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1. What is the difference between Statutory, Mandatory and Obligatory Certificates?

Statutory Certificate - Certificates of Compliance required under the Convention; issued by Flag State;
Mandatory Certificate Certificates required by IMO Conventions for ships on International Trading.
E.g. Certificate of Class.
Obligatory Certificate Certificate required by particular State for trade with the Foresaid State.
2. Statutory Certificates & their Validity
Provisional Certificate where issued shall not be valid for a period of > 5 months
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)

10)
11)
12)
13)
14)
15)
16)
17)

International Load Line Certificate

5 years
Cargo Ship Safety Construction Certificate
5 years
Cargo Ship Safety Equipment Certificate
5 years
Cargo Ship Safety Radio Certificate
5 years
Cargo Ship Safety Certificate
5 years
Passenger Ship Safety Certificate
1 year
Exemption Certificate
same as relevant certificate
Certificate of Fitness for ships Carrying Dangerous Goods
5 years
Certificate in compliance with ISM Code for safe operations of ships and for pollution prevention
1. DOC
5 years
2. SMC
5 years
3. Interim DOC
not > 12 months
4. Interim SMC
not > 06 months
International Ship Security Certificate (or Interim)
5 years; not > 06 months
International Oil Pollution Prevention Certificate
5 years
International Pollution Prevention Certificate for Carriage of Noxious Liquid Substances in Bulk- 5
International Certificate of Fitness for the Carriage of Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk 5 years
Certificate of Fitness for the Carriage of Liquefied Gases in Bulk
5 years
International Sewage Pollution Prevention Certificate
5 years
International Air Pollution Prevention Certificate
5 years
International Anti-fouling System Certificate

3. Duration and Validity of Ship Safety Certificates, Certificate of Registry and DoA for Grain?
Duration and validity of ship safety certificates shall cover an appropriate interval between inspections
based on initial, periodical, renewal, and additional inspection.
1 A Passenger Ship Safety Certificate & HSCSC shall be issued for a period not > 12 months.
2 A Cargo Ship Safety Construction Certificate, Cargo Ship Safety Equipment Certificate, Cargo Ship
Safety Certificate, Certificate of Fitness, Fishing Vessel Safety Certificate shall be issued for a
period specified by the Administration, not > 5 years; subject to annual endorsement.
3 A Minimum Safe Manning Certificate shall be valid for a maximum period of five years subject to
annual endorsement.
4 An Exemption Certificate shall not be valid for a longer duration than the period of the certificate to
which it refers.
5 DoA for Grain

Indefinitely valid

6 COR

Indefinitely valid, unless Change of Registry

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4. What is a Bunkers Convention Certificate?

A Bunkers Convention Certificate is issued by a State party certifying that insurance is in force.
A ship over 1,000 GT must have on board a Bunkers Convention Certificate when flying the flag of a
State party or trading to a State party. Without evidence/proof of insurance, States will not issue a
Bunkers Convention Certificate
5. What is Blue Card?
Issued by Insurer Evidence that there is in place an insurance meeting the liability requirements of the
Bunker Convention. This card is required for the issuance / grant of the CLC and Bunker Certificate.
6. Validity of Certificate of Insurance or other financial security in respect of civil liability for oil
pollution damage?
Not > 12 months or validity of Insurance / Financial security / the Blue Card.
7. Is vessel having CLC Certificate required to have a Bunker Certificate?
YES, As per A.1055 (27) Issue of Bunker Certificates to Ships that are also required to hold a CLC
Certificate, States Parties to the Bunkers Convention to:
1. issue the certificate prescribed by the Bunkers Convention even when the ships concerned also hold
a CLC certificate;
2. require ships of 1,000 gross tonnage and above flying their flag or entering or leaving ports or
offshore facilities in their territory to be insured and to hold a bunkers certificate as prescribed by the
Bunkers Convention even when the ships concerned already hold a CLC certificate; and
3. avoid taking action that could cause unnecessary bureaucracy;
8. When did the Bunker Convention come into force?
The Bunker Convention came into force on 21 November 2008.
The Bunker Convention applies to any seagoing vessel and seaborne craft, of any type whatsoever that
is carrying bunker oil.
Bunker oil is defined by the convention as any hydrocarbon mineral oil, including lubricating oil, used
or intended to be used for the operation or propulsion of the ship, and any residues of such oil.
9. What is the difference between De-ratting Certificate and Ship Sanitation Control Certificate?
Prior to 15 June 2007, the De-ratting / De-ratting Exemption Certificate were the required sanitary
document for international shipping since the entry into force of the International Sanitary Regulations
over 50 years ago. It was an internationally-agreed upon means of public health control that helped
reduce the international spread of rodent-borne diseases. International vessels were required to renew
the certificate every six months, and the renewal process required that all areas of the ship be inspected.
With the entry into force of the International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR or the Regulations) in
June 2007, including the Ship Sanitation Control Exemption Certificate/Ship Sanitation Control
Certificate (hereafter referred to as Ship Sanitation Certificates or SSC), competent authorities now use
this document, which carries a six month period of validity, to identify and record all areas of shipborne public health risks (not limited to rodents), together with any required control measures to be
applied. The SSC may be required from all ships, whether seagoing or inland navigation vessels, on an
international voyage calling at the port of a State Party.
It may be renewed at any port authorized to issue such renewals by a State Party.
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10. What is the Ship Sanitation Control Certificate / Ship Sanitation Control Exemption Certificate?
An instrument to assist countries to minimize the risk of international spread of disease via international
vessel voyages.
Ship Sanitation Control Certificate: issued when evidence of a public health risk, including sources of
infection and contamination, is detected on board and after required control measures have been
satisfactorily completed; the SSC must record the evidence found and the control measures taken.
Ship Sanitation Control Exemption Certificate: issued when no evidence of a public health risk is
found on board and the competent authority4 is satisfied that the ship is free of infection and
contamination, including vectors and reservoirs. This certificate shall normally be issued only if the
inspection5 has been carried out when the ship and holds are empty or when they contain only ballast or
other material, of such nature or so disposed as to make a thorough inspection of the holds possible.
11. Certificates / Documents required for Suez Canal Transit?
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

The Suez Canal Special Tonnage Certificate.

The General Arrangement.
The Capacity Plan.
The Engine Room Plan.
Full Manifests of the Cargo on board the ship be submitted to the Authorities prior passage.
For all vessels of UP TO 2000 Suez Canal Gross Tonnage the original Safety Construction
Certificate is required to be submitted prior transiting the Canal, otherwise a Seaworthiness
Certificate should be issued in place.
7. Vessel transiting for THE FIRST TIME is inspected by the Suez Canal Surveyors;
Masters are to handle three Photostat copies of the above (1-4) certificates/Plans to S.C.A. for the
ship's file. In absence of Suez Canal Certificate, S.C.A. will charge tolls based, on the GRT of
the vessel, until such time a Certificate is on board and the vessel is measured.
12. Certificates / Documents required for Panama Canal Transit?
In the case of a vessel making her initial transit of the Panama Canal, the following documents should be
onboard and copies forwarded to the Panama Canal Authority care of this agency prior to arrival in
order to coordinate admeasurements and transit:
1. International Tonnage Certificate (ITC/69)
2. Calculation sheets for the ITC/69 Certificate
3. Lines plans or Offset tables
4. General Arrangement Plans (including profile view)
5. Funnel Plans
6. Capacity Plan
7. Tank Capacity Plan
8. Displacement Scale
9. Deadweight Scale
10. International Load Line Certificate

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13. What is a Special Survey?

The work of the classification society (Seascapes No.3 and 37) is focussed on the need to provide
defined standards to which a ship should firstly be built, and then maintained. A ship is built under the
supervision of its classification society, with its surveyors in attendance in the shipyard. They ensure
that the ship is built in compliance with the drawings and plans, that the components are of an
acceptable quality and the standards of the shipyard are acceptable. Then the society issues its
Certificate of Class for Hull and Machinery along with trading and statutory certificates from the flag
state of the ship. It is the Certificate of Class that is the basis for underwriters to insure the ship. If it
ceases to be valid, the vessels insurance would no longer be in place. These certificates are valid for
five years, but each year, during a window of three months before the date and three months after
(because of the nature of the ships voyages) an Annual Survey must be carried out by the classification
society surveyors. The major societies all maintain a network of surveyors to undertake this work, and
the surveyors, on completion of their Annual Survey, will endorse the ships Class Certificate.
Besides this annual inspection the survey cycle also includes a Special Survey which must take place
every five years and is a far more thorough inspection of the ship, its machinery and fabric. And as the
ship ages, each Special Survey will become more stringent, with a closer inspection of more parts of the
ship. Special Surveys are costly, invariably requiring time in a drydock with the ship out of service for
some time, depending on what the classification surveyor discovers in his inspection.
The Special Survey will see machinery dismantled to examine it for wear and tear, the thickness of the
plate checked for corrosion to ensure that it remains within acceptable limits. Damaged structure will be
cut out and replaced with new material, worn components and parts renewed. The opportunity will be
taken to examine parts of the ship that cannot be inspected in normal circumstances. The propeller will
be removed and the tail shaft drawn out to examine the bearings, while underwater apertures that admit
cooling water into the ship will be closely scrutinised. The anchor will be lowered to the bottom of the
drydock and the cable ranged to empty the cable locker. All the ships systems like refrigeration,
electrical, control engineering and main and auxiliary machinery will be examined. The bearings of the
rudder will be scrutinised, and the steering gear stripped down and overhauled. If the ship is a tanker or
gas carrier, the special items of equipment appertaining to the ships type, such as cargo pumps and inert
gas systems will be examined. In short, the Special Survey may be likened to a major health check for a
ship, as it gets older.
14. What is CSR?
Onboard record of the history of the ship with respect to information recorded therein.
A form of Log Book that stays with the ship for its entire life and records all the changes of owner, flag
name, Class, ISM, etc
Whenever a change occurs, a new section / new document is issued and each has a consecutive number.
The number should show a complete record. If a ship is sold, this document must stay with the ship.
Master is responsible for the proper upkeep of CSR onboard the ship.
From 1 July 2004, SOLAS Chapter XI-1, reg. 5 requires all passenger ships & cargo ships > 500 GT,
engaged on international voyages to have on board a Continuous Synopsis Record (CSR).
A ships CSR file comprises:
1. all CSR documents (Form 1) issued by the ships Administration(s), numbered sequentially over the
life of the ship;

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2. all amendment forms (Form 2) attached to each individual CSR document relating to changes made
to that CSR document; and
3. all indices of amendments (Form 3) listing all amendments (specified by amendment forms) relating
to each CSR document and attached to Form 1 above.
This CSR (file) builds up, over time, the history of the ship and constitutes the Continuous Synopsis
Record, all of which MUST be available, on request, to authorized port state inspectors.
Only the ships Administration can issue a ships CSR document (Form 1) to a ship. The first CSR
document issued to a ship is numbered 1 (one) and subsequent CSR documents are to be sequentially
numbered. The sequential numbering continues across change of flag throughout the life of the ship.
Each original CSR document will have to be sent to the ship and kept by the ship throughout its lifetime.
The Administration needs to keep a copy (may be an electronic copy) of each CSR document issued to
the ship. It is suggested that the company responsible for safety & security of the ship also keep a copy.
Whenever issuing a CSR document to a ship, the Administration will have to provide all information in
rows 1 to 16 of Form 1 (indicate N/A if not applicable). Information number 8 on the CSR only has to
be completed if the ship is actually bareboat chartered.
15. Action as Master when receiving a revised and updated CSR document
On receipt of a revised and updated CSR document, the master should check its sequential number and
review the document to ensure that it covers all relevant amendment forms attached to the previous CSR
document.
In case this review establishes that there are outstanding amendments not reflected in the latest CSR
document, the master should do the following:
1. complete new amendment form(s) relating to each outstanding amendment and attach it to the latest
CSR document;
2. list the amendment(s) referred to in .1 above in the index of amendments (Form 3) attached to the
latest CSR document; and
3. forward copies of the amendment form(s) to the ships Administration.
The ship is required to maintain the CSR by keeping every CSR document, sequentially numbered,
issued by the ships flag state together with any amendment documents issued by the company / master.
The record of changes to every flag state issued CSR document must also be completed. It is suggested
that a clearly identifiable CSR loose leaf binder be provided to the ship for this purpose, to be kept, and
updated, by the master or Ship Security Officer as the company may decide.
It is also recommended that the ships security plan should contain the current CSR information
16. In case of loss of, or damage to, any document in a ships CSR file
In case of loss of, or damage to, a ships CSR file, the Company or master should contact in writing the
ships Administration without delay, and list the papers lost or damaged. The Administration should
subsequently provide relevant duplicates to the ship of the CSR documents and amendment forms that it
holds, to replace such papers. Such duplicates should be marked accordingly

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17. What happens to Certificates, if case of change of Class, but no change of Flag?
Regardless of the type of statutory vessels certificate or its remaining validity, the gaining society shall
carry out a full Renewal Survey prior to issuing any certificates
However, if the losing society holds a QSCS certificate, the gaining society may take into consideration
the type of statutory certificate and its remaining validity as noted below:
a) Prior to the issue of a Cargo Ship Safety Radio Certificate the gaining society shall carry out a full
Renewal Survey (if non-HSSC certification) or a full Periodical Survey (if HSSC certification).
b) Prior to the issue of a Passenger Ship Safety Certificate the gaining society shall carry out a full
Renewal Survey.
c) For other statutory certificates, the following procedures are applicable.
Expired or extended certificates
If the vessels certificate is expired or extended, the gaining society shall carry out a full Renewal
Survey prior to issuing any certificate
Permanent certificates
If the vessel has a permanent certificate issued by the losing society, the gaining society shall carry out
a Mandatory Annual Survey. Based on satisfactory completion of the Mandatory Annual Survey and the
permanent certificate issued by the losing society, the gaining society may issue a new certificate.
Conditional certificates
If the vessel has a conditional certificate issued by the losing society, the gaining society shall carry out
a Mandatory Annual Survey. Based on re-examination of the deficiencies noted by the losing society on
the conditional certificate, satisfactory completion of the Mandatory Annual Survey, and the conditional
certificate issued by the losing society, the gaining society may issue a new certificate.
The gaining society should consider the existing deficiencies, new deficiencies (if any) found during the
Mandatory Annual Survey, the validity of the existing conditional certificate, and Recommendation 98
Duties of Surveyors under Statutory Conventions and Codes when using certificates.
Interim certificates
If the vessel has an interim certificate issued by the losing society, the gaining society shall carry out a
Mandatory Annual Survey. Based on satisfactory completion of the Mandatory Annual Survey, and the
interim certificate issued by the losing society, the gaining society may issue a new certificate.
Type and validity of certificates
The validity of a new certificate issued by the gaining society on the basis of a satisfactory mandatory
Annual Survey and the permanent certificate issued by the losing society, is not to exceed the validity of
the permanent certificate issued by the losing society which it replaces.
Societies may issue interim certificates pending issuance of the permanent certificate by their head
office, if that is their practice.
18. Difference between Flag state Inspection and Port State Inspection
Flag State Inspection
1) Surveys carried out by nominated inspectors of the flag
2) Check of Technical and Operational requirements
3) Reporting to flag states
Port State Inspection:
1) Control of Foreign Flag ships by the Port State Inspectors of port of call
2) Check of Compliance with International law and regulation requirements
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19. What are the Class Non-periodical Surveys?

1) Damage and repair survey
It is the purpose of the damage survey to
1) Determine the nature, location and extent of the damage
2) Determine the necessary repairs with a view to the unrestricted conformation of class or
3) Determine the temporary repairs and/or other measures/conditions necessary to enable the
ship to proceed to the repair harbour.
Conveyance Certificate - After respective survey, a Conveyance Certificate may be issued for a
severely damaged ship enabling it to undertake the journey to the repair harbour subject to special
conditions; such conditions may stipulate increased freeboard, appropriate weather restrictions,
assistance from tug, etc
2) Voyage Repairs
3) Conversion Surveys
4) Extraordinary Surveys
20. STPS - Special Trade Passenger Ship what are contents of Certificate A & B?
MSA 240 - Ship not to sail without certificates A and B:
1) A ship intended to carry special trade passengers between ports or places in India shall not
commence a voyage from any port or place, unless the master holds certificates to the effect mentioned
in sections 241 and 242.
(1A) A ship intended to carry special trade passengers from or to a port or place in India to or from a
port or place outside India shall not commence a voyage from any port or place, unless the master holds
Certificates A or B, besides-(i) a passenger ship safety certificate;
(ii) an exemption certificate;
(iii) a special trade passenger ship safety certificate;
(iv) a special trade passenger ship space certificate; and
(v) a certificate B.
(2) The customs collector whose duty it is to grant a port clearance for the ship shall not grant it
unless the master holds the appropriate certificate for the voyage specified in sub-section (1), or as the
case may be, in sub-section (1A).
Certifying Officer grants Certificate A or B (MSA 243)
MSA 241 - Contents of certificate A
Certificate A shall be in the prescribed form and contain the following statements & particulars:(i) That the ship is seaworthy;
(ii) That the ship is properly equipped fitted and ventilated;
(iii) The number of special trade passengers the ship is certified to carry; and
(iv) Such other particulars as may be prescribed
Certificate A shall remain in force for a period of one year from the date of issue or for such shorter
period as may be specified therein.
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Copy of certificate A to be exhibited (MSA 246) - The master / owner shall post up in a conspicuous
part of the ship, so as to be visible to the persons on board thereof, a copy of certificate A granted under
this Part in respect of the ship and shall keep that copy so posted up as long as it is in force.
MSA 242 - Contents of certificate B - Certificate B shall be in the prescribed from and shall state(a) the voyage which the ship is to make, and the intermediate ports at which she is to touch;
(b) that she has the proper complement of officers and seamen;
(c) that the master holds
(i) a certificate of survey and certificate A; or
(ii) a passenger ship safety certificate accompanied by an exemption certificate,
a special trade passenger ships safety certificate and
a special trade passenger ship space certificate; or
(iii)a nuclear passenger ship safety certificate;
(d) That she has on board such number of medical officers licensed in the prescribed manner and such
number of attendants, if any, as may be prescribed;
(e) that food, fuel and pure water over and above what is necessary for the crew, and the other things
(if any) prescribed for special trade passenger ships or pilgrim ships, have been placed on board, of the
quality prescribed, properly packed, and sufficient to supply the special trade passengers or pilgrims on
board during the voyage which the ship is to make (including such detention in quarantine as may be
probable) according to the prescribed scale;
(f) in the case of a special trade passenger ship, if the ship is to make a voyage in a season of foul
weather specified as such in the rules made under section 262, and to carry upper-deck passengers, that
she is furnished with substantial bulwarks and a double awning or with other sufficient protection
against the weather;
(g) In the case of a special trade passenger ship, the number of cabin and special trade passengers
embarked at the port of embarkation;
(h) Such other particulars, if any, as may be prescribed for STPS / pilgrim ships, as the case may be.
MSA 245 - Discretion as to grant of certificate B-(1) The certifying officer shall not grant a certificate B if he has reason to believe that the weather
conditions are likely to be adverse or that the ship has on board any cargo likely from its quality,
quantity or mode of storage to prejudice the health or safety of the special trade passengers or pilgrims.
(2) Save as aforesaid, and subject to the provisions of sub-section (3), it shall be in the discretion of the
certifying officer to grant or withhold the certificate, and when he withholds the certificate, the reasons
for so doing shall be communicated to the person concerned.
(3) In the exercise of that discretion that officer shall be subject to the control of the Central
Government or of such authority as the Central Government may appoint in this behalf.
21. Differential identification of IOPP Certificate for Tanker and Non-Tanker ships?
X:
Marked in the box;
DWT:
not mentioned (Non-Tanker) and mentioned (Tanker)
Supplement: Form A (Non-Tanker) and Form B (Tanker) attached
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22. In lieu of which Certificate is the Cargo Ship Safety Certificate issued?
Cargo Ship Safety Construction Certificate
Cargo Ship Safety Equipment Certificate
Cargo Ship Safety Radio Certificate
23. Contents of Form P?
1. A Record of Equipment for Passenger Ship Safety Certificate permanently attached.
2. Provides information as below:
i.
Ships Particulars
ii. Details of Life-Saving Appliances
iii. Details of Radio facilities
iv. Methods used to ensure availability of Radio facilities
v. Details of Navigational Systems and Equipment
(Latest addition to Navigational Equipment is 14. BNWAS)
24. Contents of Form E? Where can the information regarding LSA equipment be obtained?
1. A Record of Equipment for Cargo Ship Safety Equipment Certificate permanently attached.
2. Provides information as below:
i.
Ships Particulars
ii. Details of Life-Saving Appliances
iii. Details of Navigational Systems and equipment
(Latest addition to Navigational Equipment is 14. BNWAS)
25. Contents of Form R?
1. A Record of Equipment for Cargo Ship Safety Radio Certificate permanently attached.
2. Provides information as below:
i.
Ships Particulars
ii. Details of Radio facilities
iii. Methods used to ensure availability of Radio facilities
26. What is Certificate of Survey?
MSA 220 No ship shall carry > 12 passengers without the Certificate of Survey ;
No Customs Collector shall grant Port Clearance or Pilot be assigned, without this certificate;
Every Passenger Ship shall have a Certificate of Survey on board;
After the survey, Surveyor will issue a Declaration of Survey certifying that the ship is fit in all
respects for the intended voyage / service; also, the number of passengers fit to stay on board.
5) The Owner / his Agent / Master would then send the Declaration of Survey to DGS / MMD, on the
basis of which a Certificate of Survey will be issued to the ship, on behalf of the Government;
6) MSA 227 - This Certificate of Survey will be valid for a period of not > 12 months, or till the
ship returns to India, if it expires when absent from India.
1)
2)
3)
4)

27. What is Certificate of Registry Statutory, Mandatory or Obligatory Certificate?

Certificate of Registry is a Statutory Certificate Identity of the Ship; Mandatory for Port formalities.

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28. What is form C-11?

An Earlier attachment to the Loadline Certificate
29. Under which Convention is the Loadline Exemption Certificate granted?
Loadline Convention Article 6
30. What is the difference between a Survey and an Inspection?
Inspection Examination only (e.g. PSC Inspection)
Survey detailed Examination, including Testing (e.g. Survey & Certification by Class / Flag State)
31. Types of Forms issued?
Form A

PSC Inspection

IOPP Certificate (attachment)

Form B

PSC Inspection

IOPP Certificate (attachment)

Form C

Record of Equipment for Cargo Ship Safety Certificate

Form E

Record of Equipment for Cargo Ship Safety Equipment Certificate

Form R

Record of Equipment for Cargo Ship Safety Radio Certificate

Form P

Record of Equipment for Passenger Ship Safety Certificate

Certificate A Special Trade Passenger Ship

Certificate B Special Trade Passenger Ship
32. Can PSC test the skills and competency of a seafarer?
Yes, PSC can test the skills and competency of a seafarer:
Ref: PSC 2011

Appendix 7: Guidelines for control of Operational Requirement

1.3 Having assessed the extent to which operational requirements are complied with the PSCO then has
to exercise professional judgement to determine whether the operational proficiency of the crew as a
whole is of a sufficient level to allow the ship to sail without danger to ship or person onboard or
presenting an unreasonable threat of harm to the marine environment.
Appendix11: Minimum Standards and Certification
3 Control under the provision of STCW:
.3 assessment of the ability of the seafarer of the ship to maintain the watch keeping standards as
required by the convention if there are clear grounds for believing that such standards are not being
maintained because any of the following have occurred:
1) Collision, grounding or stranding;
2) Illegal discharge of substance from ship when underway at anchor or at berth;
3) Ship has been maneuvered in an erratic unsafe manner whereby routeing measures adopted by
the organization or safe Navigation practices and procedures have not been followed;
4) Ship operated as to pose a danger to persons, property, and environment.

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33. What do you know about Passenger Ship - Sub-Division Loadlines?

1) Passenger Ships having spaces which are adapted for the accommodation of Passengers and the
carriage of Cargo alternatively, may have one / more additional Loadlines marks corresponding to
the Summer Drafts approved for the alternative conditions.
Marks for Ships on International Voyage: C1 (Principal Condition), C2, C3, etc (Alternative Condition)
Marks for Ships on Home Trade: CA (Principal Condition), CB, CC, etc (Alternative Condition)
2) The position of each Loadline and conditions under which a particular Loadline is applicable shall
be noted in the certificate.
3) SOLAS II/1 In order to maintain the required degree of sub-division, a Loadline corresponding to the
approved sub-division draft shall be assigned and marked on the ships sides.
4) These shall be recorded in STPS Safety Certificate for Special Trade Passenger Ships.
Marks for STPS Ships:

D1 (Principal Condition), D2, D3, etc (Alternative Condition)

5) The Owner may have one / more of the Sub-Division Loadlines assigned and marked to correspond
with the sub-division drafts which the Administration may approve for the alternative service
conditions.
6) Freeboard corresponding to each sub-division Loadline and the conditions of service for which it is
approved, shall be clearly inscribed in the Special Trade Passenger Ship Safety Certificate.
7) These Loadlines shall never be placed above the deepest Summer Water Loadline;
8) A ship may never be so loaded that in Summer Water, sub-division Loadline mark appropriate to the
particular voyage and condition of service is submerged.
34. What is the Damage Control Plan and its significance? List out its contents.
1) The damage control plan and damage control booklet are intended to provide ships officers with
clear information on the ships watertight subdivision and equipment related to maintaining the
boundaries and effectiveness of the subdivision so that, in the event of damage to the ship causing
flooding, proper precautions can be taken to prevent progressive flooding through openings therein
and effective action can be taken quickly to mitigate and, where possible, recover the ships loss of
stability.
2) The damage control plan and damage control booklet should be clear and easy to understand.
3) It should not include information which is not directly relevant to damage control, and should be
provided in the working language of the ship.The damage control plan should be of a scale adequate
to show clearly required content of the plan.
4) Isometric drawings are recommended for special purposes. The plan should include inboard profile,
plan views of each deck and transverse sections to the extent necessary to show the following:
.1 The watertight boundaries of the ship;
.2 the locations and arrangements of cross-flooding systems, blow-out plugs and any mechanical
means to correct list due to flooding, together with the locations of all valves & remote controls;
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.3 the locations of all internal watertight closing appliances including, on Ro-Ro ships, internal
ramps or doors acting as extension of the collision bulkhead and their controls and the locations of
their local and remote controls, position indicators and alarms. The locations of watertight closing
appliances which are not allowed to be opened during the navigation and of those which are
allowed to be opened during navigation should be clearly indicated;
.4 The locations of all doors in the shell of the ship, including position indicators, leakage detection
and surveillance devices;
.5 The locations of all external watertight closing appliances in cargo ships, position indicators and
alarms;
.6 the locations of all weather tight closing appliances in local subdivision boundaries above the
bulkhead deck and on the lowest exposed weather decks, together with locations of controls and
position indicators, if applicable; and
.7 The locations of all bilge and ballast pumps, their control positions and associated valves.
35. Where is the Manoeuvring diagram displayed? As per which requirement? Contents of
maneuvering booklet.
1) Displayed on the Bridge
2) Resolution A.601 (15)

Provision and Display of Maneuvering Information on board

3) Contents of Maneuvering Booklet:

1 General description (ships particulars, characteristics of main engine),
2 Manoeuvring Characteristics in Deep Water (course change performance, turning circles in
deep water, accelerating turn, yaw checking tests, man overboard and parallel course
manoeuvres, lateral thruster capabilities),
3 Stopping and Speed Control Characteristics in Deep Water (stopping ability, deceleration /
acceleration performance),
4 Manoeuvring Characteristics in Shallow Water (turning circle in shallow water, squat)
5 Manoeuvring Characteristics in Wind (wind forces and moment, course-keeping limitations,
drifting under wind influence)
6 Manoeuvring Characteristics at Low Speed
7 Additional Information
36. What are the Certificates required to be carried on passenger ships?
List certificates required for all ships first and then the trade specific
37. What are the contents of the International Tonnage Certificate?
Ships particulars; length; breadth; and moulded depth; Gross Tonnage and Net Tonnage. GT and NT
are simply numbers, without any units of measurement, e.g. tonnes. A list of spaces measured in the
computation of each tonnage (GT and NT), including the location (frame numbers) and length of each
space. Also, under NT, the number of other passengers in cabins with not more than 8 berths the number
of other passengers and the moulded draught. Date and place of last previous re-measurement
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38. What surveys or inspections are required by Load line legislation?

A periodical inspection carried out annually to ensure that no alterations have been made to the hull or
superstructure which would effect the basis on which the position of the load line had been assigned and
that the fittings and appliances for the protection of openings, the guard rails, the freeing ports and the
means of access to the crews quarters are maintained in an effective condition.
39. What items come into the scope of the load line periodical inspection?
Hatchways; openings in the ships side below the freeboard deck and in the sides and ends of enclosed
superstructures; machinery casings; companionways and deckhouses; freeing port shutters; ventilators
and air pipes; special fittings for ships marked with timber load lines; any departures from recorded
conditions of assignment; positions of load line marks and deck-line.
40. In what circumstances might an Interim Certificate of Class be issued? What are the contents of
an Interim Certificate of Class?
When a classification society surveyor can confirm to his societys committee that repairs or surveys
have been carried out to his satisfaction, and that he considers the ship to be in a fit and efficient
condition to continue her voyage;
A summary of class and statutory surveys held or work carried out, with status (e.g. completed); the date
of completion of the survey or work (for the class records); a list of any items credited for the hull and /
or machinery special survey; the surveyors recommendations to his society for continuance of class; any
conditions of class imposed; any conditions of class deleted; surveyors signature, port and date.
41. What is an INLS Certificate, and what vessels require one?
International Pollution Prevention Certificate for the Carriage of Noxious Liquid Substances in Bulk
Ships other than chemical tankers (which have a COF) when carrying cargoes of MARPOL Annex II
substances, i.e. noxious liquid substances. E.g. offshore supply vessels carrying brine or oil-based mud.
An INLSC can be thought of as a certificate of Fitness to carry chemicals for a ship which is not a
purpose-built chemical tanker.
42. What is difference between ESP and HSSC?
Resolution A.713 (17) emphasized the importance of regular inspections of bulk carriers, especially of
older ships, and in 1993 guidelines on an enhanced programme of inspections during surveys of bulk
carriers and oil tankers were adopted by the 18th Assembly by resolution A.744 (18). It was originally
intended that the guidelines would apply to tankers but because of concern about the loss of bulk
carriers they were extended to them as well.
The guidelines were regarded as so important to safety that amendments to SOLAS to make them
mandatory were adopted in May 1994 and entered into force on 1 January 1996.
The guidelines apply to existing tankers and bulk carriers of five years of age and over meaning that
the vast majority of the world tankers and bulk carriers are affected. The enhanced surveys must be
carried out during the periodical, intermediate and annual surveys prescribed by the SOLAS
Convention. The enhanced survey programme is mandatory for oil tankers under Regulation 13G of

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Annex I to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973, as modified
by the Protocol of 1978 relating thereto (MARPOL 73/78).
The guidelines pay special attention to corrosion. Coatings and tank corrosion prevention systems must
be thoroughly checked and measurements must also be carried out to check the thickness of plates.
These measurements become more extensive as the ship ages. The guidelines go into considerable
detail to explain the extra checks that should be carried out during enhanced surveys.
One section deals with preparations for surveys and another with the documentation which should be
kept on board each ship and be readily available to surveyors. This should record full reports of all
surveys carried out on the ship.
Annexes to the guidelines go into still more detail and are intended to assist implementation. They
specify the structural members that should be examined, for example, in areas of extensive corrosion;
outline procedures for certification of companies engaged in thickness measurement of hull structures;
recommend procedures for thickness measurements and close-up surveys; and give guidance on
preparing the documentation required.
The harmonized system provides for:
1. A one-year standard interval between surveys based on initial, annual, intermediate, periodical and
renewal surveys as appropriate;
2. A scheme for providing the necessary flexibility for the execution of each survey with the provision
that the renewal survey may be completed within three months before the expiry date of the
existing certificate with no loss of its period of validity;
3. A maximum period of validity of five years for all certificates for cargo ships;
4. A maximum period of validity of 12 months for the Passenger Ship Safety Certificate;
5. A system for the extension of certificates limited to three months to enable a ship to complete its
voyage (or one month for ships engaged on short voyages);
6. When an extension has been granted, the period of validity of the new certificate is to start from the
expiry date of the existing certificate before its extension.
The main changes to the SOLAS and Load Lines Conventions are that annual inspections have been
made mandatory for cargo ships and unscheduled inspections have been discontinued. Other changes
refer to survey intervals and requirements.
43. Where can you find the information of Life-Saving Appliances, Fire-Fighting Equipment and
Navigational Equipment required onboard your ship?
Record of Approved Cargo Ship Safety Equipment
It is the record of Equipment required to be installed at ship yard at time of build, prior to the ship
being put into service for the first time; to be onboard through the life of the ship.
1) Documentation
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
1.5
1.6
1.7
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Fire Control Plans

Muster list and Emergency Instructions
Training manual for Abandonship and Survival
Instructions for onboard maintenance of LSA
Operating Instructions
Nautical publications
International code of signals
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2) Safety of Navigations
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4

Ship borne Navigational Equipment

Navigation Lights
Navigation Lights - Particulars
Signalling apparatus

3) Life Saving Appliances

3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
3.5
3.6
3.7
3.8
3.9
3.10
3.11
3.12

Rockets and Signals

Portable Radio Apparatus for Survival Crafts
Sketch of location of lifeboat and Life-rafts
Lifeboats
Lifeboat Equipments
Davit and winches
Launching and embarkation Equipments
Life-rafts
Rigid Life-rafts Equipment
Other Life Saving Appliances (Life-jackets, Immersion Suits, Thermal Protective Aids)
Pilot ladder
Mechanical Pilot Hoist

4) Fire Appliances in Spaces containing Main and Auxiliary Machinery and Boilers
4.1
4.2

Pumps, Hydrants, Hoses, Extinguishers

Fixed Fire Extinguishing Installations in Machinery Spaces

5) Fire appliances in cargo spaces and on cargo tank deck area

5.1
5.2

Ships other than Tankers, Combination Carriers, Chemical Carrier and Gas Carrier
Tankers, Combination Carriers, Chemical Carrier and Gas Carrier

6) Other fire appliances

6.1
6.2
6.3

Fire mans outfit

Hydrant, Hoses, Extinguishers and Shore Connections (outside Machinery Spaces)
Fire detection and Fire Alarm

7) Particulars of any Special Features or Additional Information

8) Equipments Renewals, Alterations and/or Additions effected since the record was prepared
9) Special Greek requirements concerning Safety of Navigation, Navigation Lights, Signalling
apparatus, Rockets and Signal, Lifeboat equipments and various Publications
9.1
9.2
9.3
9.4

Rocket Signals
Publications to be kept on board
Nautical instruments
Lifeboat Equipment

Additionally added is the Annex to Record of Approval of Cargo Ship Safety Equipment
1. Radars
2. ARPA
3. DF
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