The ocean connects countries and economies around the world. Every day thousands of ships transport goods, oil, and passengers across seas and oceans. With such a massive volume of trade, standard rules and regulations are important to keep shipping safe, fair, and environmentally friendly. This is where maritime conventions come into play.
Maritime conventions are international agreements that set rules for ship safety, environmental protections, seafarers’ rights, and shipping practices. Most of these conventions are developed, maintained, and updated by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and other UN regulatory bodies. These laws ensure that maritime trade runs smoothly while protecting people and the planet.
This article will explore the four pillars of maritime law and how they support the global shipping industry today.
1. SOLAS – Safety of Life at Sea
The International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) is the most important law for the safety of merchant ships. It sets minimum safety standards for ships’ construction, equipment, and operation to protect lives at sea.
The SOLAS convention was created after one of the most famous maritime disasters in history: the sinking of the RMS (Royal Mail Ship) Titanic in 1912, which killed over 1,500 people. This tragedy revealed the lack of proper safety measures on ships. It led to taking international action to improve maritime safety.
The IMO adopted the first SOLAS convention in 1914, but World War I prevented it from coming into force. Since then, authorities have revised it several times:
- 1929
- 1948
- 1960
The current version, SOLAS 1974, came into effect on May 25, 1980. SOLAS continues to evolve through regular amendments. It applies to all commercial vessels, regardless of size or type.
While IMO developed SOLAS regulations, flag states and port state control (PSC) authorities are responsible for ensuring compliance. Ships that follow SOLAS rules carry certificates, such as
- Safety equipment certificates
- Safety construction certificates
Authorities check these certificates regularly and renew them to ensure compliance.
SOLAS is divided into 14 chapters, covering all aspects of maritime safety, including
- Ship construction and stability
- Fire protection and life-saving appliances
- Navigation and communication equipment
- Safety management system
By following SOLAS, shipping companies reduce accidents at sea and protect crew members, passengers, and cargo.
2. MARPOL – Prevention of Pollution from Ships
Shipping is important for global trade. But it can also harm the marine environment. Almost 90% of the world’s cargo is transported by sea. Due to this, improper handling of oil, chemicals, and waste can cause serious environmental disasters.
The International Maritime Convention for Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) addresses this problem. MARPOL was created to prevent pollution from shipping operations and accidents, protecting oceans from oil spills, chemicals and garbage, sewage, and air emissions.
The need for MARPOL became clear after the Torrey Canyon oil spill in 1967. It was one of the worst environmental disasters caused by a ship. The IMO developed MARPOL to reduce similar incidents and improve environmental protection.
The MARPOL convention was amended several times.
- First adopted on 2nd November 1973
- 1978 – Added protocols after several severe oil accidents.
- 1983 October 2 – Entered into force.
- 1997—The latest amendment.
- 2025 – A new annex was enforced.
MARPOL has six annexes, and each focuses on a specific type of pollution.
- Annex i – Oil pollution
- Annex ii – Noxious liquid substances
- Annex iii – Harmful substances in packaged form
- Annex iv – Sewage from ships
- Annex v – Garbage and waste management
- Annex vi – Air pollution from ships
MARPOL applies to all ships, regardless of size, type, or flag. Shipping companies must follow strict rules for waste disposal, fuel quality, and emissions to protect the environment.
By following MARPOL regulations, the maritime industry contributes to cleaner oceans, reduces environmental damage, and ensures sustainable global trade.
3. STCW – Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers
Shipping is a highly technical and specialized industry. Modern ships use advanced technology, digital navigation, and automated systems, which require skilled and well-trained seafarers to operate safely.
The STCW convention sets minimum standards for the training, certification, and watchkeeping of seafarers. It ensures that all crew members meet consistent levels of competence and safety awareness.
STCW was first adopted by the IMO in 1978 and has been amended multiple times to keep up with technological advances and industry needs. It applies to all types of crew, including
- Deck officers
- Engine officers
- Ratings (Deck and Engine)
- Catering staff
- Specialized personnel
The flag state is responsible for making sure seafarers and maritime training institutes comply with STCW standards. The convention has helped improve professionalism and safety in shipping worldwide.
Key benefits of STCW include:
- Ensuring crew compliance and skills
- Reducing accidents at sea
- Promoting international consistency in maritime training
- Facilitating smooth international trade
STCW is the backbone of maritime safety and professionalism. It protects lives, improves operational efficiency, and builds trust in global shipping.
4. MLC – Maritime Labor Convention
Shipping is not only about ships and cargo. It is also about people. Seafarers are the backbone of the maritime industry. They often spend weeks or months away from home to keep global trade moving. Protecting their rights, safety, and well-being is important.
The Maritime Labor Convention was developed by the International Labor Organization (ILO). The ILO is to set minimum working and living standards for all seafarers, no matter their nationality or the flag of the ship. MLC came into force on 20 August 2013.
Before MLC, seafarers’ rights were scattered across many outdated conventions, with limited enforcement. MLC modernized these standards, improving accountability, enforcement, and fair treatment of seafarers.
MLC applies to all ships engaged in commercial operations, including
- Cargo ships
- Tankers
- Passenger ships (cruise ships)
It covers all seafarers, including officers, ratings, cooks, and even hospitality staff on passenger vessels. However, it does not apply to warships, fishing vessels, or noncommercial ships.
Key aspects of MLC include:
- Minimum age and employment condition for seafarers
- Working hours and rest periods
- Healthy, safe, and welfare on board
- Accommodation and recreational facilities.
- Seafarers’ complaint procedures.
By implementing MLC, shipping companies create a safer, fairer, and more attractive workplace for seafarers. It helps reduce fatigue, accidents, and disputes while improving overall productivity at sea.
Conclusion
The shipping industry is the backbone of global trade, connecting countries, businesses, and people. But this vast network of shipping relies on rules and conventions to operate safely, fairly, and sustainably.
These maritime conventions play a crucial role in protecting lives, the environment, and seafarers’ rights. SOLAS ensures ship safety, MARPOL protects the oceans, STCW guarantees competent crew members, and MLC safeguards seafarers’ welfare.
Together they create a strong foundation for global maritime trade, making shipping safer, more efficient, and environmentally responsible. As technology and trade evolve, these laws will continue to adapt, shaping the future of the maritime industry worldwide.
