By the Chase Leavitt service team · Portland & Ellsworth, ME · Updated November 2026

Who does each apply to

SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) is the international convention. It applies to vessels engaged in international voyages, vessels above certain tonnages, and any vessel that opts into SOLAS standards. The IMO writes the rules; flag states implement them.

USCG regulations are domestic. They apply to U.S. vessels operating in U.S. waters, and to U.S. vessels engaged in commerce outside U.S. waters under the Coast Guard’s authority. The USCG has implemented SOLAS for U.S. vessels through 46 CFR.

If you’re operating a U.S. vessel in U.S. waters, you’re under USCG. If you’re operating internationally on a U.S.-flagged vessel, you’re under both. If you’re a fishing boat in Maine, you’re under USCG (specifically 46 CFR 28).

Life rafts

The biggest practical difference between SOLAS and USCG-approved rafts is the survival pack. SOLAS rafts come in two pack types:

• SOLAS A pack — designed for ocean voyages. Includes everything you’d want for multi-day survival: more water, more food, signaling devices for both day and night, more first aid.
• SOLAS B pack — designed for short coastal voyages. Less water, fewer rations, but still includes the essential signaling and survival items.

USCG-approved commercial rafts use a similar pack but with USCG-specified contents. The contents overlap heavily; the differences are in quantities and specific approval certifications.

Recreational rafts (USCG-approved for recreational use) have lighter packs. They’re not approved for commercial use under either regime.

Service intervals

For practical purposes, the service intervals are aligned. SOLAS requires 12 months. USCG requires 12 months. Recreational rafts under USCG approval are typically 12 months but some manufacturers approve 24 months.

The HRU is on its own 24-month replacement cycle under both regimes.

Survival suits

SOLAS specifies survival suits to a particular standard. USCG-approved suits meet the SOLAS standard plus additional approval criteria. In practice, every immersion suit we sell or service in the United States is both USCG-approved and SOLAS-compliant.

EPIRBs and signaling

Same satellite system (SARSAT). The EPIRB you buy in the United States meets both SOLAS and USCG requirements. The difference is registration: NOAA registers all U.S. EPIRBs and PLBs.

Practical implications

For a Maine fishing boat operating under 46 CFR 28, you’re under USCG, period. SOLAS doesn’t apply except as inherited through 46 CFR.

For a SOLAS vessel calling Maine ports, you’re under your flag state’s implementation of SOLAS. We service to SOLAS standards for these vessels and we’re known to several flag-state authorities.

For a yacht going offshore — Bermuda, Caribbean, transatlantic — you’re under the rules of the country whose flag you’re flying, plus any racing organization rules (ISAF/World Sailing). Most U.S.-flagged offshore yachts use SOLAS-compliant equipment because it’s the higher standard.

Documentation

SOLAS service certificates are recognized by flag states; USCG service certificates are recognized by U.S. authorities. We issue both, depending on the vessel’s needs. A USCG-approved service facility (we are one) can issue certificates that are accepted by U.S. inspectors and most international flag-state authorities.

For specific flag-state requirements (Marshall Islands, Liberia, Panama), check with the flag-state administration. We’ve worked with all the major flag states and we know the certificate format each one wants.