International Code of Safety for High-Speed Craft (HSC Code) and SOLAS 1974, Chapter X, Regulation 3.
Application :
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high-speed craft which are engaged in international voyages (HSC Code, par. 1.3.1).
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passenger craft which do not proceed in the course of their voyage more than 4 h at operational speed from a place of refuge when fully laden (HSC Code, par. 1.3.2.1); and
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cargo craft of 500 tons gross tonnage and above which do not proceed in the course of their voyage more than 8 h at operational speed from a place of refuge when fully laden (HSC Code, par. 1.3.2.2).
See par. 1.3.3 and 1.3.4 for craft to which the HSC Code does not apply.
Duration and validity :
maximum 5 years (HSC Code, par. 1.8.4).
The certificate shall cease to be valid:
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if the surveys are not carried out within the periods specified (HSC Code, par. 1.3.2.1)
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if the certificate is not endorsed as required (HSC Code, par. 1.3.2.2)
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upon transfer of the ship to the flag of another Government (HSC Code, par. 1.3.2.3).
Extension :
exceptionally, when at the time of expiration of the certificate the craft is not in a port in which it is to be surveyed, the Administration may extend the period of validity for maximum 1 months to allow the ship to complete its voyage and only in cases it appears reasonable to do so (HSC Code, par. 1.8.10)
Surveys :
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an initial survey before the craft is put in service or before the Certificate is issued for the first time (HSC Code, par.1.5.1.1);
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a renewal survey not exceeding 5 years except where par. 1.8.5 to 1.8.10 of the Code applies (HSC Code, par.1.5.1.2)
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a periodical survey within 3 months before and after each anniversary date of the Certificate (HSC Code, par.1.5.1.3);
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an additional survey as the occasion arises (HSC Code, par.1.5.1.4).
NOTE
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The periodical survey shall be endorsed on the certificate (HSC Code, par.1.5.3);
Request :
Owner or shipbuilder to the Administration (e.g. the Maritime Inspectorate) or to an authorized Organization (e.g. a classification society).
Issue :
Administration or authorized Organization (HSC Code, par.1.8.1).
Surveys :
Administration or authorized Organization (HSC Code, par.1.5.4).
IMPORTANT REMARK
The high-speed craft should not operate commercially unless a Permit to Operate High-Speed Craft is issued and valid, in addition to the High-Speed Craft Safety Certificate (HSC Code, par.1.9.1).
Pierre Deseck