CHIEF ENGINEER Unit 13 Surveys Q4

The Harmonisation System of Survey and Certification (HSSC) is a framework established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to streamline and standardize the survey and certification process for ships. It aims to enhance efficiency, reduce administrative burdens, and improve consistency in the implementation of various international maritime conventions.

Key Principles:

• Standardized Intervals and Validity: The HSSC establishes standardized intervals and validity periods for the major certificates required under different IMO conventions. This ensures predictability and facilitates planning for ship owners and operators.
• Coordinated Surveys and Inspections: It promotes the coordination of surveys and inspections required under different conventions, minimizing disruptions to ship operations and reducing the number of surveyors needed onboard.
• Simplified Documentation: The system aims to simplify the documentation and reporting process, reducing paperwork and administrative burden for both ship operators and regulatory bodies.
• Flexibility: While providing a standardized framework, the HSSC also allows for some flexibility in scheduling surveys and inspections to accommodate the operational needs of ships and minimize downtime.

Main Benefits:

• Reduced Costs: By reducing the frequency and duration of surveys, the HSSC can help lower the overall cost of compliance for ship owners and operators.
• Improved Efficiency: Streamlined procedures and coordinated inspections lead to less downtime and increased operational efficiency for ships.
• Enhanced Safety: By ensuring regular and thorough inspections, the HSSC contributes to maintaining high safety standards and preventing accidents at sea.
• Facilitated Trade: The harmonized system helps reduce barriers to international trade by ensuring consistent and predictable survey requirements across different countries.

Applicability:

The HSSC applies to the following major IMO conventions:

• International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS)
• International Convention on Load Lines (ILLC)
• International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL)
• International Convention on Tonnage Measurement of Ships (ITC)   1. en.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org
• International Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti-fouling Systems on Ships (AFS)
• International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk (IBC Code)
• International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk (IGC Code)
• Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk (BCH Code)   1. imo-newsroom.prgloo.com imo-newsroom.prgloo.com
• International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments (BWM Convention)

In Conclusion:

The Harmonized System of Survey and Certification is a significant step towards simplifying and improving the survey and certification process for ships. It brings benefits to both the maritime industry and regulatory bodies by promoting efficiency, reducing costs, and enhancing safety and environmental protection, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and secure maritime sector.

For a vessel of 500 gross tonnes or more and carrying 12 passengers, the following six statutory certificates are required to be carried to demonstrate compliance with IMO Conventions:

1. International Tonnage Certificate (ITC): This certificate confirms the vessel’s gross and net tonnage, which is crucial for various port dues, fees, and regulations. It is issued under the International Convention on Tonnage Measurement of Ships (1969).
2. International Load Line Certificate (ILLC): This certificate ensures the vessel has sufficient freeboard (the height of the ship’s side above the waterline) and stability, preventing overloading. It is issued under the International Convention on Load Lines (1966).
3. Cargo Ship Safety Construction Certificate: This certificate validates that the ship’s structure, machinery, and equipment comply with safety standards for cargo ships. It is issued under the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention.
4. Cargo Ship Safety Equipment Certificate: This certificate confirms that the ship carries the necessary lifesaving, firefighting, and other safety equipment as required by SOLAS.
5. International Oil Pollution Prevention Certificate (IOPP): This certificate ensures the ship has measures in place to prevent oil pollution, including equipment like oily-water separators and oil discharge monitoring systems. It is issued under MARPOL Annex I.
6. International Air Pollution Prevention Certificate (IAPP): This certificate confirms the ship’s compliance with air pollution prevention regulations, covering emissions of sulfur oxides (SOx), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and other air pollutants. It is issued under MARPOL Annex VI.

Additional Considerations:

• Passenger Ship Safety Certificate: If the vessel carries more than 12 passengers, it would also require a Passenger Ship Safety Certificate under SOLAS.
• Other Certificates: Depending on the ship’s specific characteristics and operations, additional certificates may be required, such as those related to the carriage of dangerous goods, ballast water management, or specific trade areas.

It’s important to note that these are just the core certificates required. The exact requirements can vary based on the vessel’s flag state, type, and intended operations. Ship owners and operators should always consult the relevant IMO conventions and their flag state administration for the complete list of applicable certificates.