The International Convention on the Safety of Life at Sea, adopted at a meeting of the International Maritime Organization on 1 November 1974, entered into force on 25 May 1980. The text then underwent various changes and corrections between 1978 and 1988. Various arrangements have been made and various laws have been enacted within the scope of this agreement.

Necessary arrangements have been made in many subjects ranging from the characteristics of the devices used in the design of ships to the protection of persons' life and property safety and the communication conditions. Under the Convention, the subjects to be considered until the construction phase of the ships to protect the safety of people's life and property have been determined and complied with. This agreement is a legal document signed and approved by IMO member countries.