Is SOLAS for New and Used Boats?

SOLAS refers to Safety of Life at Sea, and the regulations apply to both new and existing vessels. There are, however, some distinctions related to the type of watercraft in question and the year it was built. In other words, it is complicated, but the matter of safety on the water is too important to leave to chance.

Our well-respected marine installation professionals in Fort Lauderdale are dedicated to upholding all SOLAS regulations. We have the expertise to maintain your boat in excellent working condition, while also enhancing your safety and peace of mind.

SOLAS

The SOLAS Convention sets the minimum safety standards for how watercraft are built, equipped, and operated, including:

• Structural integrity
• All electrical equipment on board
• Life-saving features such as lifeboats, fire safety equipment, and more
• Effective radio communications
• Cargo carriage
• Navigational safety

Focal Points

SOLAS’s updated safety focus includes revised requirements in a range of key areas.

Mooring Operations

SOLAS has enhanced its requirements regarding mooring operations, or the means of securing boats safely in fixed positions. These include adjustments to the selection, maintenance, arrangement, inspection, and replacement of mooring equipment, as well as the related lines. Skippers are also required to keep their mooring documentation on board their vessels.

Distress and Safety Systems

Requirements related to the Global Maritime Distress and Safety Systems (GMDSS) have also been modernized. They now incorporate the availability of high-tech communication systems, thereby phasing out outdated means of communication.

Lifesaving Devices

Additionally, SOLAS has tightened its requirements regarding lifesaving devices designed to enhance safety. This includes shifts that apply to launching appliances, lifeboats, and rescue boats in all the following areas:

• Design and testing
• Capacity
• Maintenance
• Distribution of safety features throughout vessels

Watertight Integrity

The requirements regarding the watertight integrity of ships have been updated to reflect a more realistic assessment of each vessel’s chance of survival regarding various flooding scenarios, concerning the placement of watertight doors. This shift applies primarily to crafts built after January 1, 2024.

When it comes to your vessel, safety is paramount, which makes carefully adhering to all SOLAS requirements – and exceeding them whenever possible – the best course of action. Turn to a premier marine safety company to help keep your watercraft seaworthy under the full range of often unpredictable conditions that you encounter on the water.

NextGen Marine Installation Services You Can Rely On

The experienced marine professionals at NextGen Marine work closely with SOLAS requirements. They are well-prepared to ensure that your vessel complies, providing you with the full range of safety features necessary to enjoy your time on the water safely. We are standing by to help, so please don’t wait to reach out by contacting us for more information today.