Special types


Ship Documents

DOCUMENTS AND CERTIFICATES

REQUIRED BY LAW

SPECIAL TYPES OF SHIPS OR CRAFTS

High-Speed Craft Safety Certificate

An International Code of Safety for High-Speed Craft (HSC Code) has been implemented for the design and construction of high-speed craft engaged on international voyages, the equipment which should be provided and the conditions for their operation and maintenance.

The basic aim of the Code is to set levels of safety which are equivalent to those of conventional ships required by the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, as amended (SOLAS 1974) and the International Convention on Load Lines, 1966 (LL 66) by the application of constructional and equipment standards in conjunction with strict operational controls (HSC Code, Chapter 1, Section 1.1).

A certificate called a High-Speed Craft Safety Certificate is issued after completion of an initial or renewal survey to a craft which complies with the requirements of the HSC Code (HSC Code, paragraph 1.8.1 and SOLAS 1974, Chapter X, Regulation 3).

Quick Reference Guide

HIGH-SPEED CRAFT SAFETY CERTIFICATE


Legislation :International Code of Safety for High-Speed Craft (HSC Code) and SOLAS 1974, Chapter X, Regulation 3.

Application :—high-speed craft which are engaged in international voyages (HSC Code, par. 1.3.1).

—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

—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:


—if the surveys are not carried out within the periods specified (HSC Code, par. 1.3.2.1)

—if the certificate is not endorsed as required (HSC Code, par. 1.3.2.2)

—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 :—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);

—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)

—a periodical survey within 3 months before and after each anniversary date of the Certificate (HSC Code, par.1.5.1.3);

—an additional survey as the occasion arises (HSC Code, par.1.5.1.4).

NOTE

—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).

Permit to operate High-Speed Craft

To operate commercially, a valid Permit to Operate High-Speed Craft is issued in addition to the High-Speed Craft Safety Certificate aforementioned. Transit voyages without passengers or cargo may be undertaken without the Permit to Operate High-Speed Craft (HSC Code, paragraph 1.9.1).

In any event, the high-speed craft should comply with the requirements of paragraphs 1.2.2 to 1.27 and 1.8 of the HSC Code (HSC Code, Paragraphs 1.9.2 and 1.9.5).

Special Purpose Ships Safety Certificate

A special purpose ship means a mechanically self-propelled ship, which, by reason of its function, carries more than 12 special personnel including passengers (SPS Code, Chapter 1, par. 1.3.4). (See also amendment MSC/Circ 739 of the Code for sail training ships in respect of Chapter III of SOLAS 1974

For special purpose ships, a Code of Safety for Special Purpose Ships (SPS Code) has been promulgated. The purpose of the Code is to recommend design criteria, construction standards and other safety measures (SPS Code, Chapter 1, par. 1.1).
The Code was adopted on 17 November 1983 by Resolution A.534(13) and amended by MSC/Circ.739.

The Code applies to every new special purpose ship of not less than 500 gross tonnage. The Administration may also apply these provisions as far as reasonable and practicable to special purpose ships of less than 500 gross tonnage ((SPS Code, Chapter 1, par. 1.2).

Special purpose ships to which the Code applies includes:

  • ships engaged in research, expedition and survey;
  • ships for training of marine personnel;
  • whale and fish factory not engaged in catching;
  • ships processing other living resources of the sea, not engaged in catching;
  • other ships with design features and modes of operation similar to ships referred to as aforementioned, which in the opinion of the Administration may be referred to this group (SPS Code, Chapter 1, par. 1.3.4).

After survey in accordance with the requirements of the Code of Safety for Special Purpose ships, the ship will be issued with a Special Purpose Ship Safety Certificate (see also side 2, side 3 and side 4 of certificate) (SPS Code, Chapter 1, par. 1.7.1).

Where a special purpose ship is normally engaged on international voyages as defined in the 1974 SOLAS Convention it should, in addition, also carry SOLAS Safety Certificates, either :

  • for a passenger ship with SOLAS Exemption Certificate, or
  • for a cargo ship with a SOLAS exemption Certificate, where necessary (SPS Code, Preamble, par. 7).

Special purpose ships should be surveyed as specified for cargo ships, other than tankers, in the SOLAS 1974 as amended by the 1988 SOLAS Protocol. (SPS Code, Chapter 1, par. 1.6).>

The Special Purpose Ship Safety Certificate is usually made in the same form as a Cargo Ship Safety Certificate.

Because special personnel are expected to be able bodied with a fair knowledge of the layout of the ship and have received some training in safety procedures and the handling of the ship's safety equipment, the special purpose ships on which they are carried need not be considered or treated as passenger ships (SPS Code, Preamble 3).

Quick Reference Guide

SPECIAL PURPOSE SHIP SAFETY CERTIFICATE


Legislation :Code of Safety for Special Purpose Ships (SPS Code) (Resolution A.534(13) as amended by MSC/Circ.739)
SOLAS 74 as amended by the GMDSS amendments (which amended the 1978 Protocol), and the 1988 Protocol (which entered into force on 3 February 2000).

Application :The Code applies to every new special purpose ship of not less than 500 gross tonnage. The Administration may also apply these provisions as far as reasonable and practicable to special purpose ships of less than 500 gross tonnage ((SPS Code, Chapter 1, par. 1.2).


Special purpose ships to which the Code applies includes


—ships engaged in research, expedition and survey;

—ships for training of marine personnel;

—whale and fish factory not engaged in catching;

—ships processing other living resources of the sea, not engaged in catching;

—other ships with design features and modes of operation similar to ships referred to as aforementioned, which in the opinion of the Administration may be referred to this group (SPS Code, Chapter 1, par. 1.3.4).

Duration and validity :maximum 5 years (SPS Code, Chapter I, Regulation 1.7, par. 1.7.3).


The Certificate shall cease to be valid:



—if the relevant surveys and inspections are not completed as prescribed (SOLAS 748, Annex, Chapter I, Regulation 14, par. (i) (i));

—if the Certificate is not endorsed in accordance with the relevant regulations (SOLAS 74, Annex, Chapter I, Regulation 14, par. (i) (ii));

—upon transfer of the ship to the flag of another State (SOLAS 74, Annex, Chapter I, Regulation 14, par. (I) (iii)).

Extension :exceptionally, when at the time of expiration of the certificate the ship is not in a port in which it is to be surveyed, the Administration may extend the period of validity for maximum 3 months to allow the ship to complete its voyage and only in cases it appears reasonable to do so (SOLAS 74/78, Annex, Chapter I, Regulation 14, par. (e)).
See also (SOLAS 74, Annex, Chapter I, Regulation 14, par. (b), (e), (f) and (g).

Surveys :for the surveys of the Special Purpose Ship Safety Certificate refer to the Cargo Ship Safety Construction Certificate, Cargo Ship Safety Equipment Certificate, and Cargo Ship Safety Radio Certificate respectively (SPS Code, Chapter I, Regulation 1.6).

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 (SPS Code, Chapter I, Regulation 1.7, par. 1.7.1).

Inspections and Surveys :Administration or authorized Organization (SOLAS 74, Annex, Chapter I, Regulation 6, par. (a)).

Endorsements :for the endorsements of the Special Purpose Ship Safety Certificate, refer to the endorsements of the Cargo Ship Safety Certificate.

IMPORTANT NOTES

The Special Purpose Ship Safety Certificate must be supplemented by a Record of Equipment (Form C) (SOLAS 74, Annex, Chapter I, Regulation 12, par.  2 (vi).

The Special Purpose Ship Safety Certificate may be supplemented by a Exemption Certificate.

Certificate of Fitness for Offshore Support Vessels

For offshore support vessels which carry limited amount of hazardous and noxious liquid substances in bulk, guidelines have been developed for the design, construction and operation of these vessels which are called Guidelines for the Transport and Handling of Limited Amounts of Hazardous and Noxious Liquid Substances in Bulk on Offshore Support Vessels (OSV Guidelines). (See Resolution A.673(16) adopted on 19 October 1989.)

The Guidelines are intended to permit limited quantities of these hazardous and noxious liquid substances to be transported in bulk in offshore support vessels for the servicing and re-supplying of offshore platforms, mobile offshore drilling unit and other offshore installations, including those employed in the search for and recovery of hydrocarbons from the sea-bed, with minimum risk to the vessel, its crew and the environment (OSV Guidelines, Preamble, Paragraphs 1 and 3).

The Guidelines for the Design and Construction of Offshore Supply Vessels (Resolution A.469(XIII) adopted on 19 November 1981 are also applicable to offshore support vessels subject to these Guidelines (OSV Guidelines, Preamble, Paragraphs 5).

Quick Reference Guide

CERTIFICATE OF FITNESS FOR OFFSHORE SUPPORT VESSEL


Legislation :Guidelines for the Transport and Handling of Limited Amounts of Hazardous and Noxious Liquid Substances in Bulk on Offshore Support Vessels (OSV Guideline) (Resolution A.673(16).
MARPOL 73/78, Annex II.
Application :offshore support vessels, regardless of size and voyage that while not constructed or adapted primarily to carry in bulk cargoes subject to the OSV Guidelines, carry, in limited quantities the substances identified in par. 1.2.2 of the OSSV Guidelines (OSV Guidelines, Chapter 1, Paragraph 1.1.1).

Duration :maximum 5 years (OSV Guidelines, Chapter 1, Paragraph 1.5.1).


The certificate shall cease to be valid:


—in case of significant alterations (MARPOL 73/78, Annex II, Regulation 12, par. (2));

—upon transfer of the ship to another State (MARPOL 73/78, Annex II, Regulation 12, par. (3)).

Extension :No extension permitted.

Surveys :the Certificate of Fitness for Offshore Support Vessels should be subject to the same initial, periodical, intermediate, annual and additional surveys as required by the International Bulk Chemical Code, the International Gas Carrier Code and MARPOL 73/78, Annex II (OSV Guidelines, Chapter 1, Paragraph 1.5.4).


NOTES


—The intermediate and annual surveys shall be endorsed on the certificate (MARPOL 73/78, Annex II, Regulation 10, par. (1) (c) and (d));

—When only one intermediate survey is carried out in any one certificate validity period, it shall be held not before six months to, not later than six months after the half-way date of the certificate's period of validity (MARPOL 73/78, Annex II, Regulation 10, par. (1) (c));

—The annual survey shall be held within three months before or after the day and the month of the date of issue of the certificate (MARPOL 73/78, Annex II, Regulation 10, par. (1) (d));

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 (MARPOL 73/78, Annex II, Regulation 11, par. (2)).

Surveys :Administration or authorized Organization (MARPOL 73/78, Annex II, Regulation 10, par. (2) (a)).

NOTES

The Certificate of Fitness for Offshore Support Vessels, issued under the OSV Guidelines have the same force and receive the same recognition as the certificate issued under Regulation 11 of Annex II of MARPOL 73/78 and Regulations VII/10 and VII/13 of SOLAS 74, as amended (OSV Guidelines, Chapter 1, Paragraph 1.5.2).

For vessels constructed to carry substances having only a marine pollution hazard, the International Pollution Prevention Certificate for the Carriage of Noxious Liquid Substances in Bulk required under MARPOL 73/78, Annex II may be endorsed and serve in the place of the Certificate of Fitness for Offshore Support Vessels (OSV Guidelines, Chapter 1, Paragraph 1.5.3).

For this reason, in the above mentioned sections, reference is made to MARPOL 73/78 and not to the OSV Guidelines.

Diving System Safety Certificate

New fixed diving systems should comply with the Code of Safety for Diving Systems (Diving Code).

The purpose of this Code is to recommend design criteria, and construction, equipment and survey standards for diving systems so as to minimize the risk to divers, personnel, ships and floating structures having such systems on board and to facilitate the international movement of such ships and floating structures in the context of diving operations (Diving Code, Chapter 1, Paragraph 1.1).

The Code applies to new fixed diving systems which are certificated more than 12 months after the date on which the Assembly of the Organization adopts this Code. However, any existing system which complies with the provisions of the Code should be considered eligible for issuance of a certificate in accordance with this Code (Diving Code, Chapter 1, Paragraph 1.2).

The Code was adopted by Resolution A.536(13) on 14 November 1983.

A Certificate called Diving System Safety Certificate (see also side 2 and side 3 of document) should be issued, after survey or inspection, to a diving system which complies with the requirements of the Code (Diving Code, Chapter 1, Paragraph 1.6.5).

Quick Reference Guide

DIVING SYSTEM SAFETY CERTIFICATE


Legislation :Code of Safety for Diving System (Resolution A.536(13).

Application :new fixed diving systems which are certificated more than 12 months after the date on which the Assembly of the Organization adopted the Code. It was adopted on 17 November 1983. However, any existing system which complies with the provisions of the Code should be considered eligible for issuance of a certificate in accordance with the Diving Code (Diving Code, Chapter 1, Paragraph 1.2).

Duration :maximum 5 years (Diving Code, Chapter 1, Paragraph 1.6.8)


The certificate would cease to be valid:



—in case of significant alterations have been made to the diving system without the agreement of the Administration or the authorized Organization (Diving Code, Chapter 1, Paragraph 1.6.10).

—if surveys and inspections have not been carried out as specified (Diving Code, Chapter 1, Paragraph 1.6.10).

Extension :an extension of the validity of the Certificate may be granted for a maximum period of five months at the discretion of the Administration, subject to an annual survey being carried out (Diving Code, Chapter 1, Paragraph 1.6.8).

Surveys :—an initial survey before any system is put into service (Diving Code, Chapter 1, Paragraph 1.6.1.1).

—a renewal survey not exceeding 5 years (Diving Code, Chapter 1, Paragraph 1.6.1.2).

—an annual survey within three months before or after each anniversary date of the Diving System Safety Certificate (Diving Code, Chapter 1, Paragraph 1.6.1.3).

—an inspection either general or partial according to the circumstances (Diving Code, Chapter 1, Paragraph 1.6.2).

NOTE

—The annual surveys shall be endorsed on the certificate (Diving Code, Chapter 1, Paragraph 1.6.1.3).

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 (Diving Code, Chapter 1, Paragraph 1.6.5).

Surveys :Administration or authorized Organization (Diving Code, Chapter 1, Paragraph 1.6.3).

REMARKS

  • Any exemptions granted under paragraph 1.4 of the Diving Code should be clearly noted on the Certificate (Diving Code, Chapter 1, Paragraph 1.6.7).
  • Each main component of the diving system should be stamped with an official number or another distinctive identification which should be given on the Certificate (Diving Code, Chapter 1, Paragraph 1.6.11).
  • Limiting operating parameters including vessels' motion and environmental conditions should be shown on the Certificate (Diving Code, Chapter 1, Paragraph 1.6.12).
  • The provisions regarding surveys and certification of paragraph 1.6 are without prejudice to any rights of the coastal State under international law to impose its own requirements relating to the regulation, surveying and inspection of diving systems engaged, or intending to engage in diving operations on those parts of the sea-bed and subsoil over which that State is entitled to exercise sovereign rights (Diving Code, Chapter 1, Paragraph 1.7.2).

Dynamically Supported Craft

A Dynamically Supported Craft is a craft which operates on or above water and which has characteristics so different from those of conventional displacement ships, to which the existing International Conventions, particularly the Safety and Load Line Conventions, apply, that alternative measures should be used in order to achieve an equivalent level of safety. (DSC Code, Chapter 1, Paragraph 1.41).

An Air-cushion vehicle is a craft such that the whole or a significant part of its weight can be supported, whether at rest or in motion, by a continuously generated cushion of air dependent for its effectiveness on the proximity of the surface over which the craft operates (DSC Code, Chapter 1, Paragraph 1.42).

A Hydrofoil Boat is a craft which is supported above the water surface in normal operating conditions by hydrodynamic forces generated on foils (DSC Code, Chapter 1, Paragraph 1.43).

A Side Wall Craft is an air-cushion vehicle whose walls extending along the sides are permanently immersed hard structures (DSC Code, Chapter 1, Paragraph 1.44).

Dynamically Supported Craft should comply with the Code of Safety for Dynamically Supported Craft (DSC Code) which was adopted by Resolution A.373(X) on 14 November 1977.

This Code represents the recommended requirements for the design and construction of dynamically supported craft, together with the appropriate equipment which should be provided, and the appropriate condition for their operation and maintenance. The application of the Code should result in a level of safety for the craft and persons carried equivalent to that required for conventional displacement ships by the Safety and Load Lines Convention (DSC Code, Chapter 1, Paragraph 1.11).

The Code applies to craft which :

  • carry more than 12 passengers but not over 450 passengers with all passengers seated;
  • do not proceed in the course of their voyage more than 100 nautical miles from the place of refuge;
  • may be provided within the limits of the aforementioned sub-paragraph with special category spaces intended to carry motor vehicles with fuel in their tanks (DSC Code, Chapter 1, Paragraph 1.3.1).

A Dynamically Supported Craft Construction and Equipment Certificate shall be issued after a survey has been carried out in accordance with Paragraph 1.5.1 (a) of the DSC Code (DSC Code, Chapter 1, Paragraph 1.61 (a)).

A Dynamically Supported Craft Permit to Operate shall be issued if the Administration is satisfied that all other requirements of the DSC Code have been met (DSC Code, Chapter 1, Paragraph 1.61(b)).

Quick Reference Guide

DYNAMICALLY SUPPORTED CRAFT CONSTRUCTION

AND EQUIPMENT CERTIFICATE

DYNAMICALLY SUPPORTED CRAFT PERMIT TO OERATE


Legislation :Code of Safety for Diving System (Resolution A.536(13).

Application :dynamically supported craft which are engaged on voyages between a terminal in one country and a terminal in another country, part or all of which voyages are across areas of water (but not necessarily on routes navigable to ships) through which a ship operating on an international voyage, as defined by the Safety Convention, would proceed (DSC Code, Chapter 1, Paragraph 1.21).

Duration :both certificates maximum 1 year. They may be revalidated for further periods of not more than 1 year if the conditions given in Paragraph 1.6.1 of the DSC Code are met (DSC Code, Chapter 1, Paragraph 1.6.2.

Extension :an extension of the duration of the Dynamically Supported Craft Construction and Equipment Certificate may be granted by the Administration for a period not exceeding 30 days (DSC Code, Chapter 1, Paragraph 1.51(b)).

Surveys :—an initial assessment before the Certificate is issued for the first time (DSC Code, Chapter 1, Paragraph 1.51(a)).

—a periodical survey not exceeding 1 year (DSC Code, Chapter 1, Paragraph 1.51(b)).

—intermediate inspections at intervals specified by the Administration (DSC Code, Chapter 1, Paragraph 1.51(c)).

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 (DSC Code, Chapter 1, Paragraph 1.61(b)).

Surveys :by competent persons duly authorized for the purpose by the Administration (DSC Code, Chapter 1, Paragraph 1.5.3.

REMARK

The DSC Code may be extended to a craft as defined in Paragraph 1.4.1 of the Code which is intended to carry passengers and cargo or solely cargo or to a craft which exceeds the limits stipulated in Paragraph 1.3.1 of the Code. In such case the Administration should determine the extent to which the provisions of the DSC Code are applicable to these craft and, if necessary, develop additional requirements providing the appropriate safety level for such craft (DSC Code, Chapter 1, Paragraph 1.3.2.

Mobile Offshore Drilling Unit Safety Certificate

A Mobile Offshore Drilling Unit is a vessel capable of engaging in drilling operations for the exploration or exploitation of resources beneath the sea-bed such as liquid or gaseous hydrocarbons, sulphur or salt (MODU Code, Chapter 1, Paragraph 1.3.1).

A Surface Unit is a unit with a ship- or barge-type displacement hull of single or multiple hull construction intended for operation in the floating condition (MODU Code, Chapter 1, Paragraph 1.3.2).

A Self-elevating unit is a unit with movable legs capable of raising its hull above the surface of the sea (MODU Code, Chapter 1, Paragraph 1.3.3).

A Column-stabilized Unit is a unit with the main deck connected to the underwater hull or footings by columns or caissons (MODU Code, Chapter 1, Paragraph 1.3.4).

Mobile Offshore Drilling Units should comply with the Code for the Construction and Equipment of Mobile Offshore Drilling Units, 1979 (MODU Code), adopted by Resolution A.414(XI) on 15 November 1979 or for units constructed on or after 1 May 1991, the Code for the Construction and Equipment of Mobile Offshore Drilling Units, 1989 (MODU Code), adopted by Resolution A.649(16) on 19 October 1989 and modified by Resolution MSC.38(63) on 19 May 1994.

The purpose of the MODU Code is to recommend design criteria, construction standards and other safety measures for mobile offshore drilling units so as to minimize the risk to such units, to the personnel on board and to the environment (MODU Code, Chapter 1, Paragraph 1.1).

The MODU Code applies to mobile offshore drilling units as defined in Paragraphs 1.3.1 to 1.3.4 (as aforementioned) - (MODU Code, Chapter 1, Paragraph 1.2.1).

The coastal State may impose additional requirements regarding the operation of industrial systems not dealt with by the MODU Code (MODU Code, Chapter 1, Paragraph 1.2.2).

A certificate called a Mobile Offshore Drilling Unit Safety Certificate (1989) (see also back of document) may be issued after an initial or renewal survey to a unit which complies with the requirements of the MODU Code (MODU Code, Chapter 1, Paragraph 1.6.7).

NOTE

We will only consider the Mobile Offshore Drilling Unit Safety Certificate (1989) for units constructed on or after 1 May 1991. For the Mobile Offshore Drilling Unit Safety Certificate (1979) see the relevant Resolution A.414(XI).

Quick Reference Guide

MOBILE OFFSHORE DRILLING UNIT

SAFETY CERTIFICATE


Legislation :Code for the Construction and Equipment of Mobile Offshore Drilling Units, 1979 (MODU Code), adopted by Resolution A.414(XI) on 15 November 1979 or for units constructed on or after 1 May 1991, the Code for the Construction and Equipment of Mobile Offshore Drilling Units, 1989 (MODU Code), adopted by Resolution A.649(16) on 19 October 1989 and modified by Resolution MSC;38(63) on 19 May 1994.

Application :offshore drilling units as defined in Paragraphs 1.3.1 to 1.3.4 : mobile offshore drilling units, surface units, Self-elevating units and column-stabilized units (MODU Code, Chapter 1, Paragraph 1.2.1).

Duration and validity :maximum 5 years (MODU Code, Chapter 1, Paragraph 1.6.11.1).


The Certificate shall cease to be valid:


—if the relevant surveys are not completed within the periods specified in Par. 1.6.1 (MODU Code, Chapter 1, Paragraph 1.6.11.8.1).

—if the Certificate is not endorsed in accordance with Par 1.6.3 (MODU Code, Chapter 1, Paragraph 1.6.11.8.2).

—upon transfer of the ship to the flag of another State (MODU Code, Chapter 1, Paragraph 1.6.11.8.3).

Extension :exceptionally, when at the time of expiration of the certificate the ship is not in the place in which it is to be surveyed, the Administration may extend the period of validity for maximum 3 months to allow the ship to complete its voyage and only in cases it appears reasonable to do so (MODU Code, Chapter 1, Paragraph 1.6.11.5).

Surveys :—an initial survey before the unit is put in service or before the Certificate is issued for the first time (MODU Code, Chapter 1, Paragraph 1.6.1.1).

—a renewal survey not exceeding 5 years, except where Par 1.6.11.2.1 or 1.6.11.5 or 1.6.11.6 is applicable (MODU Code, Chapter 1, Paragraph 1.6.1.2).

—an intermediate survey, within 3 months before or after the second anniversary date or within three months before or after the third anniversary date of the Certificate, which should take the place of one of the annual surveys (MODU Code, Chapter 1, Paragraph 1.6.1.3).

—an annual survey within three months before or after each anniversary date of the Certificate (MODU Code, Chapter 1, Paragraph 1.6.1.4).

—a minimum of two dry dock surveys during any five year period, except where Par. 1.6.11.5 is applicable. Where Par. 1.6.11.5 is applicable this five year period may extend to coincide with the extended period of the validity of the Certificate. In all cases the intervals between any two such surveys should not exceed 36 months (MODU Code, Chapter 1, Paragraph 1.6.1.5).

—radio station surveys in accordance with Par. 11.10 (MODU Code, Chapter 1, Paragraph 1.6.1.6).

—an additional survey as the occasion arises (MODU Code, Chapter 1, Paragraph 1.6.1.7).

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 (MODU Code, Chapter 1, Paragraph 1.6.7).

Inspections and Surveys :Administration or authorized Organization (MODU Code, Chapter 1, Paragraph 1.6.5.1).

Endorsements :the intermediate, annual and dry dock surveys should be endorsed on the Certificate (MODU Code, Chapter 1, Paragraph 1.6.3).

NOTES

  • As an alternative to the renewal and intermediate surveys, the Administration may, at the owner's request, approve a continuous survey programme provided that the extent and frequency of the surveys are equivalent to renewal and intermediate surveys. A copy of the continuous survey programme, together with the record of the surveys, should be kept on board the unit and the Certificate annotated accordingly (MODU Code, Chapter 1, Paragraph 1.6.4).
  • The requirements regarding surveys and certification are without prejudice to any rights of the coastal State under international law to impose its own requirements relating to the regulation, surveying and inspection on units engaged, or intending to engage, in the exploration or exploitation of the natural resources of those parts of the sea-bed and subsoil over which that State is entitled to exercise sovereign rights (MODU Code, Chapter 1, Paragraph 1.7.6).

Noise Survey Report

A Code on Noise Level on Board Ships (NOISE Code) has been developed by Resolution A.468(XII) on 19 November 1981, to provide guidance to Administrations on principles of noise control on board ships in general. Its purpose is to stimulate and promote noise control at a national level within the framework of internationally agreed guidelines (NOISE Code, Preamble, Paragraph 1).

The Code has been developed having regard to conventional passenger and cargo ships (NOISE Code, Preamble, Paragraph 4).

The Code is not intended for direct incorporation by reference or reproduction in national legislation although it could provide a basis for such legislation (NOISE Code, Preamble, Paragraph 5).

A Noise Survey Report (see also side 2, side 3, and side 4 of document) should be made for each ship in accordance with the NOISE Code (NOISE Code, Chapter 4, Paragraph 3).

Appendix 1 to the NOISE Code gives a Format for Noise Survey Report.

International Certificate of Fitness for the Carriage of INF Cargo

Ship carrying INF Cargo (Irradiated Nuclear Fuel) shall comply with the International Code for the Safe Carriage of Packaged Irradiated Fuel, Plutonium and High-Level Radioactive Wastes on Board Ships (INF Code) in addition to any other applicable requirements of the SOLAS 1974 as amended and shall be surveyed and be provided with the International Certificate of Fitness for the Carriage of INF Cargo (INF Code, Paragraph 1.3).