International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS)
Background: The SOLAS Convention is the most important international treaty concerning the safety of merchant ships. Its first version was adopted in 1914 in response to the Titanic disaster in 1912. The current version, SOLAS 1974, has been updated with numerous amendments to address evolving safety challenges.
Scope: It applies to ships of 500 gross tonnage and above engaged in international voyages. The convention covers various aspects of ship safety, including construction, equipment, operation, and environmental protection.
Key Provisions: It includes regulations on life-saving appliances, fire protection, navigation equipment, communications, and safety management. The convention also requires ships to carry safety certificates issued by recognized organizations.
International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL)
Background: MARPOL is the main international convention aimed at preventing pollution of the marine environment by ships, whether due to operational or accidental causes. It was adopted in 1973 and significantly revised by the Protocol of 1978, hence the name MARPOL 73/78.
Scope: The convention applies to ships of all types and sizes engaged in international voyages, as well as ships operating in the waters of parties to the convention.
Key Provisions: MARPOL consists of six annexes, each dealing with different types of pollution: oil, noxious liquid substances, packaged harmful substances, sewage, garbage, and air pollution from ships. It sets standards for the design, construction, equipment, and operation of ships to minimize pollution.
International Convention on Load Lines (LL Convention)
Background: The LL Convention, adopted in 1966, establishes minimum safety standards for the freeboard (the distance from the waterline to the upper deck level) of ships. It aims to ensure that ships have sufficient reserve buoyancy to withstand various sea conditions.
Scope: The convention applies to ships engaged in international voyages, with certain exemptions for small ships and specific types of vessels.
Key Provisions: It specifies the assignment of load lines, which are marked on the sides of ships to indicate the maximum depth to which they may be loaded. The convention also sets out the conditions for the assignment of load lines, including the stability and structural integrity of ships.
International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW)
Background: The STCW Convention, adopted in 1978, establishes international standards for the training, certification, and watchkeeping of seafarers. It aims to promote the safety of life at sea and the protection of the marine environment by ensuring that seafarers are properly trained and qualified for their duties.
Scope: The convention applies to all seafarers serving on ships engaged in international voyages, regardless of the flag they fly.
Key Provisions: It sets out minimum requirements for the training, certification, and watchkeeping of seafarers, including masters, officers, and ratings. The convention also requires parties to establish systems for the issue of certificates of competency and endorsements, as well as for the recognition of certificates issued by other parties.
International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships' Ballast Water and Sediments (BWM Convention)
Background: The BWM Convention, adopted in 2004, aims to prevent, minimize, and ultimately eliminate the transfer of harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens through ships' ballast water and sediments. It addresses the issue of invasive species, which can have significant ecological, economic, and health impacts.
Scope: The convention applies to ships of 400 gross tonnage and above engaged in international voyages, as well as ships of less than 400 gross tonnage that are authorized to carry ballast water.
Key Provisions: It requires ships to implement a ballast water management plan and to carry a ballast water record book. Ships are also required to meet specific standards for the treatment and discharge of ballast water, either by exchanging ballast water at sea or by using ballast water treatment systems.
The International Labour Organization's Maritime Labour Convention (MLC, 2006) sets comprehensive standards for seafarers' working hours, rest periods, and welfare.
The MLC, often called the "Seafarers’ Bill of Rights," aims to ensure decent working conditions, prevent fatigue-related accidents, and promote fairness in the maritime industry. Its enforcement through port state controls and certifications (e.g., the Maritime Labour Certificate) ensures global compliance.
