Shipmasters today and those in command of naval vessels have a unique authority which is different to that of the factory manager or civil servant. Ships, although under the jurisdiction of the Flag State, are treated in law as independent 'out-posts'. The master and commanding officer are expected to uphold the general rule of law and to ensure the safety of the crew and the ship using their best judgment.
The International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea ( S O L A S ) , 1 9 7 4 , currently in force, was adopted on 1 November 1974 by the International Conference on Safety of Life at Sea, which was convened by the International Maritime Organization ( I M O ) , and entered into force on 25 May 1980. It has since been amended twice by means of protocols:
by the Protocol adopted on 17 February 1978 by the International Conference on Tanker Safety and Pollution Prevention ( 1 9 7 8 SOLAS Protocol), which entered into force on 1 May 1 9 8 1 ; and
by the Protocol adopted on 11 November 1 9 8 8 by the International Conference on the Harmonized System of Survey and Certification (1988 SOLAS Protocol), which entered into force on 3 February 2 0 0 0 and replaced and abrogated the 1978 Protocol, as between Parties to the 1988 Protocol.
SOLAS consolidated edition 2009
July 1, 2009
354 pages
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