The basic concepts safety at sea and the maritime safety system have remained almost unchanged for a comparatively long time. However, the components and elements of these concepts are now subject to many changes created by the ‘information age’. This paper presents thoughts on today's concept of the maritime safety system, its main components and their elements. Although the thoughts and ideas presented are those of the authors, they take account of the legal instruments in force and recent developments in technology, especially developments in radio-communications. The paper provides an overall review of the institutions, regulations and procedures concerned with safety at sea.