Protocol of 1988 (SOLAS)

The Protocol of 1988 to SOLAS introduced the Harmonized System of Survey and Certification (HSSC), giving SOLAS, Load Lines, and MARPOL a common survey and certificate framework so that all statutory certificates share a five-year cycle with annual, intermediate, and renewal surveys. It was adopted on 11 November 1988 and entered into force on 3 February 2000. The HSSC reduced the burden of overlapping surveys and aligned certificate validity windows. It is distinct from the earlier SOLAS Protocol of 1978, which added tanker safety measures. The parent SOLAS Convention is the 1974 instrument, in force from 25 May 1980.