What is required for a passenger ship to obtain a SOLAS Passenger Ship Safety Certificate?

A SOLAS Passenger Ship Safety Certificate is a critical document certifying that a passenger ship meets the safety standards outlined by the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS). The core requirement for issuing this certificate is that the ship must undergo a thorough inspection and survey by a competent authority or agency. This process ensures that all safety measures, equipment, and protocols are in place and functioning correctly, as they are essential for the safety of passengers and crew onboard.

The safety certificate reflects compliance with a variety of safety regulations, but the overarching requirement is this rigorous inspection and surveying process, which confirms the ship's readiness and adherence to safety standards. The certificate is only granted once these inspections are satisfactorily completed, highlighting the central role of inspections in maritime safety certification.