Ship's equipment

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) stipulates in its instruments which equipment has to be installed or carried on board; these are among others the SOLAS Convention and the Torremolinos International Convention.

In contrast, the European Marine Equipment Directive (MED) and its current Implementing Regulation regulate the approval procedure for ship's equipment in the EU; therefore, it applies to ships flying the German flag as well. There is a Mutual Recognition Agreement  between the EU and the USA on the verification and approval according to the Marine Equipment Directive.
A national approval by the flag state is required for equipment that does not require approval according to the MED.