ABSTRACT
Conventions are implemented under the LY2. It also briefly discusses the role and functions of classification societies.
2. THE SOLAS CONVENTION
[11-006]The SOLAS Convention. The purpose of the SOLAS Convention12 is to promote safety of life at sea by establishing rules which govern the safe construction of ships,13 the safety equipment with which ships are required to be fitted and the standards to which they should be operated in order to avoid accidents.14 It is the role of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to regularly review the Convention and to draft any necessary amendments,15
but the responsibility for enforcement of the provisions of the Convention lies with the flag state,16 which must ensure that the ships trading under its flag are surveyed when they are first registered, in order to establish compliance with SOLAS.17 Thereafter, ships are periodically surveyed at stipulated intervals by the flag state, which also issues certificates prescribed by the Convention. The flag states are permitted to delegate these responsibilities to a recognised body such as a classification society (or recognised organisations within the EU).18
