SOLAS Consolidated Edition
The Convention is also one of the oldest of its kind: the first version was adopted in 1914 following the sinking of the Titanic with the loss of more than 1,500 lives. Since then, there have been four more versions of SOLAS. The present version was adopted in 1974 and entered into force in 1980. This publication commemorates the 50th anniversary of the adoption of the 1974 SOLAS Convention, a prominent international instrument for maritime safety.
This edition of the publication presents a consolidated text of the Convention, its Protocol of 1988 and all amendments that have entered into force on or before 1 July 2024. Additionally, this edition includes the unified interpretations of SOLAS regulations approved by the Maritime Safety Committee.
As a specialised agency of the United Nations, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) is the global standard-setting authority for the safety, security and environmental performance of international shipping. Its main role is to create a regulatory framework for the shipping industry that is fair and effective, universally adopted and universally implemented.
In other words, its role is to create a level playing field so that ship operators cannot address their financial issues by simply cutting corners and compromising on safety, security and environmental performance. This approach also encourages innovation and efficiency.
Shipping is a truly international industry, and it can only operate effectively if the regulations and standards are themselves agreed, adopted and implemented on an international basis. And IMO is the forum at which this process takes place.