Extended Operational and Trade Vocabulary

SOLAS 1974 Convention: Chapter-by-Chapter Glossary glossary

Terminology drawn chapter-by-chapter from SOLAS 1974: A-class structural fire divisions and their insulation ratings, the A1 to A4 GMDSS sea areas defined in Chapter IV with their DSC and satellite-alerting requirements, abandon-ship drill frequencies under Chapter III, and the construction, fire-protection and life-saving definitions of the convention’s chapters.

265 defined terms.

Showing 250 on this page (page 1 of 2).

A

A-class division: SOLAS II-2 steel or equivalent bulkhead insulated with non-combustible material, rated A-0, A-15, A-30, or A-60.
A.1045(27) Pilot transfer arrangements: Recommendation on construction and operation of pilot ladders.
A.1070(28) III Code: IMO Instruments Implementation Code adopted 4 December 2013.
A.1078(28) IMO ship identification number scheme: Extended to fishing vessels of 100 GT and above on a voluntary basis.
A.1116(30) Voyage data recorders: Recommendation on continuity of service for VDR.
A1 Sea Area: GMDSS area within VHF DSC coverage of at least one coast station, typically 20 to 30 nautical miles.
A2 Sea Area: GMDSS area within MF DSC coverage of at least one coast station, excluding A1, typically out to 100 to 200 nautical miles.
A3 Sea Area: GMDSS area within geostationary satellite (Inmarsat) coverage, excluding A1 and A2, roughly 76 N to 76 S.
A4 Sea Area: GMDSS area outside A1, A2 and A3, comprising the polar regions above 76 latitude.
Abandon ship drill: Mandatory drill under SOLAS Chapter III.
Accommodation ladder: Inclined ladder hung over the ship's side for access.
Additional survey: A SOLAS I/7, I/8, I/9, or I/10 survey required after repairs, defects, or damage that affects safety.
AFP (Alternative Fire Protection): Equivalent arrangements under SOLAS II-2/17 permitting novel fire-safety designs subject to MSC approval per MSC/Circ.1002.
AIS (Automatic Identification System): Class A/B transponder per ITU-R M.1371.
AMVER: Automated Mutual-Assistance Vessel Rescue system run by the US Coast Guard, used for SAR coordination and highlighted in the El Faro investigation.
Annual Survey: Survey required at intervals not exceeding three months either side of each anniversary date of a certificate.
Asbestos prohibition: Total ban on new installation of asbestos-containing materials on all ships introduced by SOLAS II-1/3-5, effective 1 January 2011 by MSC.282(86).
Atmosphere testing instrument: Portable multi-gas detector measuring oxygen, flammable gases, hydrogen sulphide, and carbon monoxide, required for enclosed-space entry by SOLAS XI-1/7 (MSC.350(92), in force 1 July 2016).
Auxiliary Steering Gear: Required under SOLAS II-1/29 for redundancy.

B

B-Class division: SOLAS II-2 fire boundary of approved non-combustible materials limiting temperature rise to 140 degrees Celsius for 15 or 0 minutes (B-15, B-0).
Ballast water exchange (interaction with SOLAS): While governed by the BWM Convention, structural and stability impacts on SOLAS II-1 damage stability calculations are addressed in MSC.1/Circ.1487.
Bilge pumping arrangements: Required by SOLAS II-1/35-1 to drain any watertight compartment under all practicable conditions after damage.
BLU Code (Bulk Loading/Unloading): MSC.71(69) Code of Practice for the Safe Loading and Unloading of Bulk Carriers, recommendatory under SOLAS VI/7.
BNWAS (Bridge Navigational Watch Alarm System): Required by SOLAS V/19.2.2.3, a watchkeeping monitor whose alarm logic is a candidate target for tampering.
Boat drill: Periodic launching and recovery exercise of survival craft and rescue boats per SOLAS III/19.
Bow door: SOLAS II-1/17 prohibits installation in passenger ships unless meeting strength, securing, and indication requirements introduced after the Herald of Free Enterprise loss in 1987.
Bridge visibility: Required by SOLAS V/22 with view of sea surface forward of the bow not exceeding two ship lengths or 500 m, whichever is less, and 225-degree clear arc.
Bulk Carrier Code reference: SOLAS XII applies in conjunction with the IMSBC Code and the Code of Practice for the Safe Loading and Unloading of Bulk Carriers (BLU Code, MSC.71(69)).
Buoyant smoke signal: Daytime distress signal required as part of lifeboat equipment under LSA Code Section 3.

C

C-Class division: SOLAS II-2 boundary of approved non-combustible materials without insulation or smoke and flame integrity criteria.
Cargo Ship Safety Certificate: Combined alternative document under SOLAS I/12(a)(v) replacing the three separate cargo-ship certificates.
Cargo Ship Safety Construction Certificate: Issued under SOLAS I/12, form C.
Cargo Ship Safety Equipment Certificate: Issued under SOLAS I/12, form E.
Cargo Ship Safety Radio Certificate: Issued under SOLAS I/12, form R.
Casualty investigation (Reg I/21): Each Administration must investigate any casualty to its ships when it judges the investigation will assist in determining regulatory changes; supplemented by mandatory IMO Casualty Investigation…
Central Control Station: Continuously manned station with safety and fire-protection equipment indication required for periodically unattended machinery spaces (SOLAS II-1/E).
Certificate validity: SOLAS I/14 sets a maximum validity of 5 years for cargo-ship certificates and 12 months for the Passenger Ship Safety Certificate.
Chapter I (General Provisions): Regulations 1 to 25 covering application, definitions, exemptions, surveys, certificates, control, casualty investigation, and SOLAS Protocol of 1988 HSSC.
Chapter II-1 (Construction, Subdivision, Stability, Machinery, Electrical): Reg 1 to 57, structural integrity, watertight subdivision, intact and damage stability, machinery, electrical, and IGF Code interface.
Chapter II-2 (Fire Protection, Detection, Extinction): Reg 1 to 22, with mandatory reference to FSS Code, FTP Code 2010, and Halon ban.
Chapter III (Life-Saving Appliances and Arrangements): Reg 1 to 37, with mandatory LSA Code, covering drills, abandon ship, and rescue.
Chapter IV (Radiocommunications): Reg 1 to 17, establishing GMDSS Sea Areas, equipment, sources of energy, performance standards, watches, and radio records.
Chapter IX (Management for Safe Operation): Reg 1 to 6, making the ISM Code mandatory.
Chapter V (Safety of Navigation): Reg 1 to 35, applying to all ships on all voyages including non-SOLAS vessels for certain regulations.
Chapter VI (Carriage of Cargoes and Oil Fuels): Reg 1 to 9, with mandatory IMSBC, CSS, Grain Codes and the VGM requirement.
Chapter VII (Carriage of Dangerous Goods): Reg 1 to 17 in four parts (packaged DG, solid bulk dangerous chemicals, liquefied gases, INF), with IMDG, IBC, IGC, INF Codes.
Chapter VIII (Nuclear Ships): Reg 1 to 12, supplemented by the Code of Safety for Nuclear Merchant Ships (A.491(XII)).
Chapter X (Safety Measures for HSC): Reg 1 to 3, making the HSC Code 1994 and HSC Code 2000 mandatory.
Chapter XI-1: Regulations 1 to 7 covering RO Code, ESP Code, IMO Numbers, CSR, port-State control, casualty investigation, and atmosphere testing.
Chapter XI-2: Regulations 1 to 13 covering ISPS Code mandatory implementation, SSAS, DoS, and port-facility security.
Chapter XII (Additional Safety Measures for Bulk Carriers): Regulations 1 to 15 covering damage stability, structural strength, surveys, hull strength, hold flooding alarms, dewatering, side-shell construction, and triple-hold loaded condition restrictions.
Chapter XIII (Verification of Compliance): Regulations 1 to 3, making IMSAS audits mandatory.
Chapter XIV (Safety Measures for Ships Operating in Polar Waters): Regulations 1 to 3, making the Polar Code Part I-A mandatory.
Chapter XV (Safety Measures for Ships Carrying Industrial Personnel): Regulations 1 to 4 (MSC.521(106)), in force 1 July 2024, with mandatory IP Code.
CO2 fixed fire-extinguishing system: Total flooding gaseous system regulated under FSS Code Chapter 5 and SOLAS II-2/10, with quantity equal to 40% of gross volume of largest protected machinery space.
Common Structural Rules (CSR): IACS unified scantling rules for bulk carriers and oil tankers in force since 1 April 2006.
Continuous Synopsis Record (CSR): Required under SOLAS XI-1/5.
Convention copy on board: SOLAS I/16 requires a certified copy of certificates and a current SOLAS consolidated edition on board.
Corrosion protection (PSPC): Performance Standard for Protective Coatings of dedicated seawater ballast tanks and double-side skin spaces, MSC.215(82), mandatory under SOLAS II-1/3-2 from 1 July 2008.
CSS Code: IMO Code of Safe Practice for Cargo Stowage and Securing.
CSS Code 2011 amendments: MSC.1/Circ.1352/Rev.1 introducing revised stowage and securing criteria.

D

Damage Control Plan: Plan required under SOLAS II-1/19 showing watertight subdivision.
Damage Stability: Required for passenger and cargo ships under SOLAS II-1, Parts B-1 and B-2.
Declaration of Security (DoS): ISPS-required agreement between ship and port or two ships.
Diesel-electric main propulsion: Regulated under SOLAS II-1/41 and II-1/45, with electrical-system redundancy requirements.
Distress alert: GMDSS message indicating grave and imminent danger.
Distress message obligation: SOLAS V/33 requires masters receiving a distress signal to proceed with all speed to render assistance.
Double-bottom requirements: SOLAS II-1/9 sets minimum double-bottom extent for passenger and cargo ships of 500 GT and over.
Double-side skin (bulk carriers): SOLAS XII/6.2 (MSC.170(79)) requires double-side construction for new bulk carriers of 150 m and upwards contracted on or after 1 July 2006.
Dry powder fire-extinguishing system: Regulated under FSS Code Chapter 6 for fixed installation aboard ships carrying liquefied gases in bulk (IGC Code).
DSC (Digital Selective Calling): GMDSS distress alerting on VHF/MF/HF.

E

ECDIS (Electronic Chart Display and Information System): SOLAS-mandated electronic chart system.
Electrical installations (Reg II-1/40-45): Cover main and emergency power, switchboards, distribution, lighting, and supplementary emergency lighting on passenger ships.
Emergency fire pump: Independent fire pump per SOLAS Reg. II-2/10.
Emergency generator: Self contained generator above main deck supplying essential services on blackout.
Emergency Lighting: Inspected under 04000 emergency systems.
Emergency Source of Electrical Power: Required under SOLAS II-1/42.
Emergency steering drill: Required by SOLAS V/26 every three months, simulating loss of main steering control.
Emergency Towing Arrangement: SOLAS II-1/3-4 requirement; subject of inspection for tankers.
Emergency towing booklet: Required by SOLAS II-1/3-4.2 (MSC.256(84)) on all ships of 500 GT and above from 1 January 2010, containing ship-specific towing data.
Enclosed Space Entry: A safety-critical operation reviewed under VIQ Chapter 5 and central to several SIRE 2.0 process and human-factor questions.
Enhanced Survey Programme (ESP) Code: MSC.461(101), mandatory under SOLAS XI-1/2 for bulk carriers and oil tankers during periodical surveys.
EPIRB (Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon): 406 MHz Cospas-Sarsat beacon transmitting distress alerts.
Equivalent arrangements: SOLAS I/5 permits Administrations to allow alternatives provided they are at least as effective as the prescribed requirement.
Escape route marking: SOLAS II-2/13 requires low-location lighting (LLL) on passenger ships and graphic symbols complying with IMO resolution A.752(18).
Evacuation analysis: Required for ro-ro passenger ships under SOLAS II-2/13.3.2 and MSC.1/Circ.1533, demonstrating evacuation within 60 minutes from alarm.

F

Fast rescue boat: Boat complying with LSA Code Section 5.1.4 with minimum speed of 20 knots in calm water, mandatory on ro-ro passenger ships under SOLAS III/26.3.
Fire Control Plan: Required under SOLAS II-2/15.
Fire detection system: Addressable fire alarm panel, SOLAS II-2 mandatory in machinery spaces.
Fire main: Permanently pressurized seawater piping with hydrants spaced so that any part of the ship can be reached by two jets of water (SOLAS II-2/10.2.1.5).
Fire Pump: Centrifugal pump providing pressurized water to the fire main, required in number and capacity by SOLAS.
Fire safety operational booklet: Required by SOLAS II-2/16.2 detailing fire-safety arrangements, drills, and crew duties.
Fixed deck foam system: Required on tankers under SOLAS II-2/10.8 and FSS Code Chapter 14, with application rate of 0.6 L/min/m2 for crude oil and product tankers.
Free-fall lifeboat: Lifeboat launched by sliding down a stern ramp, common on cargo ships but rare on passenger ships.
FSS Code: International Code for Fire Safety Systems, adopted by MSC.98(73) and made mandatory under SOLAS II-2 from 1 July 2002.
FTP Code (Fire Test Procedures Code 2010): International Code for Application of Fire Test Procedures (MSC.307(88)), mandatory under SOLAS II-2/3.23 from 1 July 2012.

G

General alarm signal: Seven short blasts followed by one long blast on whistle and alarm bell, signalling all hands to muster (SOLAS III/6.4.2).
General Emergency Alarm: Seven short and one long blast on the ship's whistle and PA, signaling muster.
GMDSS (Global Maritime Distress and Safety System): SOLAS communications framework.
GMDSS Modernization: Program adopted by IMO Resolutions MSC.496(105) and MSC.497(105) in 2022 revising functional requirements and admitting additional service providers.
Goal-Based Standards (GBS): IMO Res. MSC.296(87) for bulk and tankers.
GOC (General Operator's Certificate): GMDSS radio operator qualification under STCW IV/2, required on Sea Area A2, A3, or A4 voyages.
Grain Code: International Code for the Safe Carriage of Grain in Bulk, mandatory under SOLAS VI/9.
Gravity davit: Lifeboat-launching appliance complying with LSA Code 6.1, capable of operating at adverse list of up to 20 degrees and trim of 10 degrees.

H

Halon ban: SOLAS II-2/10.4.1.5 prohibits new installation of halon fire-extinguishing systems on all ships from 1 October 1994.
Heeling moment (passenger ship): SOLAS II-1/7-2 sets criteria for assumed heel after damage, with margin line not submerged.
High-Speed Craft Code (HSC Code): 1994 HSC Code (MSC.36(63)) for craft built before 1 July 2002 and 2000 HSC Code (MSC.97(73)) for craft built on or after that date, mandatory under SOLAS X/3.
Hold flooding alarm (bulk carriers): SOLAS XII/12 (MSC.170(79)) requires water-level detectors in cargo holds, ballast tanks forward of collision bulkhead, and dry spaces.
HSC Code 2000: Revised code adopted by Resolution MSC.97(73), applicable to HSCs built on or after 1 July 2002.
Hydrant spacing: Located so two jets can reach any part of the ship from separate hydrants per SOLAS II-2/10.2.1.5.
Hyperbaric chamber (HSC): Not generally mandatory under SOLAS but addressed for diving-support vessels under IMO MSC/Circ.645.

I

IAMSAR Manual: Joint IMO/ICAO SAR procedures manual.
IBC Code: International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk.
IGC Code: International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk.
IGF Code: International Code of Safety for Ships Using Gases or Other Low-Flashpoint Fuels.
IIBS Code (Intact Stability): 2008 International Code on Intact Stability (MSC.267(85)), mandatory under SOLAS II-1/2 from 1 July 2010.
III Code (IMO Instruments Implementation Code): A.1070(28), mandatory under SOLAS XI-1/2 from 1 January 2016, providing the basis for IMSAS audits of Member States.
IMDG Code: International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code, mandatory under SOLAS VII Part A.
Immersion Suit: Watertight survival suit worn by passengers and crew on offshore flights.
IMSAS (IMO Member State Audit Scheme): Mandatory audit cycle under SOLAS XIII and the III Code, conducted on a roughly seven-year cycle for each Member State.
IMSBC Code: International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes Code, mandatory under SOLAS VI/1-1 and VII/7-1.
INF Code: International Code for the Safe Carriage of Packaged Irradiated Nuclear Fuel, mandatory under SOLAS VII.
Initial Survey: First survey before issuance of a certificate under SOLAS I/7-10.
Inmarsat C: Polling/EGC/SafetyNET service in GMDSS.
Intact stability criteria: SOLAS II-1/2 invokes the 2008 IS Code for ships of 24 m in length and over.
Intermediate Survey: Class survey between Special Surveys.
International Safety Management (ISM) Code: A.741(18), mandatory under SOLAS IX from 1 July 1998 (Phase 1) and 1 July 2002 (Phase 2).
International Tonnage Certificate: Certificate stating gross and net tonnage under ITC 1969.
IP Code: International Code of Safety for Ships Carrying Industrial Personnel, mandatory under SOLAS XV.
ISPS Code: International Ship and Port Facility Security Code, mandatory under SOLAS XI-2.

J

Jacobs Ladder: Rope or wire ladder used for boarding pilots and others.
Jet fire test: Fire test scenario for offshore structures, referenced indirectly via the IGF Code Annex.

K

Keel-laying Date: Reference date used to determine applicable NOx Tier under MARPOL Annex VI.
Knock-down test (lifeboat): Required by LSA Code 4.4.7.6 demonstrating self-righting of partially enclosed and totally enclosed lifeboats.

L

Life-Saving Appliances (LSA) Code: MSC.48(66), mandatory under SOLAS III/3.10 from 1 July 1998.
Lifeboat Capacity: The minimum aggregate seating in survival craft required by SOLAS Chapter III for cruise ships, generally 125 percent of persons on board.
Lifeboat servicing: Annual thorough examination and 5-year overload testing under MSC.1/Circ.1206/Rev.1 and MSC.402(96) Code for servicing.
Lifebuoy: Personal flotation device with self-igniting light and self-activating smoke signal, distributed per SOLAS III/32 and LSA Code 2.1.
Lifebuoy quantity (passenger ship): Varies from 8 (under 60 m) to 30 (over 240 m) per SOLAS III/32.1.1.
Lifejacket: Personal device complying with LSA Code 2.2, required for each person on board plus additional 5% for passenger ships.
Lifejacket Light: Battery powered or chemically activated light fitted to lifejackets, required by SOLAS LSA Code Chapter II.
Liferaft: Inflatable survival craft, on passenger ships supplied with SOLAS A or B pack as applicable.
Line-throwing apparatus: Required by SOLAS III/18, capable of throwing a line at least 230 m with reasonable accuracy.
Loadline reference: Although the ICLL 1966 Convention is separate, SOLAS II-1/22 references freeboard for damage stability and bulkhead deck definitions.
LRIT Long Range Identification and Tracking: SOLAS V/19-1 mandatory long range tracking system.
LSA Code (resolution MSC.48(66)): Detailed performance and testing requirements for all life-saving appliances referenced in SOLAS Chapter III.

M

Machinery installations (II-1/26-39): General requirements, steam boilers, steering gear, communication between bridge and machinery, automation, and related auxiliaries.
Magnetic compass: Standard magnetic compass per ISO 449.
Maintenance plan (LSA): Required by SOLAS III/20, with weekly, monthly, and periodic inspections of life-saving appliances.
Marine Evacuation System (MES): Slide or chute system complying with LSA Code 6.2, permitting rapid transfer of passengers to liferafts.
MARPOL interface: SOLAS II-2/4.5 on tankers cross-references inert-gas and crude-oil-washing provisions of MARPOL Annex I as updated by MSC.367(93) (IGS for all tankers 8,000 DWT and above from 1 January 2016).
Master's Discretion: Preserved under SOLAS V/34-1.
MES drill: Crew familiarization with marine evacuation system required by SOLAS III/19, with full deployment at intervals not exceeding two years.
MF DSC: Medium Frequency Digital Selective Calling on 2187.5 kHz.
Mobile satellite service: Recognized service providing GMDSS communications under SOLAS IV/10, with Iridium added by MSC.418(97) from 1 January 2020.
MSC.282(86): Adopted 5 June 2009, in force 1 January 2011, introducing asbestos prohibition and BNWAS carriage.
MSC.317(89) (lifeboat hooks): Amendments to SOLAS III/1.5 requiring evaluation and possible replacement of existing on-load release mechanisms by first scheduled dry-docking after 1 July 2014 but no later than 1 July 2019.
MSC.350(92): Adopted 21 June 2013, in force 1 January 2015, introducing SOLAS III/19 enclosed-space drills.
MSC.380(94): Adopted 21 November 2014, in force 1 July 2016, introducing VGM under SOLAS VI/2.
MSC.421(98): Adopted 15 June 2017, in force 1 January 2020, harmonizing SOLAS II-1 damage stability.
MSC.496(105) and MSC.499(105): GMDSS modernization amendments, in force 1 January 2024.
MSC.521(106): Adopted 11 November 2022, in force 1 July 2024, introducing SOLAS Chapter XV.
Muster List: Required under SOLAS III/8.

N

Nautical Publications: Required to be up to date under SOLAS V/27.
NAVAREA: One of 21 navigational warning areas under the Worldwide Navigational Warning Service relevant to incident broadcasts.
Navigation Lights: COLREGs Rule 21 to 31 lights.
Navigational bridge visibility: SOLAS V/22 horizontal view, blind sectors not exceeding 10 degrees individually or 20 degrees total within a clear arc.
NAVTEX: GMDSS broadcast service under SOLAS IV.
NLS Certificate: International Pollution Prevention Certificate for the Carriage of NLS in Bulk.
Nuclear cargo ship safety certificate: Issued under SOLAS I/12(a)(vii) for nuclear-powered cargo ships.
Nuclear passenger ship safety certificate: Issued under SOLAS I/12(a)(vi) and Chapter VIII for nuclear-powered passenger ships.
Nuclear ship: A ship provided with a nuclear power plant, defined in SOLAS VIII/1.

O

Oil fuel arrangements: SOLAS II-2/4.2 sets requirements for oil-fuel piping, with flashpoint not less than 60 degrees Celsius.
On-load release mechanism: Lifeboat release equipment subject to MSC.320(89) operational testing and MSC.317(89) design requirements following the 2014 amendments.
Operational limitations (passenger ship): Listed on Passenger Ship Safety Certificate per SOLAS V/30.2 (MSC.99(73)).
Owner's responsibility: SOLAS IX/3 requires the company to ensure compliance with the ISM Code and provide resources and shore-based support.
OXY-acetylene equipment: SOLAS II-2/4 controls storage and use of welding gas cylinders.

P

Passenger Ship Safety Certificate (PSSC): Issued under SOLAS I/12(a)(i) following initial or renewal survey, valid for not more than 12 months.
Periodical survey (radio): SOLAS I/9 survey at intervals of not less than 12 months, applicable to cargo-ship radio installations.
Permanent Means of Access (PMA): SOLAS II-1/3-6 (MSC.134(76)) requires fixed walkways and ladders within cargo and ballast spaces of oil tankers of 500 GT and bulk carriers of 20,000 GT and above for survey access.
Pilot Ladder: Ladder constructed to SOLAS V/23 standards.
Pilot Transfer Arrangements: Required under SOLAS V/23.
Polar Code: Adopted under SOLAS XIV and MARPOL; complements Article 234 jurisdiction.
Polar Ship Certificate: Certificate issued under Polar Code attesting compliance and listing limitations.
Pre-departure tests: SOLAS V/26 requires tests of steering gear within 12 hours before departure.
Probabilistic Damage Stability: SOLAS Ch II-1 Part B-1 framework using R and A indices.
PSC (Port State Control): Inspection of foreign ships in national ports.
Pump-room ventilation (tankers): SOLAS II-2/4.5.4 requires mechanical ventilation with at least 20 air changes per hour.

Q

Quick-closing valves: SOLAS II-2/4.2.2.3.4 requires remote shut-off of oil-fuel service tank suction valves from outside the space.

R

Radar (X-band): SOLAS V/19.2.3.2 requires 9 GHz radar on all ships of 300 GT and upwards; ships of 3,000 GT and above require additional 3 GHz or 9 GHz radar.
Radar transponder (SART): 9 GHz device per LSA Code 4.1.5.7, with at least one carried on each side of ships of 500 GT and upwards.
Recognized Organization (RO) Code: MSC.349(92) and MEPC.237(65), mandatory under SOLAS XI-1/1 from 1 January 2015.
Renewal Survey: Survey at intervals not exceeding five years.
Required Subdivision Index (R): Minimum probabilistic damage stability index under SOLAS Ch II-1/6.
Rescue boat: Boat designed to rescue persons in distress and marshal survival craft, required by SOLAS III/14 (passenger) and III/26.3 (cargo).
Resolution MSC.421(98): Adopted June 2017, entered into force 1 January 2020, harmonizing damage stability under SOLAS II-1.
Ro-ro passenger ship damage stability: SOLAS II-1/8-1 (MSC.216(82) and MSC.421(98)) includes Stockholm Agreement-derived water-on-deck calculations.
ROC (Restricted Operator's Certificate): GMDSS qualification for Sea Area A1 operations only, under STCW IV/2.

S

SafetyNET: Inmarsat-C broadcast service for MSI to selected sea or NAVAREAs.
SAR cooperation plan: SOLAS V/7.3 (passenger ships) requires plan for cooperation with appropriate SAR services in case of emergency.
SART (Search and Rescue Transponder): 9 GHz radar transponder per IMO Res. A.802(19).
Ship Identification Number (IMO Number): Seven-digit number permanently marked, required by SOLAS XI-1/3 and assigned per A.1078(28).
Ship Security Alert System (SSAS): Required under SOLAS XI-2/6.
Ship Security Officer (SSO): Required under ISPS Code Part A.
Ship Security Plan (SSP): Required under ISPS Code Part A.
Side shell door: SOLAS II-1/17 covers strength, securing, locking, and indication of cargo loading doors below freeboard deck.
Sliding watertight door: Power-operated door complying with SOLAS II-1/13, closable centrally from navigation bridge in not more than 60 seconds.
SMC (Safety Management Certificate): Issued to ship under ISM Code, valid for five years with intermediate verification.
Smoke alarm (cabin): Required by SOLAS II-2/7.5.5 in all cabins on passenger ships.
SOLAS Conference 1974: Adopted 1 November 1974 in London, replacing SOLAS 1960.
SOLAS Protocol 1978: Introduced unscheduled inspections and IOPP cross-references; in force 1 May 1981.
SOLAS Protocol 1988: Introduced the Harmonized System of Survey and Certification (HSSC); in force 3 February 2000.
Solid bulk cargo declaration: Required under SOLAS VI/2 and IMSBC Code, including Group A (liquefaction), B (hazardous chemical), and C (neither) classification.
Sprinkler system: SOLAS II-2 automatic fixed fire-extinguishing system fitted throughout passenger accommodation.
SSAS (Ship Security Alert System): SOLAS XI-2/6 alert system.
STCW interface: Although STCW 1978 is a separate convention, SOLAS V/14 requires safe manning compliant with STCW principles.
Steering gear test: SOLAS V/26 requires test before departure including main, auxiliary, communications, indicators, emergency power, and rudder angle.
Stockholm Agreement: Damage stability requirement for Ro-Pax ferries.
Subdivision length (Ls): SOLAS II-1/2.6 definition used in probabilistic damage stability calculations.
Survival craft station: SOLAS III/11 specifies location of embarkation stations above lightest seagoing waterline.

T

Tacit Acceptance Procedure: Amendment procedure used by SOLAS and other instruments whereby amendments enter into force on a set date unless objected to by a specified number of states.
Tank washing arrangements: Cargo tank cleaning equipment requirements addressed in IBC Code (referenced by SOLAS VII).
Tanker (definition for SOLAS II-2): Cargo ship constructed or adapted for carriage in bulk of liquid cargoes of an inflammable nature (SOLAS II-2/3.49).
Tanker fixed deck foam: Required by SOLAS II-2/10.8 with foam concentrate sufficient for 20 minutes (crude/products) or 30 minutes (chemical).
Timber Deck Cargo Code: Code of Safe Practice for Ships Carrying Timber Deck Cargoes 2011 (A.1048(27)), recommendatory under SOLAS VI/5.
Towline (emergency): Pre-rigged towing arrangement on tankers of 20,000 DWT and above per SOLAS II-1/3-4.
Two-way VHF radiotelephone: Portable VHF for survival-craft use, minimum three per ship of 500 GT and above per SOLAS III/6.2.1.

U

Unattended machinery space (UMS): Periodically unattended machinery space arrangements under SOLAS II-1/E with automation, alarms, and fire protection.
Unit insulation value: Insulation rating used in SOLAS II-2 fire-test classification.

V

VDR (Voyage Data Recorder): SOLAS V/20 mandated black box per MSC.333(90).
Verification of Compliance (Chapter XIII): Added by MSC.366(93), entered into force 1 January 2016, making IMSAS audits mandatory under SOLAS.
VGM (Verified Gross Mass): SOLAS VI/2 requirement for packed containers, effective 1 July 2016 (MSC.380(94)), via Method 1 (weighing whole container) or Method 2 (calculated sum).
VHF DSC Controller: Module compliant with ITU-R M.493-15 integrated in marine VHFs.
Voyage Planning: The structured process of planning a passage from berth to berth covering appraisal, planning, execution, and monitoring stages.

Z

1981 amendments: Comprehensive amendments to Chapter II-1 and II-2, in force 1 September 1984.
1983 amendments: Introduced ISPS-style precursor and revised LSA, in force 1 July 1986.
1988 GMDSS amendments: Replaced Chapter IV, in force 1 February 1992 (phased to 1 February 1999).
1988 SOLAS Protocol (HSSC): Harmonized System of Survey and Certification, in force 3 February 2000.
1994 amendments: Added Chapters IX (ISM), X (HSC), and XI (Special Measures), in force 1 July 1998.
2000 amendments: New HSC Code 2000, FSS Code, LSA Code revisions, in force 1 July 2002.
2002 amendments: Added Chapter XI-2 (ISPS) post-9/11, in force 1 July 2004.
2004 amendments: ESP Code and bulk carrier safety package, in force 1 July 2006.
2006 amendments: LRIT (Chapter V), in force 1 January 2008.
2008 amendments: Probabilistic damage stability (Chapter II-1 Part B-1), in force 1 January 2009.
2010 amendments: Goal-based standards under II-1/3-10, IS Code 2008, in force 1 January 2012 and 1 July 2010 respectively.
2012 amendments: Lifeboat release mechanisms (MSC.317(89)), Polar Code preparation.
2014 amendments: VGM, RO Code, enclosed-space drills, in force 1 July 2016 / 1 January 2015.
2014 Polar Code adoption: MSC.385(94), in force 1 January 2017 (added Chapter XIV).
2017 amendments (MSC.421(98)): Harmonized damage stability, in force 1 January 2020.
2022 amendments (MSC.521(106)): Industrial Personnel Code and Chapter XV, in force 1 July 2024.