Which international treaty governs the safety of life at sea and the operation of maritime radio equipment?

The correct answer is SOLAS, which stands for the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea. This treaty is fundamental to ensuring safety at sea, addressing a wide range of maritime safety issues, including the requirements for ship construction, equipment, and operational procedures.

One of the key elements of SOLAS is its provisions concerning maritime radio equipment, including the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS). This system is designed to enhance distress communications and search and rescue operations, ensuring that vessels can quickly and effectively communicate during emergencies.

In contrast, MARPOL focuses primarily on the prevention of pollution from ships, establishing regulations to reduce pollution in the sea. The ISPS Code is concerned with the security of ships and port facilities, aiming to enhance the security of vessels against threats such as terrorism but does not directly address safety and radio operations. UNCLOS, or the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, governs various aspects of maritime law, such as territorial waters and navigation rights, but it does not specifically regulate safety or radio communications at sea.

Thus, SOLAS is the international treaty that comprehensively governs the safety of life at sea and includes significant regulations on the operation of maritime radio equipment.