ssMaritime.net
A Vintage Liner Sails into the 21st
Century
Reuben Goossens
MV Doulos
Ex SS Medina, SS Roma, MV Franca C
Chapter Seven
SOLAS
1995
Since
the early 60’s, fire and safety regulations have become extremely strict.
On a regular basis SOLAS (Safety Of Life
At Sea)
is upgraded, and all ships have to comply in order to continue sailing.
Considering that the ship is owned by a charity organisation, they have
certainly maintained the Doulos to the point where she is one of the best kept
ships afloat. Every corner of the ship is spotless, as can be seen in the
photographs below of the boat deck.
SOLAS
2010: MV Doulos had been continually upgraded by OM
and she remains in top condition and has all the latest safety and satellite
technology! Today, the Doulos meets all the International SOLAS (Safety Of Life At Sea) regulations and she
will be able to sail around the world until the new
2010 SOLAS regulations come into effect with a full crew and complement of
around 350 staff. However, after negotiations with RINa
and MMA in Malta on 16 and 17 March 2009, it
has been decided that this historic liner could possibly continue (subject to
official approval in writing by RINa and MMA) sailing past that date and even up to her 100thjbrithday on August 22, 2014. However, this is
subject to further inspections and approval.

Most shipping
companies would love to see their newer ships in this kind of pristine condition
Photograph © Raoul Fiebig
As mentioned above, great effort has been taken by
OM Ships to maintain the Doulos in top condition and she has been kept up to
date with all safety standards. In
1995, a new project commenced to equip the Doulos with a sprinkler
system. Some 900 nozzles and more than 5 kilometre of piping was
installed. Smoke detectors had already been fitted. Wall panels were replaced
with non-combustible materials, which sadly saw the loss of several murals,
such as the blue mural in the aft stair well on boat deck.

The Bridge – Note that only the wheel has gone, and
replaced by a handle
Photograph © Raoul Fiebig
The Bridge is the original SS Medina Bridge, which has never changed.
When the Medina
was first rebuilt as a passenger ship to become the Roma, the Bridge was lifted
up one deck and happily it has retained its original character, yet the Bridge
conforms to all modern safety regulations. The only change, as can be seen
above, is the removal of the wheel, which was replaced by a lever.

The Bridge – Sydney
1999
Photograph by & © 1999 Reuben Goossens

Engine Room as seen in 1999
Photograph by & © 1999 Reuben Goossens
The engine room is constantly upgraded as
described in the previous chapter. These Fiat diesels where installed by Costa
Lines in 1970 and have given solid service throughout the years.
Below the propeller shaft can be seen. It is a place that few, except for
those that work on Doulos will ever get to see.

Photograph by & © Raoul Fiebig
With all required work completed, Doulos
meets the current SOLAS “Safety
Of Life At Sea” requirements.
Her owners, the crew and staff of the Doulos are confident that she will be able
to remain in service for many years to come.
She has a remarkable record, having visited
so many ports. Since 1978, the Doulos has been visited by more than 18 million
people and she has visited over 90 countries.
In 1989 this fine ship visited Australia
for the second time (her first visit being in 1950 as the Roma) calling at Devonport, Melbourne,
Adelaide, Sydney,
Newcastle, Brisbane
and Townsville. Then from January 26 to August 17, 1999, the Doulos visited Australia again (being the ships fifth visit, including brief calls
in 1991 and 1997) calling
at Fremantle, Albany, Adelaide,
Melbourne, Hobart, Sydney, and Brisbane.

MV Doulos in Sydney Australia – 1999
Photograph by & © 1999 Reuben Goossens
Go to
Chapter 8 - Onboard Impressions
- My visit to the Doulos in 1999
Or, return to the MV Doulos
Main Index
------------------------------------------
PLEASE
NOTE:
MV Doulos
has been decommissioned in December 2009
Read the …
“MV Doulos Campaign”
Enter the “Save
the MV Doulos Campaign” page
***************************************************
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