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SOLAS Chapter XI-1 is titled "Special Measures to Enhance Maritime Safety". It covers critical operational, survey, identification, and safety verification measures designed to improve shipboard safety and flag state/port state oversight.
Key Regulations Under SOLAS Chapter XI-1Regulation 1 – Authorization of Recognized Organizations (ROs): Mandates that any Recognized Organization (such as Classification Societies) acting on behalf of a Flag State Administration to perform surveys and issue certificates must meet strict IMO standards (compliance with the RO Code).
Regulation 2 – Enhanced Surveys (ESP Code): Makes compliance with the International Code on the Enhanced Programme of Inspections during Surveys of Bulk Carriers and Oil Tankers (ESP Code) mandatory. It requires rigorous structural integrity surveys based on the vessel's age and gross tonnage.
Regulation 3 – Ship Identification Number Scheme: Mandates that all passenger ships (≥100 GT) and cargo ships (≥300 GT) must carry a permanent IMO Ship Identification Number (permanently marked on the hull/bulkhead and certificates) for global vessel tracking.
Regulation 3-1 – Company and Registered Owner Identification Number: Requires shipping companies and registered owners to be assigned a unique IMO identification number to trace ownership and operational management liability.
Regulation 4 – Port State Control (PSC) on Operational Requirements: Empowers Port State Control officers to inspect a ship's operational capabilities (e.g., crew familiarity with emergency procedures, SMS implementation) if there are clear grounds to believe the ship does not conform to safety standards.
Regulation 5 – Continuous Synopsis Record (CSR): Mandates that every ship (≥500 GT) on international voyages must carry an official Continuous Synopsis Record. Issued by the Flag State, the CSR acts as an unalterable history log documenting changes in vessel flag, registered owner, charterer, classification society, and safety management authority.
Regulation 6 – Investigation of Marine Casualties and Incidents: Requires Flag State Administrations to conduct thorough investigations into any marine casualty or incident involving their vessels and submit the findings to the IMO to improve future maritime safety regulations.
Regulation 7 – Atmosphere Testing Instrument for Enclosed Spaces: Mandates that all ships of 500 GT and above carry appropriate portable gas testing instruments capable of measuring concentrations of Oxygen (O2), Flammable gases/vapors (LEL), Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S), and Carbon Monoxide (CO) prior to crew entry into enclosed spaces.