Maritime Regulations and Legal Framework

SOLAS: Safety of Life at Sea

The SOLAS Convention (Safety of Life at Sea) is the primary international framework governing maritime safety.

It regulates key aspects such as:

• Intact and damage stability requirements

• Fire protection systems

• Life-saving appliances

• Structural safety systems

• Mandatory certification and inspection controls

Compliance with SOLAS regulations is essential for the safe operation and international certification of commercial vessels and passenger ships, ensuring adherence to global maritime safety standards.

MARPOL: Prevention of Marine Pollution

The MARPOL Convention regulates the prevention of marine pollution resulting from maritime activities.

It includes provisions related to:

• Atmospheric emissions control

• Waste management

• Discharge prevention

• Ballast water management

• Energy efficiency requirements

Naval engineering must integrate technical criteria that ensure environmental compliance and reduce pollutant emissions, in accordance with applicable international maritime regulations.

ISM Code: Operational Safety Management

The ISM Code (International Safety Management Code) establishes the principles for maritime operational safety management.

It includes:

• Documented operational procedures

• Risk assessment processes

• Emergency response plans

• Internal safety audits

• Defined responsibilities of the shipowner and the master

Compliance with the ISM Code is mandatory for certain categories of commercial vessels and strengthens overall operational safety and regulatory compliance.

Sociedades de Clasificación

TheClassification Societies establish technical rules for the construction, structural maintenance, and operational verification of vessels.

Among the most recognized are:

• Lloyd’s Register (LR)

• DNV

• Bureau Veritas (BV)

• RINA

Their rules define criteria for:

• Structural dimensioning

• Hull strength verification

• Safety systems compliance

• Periodic surveys and inspections

Application of these classification rules is mandatory for various categories of commercial vessels, ensuring compliance with international maritime engineering and safety standards.

Spanish Maritime Regulations and DGMM

In Spain, maritime regulation is supervised by the Directorate General of the Merchant Marine (DGMM).

This framework includes:

• Mandatory statutory inspections

• Required maritime certificates

• Legalization of structural modifications and refits

• Approval of technical naval projects

• Stability studies

• Administrative compliance procedures

Spanish maritime regulations complement international conventions and ensure the legal validity and administrative recognition of technical documentation.