SOLAS-74 Applicability Applicability Of Conventions - SOLAS 74, MARPOL
It should be noted that, the SOLAS 74 Convention unless expressly provided otherwise applies only to ships engaged on international voyages. Also, unless expressly provided otherwise, it does not apply to:
- (i) Ships of war and troopships.
- (ii) Cargo ships of less than 500 gross tonnage.
- (iii) Ships not propelled by mechanical means.
- (iv) Wooden ships of primitive build.
- (v) Pleasure yachts not engaged in trade.
- (vi) Fishing vessels.
Regarding "expressly provided otherwise", it should be noted that:
- Chapter IV of SOLAS 74 "Radiocommunications" applies to all ships to which the Convention generally applies (as above) and to cargo ships of 300 gross tonnage and upward.
- Chapter V of SOLAS 74, "Safety of navigation" (unless otherwise expressly provided in the Chapter) applies to all ships on all voyages, except ships of war and ships solely navigating the Great Lakes of North America.
- Chapter VII of SOLAS 74 "Carriage of Dangerous Goods" applies to chemical tankers (on international voyages) including those of less than 500 gross tonnage unless expressly provided otherwise in the Chapter or related Code. It also applies to liquefied gas carriers (on international voyages) including those of less than 500 gross tonnage, unless expressly provided otherwise in the Chapter or related Code.
The 1966 Load Line Convention applies to all ships on international voyages, except:
- (a) ships of war;
- (b) new ships of less than 24 metres (79 feet) in length;
- (c) existing ships of less than 150 gross tonnage
- (d) pleasure yachts not engaged in trade
- (e) fishing vessels
The various Annexes of MARPOL 73/78 differ with regard to their applicability, but none are entirely applicable to every type of ship of any size and on any voyage.
|