SOLAS & Marine Safety Compliance for Superyacht Galleys

What SOLAS Means for Your Galley

SOLAS sets minimum safety standards for commercial vessels. Superyachts above 500 GT operating commercially are subject to SOLAS. Larger private yachts are subject to flag state equivalent requirements, typically modelled on SOLAS. For the galley, SOLAS has direct implications for fire suppression, ventilation, gas systems and construction materials.

Fire Suppression

SOLAS requires a fixed fire suppression system above cooking equipment. The two principal types:

• Wet chemical systems — preferred for cooking equipment; uses potassium acetate solution. Kidde, Amerex and Ansul are commonly specified brands. Must be serviced annually.
• Gaseous systems (CO2 or inert gas) — used for enclosed spaces, not typically appropriate above an open cooking line.

Ensure any new cooking equipment installed during refit is compatible with the existing suppression system — canopy dimensions and appliance layouts affect nozzle positioning.

Ventilation Standards

Minimum extraction rate is typically 60 air changes per hour above the cooking line. Make-up air must balance the extraction flow. Grease filters must be cleaned regularly — typically weekly during active charter — and must be of a type approved for grease extraction duty.

Gas Safety

Many flag states prohibit LPG above a certain vessel size. The practical result is that most superyacht galleys above 24 metres are fully electric — simplifying compliance considerably. Where gas is fitted, annual inspection by a certified engineer is required.

Flag State Variations

Specific requirements depend on your flag state. Common frameworks: MCA LY2/LY3 (UK), Marshall Islands, Cayman Islands, Panama. Always confirm with your flag state authority before finalising a specification.

Classification Society Approval

Vessels classed with Lloyd's Register, Bureau Veritas, DNV, RINA or ABS may require class approval for modifications affecting fire suppression, ventilation or structure. Check with your classification surveyor before commencing significant galley work.