SOLAS Safety Equipment Inspection Checklist for Ships

Lifesaving Equipment Readiness

• Regular inspections of lifeboats, liferafts, lifejackets, and survival craft equipment identify deficiencies before they compromise crew safety or violate SOLAS requirements, ensuring effective emergency response throughout global maritime operations.

Fire Safety & Protection

• Systematic inspections verify fire detection systems, fire main systems, fixed extinguishing systems, and portable firefighting equipment, ensuring vessels maintain adequate fire protection and response capabilities during emergencies worldwide.

SOLAS Regulatory Compliance

• Proper documentation of inspection results, equipment certificates, test records, and maintenance logs demonstrates compliance with SOLAS convention requirements, flag state regulations, and international maritime safety standards across all jurisdictions.

• Radar systems operational
• ECDIS/ENCs or charts corrected to latest notices

• Navigation lights operational
• Magnetic compass deviation card/current adjustment information available

• Bridge emergency equipment functional (searchlight/signalling equipment as applicable)

• EPIRB correctly mounted in float-free bracket
• EPIRB battery and HRU within expiry dates

• SART/AIS-SART present, correctly stowed, and operable (self-test)
• EPIRB/SART self-test records maintained

• Registration details correct and up to date

• General alarm system operational (test)
• Public address system clear and audible in key areas

• Alarm signals posted and crew aware of meanings
• Emergency call points accessible and labeled

• Alarm testing log maintained

• Emergency generator operational under test and takes load
• Emergency batteries/UPS in good condition and maintained

• Emergency lighting functional in escape routes and muster stations
• Emergency switchboard and circuits clearly identified

• Emergency power test records maintained

• Fire detection panel operational with no active faults
• Smoke and heat detectors tested and functional

• Manual call points accessible and clearly marked
• Fire alarm audible in all accommodation and machinery spaces

• Fire detection maintenance/test records available

• Fire main pressure adequate at most remote hydrant (test)
• Fire pumps including emergency fire pump operational and logged

• Hydrants, hoses, and nozzles accessible and correctly stowed
• No visible leaks in fire main piping/valves

• Fire main valves clearly marked and operable

• Fixed extinguishing system cylinders/bottles within test/inspection dates
• Release controls secured; operating instructions posted

• System piping/nozzles free from damage or obstruction
• Remote ventilation shutdowns/quick closing valves functional

• Fixed system servicing/inspection certificates available

• Lifeboats and liferafts correctly stowed and secured for immediate use
• Lifejackets available for all persons; lights/whistles serviceable

• Immersion suits (if required) available; sizes adequate and in good condition
• Lifebuoys with lights/smoke/lines (as fitted) correctly positioned

• Muster list posted and current

• Escape routes clear and unobstructed
• Fire doors self-closing and not wedged open

• Fire boundaries intact; no unauthorized penetrations/hold-open devices
• Exit signage illuminated/visible; low-level markings serviceable where fitted

• EEBD units (where required) in-date and accessible

• Portable extinguishers located as per plan and in-date
• Extinguisher seals/pressure indicators in acceptable condition

• Fire blankets available where required and serviceable
• Fireman's outfits complete and readily accessible

• SCBA units operational; cylinder pressure adequate

• Survival craft equipment inventory complete per required list
• Launching appliances/davits/falls inspected and condition satisfactory

• Embarkation ladders/arrangements maintained and accessible
• Painter arrangements correct and serviceable

• Weekly and monthly LSA checks recorded

• Watertight doors operational and sealing correctly
• Remote closing arrangements functional and clearly indicated

• Bilge alarms tested and operational
• Hatch covers properly secured and sealing arrangements effective

• Damage control equipment available and maintained