Exam Question

### (a) Advantages of Codes and Purpose of Making Them Mandatory
**Advantages of using Codes in addition to Conventions:**
1. **Technical Specificity and Detail:** Conventions like SOLAS set out broad principles and functional requirements. Codes provide the detailed, prescriptive technical specifications needed to meet these requirements. For instance, SOLAS mandates a fixed fire-extinguishing system for the engine room, while the FSS Code specifies the exact design, installation, and testing criteria for such a system (e.g., CO2, water mist).
2. **Ease and Speed of Amendment:** Amending an international convention is a lengthy diplomatic process requiring ratification by a significant number of member states. Codes, however, can be updated more rapidly by IMO's technical committees (e.g., MSC, MEPC) through a 'tacit acceptance' procedure. This allows regulations to keep pace with technological advancements and respond quickly to safety incidents or new research.