( SOLAS reg II-2/28-1, reg III/6 )1 The Maritime Safety Committee, at its sixty-seventh session (2 to 6 December 1996),
noted that the 1995 SOLAS Conference on Ro-Ro Ferry Safety, having noted a relevant
recommendation made by the Panel of Experts, agreed that, for easy understanding by
passengers on ro-ro passenger ships in particular, the words "assembly station" should be
used to indicate "muster stations". As a consequence, the words "assembly station" were
used in SOLAS regulations II-2/28-1 "Escape routes" and III/6 "Communications - Public
address systems on passenger ships", as adopted by the Conference.
2 The Committee recalled that, at its sixty-sixth session (28 May to 6 June 1996), it
adopted (resolution MSC.47(66)) a new SOLAS chapter III whereby the words "muster
station" were retained.
3 Having noted the above discrepancy, the Committee agreed that the following footnote
should be added in connection with any reference to "Assembly stations" in the amended
SOLAS Convention:
"* "Assembly station" has the same meaning as "muster station"."
4 The Committee further recommended that, for the purpose of assisting passengers on
passenger ships to easily understand the issue, the words "assembly station" should be used
on board as appropriate.
5 Member Governments are requested to take necessary action in line with the provisions
of this circular.