International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974 as amended by the 1981 and

1983 SOLAS Amendments.

CHAPTER II-1

CONSTRUCTION - STRUCTURE, SUBDIVISION AND STABILITY,

MACHINERY AND ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS

PART

ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS

Regulation 41
Subjects

Main source of electrical power and lighting systems

*
1

See Note for details of amendments

Main source of electrical power
1.3 amendments in force from 1 July 1986,
see Note

Main lighting systems

3/4

Main switchboard

Main source of electrical power

5 addition with the entry into force
on 1 July 1998, see Note

1.1
A main source of electrical power of sufficient capacity to
supply all those services mentioned in regulation 40.1.1 shall be
provided. This main source of electrical power shall consist of at
least two generating sets.
1.2
The capacity of these generating sets shall be such that in the
event of any one generating set being stopped it will still be
possible to supply those services necessary to provide normal
operational conditions of propulsion and safety. Minimum comfortable
conditions of habitability shall also be ensured which include at
least adequate services for cooking, heating, domestic refrigeration,
mechanical ventilation, sanitary and fresh water.
1.3
The arrangements of the ship's main source of electrical power
shall be such that the services referred to in regulation 40.1.1 can
be maintained regardless of the speed and direction of rotation of
the propulsion machinery or shafting.
1.4
In addition, the generating sets shall be such as to ensure
that with any one generator or its primary source of power out of
operation, the remaining generating sets shall be capable of
providing the electrical services necessary to start the main
propulsion plant from a dead ship condition. The emergency source of
electrical power may be used for the purpose of starting from a dead
ship condition if its capability either alone or combined with that
of any other source of electrical power is sufficient to provide at
the same time those services required to be supplied by Regulations
42.2.1 to 42.2.3 for passenger ships and 43.2.1 to 43.2.4 for cargo
ships.

1.5
Where transformers constitute an essential part of the
electrical supply system required by this paragraph, the system shall
be so arranged as to ensure the same continuity of the supply as is
stated in this paragraph.
2.1
A main electric lighting system which shall provide
illumination throughout those parts of the ship normally accessible
to and used by passengers or crew shall be supplied from the main
source of electrical power.
2.2
The arrangement of the main electric lighting system shall be
such that a fire or other casualty in spaces containing the main
source of electrical power, associated transforming equipment, if
any, the main switchboard and the main lighting switchboard, will not
render the emergency electric lighting system required by Regulations
42.2.1 and 42.2.2 for Passenger Ships and 43.2.1 and 43.2.2 for Cargo
Ships inoperative.
2.3
The arrangement of the emergency electric lighting system shall
be such that a fire or other casualty in spaces containing the
emergency source of electrical power, associated transforming
equipment, if any, the emergency switchboard and the emergency
lighting switchboard will not render the main electric lighting
system required by this regulation inoperative.
3.
The main switchboard shall be so placed relative to one main
generating station that, as far as is practicable, the integrity of
the normal electrical supply may be affected only by a fire or other
casualty in one space. An environmental enclosure for the main
switchboard, such as may be provided by a machinery control room
situated within the main boundaries of the space, is not to be
considered as separating the switchboards from the generators.
4.
Where the total installed electrical power of the main
generating sets is in excess of 3 MW, the main busbars shall be
subdivided into at least two parts which shall normally be connected
by removable links or other approved means; so far as is practicable,
the connexion of generating sets and any other duplicated equipment
shall be equally divided between the parts. Equivalent arrangements
may be permitted to the satisfaction of the Administration.
5 Ships constructed on or after 1 July 1998:
.1

in addition to paragraphs 1 to 3, shall comply with the

following:

.1.1 where the main source of electrical power is necessary for

propulsion and steering of the ship, the system shall be so
arranged that the electrical supply to equipment necessary for
propulsion and steering and to ensure safety of the ship will be
maintained or immediately restored in the case of loss of any
one of the generators in service;
.1.2 load shedding or other equivalent arrangements shall be
provided to protect the generators required by this regulation
against sustained overload;

.1.3 where the main source of electrical power is necessary for

propulsion of the ship, the main busbar shall be subdivided into
at least two parts which shall normally be connected by circuit
breakers or other approved means; so far as is practicable, the
connection of generating sets and other duplicated equipment
shall be equally divided between the parts; and
.2

need not comply with paragraph 4.

Guide
In MSC/Circ.1176 of 25 May 2005, the following unified interpretation
was made to this regulation:
"UNIFIED INTERPRETATIONS OF SOLAS REGULATIONS II-1/40 and 41:

SOLAS REGULATIONS II-1/40 - GENERAL - AND II-1/41 - MAIN

SOURCE OF ELECTRICAL POWER AND LIGHTING SYSTEMS

Interpretation
Essential services and arrangements of sources of power, supply,
control and monitoring to the different categories of essential
services
1

Classification of electrical services

1.1 Essential services are those services essential for

propulsion and steering, and safety of the ship, which are made
up of "Primary Essential Services" and "Secondary Essential
Services". Definitions and examples of such services are given
in 2 and 3 below.
1.2 Services to ensure minimum comfortable conditions of
habitability are those services defined in 4 below.
2

Primary Essential Services

Primary Essential Services are those services which need to be in

continuous operation to maintain propulsion and steering.
Examples of equipment for primary essential services are as
follows:
-

steering gears;
pumps for controllable pitch propellers;
scavenging air blower, fuel oil supply pumps, fuel
valve cooling pumps, lubricating oil pumps and cooling
water pumps for main and auxiliary engines and turbines
necessary for propulsion;
forced draught fans, feed water pumps, water
circulating pumps, vacuum pumps and condensate pumps
for steam plants on steam turbine ships, and also for
auxiliary boilers on ships where steam is used for
equipment supplying primary essential services;

oil burning installations for steam plants on steam

turbine ships and for auxiliary boilers where steam is
used for equipment supplying primary essential
services;
azimuth thrusters, which are the sole means for
propulsion/steering with lubricating oil pumps, cooling
water pumps;
electrical equipment for electric propulsion plant with
lubricating oil pumps and cooling water pumps;
electric generators and associated power sources
supplying the above equipment;
hydraulic pumps supplying the above equipment;
viscosity control equipment for heavy fuel oil;
control, monitoring, and safety devices/systems for
equipment to primary essential services;
fire pumps and other fire extinguishing medium pumps;
navigation lights, aids and signals;
internal safety communication equipment;
lighting system.

Secondary Essential Services

Secondary Essential Services are those services which need not

necessarily be in continuous operation to maintain propulsion and
steering but which are necessary for maintaining the vessel's
safety. Examples of equipment for secondary essential services
are as follows:
-

windlass;
fuel oil transfer pumps and fuel oil treatment
equipment;
lubrication oil transfer pumps and lubrication oil
treatment equipment;
pre-heaters for heavy fuel oil;
starting air and control air compressors;
bilge, ballast and heeling pumps;
ventilating fans for engine and boiler rooms;
services considered necessary to maintain dangerous
spaces in a safe condition;
fire detection and alarm system;
electrical equipment for watertight closing appliances;
electric generators and associated power sources
supplying the above equipment;
hydraulic pumps supplying the above equipment;
control, monitoring, and safety systems for cargo
containment systems;
control, monitoring, and safety devices/systems for
equipment to secondary essential services.

Services for habitability

Services for habitability are those services which need to be in

operation for maintaining the ship's minimum comfort conditions
for the crew and passengers. Examples of equipment for
maintaining conditions of habitability are as follows:

cooking;
heating;
domestic refrigeration;
mechanical ventilation;
sanitary and fresh water;
electrical generators and associated power sources
supplying the above equipment.

5
Regulation II-1/40.1.1 and regulation II-1/41.1.1 - For the
purposes of these regulations, the services as included in
paragraphs 2 to 4 should be considered.
6
Regulation II-1/40.1.2 - For the purposes of this
regulation, the services as included in paragraphs 2 and 3 and
the services in regulation II-1/42 or II-1/43, as applicable,
should be considered.
7
Regulation II-1/41.1.2 - For the purposes of this
regulation, the services as included in paragraphs 2 to 4, except
for those also listed in Interpretation 3 (SOLAS chapter II 1,
regulation 41.1.2), should be considered.
8
Regulation II-1/41.1.5 - For the purposes of this
regulation, the services as included in paragraphs 2, 3 and 4
should be considered**.
---** See also IACS UI SC83.

9
Regulation II-1/41.5.1.2 - For the purposes of this
regulation, the following interpretations are applicable:
.1

services in paragraph 2 should not be included in any

automatic load shedding or other equivalent
arrangements;

.2

services in paragraph 3 may be included in the

automatic load shedding or other equivalent arrangement
provided disconnection will not prevent services
required for safety being immediately available when
the power supply is restored to normal operating
conditions; and

.3

services for habitability in paragraph 4 may be

included in the load shedding or other equivalent
arrangement."

SOLAS REGULATION II-1/41 - MAIN SOURCE OF ELECTRICAL POWER

AND LIGHTING SYSTEMS

5.1

SOLAS REGULATION II-1/41.1.2, MAIN SOURCE OF ELECTRICAL

POWER

Interpretation

Those services necessary to provide normal operational conditions

of propulsion and safety do not include services such as:

5.2

.1

thrusters not forming part of the main propulsion;

.2

moorings;

.3

cargo handling gear;

.4

cargo pumps; and

.5

refrigerators for air conditioning (those which are not

necessary to establish a minimum condition of
habitability).

SOLAS REGULATION II-1/41.1.3, SHAFT-DRIVEN GENERATOR SYSTEMS

Generators and generator systems, having the ship's main

propulsion machinery as their prime mover, may be accepted as
part of the ship's main source of electrical power, provided:
1
They should be capable of operating under all weather
conditions during sailing and during manoeuvring, also when the
vessel is stopped, within the specified limits for the voltage
variation in IEC 60092 - 301 and the frequency variation in IACS
UR E5.
2
Their rated capacity is safeguarded during all operations
given under 1, and is such that in the event of any other one of
the generators failing, the services given under regulation II
1/41.1.2 (Interpretation 3) can be maintained.
3
The short circuit current of the generator/generator system
is sufficient to trip the generator/generator system
circuit-breaker taking into account the selectivity of the
protective devices for the distribution system.
Protection should be arranged in order to safeguard the
generator/generator system in case of a short circuit in the main
bus bar. The generator/generator system should be suitable for
further use after fault clearance.
4
Standby sets are started in compliance with paragraph 2.2 of
SOLAS chapter II-1, regulation II-1/41.5 (Interpretation 5)."

5.3

SOLAS REGULATION II-1/41.4, CONNECTING MEANS BY WHICH THE

MAIN BUS BARS OF THE MAIN SOURCE OF ELECTRICAL POWER ARE
NORMALLY CONNECTED

Interpretation
Other approved means can be achieved by:
.1

circuit breaker without tripping mechanism; and

.2

disconnecting link or switch by which bus bars can be

split easily and safely.

Bolted links, for example bolted bus bar sections, should not be
accepted.
5.4

SOLAS REGULATION II-1/41.5

Interpretation of 41.5.1.1
1
Where the electrical power is normally supplied by more than
one generator set simultaneously in parallel operation, provision
of protection, including automatic disconnection of sufficient
non-essential services and if necessary secondary essential
services as defined in the unified interpretation of SOLAS
regulation II-1/40 and 41 above (Interpretation 2) and those
provided for habitability, should be made to ensure that, in case
of loss of any of these generating sets, the remaining ones are
kept in operation to permit propulsion and steering and to ensure
safety.
2
Where Administrations permit electrical power to be normally
supplied by one generator provision should be made, upon loss of
power, for automatic starting and connecting to the main
switchboard of stand-by generator(s) of sufficient capacity with
automatic restarting of the essential auxiliaries, in sequential
operation if required. Starting and connection to the main
switchboard of one generator should be as rapid as possible,
preferably within 30 after loss of power. Where prime movers
with longer starting time are used, this starting and connection
time may be exceeded upon approval from the Administration.
Interpretation of 41.5.1.2
3

The load shedding should be automatic.

4
The non-essential services, service for habitable
conditions, may be shed and, where necessary, additionally the
secondary essential services, sufficient to ensure the connected
generator set(s) is/are not overloaded."
-------------------------40 & 41
------The quotation from sec.4 of MSC/Circ.1176 above represents a revised
version of IACS SC134 which is inserted in the Guide of reg. 40.
41.1.3
-----*
The quotation from MSC/Circ.1176 para 5.2 above is identical with
IACS Unified Interpretation SC1 (1974) (Rev.1 June 2002)
Main source of electrical power.
Changes introduced in SC1 Rev.1 were to be uniformly
implemented by IACS Members and Associates from 1 January 2003.

*
41.1.5
-----IACS Unified Interpretation SC83 (1993)
Continuity of the Supply when Transformers Constitutes an Essential
Part of the Electrical Supply System
(Chapter II-1, Regulation 41.1.5 (81))
The number, capacity and arrangement of power transformers supplying
auxiliary electrical systems are to be such that with any one
transformer not in operation, the remaining transformer(s) is (are)
sufficient to ensure the safe operation of those services necessary
to provide normal operational conditions of propulsion, safety and
minimum comfortable conditions of habitability are also to be
ensured, which include at least adequate services for cooking,
heating domestic refrigeration, mechanical ventilation, sanitary and
fresh water.
Each transformer required is to be located as a separate unit with
separate enclosure of equivalent, and is to be served by separate
circuits on the primary and secondary sides. Each primary circuit is
to be provided with switchgear and protection devices in each phase.
Each of the secondary circuits is to be provided with a multipole
isolating switch.
Transformers supplying bow thruster are excluded.
EXAMPLES: (NOTE : Omitted)
*
41.3
---IACS Unified Interpretation SC151 (May 1999)
Location of the main generating station with respect to the main
switchboard and associated section boards
(Chapter II-1, Reg. 41.3)
Definitions
"Main generating station" is the space where the main source of
electrical power is situated.
"Main source of electrical power" is a source intended to supply
electrical power to the main switchboard for distribution to all
services necessary for maintaining the ship in normal operational
and habitable condition.
"Main switchboard" is a switchboard which is directly supplied by
the main source of electrical power and is intended to distribute
electrical energy to the ship's services.
"Machinery space", for the purpose of this UI, is to be taken as
extending from the moulded base line to the margin line and between
the extreme main transverse watertight bulkheads, bounding the
spaces containing the main and auxiliary propulsion machinery,
boilers serving the needs of propulsion, and all permanent coal
bunkers. In the case of unusual arrangements, the Administration may
define the limits of the machinery space.

Interpretations
The main generating station is to be situated within the machinery
space, i.e. within the extreme main transverse watertight bulkheads.
Any bulkhead between the extreme main transverse watertight
bulkheads is not regarded as separating the equipment in the main
generating station provided that there is access between the spaces.
The main switchboard is to be located as close as practicable to the
main generating station, within the same machinery space and the
same vertical and horizontal A60 fire boundaries.
Where essential services for steering and propulsion are supplied
from section boards these and any transformers, converters and
similar appliances constituting an essential part of electrical
supply system are also to satisfy the foregoing.
Note:

This UI SC151 is to be uniformly implemented by IACS

Members and Associates from 1 January 2000.
*

41.4
---From the Annex to MSC/Circ.736, dated 21 June 1996, "INTERPRETATIONS OF
VAGUE EXPRESSIONS IN SOLAS CHAPTER II-1", the following is quoted:
Regulation 41 - Main source of electrical power and lighting systems
Paragraph 4
Where the total installed electrical power of the main
generating sets is in excess of 3 MW, the main busbars shall be
subdivided into at least two parts which shall normally be connected
by removable links or other approved means; so far as is practicable,
the connection of generating sets and other duplicated equipment shall
be equally divided between the parts.

*
41.5
---IACS Unified Interpretation SC157 (Rev.1 Feb 2005)
Main Source of Electrical Power
(Regulation II-1/41.5)
Interpretation of the clause "...will be maintained or
immediately restored" as detailed
in Reg. II-1/41.5.1.1 amending SOLAS Reg. II-1/41 - Main Source
of electrical power
and lighting systems.
1. Reg. II-1/41.5.1.1 - Where the main source of electrical power
is necessary for

propulsion and steering of the ship, the system shall be so

arranged that the electrical
supply to equipment necessary for propulsion and steering and to
ensure safety of the
ship will be maintained or immediately restored in case of loss
of any one of the
generators in service.
2. To fulfil the above the following measures are required:
2.1 Where the electrical power is normally supplied by more than
one generator set
simultaneously in parallel operation, provision of protection,
including automatic
disconnection of sufficient non-essential services and if
necessary secondary essential
services and those provided for habitability, should be made to
ensure that, in case of
loss of any of these generating sets, the remaining ones are kept
in operation to permit
propulsion and steering and to ensure safety.
2.2 Where the electrical power is normally supplied by one
generator provision shall
be made, upon loss of power, for automatic starting and
connecting to the main
switchboard of stand-by generator(s) of sufficient capacity with
automatic restarting of
the essential auxiliaries, in sequential operation if required.
Starting and connection to
the main switchboard of the stand-by generator is to be
preferably within 30 seconds,
but in any case not more than 45 seconds, after loss of power.
Where prime movers with longer starting time are used, this
starting and connection
time may be exceeded upon approval from the society.
2.3 Load shedding or other equivalent arrangements should be
provided to protect
the generators required by this regulation against sustained
overload.
2.3.1 The load shedding should be automatic.
2.3.2 The non-essential services, service for habitable
conditions may be shed and
where necessary, additionally the secondary essential services,
sufficient to ensure the
connected generator set(s) is/are not overloaded.
Note: 1. This UI SC 157 is to be uniformly implemented by IACS
Members and Associates from 1 January 2001.
2. Amendments introduced in Rev.1 are to be uniformly implemented
from 1 January 2006.
*

41.5, continued
--------------IACS Unified Interpretation SC136 (see Rev.3 Nov 2005 below)
Connecting means by which the main bus bars of the main source of
electrical power are normally connected
(Chapter II-1, Regulation 41.5.1.3)
Regulation
---------Where the main source of electrical power is necessary for
propulsion of the ship, the main busbar shall be subdivided into
at least two parts which shall normally be connected by circuit
breakers or other approved means; so far as is practicable, the
connection of generating sets and other duplicated equipment
shall be equally divided between the parts; and
Interpretation
-------------Other approved means can be achieved by:
- circuit breaker without tripping mechanism; or
- disconnecting link or
- switch
by which bus bars can be split easily and safely.
Bolted links, for example bolted bus bar sections, are not to be
accepted.
Note:
1. This UI is to be implemented by all Members and Associates not
later than on ships contracted for construction on or after 1
January 1999.
2. Changes introduced in Rev.1 are to be uniformly implemented by
IACS Members and Associates from 1 January 2004.
3. The "contracted for construction" date means the date on which
the contract to build the vessel is signed between the
prospective owner and the shipbuilder.
For further details regarding the date of "contract for
construction", refer to IACS Procedural Requirement (PR) No. 29.
4. Rev.3 is to introduce a reference to IMO MSC/Circ. 1176 with
no change of technical substance. Two typographical errors are
considered to exist in the Annex to MSC/Circ.1176: (Paragraph
5.3) the text should indicate "circuit breaker without tripping
mechanism or [not "and"] disconnecting link or switch by which
bus bars can be switched easily and safely"; and (Paragraph 5.4)
the correct reference should be to SOLAS II-1/41.5.1.3 (not
41.4).
Note: This UI SC136 is to be implemented by all Members and Associates
not later than on ships contracted for construction on or after
1 January 1999.

Note
41.1.3
-----With the entry into force (on 1 July 1986) of
the 1983 SOLAS Amendments the words "of rotation" were inserted
after the word "direction" in Subparagraph 1.3, line 3.
----------------------------------41.5
---Paragraph 5 was added by the 1996 (December) amendments adopted
by res. MSC.57(67) in force from 1 July 1998.
----------------------------------General for 41
-------------Chapter II-1 was entirely revised by the 1981 SOLAS Amendments (in
force from 1 September 1984) and (includes IMO Resolution A.323(IX),
A.324(IX) and A.325(IX).

Flag State Requirements

(Flag and port state requirements are included for
information only. No guarantee is given as to their
accuracy or timeliness.)
41.1:
U.K.:
Provision of electrical energy for navigational equipment:
The supply of electrical energy shall not exceed the limits set
out below:
AC supplies: variation from nominal voltage of +/- 10 %
variation from nominal frequency of +/- 6 %
DC supplies: variation from nominal voltage:
110/220 V supplies, + 10 %, -20 %
24/32 V supplies, + 30 %, - 10 %
Readily accessible means shall be provided for isolating each
navigational equipment installation from its source of electrical
energy without causing any interruption to, or adversely affecting,
the supply of electrical energy to any other equipment.
(The Merchant Shipping (Navigational Equipment) Regulations 1984,
Regulation 6(2) and (3), Statutory Instrument No. 1203).

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