Maritime standards are the industry
International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS)
SOLAS is an international treaty created “in response to the Titanic disaster.” Today, over 160 countries adhere to the current version, SOLAS 1974. It covers nearly all aspects of maritime safety, including the following:
- Ship construction requirements (e.g., subdivision, stability, and fire protection)
- Provision of life-saving appliances such as lifeboats and life jackets
- Use of radiotelegraphy and radiotelephony (radio communication)
- Implementation of safety in navigation (e.g., in manning, routing, signaling)
SOLAS 1974 also has chapters dedicated to the carriage of grain, transport of dangerous goods, and operation of nuclear ships.
A related standard,ISO 27991, provides detailed guidance on communication between a Marine Evacuation System (MES) and the survival craft or platform it connects to—an important component required under SOLAS regulation III/6.4.4.
International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code
The ISPS Code establishes a comprehensive framework to detect and prevent security threats to ships and port facilities engaged in international voyages. Its main components include the following:
- Completion of a Declaration of Security when required by the government or requested by a ship
- Development of a ship security plan and a port facility security plan
- Use of ship security assessments and port facility security assessments
- Participation in training, drills, and exercises on ship security and port security
- Designation of a ship security officer, a port facility security officer, and a shipping company security officer
Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS)
The GMDSS is a worldwide safety system that enables ships in distress to communicate quickly and effectively with rescue authorities. According to the Federal Communications Commission ( FCC ), all cargo ships of 300 gross tons and above, as well as passenger ships carrying more than 12 passengers on international voyages or open seas, must comply with GMDSS requirements.
Depending on the sea area of operation, vessels must be equipped with these components:
- 406 megahertz (MHz) Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon
- Very High Frequency (VHF) radio that can transmit and receive Digital Selective Calling (DSC) and radiotelephony
- NAVigational TEleX (NAVTEX) receiver
- Search and Rescue Transponder (SART)
- Two-way VHF portable radios
Radio equipment maintenance using approved methods
Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW)
The STCW Convention establishes the baseline for the training and certification of seafarers worldwide. It requires that all crew members receive adequate and verifiable training relevant to their duties, validated through certificates, endorsements, or documented evidence.
While requirements vary by rank and role, all seafarers must hold a national certificate of competence while on board. The 2010 Manila Amendments to the STCW Convention further modernized the framework by introducing distance learning and e-learning options—ensuring that maritime education evolves alongside modern technologies.
What Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is required for maritime safety?
Maritime safety PPE includes life jackets, safety helmets, gloves, protective footwear, eye protection, and immersion suits. Crew members must wear PPE suited to their specific duties and working conditions onboard. Regular inspections and proper maintenance of PPE are essential to ensure compliance with maritime safety standards and protect seafarers from injury or exposure at sea.
Who is responsible for ensuring maritime safety?
Ensuring maritime safety is a shared responsibility among the shipowner, master, and crew, with oversight from regulatory bodies such as the IMO. The master enforces safety policies onboard, while companies provide training, equipment, and maintenance in compliance with SOLAS, ISM Code, and other international maritime safety regulations.
What is the difference between maritime security and maritime safety?
While often used interchangeably, maritime security and maritime safety are slightly different from each other. Maritime security largely focuses on the protection of vessels and their cargo from external threats such as smuggling and piracy. On the other hand, maritime safety’s goal is to protect people, and in some cases the environment, from naturally-occurring or accidental hazards. These hazards can be just as or even more harmful than external threats if they’ are unreported, ignored, or unaddressed by the vessel’s crew and captain.
What are the key maritime safety rules for vessels?
Key maritime safety rules require vessels to comply with SOLAS, Marine Pollution 73/78, STCW, and the ISPS Code. These set standards for ship construction, pollution prevention, crew training, and security. Ships must also maintain updated safety management systems, conduct regular inspections, and ensure navigational and emergency equipment are operational to meet international maritime safety requirements.
How should risk assessments be structured for high-risk operations like enclosed-space entry, hot work, and cargo handling?
Risk assessments for high-risk maritime operations must identify hazards, evaluate risks, and implement control measures before work begins. Each assessment should outline procedures, required PPE, emergency plans, and responsible personnel. Continuous monitoring and toolbox meetings ensure compliance with maritime safety management systems and reduce risks during critical shipboard activities.
How are emergency drills (fire, abandon ship, man overboard) conducted and documented?
Emergency drills must simulate real-life conditions to test crew readiness for fire, abandon-ship, and man-overboard scenarios. Drills should follow the ship’s safety management plan and SOLAS regulations. After each drill, the master records the date, time, participants, and observations in the ship’s logbook to maintain compliance with maritime safety documentation requirements.
