TOWARDS A NEW SOLAS CONVENTION: A TRANSFORMATION OF THE SHIP SAFETY REGULATORY FRAMEWORK

Abstract

This document considers the necessary elements for fundamentally transforming SOLAS to adapt safety to innovation, technology sophistication and operational efficiency of shipping by means of a long-term comprehensive review of the existing regulatory framework. This should be undertaken with a view to ensuring that the Convention fulfils its mission and meets the future challenges, taking into account the ever-increasing pace of change and technological advancements made since 1974. This paper considers that a Goal-Based-Safety Level approach will provide the key to success and discusses the possibility to take a holistic approach to build a far reaching Convention that will help the stakeholders who deal with these regulations to be more effective.