Definition SOLAS & MED > What does that mean?

SOLAS – International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea

“SOLAS” stands for “Safety of Life at Sea” and is the most important international regulatory framework for ensuring safety in maritime shipping. It was adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) – a specialized agency of the United Nations – and is legally binding for all signatory states.

The convention establishes detailed minimum requirements for the design, equipment, and operation of merchant vessels. Its primary objective is to protect human life at sea, prevent maritime accidents, and ensure effective rescue operations in emergencies.

Key areas regulated by SOLAS include:

- Ship construction standards to ensure stability, fire protection, and structural integrity

- Mandatory life-saving appliances, such as lifejackets, distress signals, life rafts, and emergency lighting

- Operational safety measures, including emergency plans, alarm systems, and communication equipment

- Required crew training and certification, enabling effective action in emergency situations

- Specific provisions for the transport of dangerous goods, as well as standards for passenger and cargo vessels across various categories

Compliance with SOLAS regulations is not only a legal obligation but also a critical factor in safe and responsible maritime operations. Products labeled as SOLAS-compliant – such as specific lifejackets, lights, or signaling devices – have been thoroughly tested and proven to meet the high safety standards defined in this international convention.

As a provider of personal protective equipment (PPE) and maritime safety solutions, we strictly align our development and production processes with the latest SOLAS regulations – to ensure maximum reliability in emergencies and the highest level of safety for people and the marine environment.

MED – Marine Equipment Directive of the European Union

The Marine Equipment Directive (MED) – officially known as Directive 2014/90/EU – is a key piece of legislation by the European Union that defines safety and performance standards for marine equipment intended for use on ships flying the flag of an EU Member State. Its primary goal is to enhance maritime safety and ensure a high, consistent level of protection for life at sea, while also facilitating the free movement of compliant equipment within the EU internal market.

The MED applies to a broad range of equipment used on EU-flagged vessels, including but not limited to:

- Life-saving appliances (e.g., lifejackets, life rafts, emergency beacons, pyrotechnics)

- Fire protection and firefighting equipment (e.g., fire extinguishers, detection systems)

- Navigation and communication systems (e.g., radar, AIS, VHF radios, compasses)

- Marine safety devices (e.g., emergency lighting, alarms, watertight doors)

To be legally used on EU ships, equipment must undergo a conformity assessment procedure carried out by a designated Notified Body. Upon successful evaluation, the equipment receives the Wheelmark symbol – the official MED conformity mark, which is mandatory for marine equipment under this directive.

The Wheelmark guarantees that the product:

- Meets all applicable EU safety and performance requirements

- Has been tested and approved according to harmonized technical standards

- Is subject to regular quality control and surveillance procedures

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The MED ensures that only reliable, high-quality, and standardized equipment is installed aboard EU-flagged vessels, significantly contributing to:

- The protection of human life at sea

- The technical safety and operational integrity of maritime operations

 -The harmonization of marine equipment standards across all EU member states

At Pflüger Safety GmbH & Co. KG, we are committed to full compliance with the Marine Equipment Directive. Our maritime safety products are developed, tested, and certified in strict accordance with current MED requirements – so that shipowners, operators, and crews can rely on the highest levels of safety, quality, and legal assurance at sea.

In the download area you will find the current guideline from 26.07.2024!