SOLAS Instrumentation flashcards

34 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

SOLAS Chapter I

Contains general provisions, survey and certificate requirements, and the procedure for amendments and equivalents. It establishes the certificate framework that other chapters rely on.

Tacit acceptance procedure

Amendment procedure where an amendment enters into force on a set date unless a specified number of Parties object. It allows SOLAS to be updated without a formal conference for each change.

Record of Equipment

Form attached to a SOLAS certificate listing the actual navigation, radio, fire and life-saving equipment carried. The certificate is invalid if the record does not match the equipment on board.

Cargo Ship Safety Equipment Certificate

Certificate issued after survey confirming compliance with Chapters II-2, III and V equipment requirements. Normally valid for five years with annual and intermediate surveys under the harmonized system.

ECDIS carriage requirement

Required for passenger ships 500 GT and above and cargo ships 3000 GT and above on international voyages built on or after 1 July 2012. A backup arrangement or paper charts must be provided.

AIS carriage

Automatic identification system required for ships 300 GT and above on international voyages and all passenger ships. It must operate continuously unless the master believes operation compromises safety.

BNWAS

Bridge navigational watch alarm system required on ships 150 GT and above, phased by construction date. It alerts the bridge team if the officer of the watch does not respond within a set interval.

Voyage data recorder

Recording device that stores bridge audio, radar, position and other data for accident investigation. Required for passenger ships and cargo ships 3000 GT and above on international voyages.

GMDSS sea area A1

Area within VHF coverage of a coast station. Minimum carriage includes VHF DSC, VHF radiotelephone, NAVTEX and a satellite or VHF EPIRB for ships operating only in this area.

406 MHz EPIRB

Satellite distress beacon with 121.5 MHz homing transmitter, float-free mounting and registration with the flag State. Battery expiry and periodic testing must be recorded.

Reserve source of energy

Independent power source for the radio installation, separate from main and emergency generators. It must maintain continuous operation for the period required by Chapter IV.

DSC watch on VHF channel 70

Continuous digital selective calling watch required for sea area A1. The watch must be maintained while the ship is at sea and the radio log records the tests.

Fixed fire detection system

System of smoke or heat detectors covering accommodation, service spaces and control stations. Alarms must be audible on the bridge and indicate the zone of the alarm.

CO2 fixed extinguishing system

Gas system for machinery spaces requiring warning alarm, time delay before release and a means of sealing the space. Gas quantity is calculated from the protected volume.

Fire control plan

Permanently exhibited plan showing fire-fighting equipment and access to compartments. A duplicate copy must be kept in a marked container outside the accommodation for shore fire-fighters.

Fire pump requirement

Cargo ships 1000 GT and above need at least two independently driven fire pumps. Each must deliver the required pressure and flow at the hydrants.

Lifeboat and rescue boat

Cargo ships require lifeboats on each side or a free-fall lifeboat, plus a rescue boat. A lifeboat may serve as rescue boat if it meets the LSA Code requirements.

Immersion suit carriage

Required for each person on board on cargo ships in cold water areas, with additional suits for watchkeepers. Thermal protective aids supplement the suits.

On-load release gear testing

Lifeboat release gear must be examined and tested by a competent person at intervals not exceeding five years. Records of the test must be available for survey.

Abandon-ship drill interval

Drills must be held at monthly intervals, and life-saving appliances inspected weekly. Results are recorded in the logbook and reviewed during survey.

Unattended machinery space alarms

Periodically unattended machinery spaces require automatic alarms and safety devices, with alarm transfer to the bridge and a separate bilge alarm.

Emergency generator start time

The emergency generator must start automatically and supply the emergency switchboard within 45 seconds. It must then operate for the period specified in Chapter II-1.

Steering gear alarm

Bridge alarm indicating failure of a steering power unit, low oil level or loss of control. Ships of 10,000 GT and above require two independent power units.

Boiler low water alarm

Alarm required for unattended boiler operation, together with flame failure protection. Safety valves and water level indicators must be provided and tested.

Watertight door indicators

Bridge indicators showing open or closed position of power-operated watertight doors, with an audible alarm before movement. Doors must be closable from the bridge.

Watertight door drills

Drills at intervals not exceeding one week on ships with watertight doors. The drill includes operation from the bridge and locally.

Loading instrument

Approved instrument or stability booklet used to verify that the ship's stability remains within limits. It must be verified at intervals and results recorded.

Damage control plan

Permanently exhibited plan showing watertight compartment boundaries and closing appliances. It supports damage control and is reviewed during survey.

Harmonized survey system

Survey and certification scheme with initial, annual, intermediate and renewal surveys. Annual surveys fall within three months of the anniversary date.

Renewal survey timing

Carried out within three months before the certificate expiry date. The new certificate is dated from the expiry of the old one and covers all Record of Equipment items.

Radio log

Mandatory record of radio tests, watch periods and distress communications. It must be retained for the period specified by the flag State and available for inspection.

Alarm prioritization

Alarms must be grouped and prioritized by system on a central panel. Nuisance alarms must be minimized to reduce alarm fatigue on the bridge.

Bridge conning position

Position from which the watchkeeper can see the horizon and navigation displays. Bridge layout must allow duties to be carried out without distraction.

VDR data preservation

Following an incident the VDR data must be preserved for investigation. The master must be aware that bridge audio and data may be used in accident inquiries.