This is a key convention that contains numerous terms and requirements related to ship safety. For example, terms like “life-saving appliances” which covers lifeboats, lifebuoys, and lifejackets, and “fire safety systems” including fire extinguishers, fire alarms, and fire dampers. It sets the standards for the design, construction, and maintenance of these systems on ships to ensure the safety of crew and passengers in case of emergencies.

Phrases such as “must be in compliance with SOLAS regulations” are commonly used when referring to ships meeting the safety requirements stipulated in this convention. For instance, “The installation of the emergency lighting system on board must be in compliance with SOLAS regulations to ensure sufficient illumination during power failures.”

It focuses on the training and certification of seafarers. Standard terms include “competency” which refers to the skills and knowledge that a seafarer should possess in different aspects such as navigation, engine operation, and safety procedures. For example, “A deck officer should demonstrate the required competency in celestial navigation as per STCW standards.”

“Watchkeeping” is another important term, dealing with the duties and responsibilities of crew members when on duty to monitor the ship's operations, navigation, and safety. Statements like “Proper watchkeeping procedures must be followed in accordance with STCW requirements to maintain the ship's safe operation at all times” are frequently used.

This convention is centered around preventing pollution from ships. Terms like “oil pollution” which involves the discharge of oil or oily waste into the sea, “sewage disposal” regarding the proper treatment and release of ship's sewage, and “air emissions” covering pollutants like sulfur oxides and nitrogen oxides from ship's engines.

For example, “The ship must comply with MARPOL Annex I regulations on oil pollution prevention, which prohibit the illegal discharge of oil overboard and require proper storage and disposal of oily waste.”

It provides a comprehensive list of standardized terms for marine navigation. Words like “bearing” (the direction of an object from the ship), “distance” (the spatial separation between two objects), “waypoint” (a predefined point on a ship's route), and “course” (the intended direction of travel of the ship).

In communication between ships or in navigational instructions, phrases such as “Set a course to the next waypoint with a bearing of 120 degrees and a distance of 10 nautical miles” are used based on these standardized vocabulary items.