Safety requirements for commercial yachts up to 12 passengers and 500GT and above.
Commercial yachts up to 12 passengers and a gross tonnage of 500GT and above must comply with various safety and security measures as set forth in Chapters II-1, II-2, III and XI-1/2 of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS). These measures are aimed at ensuring the safety of passengers and crew members on board and maintaining the structural integrity and operational efficiency of the vessel.
The following certificates and documents must be obtained and maintained:
Safety Construction Certificate for cargo vessels (commercial yachts with 12 or less passengers): This certificate confirms that the structure, subdivision and stability of the vessel as well as its machinery and electrical installations comply with SOLAS requirements.
Cargo Ship Safety Equipment Certificate and Record of Approved Safety Equipment, Form E: This certificate ensures that the ship is equipped with the required life-saving appliances and devices in accordance with SOLAS regulations.
Technical Coatings File: This file contains information on the vessel's protective coatings, which are essential for maintaining the vessel's structural integrity and protection against corrosion.
Stability Information: This document describes the stability characteristics of the vessel and provides important data for safe navigation and operation.
Damage Control Plans and Booklets: These plans and booklets provide procedures and guidelines for controlling and mitigating damage during an emergency.
Noise Survey Report: This report provides information about the noise level on the vessel and ensures compliance with noise regulations to protect the health and safety of crew and passengers.
Maneuvering Booklet: This booklet contains information about the vessel's maneuvering capabilities and handling characteristics that are essential for safe navigation.
As-built drawings: These drawings show the structure and systems of the ship as built and are used as a reference for maintenance, repairs, and modifications.
Fire safety training manual, fire safety plan/booklet, onboard training and drills.
Fire Safety Operations Booklet: This booklet contains instructions and procedures for preventing, detecting and fighting fires on board the yacht.
Maintenance plans: These plans provide an overview of the maintenance requirements and intervals for safety equipment and systems on board.
Training Manual: This manual contains information and instructions on the proper use of rescue equipment and safety equipment on board.
Onboard Maintenance Instructions: These instructions provide guidelines for the proper maintenance and servicing of safety equipment and systems onboard the yacht.
Vessel-specific plans and procedures for rescuing persons from the water: these plans and procedures provide instructions for the safe and effective rescue of persons from the water in an emergency.
Decision support system for skippers (for passenger ships only): This system provides skippers with additional information and support for decision-making in emergency situations.
Compliance with SOLAS requirements and the existence of the relevant certificates and documents are crucial for the safety of commercial yachts with 12 or fewer passengers and a gross tonnage of 500GT and above. Implementing these requirements ensures a high level of safety for passengers and crew members and maintains the yacht's operational efficiency.
