SOLAS in simple words: it is the international “rule book” that says how ships must be built and equipped so people stay safe at sea.
- Think of it as ship safety law agreed by countries through the IMO.
- It covers fire safety, lifeboats and lifejackets, radios (GMDSS), navigation safety, and more.
- Your ship’s safety equipment and drills exist because SOLAS (and your flag state) require them.
- As a cadet, you do not need to memorize every regulation — learn where the gear is, how drills work, and why alarms and PPE matter.