Regualtion Revision 1

FAQ - SOLAS does not apply to:

(a) The present regulations, unless expressly provided otherwise, do not apply to: (i) Ships of war and troopships. (ii) Cargo ships of less than 500 gross tonnage. (iii) Ships not propelled by mechanical means. (iv) Wooden ships of primitive build. (v) Pleasure yachts not engaged in trade. (vi) Fishing vessels. (b) Except as expressly provided in chapter V, nothing herein shall apply to ships solely navigating the Great Lakes of North America and the prescribed area in River St Lawrence

FAQ - codes made mandatory by SOLAS

1. LSA code 2. FSS code 3. FTP (Fire Test Procedure) code 4. ISM code 5. ISPS code 6. Polar code 7. IBC code 8. IGC code 9. Grain code 10. CSS code 11. IMDG code 12. IMSBC code

FAQ - What are the documents to be presented by the Master to health authorities?

1. Ship Sanitation Certification (SSC) - valid for 6 months 2. International Sewage Pollution Prevention Certificate or exemption certificate- valid for 5 yrs 3. Crew medical and vaccination certificates 4. Maritime declaration of health (normally submitted by the Master prior arrival or by radio) 5. Narcotics list and medical chest certificate

CERTIFICATES REQUIRED UNDER MLC 2006 • What are the certificates & documents required to be carried onboard under the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006?

MLC documents and certificates A vessel that is at least 500 GT and is registered in a country where the MLC is in force must have below certificates: • (a) Maritime Labour Certificate (MLC) or an interim MLC; and • (b) Declaration of Maritime Labour Compliance (DMLC), issued by the competent authority

FAQ - safe manning

Minimum safe manning is the level of manning that will ensure that a ship is sufficiently, effectively and efficiently manned to provide: 1. safety and security of the ship 2. safe navigation and operations at sea 3. safe operations in port 4. prevention of human injury or loss of life 5. the avoidance of damage to the marine environment and property 6. the welfare and health of seafarers through the avoidance of fatigue.

Difference in a Bottom survey (B) and an Additional survey (Ad)

• A Bottom inspection (B) of the outside of the ship's bottom is an inspection of the underwater part of the ship and related items to ensure that they are in a satisfactory condition and fit for the service for which the ship is intended. • An Additional survey (Ad) is an inspection, either general or partial according to the circumstances, to be made after a repair resulting from investigations or whenever any important repairs or renewals are made.

Difference in renewal surveys

• A Renewal survey (R) is the same as a periodical survey but also leads to the issue of a new certificate.

Requirement of having a Certificate of Registry

• A certificate of nationality often called the ship's register or Certificate of Registry is required by the Geneva Convention on the High Seas, 1958, and by the UNCLOS, 1982. The form of certificate and the conditions for its issue are determined by each national government. In some cases, it remains valid until the ship is scrapped or changes ownership or nationality, in others, it is subject to regular renewal.

FAQ - What are the International Health Regulations (IHR)?

• The International Health Regulations (2005), or IHR (2005), represents a binding international legal agreement involving 196 countries across the globe, including all the Member States of WHO. Their aim is to help the international community prevent and respond to acute public health risks that have the potential to cross borders and threaten people worldwide.

International Tonnage Certificate

• The International Tonnage Certificate remains valid until alterations in construction or the use of spaces are made, the subdivision load line is changed or the ship is transferred to the flag of another State.

FAQ - How are the other maritime labour instruments affected by the new MLC convention?

• The MLC Convention brings almost all of the existing maritime labour instruments together in a single new Convention that uses a new format with some updating, where necessary, to reflect modern conditions and language. The Convention "consolidates" the existing international law on all these matters. • The existing ILO maritime labour Conventions will be gradually phased out as the ILO Member States that have ratified those Conventions ratify the new Convention, but there will be a transitional period when some parallel Conventions will be in force

Panama and Suez canals

• The Panama and Suez Canal Tonnage Certificates are not required by international conventions, but any ship wishing to traverse either canal must be measured and should obtain the appropriate certificate before doing so. In general, they remain valid until alterations to the ship's structure or in the use of spaces are made.

Scope of surveys - Renewal?

• The Renewal survey will check every item that led to the original issue of the first load line certificate in respect of a particular vessel. This will usually include check measurements of the Load Line markings, proof of watertight and weather-tight integrity of all openings above and below the freeboard deck, an examination of all arrangements is installed for the protection of the crew.

SUBMERGING LOAD LINE MARKS

• The appropriate load lines on the sides of the ship corresponding to the season and to the zone or area in which the ship may be, must not be submerged at any time when the ship puts to sea, during the voyage or on arrival

FAQ - What is meant by the incubation period of a disease?

• The incubation period of a disease is the time from the moment of exposure to an infectious agent until signs and symptoms of the disease appear. For example, the incubation period of chickenpox is 14-16 days.

Scope of surveys - Initial

• The initial survey covers everything to do with the load line from the measurement of the vessel, allocation of Freeboard, proof that all of the conditions of assignment have been met, embossing of the load line markings and check measurements of the completed marks by the issuing authority

Period of validity of a load line certificate

• The load line certificate is a statutory certificate with a maximum period of validity of 5 years

Evidence of compliance Documents which can be used to demonstrate compliance with MLC include:

- Records for seafarer's rest/work hours signed by the seafarer and Master. Apart from the original document in the ship's file, a signed copy needs to be provided to the seafarer. - Onboard complaint register and record of actions taken - Recent MLC inspection report - Evidence proving that all seafarers onboard are above sixteen (16) years of age - Evidence showing the crewing agencies complies with the MLC requirements - Medical certificates of maximum one-year validity for seafarers under 18 years of age - Medical certificates of maximum two years validity for seafarers above 18 years of age - Evidence proving no dangerous work or night time work being undertaken for seafarers under 18 years of age - A Seafarer's Employment Agreement (SEA), signed by the seafarer and shipowner or an authorized representative - A copy of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) in English - Valid Certificate of Competency (COC) for officers and valid training certificates for all other seafarers onboard - Records of training in personal safety and safety meetings held onboard - Records of all accidents, incidents, investigations and consequent analysis onboard - Records of seafarer's familiarisation

FAQ - minimum navigational equipment

1. A properly adjusted standard magnetic compass, or other means, independent of any power supply, to determine the ship's heading and display the reading at the main steering position; 2. A pelorus or compass bearing device, or other means, independent of any power supply, to take bearings over an arc of the horizon of 360°; 3. Means of correcting heading and bearings to true at all times; 4. Up-to-date charts, sailing directions, lists of lights, notices to mariners, tide tables and other nautical publications necessary to plan and display the ship's route for the intended voyage and to plot and monitor positions throughout the voyage. An electronic chart display and information system (ECDIS) is also accepted. 5. Back-up arrangements to meet the functional requirements of point 4. 6. A receiver for a global navigation satellite system or a terrestrial radio navigation system, or other means, suitable for use at all times throughout the intended voyage to establish and update the ship's position by automatic means; 7. If less than 150 gross tonnage and if practicable, a radar reflector, or other means, to enable detection by ships navigating by radar at both 9 and 3 GHz; 8. When the ship's bridge is totally enclosed and unless the Administration determines otherwise, a sound reception system, or other means, to enable the officer in charge of the navigational watch to hear sound signals and determine their direction; 9. A telephone, or other means, to communicate heading information to the emergency steering position if provided.

Physical checks prior to survey?

1. Check Load line and draft marks (repaint as necessary) 2. Ensure vessel is watertight from the keel to the freeboard deck and weather-tight from the freeboard deck up to a height of 4.5m above it. Various tests including hose test, chalk test, ultrasound gun scanner test etc. can be used to detect flaws. 3. Check all cargo hatches and access to holds for weather tightness. Tank domes on tankers need to be oil-tight 4. Guard railings, ladders, bulwarks and crew shelters on deck checked to be in good condition. 5. Water freeing arrangements on each deck including scupper plugs should be checked. 6. Inspect machinery space and other ventilator openings on exposed deck for tight closing. 7. Sounding and air pipes fitted with satisfactory means of closing and opening. 8. Pilot doors, stern ramps etc. are operating correctly and sealing tight. 9. Test non-return arrangements on over boards discharge valves. 10. Open areas are free of slip and trip hazards and marked appropriately.

Preparation for survey?

1. Check and keep certificates ready for inspection. 2. Check for any remarks or observations from previous surveys and ensure they are rectified. 3. Check conditions of assignment of loadline form and check each item to ensure any modifications made thereafter have been endorsed. 4. Ensure information relating to the stability and loading of the ship are available and are approved by class. 5. Ensure records available for the drafts and arrival departure stability conditions. 6. Ensure the class approved loadicator has been tested and records of routine test results are available. Approved loadicator manual is available. 7. The updated load line chart is available to the Master and is in use

FAQ - conduct of fire & abandon ship drills

1. Every crew member shall participate in at least one abandon ship drill and one fire drill every month. 2. The drills of the crew shall take place within 24 h of the ship leaving a port if more than 25% of the crew have not participated in abandon ship and fire drills on board that particular ship in the previous month. 3. When a ship enters service for the first time, after modification of a major character or when a new crew is engaged, these drills shall be held before sailing.

Standard FAL forms which can be obtained from the IMO website

1. General declaration 2. Cargo declaration 3. Ship's effects declaration 4. Crew's effects declaration 5. Crew list 6. Passenger list 7. Dangerous goods manifest

FAQ - launching & maneuvering of freefall lifeboats

1. In the case of a lifeboat arranged for free-fall launching, at least once every three months during an abandon ship drill, the crew shall board the lifeboat, properly secure themselves in their seats and commence launch procedures up to but not including the actual release of the lifeboat (i.e., the release hook shall not be released). 2. The lifeboat shall then either be free-fall launched with only the required operating crew on board or lowered into the water by means of the secondary means of launching with or without the operating crew on board. In both cases, the lifeboat shall thereafter be manoeuvred in the water by the operating crew. 3. At intervals of not more than six months, the lifeboat shall either be launched by freefall with only the operating crew on board, or simulated launching shall be carried out in accordance with the guidelines developed by the Organization.

FAQ - Describe the 3 major regulated diseases from IHR 1969.

• Plague • Cholera • Yellow fever

FAQ - on receipt of distress signal

1. The master of a ship at sea which is in a position to be able to provide assistance, on receiving information from any source that persons are in distress at sea, is bound to proceed with all speed to their assistance, if possible informing them or the search and rescue service that the ship is doing so. 2. This obligation to provide assistance applies regardless of the nationality or status of such persons or the circumstances in which they are found. 3. If the ship receiving the distress alert is unable or, in the special circumstances of the case, considers it unreasonable or unnecessary to proceed to their assistance, the master must enter in the log-book the reason for failing to proceed to the assistance of the persons in distress, taking into account the recommendation of the Organization to inform the appropriate search and rescue service accordingly.

Categories of vessels to which the load line convention does not apply

1. The present Convention shall not apply to: (a) ships of war; (b) new ships of less than 24 metres (79 feet) in length; (c) existing ships of less than 150 tons gross; (d) pleasure yachts not engaged in trade; (e) fishing vessels. See Exceptions (Art 5)

FAQ - What are the two primary purposes of the MLC?

1. To bring the system of protection contained in existing labourstandards closer to the workers concerned, in a form consistent with the rapidly developing, globalized sector (ensuring "decent work"); 2. To improve the applicability of the system so that shipowners and governments interested in providing decent conditions of work do not have to bear an unequal burden in ensuring protection ("level playing field" fair competition)

FAQ - What is a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC)?

A PHEIC is defined in the IHR (2005) as, "an extraordinary event which is determined to constitute a public health risk to other States through the international spread of disease and to potentially require a coordinated international response". This definition implies a situation that is: • serious, sudden, unusual or unexpected; • carries implications for public health beyond the affected State's national border; and • may require immediate international action.

'Party to the Convention'

A State becomes a party to the Convention by either: 1. Acceding (agreeing) to the convention right away or by 2. Signing and ratifying the instrument By signing the Convention, States indicate their intention to take steps to be bound by the treaty at a later date. The signing also creates an obligation, in the period between signing and ratification or consent to be bound, to refrain from acts that would defeat the object and purpose of the treaty

VALIDITY OF CERTIFICATES & SURVEY CYCLES

As you have seen above, each ship has numerous certificates and documents. Before a certificate is issued, a survey has to be done. Surveys are also required to ensure continuity of standards and to ensure that certificates are renewed before they expire. But if these surveys are happening randomly throughout the year, what is the consequence? • The unnecessary burden on the Master and ship's staff to prepare for surveys every now and then. • Logistics of having to arrange various surveys at various parts of the world. So what is the solution? The solution is the Harmonised System of Survey and Certification (HSSC)

12 basic certificates required to be carried by a cargo vessel on international trade

Certificate of Registry (or Nationality) International Tonnage Certificate; International Load Line Certificate; Cargo Ship Safety Construction Certificate; Cargo Ship Safety Equipment Certificate; Cargo Ship Safety Radio Certificate (Above 3 may be combined into a single Cargo Ship Safety Certificate) Safety Management Certificate International Ship Security Certificate International Oil Pollution Prevention Certificate; International Sewage Pollution Prevention Certificate; International Air Pollution Prevention Certificate; International Anti-fouling System Certificate;

Enforcement of MARPOL in Australia

In Australia, MARPOL is given effect domestically through the: 1. Protection of the Sea (Prevention of Pollution from Ships) Act 1983 and 2. Navigation Act of 2012. 3. Marine Orders 91 to 98 give specific guidelines for each Annex Marine Orders

Scenario - a US-flagged vessel involves in a MARPOL violation incident in Australian waters, which jurisdiction applies?

In this case, AMSA has 2 options. • 1. Prosecute in accordance with Australian law; or • 2. Inform the authorities in the USA regarding the violation and provide evidence. The authorities in the USA will need to take action as per their law and advise AMSA of the action taken

FAQ - Which ships are required to be certified under MLC?

• Ships of 500 GT or over are required to be certified: they must carry a Maritime Labour Certificate as well as a Declaration of Maritime Labour Compliance. Note: Though ships below 500 GT are not required to be certified, they are subject to inspection at intervals not exceeding three years.

FAQ - public authorities allowed to retain some of the original ship certificates

No. As per FAL, public authorities shall not require for their retention, on arrival or departure of ships to which the Convention applies, any documents other than 1.General Declaration 2.Cargo Declaration 3.Ship's Stores Declaration 4.Crew's Effects Declaration 5.Crew List 6.Passenger List 7. Dangerous Goods Manifest 8. The document required under the Universal Postal Convention for mail 9. Maritime Declaration of Health 10. Security-related information as required under SOLAS 11. Advance electronic cargo information for customs risk assessment purposes 12. Advanced Notification Form for Waste Delivery to Port Reception Facilities

12 basic documents required to be carried by a cargo vessel on international trade

Stability booklet Damage Control Information; Cargo Securing Manual (not required for bulk carriers, tankers and passenger ships) Minimum safe manning document; Documents for masters, officers or ratings; Oil Record Book; Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plan; Garbage Management Plan; Garbage Record Book; Official logbook Ship security plan Ballast water management plan

FAQ - What are the 3 main parts of MLC?

The Convention is organized into three main parts: 1. The Articles coming first set out the broad principles and obligations 2. Regulations and the Standards (Part A) 3. Guidelines (Part B)

FAQ - requisitioning other ships

The master of a ship in distress or the search and rescue service concerned, after consultation, so far as may be possible, with the masters of ships which answer the distress alert, has the right to requisition one or more of those ships as the master of the ship in distress or the search and rescue service considers best able to render assistance, and it shall be the duty of the master or masters of the ship or ships requisitioned to comply with the requisition by continuing to proceed with all speed to the assistance of persons in distress. • Ref: Chapter V > Regulation 33 - Distress Situations: Obligations and Procedures

FAQ - Master's obligations to send danger messages

The master of every ship which meets with dangerous ice, a dangerous derelict, or any other direct danger to navigation, or a tropical storm, or encounters sub-freezing air temperatures associated with gale force winds causing severe ice accretion on superstructures, or winds of force 10 or above on the Beaufort scale for which no storm warning has been received, is bound to communicate the information by all means at his disposal to ships in the vicinity, and also to the competent authorities. The form in which the information is sent is not obligatory. It may be transmitted either in plain language (preferably English) or by means of the International Code of Signals. Ref: Chapter V > Regulation 31 - Danger Messages

MARPOL does not apply to

The present Convention shall apply to: -ships entitled to fly the flag of a Party to the Convention; and -ships not entitled to fly the flag of a Party but which operate under the authority of a Party.

Application of Marpol

The present Convention shall apply to: • -ships entitled to fly the flag of a Party to the Convention; and • -ships not entitled to fly the flag of a Party but which operate under the authority of a Party.

Survey cycle to obtain a load line certificate & to maintain it

The survey cycle to obtain and maintain the validity of a Load Line certificate is: 1. Initial (before the vessel is put into service) 2. Annual survey every year (within three months either side of the anniversary date) 3. Renewal survey - that must be conducted between three months prior to (with no loss of validity) and the fifth-anniversary date. The renewal survey leads to the issue of a new certificate. There is no requirement for an Intermediate survey for Load Line.

Ian Gray 2020 What are the 2 different types of load lines?

There are two types of Load line markings:- • Standard Load Line marking - This is applicable to all types of vessels. • Timber Load Line Markings - This is applicable to vessels carrying timber cargo

'An Administration'

• "Administration" means the Government of the State under whose authority the ship is operating. With respect to a ship entitled to fly a flag of any State, the Administration is the Government of that State. With respect to fixed or floating platforms engaged in exploration and exploitation of the sea-bed and subsoil thereof adjacent to the coast over which the coastal State exercises sovereign rights for the purposes of exploration and exploitation of their natural resources, the Administration is the Government of the coastal State concerned.

FAQ - what is deratting?

• "Deratting" means the procedure whereby health measures are taken to control or kill rodent vectors of human disease present in baggage, cargo, containers, conveyances, facilities, goods and postal parcels at the point of entry

FAQ - What is meant by "free pratique"?

• "Free pratique" means permission for a ship to enter a port, embark or disembark, discharge or load cargo or stores; permission for an aircraft, after landing, to embark or disembark, discharge or load cargo or stores; and permission for a ground transport vehicle, upon arrival, to embark or disembark, discharge or load cargo or stores. • Whenever possible, States are encouraged to authorize granting of free pratique by radio instead of an official boarding the vessel.

FAQ - application of SOLAS

• (a) Unless expressly provided otherwise, the present regulations apply only to ships engaged on international voyages. Note that Chapter V applies to all vessels. • (b) The classes of ships to which each chapter applies are more precisely defined, and the extent of the application is shown, in each chapter

What are the responsibilities of the Flag State under MLC?

• 1. Adherence to general principles of the convention on all ships under its flag. • 2. Authorization of labour organizations • 3. Issue Maritime Labour Certificate and Declaration of Maritime Labour Compliance (DMLC) to each vessel under its flag. • 4. Inspection and enforcement of the convention • 5. Ensure on-board complaint procedures are implemented • 6. Take responsibility of marine casualties involving vessels flying its flag and ensure that crew are not abandoned by the shipowner.

Difference between Periodic survey (P) and an Intermediate survey (In)

• A periodical survey (P) is an inspection of the items relating to the particular certificate to ensure that they are in a satisfactory condition and fit for the service for which the ship is intended. • The periodical survey should also consist of a check that all the certificates, record books, operating manuals and other instructions and documentation specified in the requirements relevant to the particular certificate are on board the ship. • Periodical survey is applicable only for cargo ship safety equipment certificate and cargo ship safety radio certificate. • An intermediate survey (In) is an inspection of specified items relevant to the particular certificate to ensure that they are in a satisfactory condition and fit for the service for which the ship is intended.

Obligations of the Master if repairs or modifications to the vessel are required

• After any survey has been completed no change should be made in the structure, equipment or other matters covered by the survey without the sanction of the Administration. • After repairs or alterations, a ship should comply with at least the requirements previously applicable and that, after major repairs or alterations, ships should comply with the requirements for a new ship in so far as the Administration deems reasonable and practicable.

Scope of surveys -Annual

• An annual survey may check any item of the load line convention's requirements, the annual survey will always involve checking that the embossed marks have not been tampered with and that no structural changes have been made to the vessel that might affect the assignment of freeboard

Difference between Initial survey (I) and an Annual survey (A)

• An initial survey (I) is a complete inspection before a ship is put into service of all the items relating to a particular certificate, to ensure that the relevant requirements are complied with and that these items are satisfactory for the service for which the ship is intended. • An annual survey (A) is a general inspection of the items relating to the particular certificate to ensure that they have been maintained and remain satisfactory for the service for which the ship is intended

FAQ - What sought of coverage does FAL have?

• As of January 2019, a total of 90 countries had ratified the MLC 2006, which has resulted in more than 91% of the world's shipping fleet being regulated. • The countries that ratify the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006, will no longer be bound by the existing Conventions when the new Convention comes into force for them. • The countries that do not ratify the new Convention will remain bound by the existing Conventions they have ratified, but those Conventions will be closed to further ratification

Documentation that the Master has to maintain onboard for compliance with the Convention

• Certificates • Records of particulars • Record of freeboards • Information on stability

FAQ - What is the incubation period for Cholera?

• Cholera is an infection of the small intestine by some strains of the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. • It is spread mostly by unsafe water and unsafe food that has been contaminated with human feces containing the bacteria. Undercooked seafood is a common source. • The incubation period of cholera is five days

FAQ - entry to enclosed spaces

• Crew members with enclosed space entry or rescue responsibilities shall participate in an enclosed space entry and rescue drill to be held on board the ship at least once every two months

Documents required under Annex III

• Document of Compliance (DOC) for the carriage of dangerous goods • Multi-Modal Dangerous Goods Form (MMDGF) or Transport document • Dangerous Goods Manifest • The current edition of IMDG Code and supplement • The current edition of MARPOL and posters

Section 4- MARPOL

• Explains the responsibilities under MARPOL 73/78 and explanation of means to ensure compliance with pollution prevention legislation.

Section 6- Methods & aids to prevent pollution

• Explanation of responsibilities under London Dumping Convention (LDC), Intervention Convention, CLC Convention.

Section 3- SOLAS

• Explanation of responsibilities under the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, better known as SOLAS which covers a wide range of measures designed to improve the safety of shipping.

Section 5- Health regulations

• Explanation of the Maritime declarations of health and the requirements of the International health regulations.

Section 2- Load Line Convention

• Explanation of the responsibilities under the relevant requirements of the International Convention on Load Lines

Type A and Type B ships under the Convention

• For the purposes of freeboard computation, ships shall be divided into Type 'A' and Type 'B' • See regulation 27 • Lists tankers(A-type) and dry cargo ships fitted with approved type steel hatch covers(B-type) and conditional specifications for B-60 and B-100 (B-type) ships. • Table for increase of freeboard for ships fitted with wooden hatch covers.

Documents required under Annex V

• Garbage Certificate of Compliance • Garbage Management Plan (GMP) • Garbage Record Book (GRB) Part 1 (and 2 if applicable) • The current edition of MARPOL and posters

FAQ - Under the IHR, can the port health authority refuse free pratique to a vessel?

• If one of the vessel's crew members has a minor non-communicable disease which is not subject to regulation, NO. • The IHR states that, except in an emergency constituting a grave danger to public health, a ship which is not infected or suspected of being infected with a disease subject to the regulations should not be refused free pratique on account of any other epidemic disease and should not be prevented from discharging or loading cargo or stores, or taking on fuel or water

The purpose of HSSC

• The Harmonised System of Survey and Certification (HSSC) seeks to standardize the period of validity and the intervals between surveys for the nine main convention certificates to a maximum period of validly for all certificates except a passenger ship safety certificate to five years. • In so doing it aims to simplify the survey and certification process. • The streamlined format of the HSSC will bring benefits to the industry in terms of flexibility of survey schedule, reduced numbers of surveyors, survey time and paperwork, all, therefore, reducing costs.

Exceptional circumstances in regards to load lines

• If the dock water density is less than 1.025 t/m3 as measured by a load line hydrometer. If the vessel is in FW, she can submerge the appropriate mark by the amount of Fresh Water Allowance (FWA) and if in brackish water, by the Dock Water Allowance (DWA). • A vessel may depart from an upriver wharf loaded beyond the assigned draught by an amount equal to the consumption of fuel stores and other consumables that will be used up before the vessel reached the open sea. • A small list is permissible so that the Plimsoll line on one side is submerged but the other side is exposed. In this case, the mean draught at the Plimsoll line must not exceed the assigned summer draught • With the written approval of the Administration. (eg: rescue at sea) • Incidences of Force Majeure. (eg: firefighting, heavy-weather damage etc.)

FAQ - emergency steering drills

• In addition to the routine checks and tests, emergency steering drills shall take place at least once every three months in order to practice emergency steering procedures. • These drills shall include direct control within the steering gear compartment, the communications procedure with the navigation bridge and, where applicable, the operation of alternative power supplies. • Entries which should be made in the logbook regarding the checks and tests of the steering gear and the holding of emergency drills

FAQ - 2 steering motors

• In areas where navigation demands special caution, ships should have more than one steering gear power unit in operation when such units are capable of simultaneous operation. • Example: When a VLCC is transiting Singapore Strait or a vessel approaching berth.

Types of surveys under HSSC

• Initial surveys (I) • Annual surveys (A) • Intermediate surveys (In) • Periodical surveys (P) • Renewal surveys (R) • Inspections of the outside of the ship's bottom of cargo ships (B) • Additional surveys (Ad)

Documents required under Annex VI

• International Air Pollution Prevention Certificate (IAPP) certificate • Engine International Air Pollution Prevention Certificate (EIAPP) certificate • International Energy Effeciency (IEE) certificate • NOx Technical Code • The current edition of MARPOL and posters

FAQ - SAR

• International Code of Signals and IAMSAR Vol III are the publications related to SAR. • All passenger ships, and all cargo ships of 300 GT and over, when engaged on international voyages, are required to carry the International Code of Signals. • All ships shall carry an up-to-date copy of Volume III of the International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue (IAMSAR) Manual

Documents required under Annex I

• International Oil Pollution Prevention Certificate (IOPP) • Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plan (SOPEP) • Oil Record Book (ORB) Part 1 (and 2 if applicable) • The current edition of MARPOL and posters • Ship To Ship (STS) Operation Plan

Documents required under Annex IV

• International Sewage Pollution Prevention (ISPP) certificate • The current edition of MARPOL and posters

FAQ - What is the significance of MLC as compared to other IMO conventions?

• MLC has been designed to become a global legal instrument that, once it enters into force, will be the "fourth pillar" of the international regulatory regime for quality shipping, complementing the key Conventions of the IMO such as SOLAS, STCW and MARPOL

FAQ - Which ships are covered by MLC?

• MLC, 2006, applies to all ships engaged in commercial activities (except fishing vessels, ships of traditional build and warships or naval auxiliaries)

The Maritime Labour Convention

• Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), according to the ILO or International Labour Organisation, provides a broad perspective to the seafarer's rights and fortification at work. The maritime regulation entered into force on August 20th, 2013. Nearly 1.6 million seafarers are affected by the terms and conditions of this human rights act, which lays down a set of regulations for protection at work, living conditions, employment, health, social security and similar related issues.

Documents required under Annex II

• NLS Certificate • Certificate of Fitness (COF) • Procedures & Arrangement manual (P&A Manual) • Shipboard Marine Pollution Emergency Plan (SMPEP) • Cargo Record Book (CRB) • The current edition of IBC Code • The current edition of MARPOL and posters

What is the general applicability of the Load line Convention 1966?

• No ship to which the present Convention applies shall proceed to sea on an international voyage after the date on which the present Convention comes into force unless it has been surveyed, marked and provided with an International Load Line Certificate (1966) or, where appropriate, an International Load Line Exemption Certificate in accordance with the provisions of the present Convention. • Nothing in this Convention shall prevent an Administration from assigning a greater freeboard than the minimum freeboard determined in accordance with Annex I.

FAQ - Under the IHR, can the Spanish health authorities put your vessel on quarantine arrest?

• No, The IHR states that no health measures should be applied by a State to any ship which passes through waters within its jurisdiction without calling at a port or on the coast

FAQ - Are we allowed to discharge sewage in ports?

• No, the health authority may take all practicable measures to control the discharge from any ship of sewage and refuse which might contaminate the waters of a port, river or canal.

FAQ - use of distress signals

• No, under SOLAS, the use of an international distress signal, except for the purpose of indicating that a ship or aircraft is in distress, and the use of any signal which may be confused with an international distress signal is prohibited. • Ref: Chapter V > Regulation 35 - Misuse of Distress Signals

Scenario - Disease onboard

• One of your crew members have a regulated communicable disease. Your vessel has to transit through the territorial waters of Spain en route to Portugal. You are not calling any port in Spain nor are you approaching its coast.

General validity of certificates under the major conventions as per HSSC

• Other than the Passenger Ship Safety Certificate, most other certificates have a general validity of 5 years and hence have to be renewed once in every 5 years. In most cases, this renewal survey is done during the 5 yearly dry dockings of the vessel

'Conditions of Assignment'

• The master must be provided with adequate information to load his vessel and calculate the various stresses imposed on the vessel • The master must be provided with adequate information to lo calculate the vessel's stability at all times • The vessel must be watertight from the keel to the freeboard deck • The vessel must be weather-tight from the freeboard deck up to a height of 4.5m above it • There must be adequate protection for the crew provided to access all parts of the vessel safely (guardrails, bulwarks, catwalks) • There must be adequate freeing arrangements to permit the vessel to shed water from the freeboard deck

FAQ - Master's discretion

• The owner, the charterer, the company operating the ship, or any other person shall not prevent or restrict the master of the ship from taking or executing any decision which, in the master's professional judgement, is necessary for the safety of life at sea and protection of the marine environment.

Scenario - Infected food storage

• The port health authority disinfected the provision store after finding infected food in the storage. A hefty fine was charged on the carrier (ship's owner). The owner is unhappy with the outcome and has asked the Master to ensure that there is no trouble at the next port.

FAQ - what is purpose and scope of the IHR?

• The purpose and scope of the IHR (2005) is to prevent, protect against, control and provide a public health response to the international spread of disease in ways that are commensurate with and restricted to public health risks, and which avoid unnecessary interference with international traffic and trade

FAQ - the objective of the FAL Convention and how is it being facilitated

• The purpose of the Convention is to facilitate maritime transport by simplifying and reducing to a minimum the formalities, documentary requirements and procedures on the arrival, stay and departure of ships engaged in international voyages. • The Convention lays down 'standards' and 'recommended practices' regarding documentation and procedures for facilitating international maritime traffic. • The updated list of certificates, documents and IMO standard forms are provided either in hard copy or electronic format which can be used by the vessel

FAQ - What are the 5 titles under MLC?

• Title 1: Minimum requirements for seafarers to work on a ship: minimum age, medical certificates, training and qualification, recruitment and placement. • Title 2: Conditions of employment: Seafarers Employment Agreements, Wages, Hours of Work and Hours of Rest, Entitlement to Leave, Repatriation, Seafarer compensation for the ship's Loss or Foundering, Manning Levels, Career and Skill Development and Opportunities for Seafarers' Employment • Title 3: Accommodation, recreational facilities, food and catering • Title 4: Health protection, medical care, welfare and social security protection: Medical Care on-board ship and Ashore, Shipowners' Liability, Health & Safety Protection and Accident Prevention, Access to Shorebased Welfare Facilities, Social Security. • Title 5: Compliance and enforcement

Type A

• Type A ship is one which is designed to carry only liquid cargoes in bulk, and in which cargo tanks have only small access openings closed by watertight gasketed covers of steel or equivalent material. Such a ship is eligible for lower freeboard and necessarily has the following inherent features: • a) high integrity of the exposed deck; and • b) a high degree of safety against flooding, resulting from the low permeability of loaded cargo spaces and the degree of subdivision usually provided

Type B

• Type B includes all other ships which are not Type-A. • The value of freeboard shall be reduced if a Type B vessel satisfies some additional safety criteria. As a result, there are ship types B-100, B-60 and B-0 to 60. The number following the letter B signifies the percentage up to which exemption is granted.

FAQ - What can the Master do to prove that disinfection had taken place?

• Under the International Health Regulations (IHR), the health authority should, if requested, issue, free of charge to the carrier, a certificate specifying the measures applied to a ship or container, the parts treated, methods used and the reasons why they have been applied

FAQ - What is the incubation period for the Plague?

• Was historically spread across the continents through merchant ships which harbored rats that carried fleas infected with plague. • The incubation period of plague is six days • Vaccination against plague should not be required as a condition of admission of any person to a territory • During the stay of a ship in a port infected by plague, special care should be taken to prevent the introduction of rodents on board. Rat guards are placed on mooring lines and the gangway is rigged with sufficient clearance from the ground. • Provision stores, galley, mess rooms and crew cabins etc should be regularly inspected. • The vessel requires a Ship Sanitation Control Certificate or a Ship Sanitation Control Exemption Certificate.

FAQ - navigating near ice

• When ice is reported near the vessel's intended course, the Master of every ship at night is bound to proceed at a moderate speed or to alter his course so as to go well clear of the danger zone

FAQ - What is the incubation period for Yellow Fever?

• Yellow fever is a viral disease of typically short duration. In most cases, symptoms include fever, chills, loss of appetite, nausea, muscle pains particularly in the back, and headaches. • The incubation period of yellow fever is six days. • Vaccination against yellow fever may be required of any person leaving an infected area on an international voyage. • Every member of the crew of a ship using a port in an infected area must be in possession of a valid certificate of vaccination against yellow fever

What is the purpose of having load-lines?

• he fundamental purpose of a load line is to allot a maximum legal limit up to which a ship can be loaded safely so that it can survive the expected weather conditions in its trading area. • By prescribing such limits, the risk of having the vessel sailing with inadequate freeboard and buoyancy can be limited. • A vessel should be having sufficient freeboard at all times, any exceptions made will result in insufficient stability and excessive stress on the ship's hull.