Maritime Law & Regulations Flashcards

What is the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS)?

Answer: An international maritime safety treaty setting minimum standards for ship construction, equipment, and operation

SOLAS is the most important international treaty governing maritime safety, establishing minimum standards for ship construction, equipment, and operation to ensure crew and passenger safety.

What is the International Safety Management (ISM) Code?

Answer: A code requiring shipping companies to implement safety management systems for vessel operations

The ISM Code requires shipping companies to establish documented safety management systems covering safety policies, procedures, emergency preparedness, and continuous improvement.

What are the responsibilities of a Deck Watch Officer regarding collision avoidance?

Answer: Maintaining a proper lookout, complying with COLREGS, and taking early action to avoid collision

The DWO must maintain a proper lookout by all available means, comply with the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS), and take timely action to avoid close-quarters situations.

What is MARPOL and what does it regulate?

Answer: The International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, covering oil, chemicals, sewage, garbage, and air emissions

MARPOL is the main international convention covering prevention of pollution of the marine environment by ships from operational or accidental causes, with six annexes covering different pollutant types.

What is the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code?

Answer: A comprehensive security regime for international shipping establishing threat levels and security measures

The ISPS Code establishes an international framework for detecting and deterring security threats to ships and port facilities, implemented after the September 11, 2001 attacks.

What is the STCW Convention?

Answer: The Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, setting qualification requirements

STCW sets minimum international qualification standards for masters, officers, and watch personnel on seagoing merchant ships, ensuring competence through training and certification requirements.