2024 World Maritime Day: Fifty Years of SOLAS
The IMO is celebrating World Maritime Day on 26 September by highlighting the importance of safety at sea in an era of significant transformations and new risks and 50 years since the adoption of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS).SOLAS was first adopted in 1914, in response to the Titanic disaster. It is widely recognized as the most important international treaty on maritime safety. The Convention in force today was adopted on November 1, 1974.
Virtual Tours: World Marine Aids to Navigation Day 2024
July 1 is World Marine Aids to Navigation (AtoN) Day.Established by the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) in 2019, this day highlights the vital role that AtoN play in ensuring safe navigation for mariners worldwide. This year, IALA has chosen Faro di Genova 'Lanterna' in Italy as lighthouse of the Year, with a virtual tour available here.The prestigious honor was previously awarded to Australia’s Cape Byron Lighthouse in New South Wales in 2021.
IMRF Celebrates 100th Anniversary
The International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF), the world’s leading non-governmental organisation for the development and improvement of maritime search and rescue (SAR) capacity and operational effectiveness, is celebrating its 100th anniversary since its founding in July 1924.Founded as the International Lifeboat Federation at the first-ever International Lifeboat Conference in London in 1924, the IMRF has evolved to become the world’s leading charity that focuses on the…
World Shipping Council Welcomes New SOLAS Regulations
The World Shipping Council (WSC) has applauded the recent adoption of amendments to SOLAS at MSC 108. Starting January 1, 2026, these amendments will require mandatory reporting of all containers lost at sea, setting a new standard for maritime safety and environmental protection.“The new regulations, specifically amending SOLAS Chapter V Regulations 31 and 32, mark a significant advancement in maritime safety and environmental protection. By ensuring prompt and detailed reporting of lost and drifting containers…
MSC 107: SOLAS Amendments Adopted and Titanic Remembered
The IMO Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) held its 107th session from May 31 to June 9, 2023.Highlights of the meeting included the adoption of amendments to the LSA Code and MSC.81(70) Revised recommendation on the testing of life-saving appliances for the ventilation of totally enclosed lifeboats. ABS reports that the Committee adopted Resolution MSC.533(107) introducing amendments to the LSA Code to provide performance requirements that will require totally enclosed lifeboats to provide a means of ventilation operable from inside the lifeboat at a rate of not less than 5 m3/hour per person…
Navigating the Rough Waters of Marine Certification
The marine industry brings its own unique set of challenges.With the ‘All Subsea Factory’ market trend moving offshore exploration and production equipment for oil and gas to the seabed, safety, longevity and environmental protection are just a few of the considerations when choosing marine products. When selecting products for marine applications, the understanding of factors such as marine certifications and inspection documents are crucial to making an informed decision.Worldwide statutory provisions enacted by the United Nations (UN) agency on shipping specify general regulation and rules necessary to obtain an operating license for all categories of ship, marine and offshore applications.
