THE MOST IMPORTANT LAW AT SEA? SOLAS.

Every time you board a modern ship, there’s an invisible shield protecting everyone on board.

That shield is SOLAS — the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

Why was SOLAS created?

After the tragic sinking of the RMS Titanic in 1912, the international community recognized the need for common global safety standards. The first SOLAS Convention was adopted in 1914, and the current version dates from 1974, with regular updates to address new technologies and emerging risks.

SOLAS requires ships to have:

Certified lifesaving equipment (lifeboats, life jackets, liferafts)

Fire detection and firefighting systems

Emergency drills and crew training

Safe ship construction standards

Reliable navigation and communication equipment

Regular inspections and certification

Without SOLAS, international shipping would be far less safe.

More than 80% of world trade travels by sea—and SOLAS helps ensure those voyages are completed safely.

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