International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), 1974 was adopted by IMO on 1st of November 1974 and was entered into force on 25th May 1980

SOLAS 1974 as amended as called is considered the most important convention on safety of ships

The main objectives of the SOLAS are to specify minimum standard of construction, equipment and operation of ships

To ensure that these standards are implemented, specific certificates are issued to the ships after different types of surveys

These certificates are issued or authorized for issuance to recognized organizations

These certificates are:

• Cargo ship safety equipment certificate
• Cargo ship safety construction certificate
• Cargo ship safety radio certificate
• Passenger ship safety certificate

SOLAS contain the following chapters:

• Chapter I – General Provisions
• Chapter II-1 – Construction – Subdivision and stability, machinery and electrical installations
• Chapter II-2 – Fire protection, fire detection and fire extinction
• Chapter III – Life-saving appliances and arrangements
• Chapter IV – Radiocommunications
• Chapter V – Safety of navigation
• Chapter VI – Carriage of Cargoes
• Chapter VII – Carriage of dangerous goods
• Chapter VIII – Nuclear ships
• Chapter IX – Management for the Safe Operation of Ships
• Chapter X – Safety measures for high-speed craft
• Chapter XI-1 – Special measures to enhance maritime safety
• Chapter XI-2 – Special measures to enhance maritime security
• Chapter XII – Additional safety measures for bulk carriers
• Chapter XIII – Verification of compliance 
• Chapter XIV – Safety measures for ships operating in polar waters