HARMONIZED SYSTEM OF SURVEY AND CERTIFICATION

A harmonized system of survey and certification covering international shipping regulations adopted by the International Maritime Organization enters into force on 3 February 2000.

The system covers survey and certification requirements of the followings codes and conventions:

	International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), 1974
	The International Convention on Load Lines, (LL) 1966
	The International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973, as modified by the Protocol of 1978 relating thereto (MARPOL 73/78)
	The International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk (IBC Code)
	Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk (BCH Code)
	Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk (IGC Code).

Purpose

Harmonize periods between surveys of all statutory certificates issued to cargo ships.

Certificates to have a uniform period of validity of five years.

One or more of the following surveys require for maintenance of certification.

	Initial survey.
	Annual survey.
	Intermediate survey.
	Periodical survey.
	Renewal survey.
	Additional survey.

 

 

Features

One year standard interval between surveys, which could be any of the followings:

	Initial survey
	Annual survey
	Intermediate survey
	Periodical survey.
	Renewal survey

Renewal survey may be completed within three months before the expiry of the certificate with no loss of its period of validity. Time window of six months for other surveys.

A maximum period of validity of five years for all cargo ship certificates.

A maximum period of validity of one year for all passenger ship certificates.

Three months extension for cargo ship certificates, one month for short voyages.

If a certificate is extended, the period of validity of new certificate starts from the expiry date of last certificate.

At least two inspections of ship's bottom in a five year period, maximum interval between the inspections should not be greater than thirty six months.

A combined cargo ship safety certificate that will replace existing safety equipment, safety construction and safety radio certificate.

 

No more unscheduled inspections.

Annual surveys are mandatory.

Intervals between surveys of cargo ship's safety equipment will be changed to interval of two and three years in stead of two years.

Intermediate surveys are required for all ships under the cargo ship safety construction certificate.

Inspections of the outside of ship's bottom required for all cargo ships.

Intermediate surveys for the cargo ship safety construction certificate can be held within three months of either the second or third anniversary date.

There is a provision for combined cargo ship safety certificate.

Certificates related to HSSC

 

Passenger Ship Safety Certificate, including Record of Equipment

 

Cargo Ship Safety Construction Certificate

 

Cargo Ship Safety Equipment Certificate, including Record of Equipment

 

Cargo Ship Safety Radio Certificate, including Record of Equipment

 

Cargo Ship Safety Certificate, including Record of Equipment

 

International Load Lines Certificate

 

International Load Lines Exemption Certificate

 

International Oil Pollution Prevention Certificate

 

International Pollution Prevention Certificate for the Carriage of Noxious Liquid Substances in Bulk

 

International Certificate of Fitness for the Carriage of Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk

 

International Certificate of Fitness for the Carriage of Liquefied Gases in Bulk

 

Certificate of Fitness for the Carriage of Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk

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