i t h :

.1 an MF/HF radio installation c a p a b l e of transmitting and receiving, for distress a n d safety purposes,

on all distress and safety frequencies i n the bands between 1 , 6 0 5 k H z a n d 4,000 k H z a n d between

4,000 k H z a n d 27,500 k H z :

.1 u s i n g DSC;

.2 u s i n g radiotelephony; and

.3 u s i n g direct-printing telegraphy; and

.2 e q u i p m e n t c a p a b l e of m a i n t a i n i n g DSC watch on 2 , 1 8 7 . 5 kHz, 8,414.5 k H z and on at least one

of the distress and safety DSC frequencies 4,207.5 kHz, 6,312 kHz, 1 2 , 5 77 kHz or 1 6 , 8 0 4 . 5 kHz;

at any time, it s h a ll be possible to select any of these DSC distress and safety frequencies. This

e q u i p m e n t may be separate from, or c o m b i n e d with, the e q u i p m e n t required by subparagraph . 1 ;

and

.3 means of i n i t i a t i n g the transmission of ship-to-shore distress alerts by a radiocommunication service

other than H F operating either:

.1 through the polar o r b i t i n g satellite service on 406 MHz; this requirement may be f u l fi l l e d by

the satellite E P I R B , required by regulation 7 . 1 . 6 , either by i n s t a l l i n g the satellite E P I R B close to,

or by remote activation from, the position from w h i c h the s h i p is n o r m a l l y navigated; or

.2 through a recognized m o b i l e satellite service by a s h i p earth station; and

.4 in addition, ships shall be capable of transmitting and receiving general radiocommunications

using radiotelephony or direct-printing telegraphy by an MF/HF radio installation operating on

working frequencies i n the bands between 1 , 6 0 5 k H z and 4,000 k H z and between 4,000 kHz and

27,500 k H z . T h i s requirement may be f u l fi l l e d by the a d d i t i o n of this capability in the e q u i p m e n t

required by subparagraph . 1 .

3 It shall be possible to initiate transmission of distress alerts by the radio installations specified in

paragraphs 1 . 1 , 1 . 2 , 1 .4 , 2 . 1 a n d 2 . 3 from the position from w h i c h the s h i p is n o r m a l l y navigated.

4 The Administration may exempt s h i p s constructed before 1 February 1997, a n d engaged exclusively on

voyages w i t h i n sea areas A2 and A3, from the requirements of regulations 7 . 1.1 . 1 a n d 7.1.2 provided such s h i p s

m a i n t a i n , when practicable, a c o n t i n u o u s listening watch on V H F c h a n n e l 1 6 . This watch s h a l l be kept at the

position from w h i c h the s h i p is n o r m a ll y navigated.

Regulation 1 1

Radio equipment: Sea areas A1, A2, A3 and A4

1 I n addition to meeting the requirements of regulation 7, sh i p s engaged on voyages in a l l sea areas s h a l l

be provided with the radio installations and e q u i p m e n t required by regulation 1 0 . 2 , except that the e q u i p m e n t

required by regulation 10 . 2 .3 . 2 shall not be accepted as an alternative to that required by regulation 1 0 . 2 . 3 . 1 ,

w h i c h shall always be provided. I n addition, s h i p s engaged on voyages i n a l l sea areas s h a l l c o m p l y with the

requirements of regulation 10.3.

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Regulation 1 2

2 The Administration may exempt s h i p s constructed before 1 February 1997, and engaged exclusively on

voyages w i t h i n sea areas A2, A3 and A4, from the requirements of regulations 7 . 1.1 . 1 and 7.1.2 provided such

ships m a i n t a i n , when practicable, a co n t i n u o u s listening watch on V H F channel 1 6 . This watch s h a l l be kept

at the position from w h i c h the s h i p is n or m a ll y navigated.

Regulation 1 2

Watches

1 Every ship, w h i l e at sea, shall m a i n t a i n a co n t i n u o u s watch:

.1 on V H F DSC c h a n n e l 70, if the ship, in accordance with the requirements of regulation 7.1.2, is

fitted with a V H F radio installation;

.2 on the distress and safety DSC frequency 2,187.5 kHz, if the ship, in accordance with the

requirements of regulation 9 . 1 . 2 or 10 . 1 . 3 , is fitted with an MF radio installation;

.3 on the distress and safety DSC frequencies 2 , 1 8 7 . 5 k H z and 8 , 4 1 4 . 5 k H z a n d a l s o on at least one

of the distress and safety DSC frequencies 4 , 2 0 7. 5 kHz, 6 , 3 1 2 kHz, 1 2 , 5 77 k H z or 1 6 , 8 0 4 . 5 kHz,

appropriate to the time of day and the geographical position of the ship, if the ship, in accordance

with the requirements of regulation 10 . 2 . 2 or 11 . 1 , is fitted with an MF/HF radio installation. T h i s

watch may be kept by means of a s c a n n i n g receiver;

.4 for satellite shore-to-ship distress alerts, if the ship, in accordance with the requirements of

regulation 10 . 1 . 1 , is fitted with a recognized m o b i l e satellite service s h i p earth station.

2 Every ship, w h i l e at sea, shall m a i n t a i n a radio watch for broadcasts of maritime safety information on the

appropriate frequency or fr e q u e n c i e s on w h i c h such information is broadcast fo r the area i n which the s h i p is

navigating.

3 Until 1 February 1 9 9 9 or u n t i l such other date as may be determined by the Maritime Safety Committee,

every s h i p w h i l e at sea shall m a i n t a i n , when practicable, a co n t i n u o u s l i s t e n i n g watch on V H F c h a n n e l 16.

T h i s watch s h a l l be kept at the position from which the s h i p is n o r m a l l y navigated.

Regulation 1 3

Sources of energy

1 There s h a ll be a v a i l a b l e at all times, w h i l e the s h i p is at sea, a s u p p l y of electrical energy sufficient to

operate the radio installations and to charge any batteries used as part of a reserve source or sources of energy

for the radio installations.

2 A reserve source or sources of energy shall be provided on every s h i p , to s u p p l y radio i n s t a l l a t i o n s , for

the purpose of co n d u c t i n g distress a n d safety radiocommunications, i n the event of fa i l u r e of the ship's m a i n

and emergency sources of electrical power. The reserve source or sources of energy shall be c a p a b l e of

s i m u l t a n e o u s l y operating the V H F radio installation required by regulation 7 . 1 . 1 and, as appropriate for the sea

area or sea areas for w h i c h the s h i p is e q u i p p e d , either the M F radio installation required by regulation 9 . 1 . 1 ,

the MF/HF radio installation required by regulation 10 . 2 . 1 or 1 1.1 , or the ship earth station required by

regulation 10 . 1 . 1 and any of the a d d i t i o n a l loads mentioned i n paragraphs 4, 5 and 8 for a period of at least:

.1 1 h on ships provided with an emergency source of electrical power, if such source of power

co m p l i e s fully with all relevant provisions of regulation 11-1/42 or 43, i n cl u d i n g the s u p p l y of such

power to the radio installations; and

• Refer to Maintenance of a continuous listening watch on VHF channel 16 by SOLAS ships whilst at sea after 1 February 7999 and

installation of VHF DSC facilities on non-SOLAS ships (resolution M S C. 13 1 ( 7 5 )) .

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 Part C: Ship requirements

Regulation 13

.2 6 h on ships not provided with an emergency source of electrical power co m p l y i n g f u l l y with

all relevant provisions of regulation 11-1/42 or 43, i n cl u d i n g the s u p p l y of such power to the radio

i n s t a l l a t i o n s .*

The reserve source or sources of energy need not s u p p l y i n d e p e n d e n t H F and MF radio installations at the

same t i m e .

3 The reserve source or sources of energy s h a l l be independent of the p r o p e l l i n g power of the s h i p and the

ship's electrical system.

4 Where, in addition to the V H F radio installation, two or more of the other radio installations, referred

to in paragraph 2, can be connected to the reserve source or sources of energy, they s h a l l be c a p a b l e of

simultaneously supplying, for the period specified, as appropriate, in paragraph 2.1 or 2.2, the V H F radio

installation a n d :

.1 all other radio installations which can be connected to the reserve source or sources of energy at

the same time; or

.2 whichever of the other radio installations w i ll consume the most power, if o n l y one of the other

radio installations can be connected to the reserve source or sources of energy at the same time as

the V H F radio installation.

5 The reserve source or sources of energy may be used to supply the electrical lighting required by

regulation 6 . 2 .4 .

6 Where a reserve source of energy consists of a rechargeable accumulator battery or batteries:

.1 a means of automatically charging such batteries shall be provided which shall be capable of

recharging them to m i n i m u m capacity requirements w i t h i n 1 0 h; and

.2 the capacity of the battery or batteries shall be checked, u s i n g an appropriate method,' at intervals

not exceeding 12 months, when the s h i p is not at sea.

7 The siting and installation of accumulator batteries w h i c h provide a reserve source of energy s h a l l be

such as to ensure:

.1 the highest degree of service;

.2 a reasonable lifetime;

.3 reasonable safety;

.4 that battery temperatures remain w i t h i n the manufacturer's specifications whether under charge or

idle; and

.5 that when fully charged, the batteries w i ll provide at least the m i n i m u m required hours of operation

u n d e r all weather c o n d i t i o n s .

8 If an uninterrupted input of information from the ship's navigational or other equipment to a radio

installation required by this chapter, i n cl u d i n g the navigation receiver referred to in regulation 1 8 , is needed to

ensure its proper performance, means shall be provided to ensure the co n t i n u o u s s u p p l y of such information

in the event of fa i l u r e of the ship's m a i n or emergency source of electrical power.

For guidance, the fo l l o w i n g fo r m u l a is recommended for determining the electrical load to be supplied by the reserve source of

energy for each radio installation required for distress conditions: 1/2 of the current consumption necessary for transmission + the

current consumption necessary for reception + the current consumption of any a d d i t i o n a l loads.

One method of checking the capacity of an accumulator battery is to fully discharge and recharge the battery, using normal

operating current and period (e.g. 1 0 h). Assessment of the charge condition can be made at any time, but it s h o u l d be done without

s i g n i f i c a n t discharge of the battery when the s h i p is at sea.

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Regulation 1 4

Regulation 1 4

Performance standards

1 All equipment to which this chapter applies shall be of a type approved by the Administration.

Such equipment shall conform to appropriate performance standards not inferior to those adopted by the

Organization.*

Regulation 1 5

Maintenance requirements

1 E q u i p m e n t s h a ll be so designed that the m a i n units c a n be replaced readily, without elaborate recalibration

or readjustment.

2 Where applicable, equipment shall be so constructed and installed that it is readily accessible for

inspection a n d on-board maintenance purposes.

3 Adequate information shall be provided to e n a b l e the e q u i p m e n t to be properly operated and maintained,

taking into account the recommendations of the Organization.'

4 Adequate tools a n d spares shall be provided to e n a b l e the e q u i p m e n t to be maintained.

5 The Administration shall ensure that radio e q u i p m e n t required by this chapter is maintained to provide

the availability of the functional requirements specified in regulation 4 and to meet the recommended

performance standards of such e q u i p m e n t.

Refer to:

.1 Revised Performance standards for narrow-band direct-printing telegraph equipment for the reception of navigational and

meteorological warnings and urgent information to ships (NAVTEX) (resolution MSC.148(77), as amended).

.2 General requirements for shipborne radio equipment forming part of the global maritime distress and safety system (GMDSS)

and for electronic navigational aids (resolution A.694(17)).

.3 Performance standards for ship earth stations capable of two-way communications (resolution A.808(19)); Type approval

of ship earth stations (resolution A.570(14)); Performance standards for lnmarsat ship earth stations capable of two-way

communications (resolution MSC.130(75)); and Performance standards for a ship earth station for use in the GMDSS

(resolution MSC.434(98)).

.4 Performance standards for shipborne VHF radio installations capable of voice communication and digital selective calling

(resolution A.80 3(19), as amended).

.5 Performance standards for shipborne MF radio installations capable of voice communication and digital selective calling

(resolution A.804(19), as amended).

.6 Performance standards for shipborne MF/HF radio installations capable of voice communication, narrow-band direct­

printing and digital selective calling (resolution A . 8 0 6 ( 1 9 ) , as amended).

.7 Performance standards for float-free satellite emergency position-indicating radio beacons (EPIRBs) operating on 406 MHz

(resolution A.810(19), as amended); Type approval of satellite emergency position-indicating radio beacons (EPIRBs)

operating in the Cospas-Sarsat system (resolution A.696 (17)); and Performance standards for float-free emergency position­

indicating radio beacons (EPIRBs) operating on 406 MHz (resolution M S C . 4 7 1 0 1 0 1 ) ) .

.8 Performance standards for survival craft radar transponders for use in search and rescue operations (resolution A.802(19), as

amended).

.9 Performance standards for float-free VHF emergency position-indicating radio beacons (resolution A . 8 0 5 ( 1 9 ) ) .

.10 Performance standards for Inmarsat-C ship earth stations capable of transmitting and receiving direct-printing communications

(resolution A.807(19), as amended).

.11 Revised Performance standards for enhanced group call (EGC equipment (resolution MSC.306(87), as amended).

.12 Performance standards for float-free release and activation arrangements for emergency radio equipment(resolution A.662(16)).

.13 System performance standard for the promulgation and co-ordination of maritime safety information using high-frequency

narrow-band direct printing (resolution A . 6 9 9 ( 1 7 ) ) .

.14 Performance standards for a shipborne integrated radio-communication system (IRCS) when used in the CMDSS

(resolution A . 8 1 1 (19)).

.15 Performance standards for on-scene (aeronautical) two-way portable VHF radiotelephone apparatus (resolution MSC.80(70),

annex 1 ) .

Refer to Recommendation on general requirements for shipborne radio equipment forming part of the global maritime distress and

safety system and for electronic navigational aids (resolution A.694(17)), General requirements for electromagnetic compatibility

(EMC) for all electrical and electronic ship's equipment (resolution A.813(19)), and Clarifications of certain requirements in IMO

performance standards for GMDSS equi pment (MSC/Circ.862).

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Regulation 1 7

6 On s h i p s engaged on voyages i n s e a areas Al and A2, the availability s h a l l be ensured by u s i n g such

methods as d u p l i c a t i o n of e q u i p m e n t , shore-based maintenance or at-sea electronic maintenance capability,

or a co m b i n a t i o n of these, as may be approved by the Administration.

7 On ships engaged on voyages in s e a areas A3 and A4, the availability shall be ensured by using a

combination of at least two methods such as d u p l i c a t i o n of equipment, shore-based maintenance or at-sea

electronic maintenance capability, as may be approved by the Administration, taking into account the

recommendations of the Organization.

8 W h i l e all reasonable steps shall be taken to m a i n t a i n the e q u i p m e n t i n efficient working order to ensure

c o m p l i a n c e with all the functional requirements specified i n regulation 4, malfunction of the e q u i p m e n t for

providing the general r a d i o c o m m u n i c a t i o n s required by regulation 4 . 8 s h a l l not be considered as making a

s h i p unseaworthy or as a reason for delaying the s h i p i n ports where repair fa c i l i t i e s are not readily available,

provided the s h i p is c a p a b l e of performing all distress and safety functions.

9 Satellite E P I R B s shall be:

.1 a n n u a ll y tested for all aspects of operational efficiency, with special emphasis on checking the

e m i s s i o n on operational frequencies, c o d i n g a n d registration, at intervals as specified below:

.1 on passenger ships, within 3 months before the expiry date of the Passenger Ship Safety

Certificate; a n d

.2 on cargo ships, within 3 months before the expiry date, or 3 months before or after the

anniversary date, of the Cargo S h i p Safety Radio Certificate.

The test may be conducted on board the s h i p or at an approved testing station; and

.2 subject to maintenance at intervals not exceeding five years, to be performed at an approved

shore-based maintenance facility.

SEE INTERPRETATION 1

Regulation 1 6

Radio personnel

1 Every ship s h a ll carry personnel q u a l i fi e d for distress and safety r a d i o co m m u n i c a t i o n purposes

to the satisfaction of the Administration.' The personnel shall be holders of certificates specified in the

Radio Regulations as appropriate, any one of whom shall be designated to have primary responsibility for

r a d i o co m m u n i c a t i o n s d u r i n g distress incidents.

2 In passenger s h i p s , at least one person q u a l i fi e d in accordance with paragraph 1 shall be assigned to

perform o n l y r a d i o c o m m u n i c a t i o n duties d u r i n g distress i n c i d e n t s .

Regulation 1 7

Radio records

A record s h a ll be kept, to the satisfaction of the Administration and as required by the Radio Regulations, of

all i n c i d e n t s connected with the r a d i o c o m m u n i c a t i o n service w h i c h appear to be of importance to safety of

life at sea.

Refer to Radio maintenance guidelines for the global maritime distress and safety system related to sea areas A3 and A4

(resolution A .7 0 2 ( 1 7 )) .

' Refer to the STCW Code, chapter IV, section B-IV/2.

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Regulation 1 8

Regulation 1 8

Position-updating

All two-way co m m u n i c a t i o n e q u i p m e n t carried on board a s h i p to which t h i s chapter a p p l i e s w h i c h is c a p a b l e

of automatically i n cl u d i n g the ship's position in the distress alert s h a l l be automatically provided with this

information from an internal or external navigation receiver, if either is installed. If such a receiver is not

installed, the ship's position a n d the time at w h i c h the position was determined s h a l l be m a n u a l l y updated

at intervals not exceeding 4 h, w h i l e the s h i p is u n d e r way, so that it is always ready for transmission by the

e q u i p m e n t.

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 UNIFIED

INTERPRETATIONS

U n i fi e d I n t e r p r e t a t i o n s for Chapter I V

f Annual test of E P I R B (Source: MSC.1/Circ.1576)

Reg. 1 5 . 9 The annual test of the E P I R B s shall be carried out within the " t i m e window" of the prescribed survey, but

not later than the date of completion of the survey for endorsement/renewal of the relevant Certificate.

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 UNIFIED

INTERPRETATIONS