Safety of Navigation Implementing SOLAS - Chapter V

It is important that all parties fully understand the requirements of Chapter V and the associated documents and recognise their own specific responsibilities under each Regulation.

Of all the international conventions dealing with maritime safety, the most important is the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), which covers a wide range of measures designed to improve the safety of shipping.

Substantial revisions to the fifth version of SOLAS came into force on 1 July 2002, with the new Regulations implemented under UK legislation by the Merchant Shipping (Safety of Navigation) Regulations 2002.

The Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA) implements the government's maritime safety policy in the UK and works to prevent the loss of life on the coast and at sea.

They provide a 24-hour maritime search and rescue service around the UK coast and in the international search and rescue region through HM Coastguard, and inspect and survey ships to ensure that they are meeting UK and international safety rules. They also provide certification to seafarers, register vessels and respond to pollution from shipping and offshore installations. The publications from MCA include record books, health and safety guidance and mandatory documents for all ships.

The Stationery Office (TSO) have a 200-year inheritance of secure, no-fail delivery as publisher to the UK Government and Parliament and as publisher for many commercial organisations. The online bookshop offers a comprehensive bibliographic database of official publications, packed with information vital to businesses and professionals.