Document - IMO

NEWS IMO 

THE MAGAZINE OF THE INTERNATIONAL MARITIME ORGANIZATION NUMBER 1: 2000 

B 

State Control: 

Port 

safety 

verifying 

standards worldwide

State control has proved to be extremely effective in ensuring that ships meet the standards laid 

Port 

in IMO conventions. Control can involve inspecting the ship's physical condition as well as 

down 

NEWS 

to International Convention 

Amendments 

Maritime Search and Rescue in force 

on 

1 January 2000 pages 3±4 

from 

engines should comply with NO x Code 

Ship 

1 January 2000 pages 5±6 

from 

system of ship survey 

Harmonized 

certification in force 

and 

MEETINGS 

on Standards of Training and 

Sub-Committee 

± 31st session: 

Watchkeeping 

January 2000 pages 21±22 

10±14 

31 ± Study reveals unlawful practices 

STW 

to seafarer certificates pages 22±23 

linked 

on Flag State Implementation ± 

Sub-Committee 

session: 24±28 January 2000 pages 25±26 

8th 

FEATURES 

State control ± an update pages 9±19 

Port 

courtesy Australian Maritime 

Photograph 

Authority 

Safety 

cover: Port State control officers checking a ship's compass. In addition to checking the condition of the ship's 

Front 

PSCOs are trained to make sure that paperwork ± such as ISM certification ± is in order and to ensure 

equipment, 

ship is manned and operated in compliance with applicable international regulations. See feature article pages 

the 

(Photograph courtesy Secretariat of the Paris Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control) 

9±19. 

INDEX 

examining the certificates carried. Photograph courtesy Paris MOU secretariat. 

from 3 February 2000 pages 7±8 

World Maritime University news page 27 

Equasis agreement signed page 28 

2

evised annex to the International Convention on 

A 

Search and Rescue (SAR Convention) entered 

Maritime 

force on 1 January 2000. 

into 

original SAR Convention was adopted at a 

The 

in Hamburg in 1979, under the auspices of IMO. 

conference 

Convention, which entered into force in 1985, was 

The 

at developing an international SAR plan, so that, no 

aimed 

where an accident occurs, the rescue of persons in 

matter 

at sea would be co-ordinated by a SAR organization 

distress 

when necessary, by co-operation between neighbouring 

and, 

organizations. Although the obligation of ships to go 

SAR 

the assistance of vessels in distress was enshrined both in 

to 

and in international treaties (such as the International 

tradition 

Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974 ± 

there was, until the adoption of the SAR 

SOLAS), 

no international system covering search and 

Convention, 

operations. In some areas there was a well-established 

rescue 

able to provide assistance promptly and 

organization 

in others there was nothing at all. 

efficiently, 

the 1979 SAR Convention imposed consider- 

However, 

obligations on Parties ± such as setting up the shore 

able 

required ± and as a result the Convention was 

installations 

being ratified by as many countries as some other 

not 

By the end of 1997, for example, the SAR 

treaties. 

had been ratified by only 56 countries, whose 

Convention 

merchant fleets represented less than 50% of 

combined 

tonnage. Equally important, many of the world's 

world 

States had not accepted the Convention and the 

coastal 

it imposed. 

obligations 

was generally agreed that one reason for the small 

It 

of acceptances and the slow pace of implementation 

number 

due to problems with the SAR Convention itself, and 

was 

these could best be overcome by amending the 

that 

At a meeting in October 1995 in Hamburg, 

Convention. 

it was agreed that there were a number of 

Germany, 

concerns that needed to be taken into account, 

substantial 

lessons learned from SAR operations; experiences 

including: 

States which had implemented the Convention; questions 

of 

concerns posed especially by developing States which 

and 

not yet Parties to the Convention; need to further 

were 

the IMO and International Civil Aviation 

harmonize 

(ICAO) SAR provisions; inconsistent use of 

Organization 

Convention terminology and phraseology. 

the 

Sub-Committee on Radiocommunications and 

The 

and Rescue (COMSAR) was requested to revise 

Search 

Convention. A draft text was prepared and was 

the 

by the 68th session of the MSC in May 1997, 

approved 

was then adopted by the 69th session in May 1998. 

and 

is hoped that the revised Convention entering into 

It 

on 1 January 2000 will prove more acceptable to those 

force 

which have so far failed to ratify the Convention. 

countries 

date, the SAR Convention has been ratified by 64 

To 

revised SAR Convention clarifies the responsibilities of 

The 

and puts greater emphasis on the regional 

Governments 

and co-ordination between maritime and aeronautical 

approach 

SAR operations. 

technical requirements of the SAR Convention are 

The 

in an annex, the revised version of which includes 

contained 

. Chapter 1 ± Terms and Definitions 

chapter updates the original chapter 1 of the same 

This 

name. 

. Chapter 2 ± Organization and Co-ordination 

the 1979 chapter 2 on organization. The 

Replaces 

has been re-drafted to make the responsibil- 

chapter 

of Governments clearer. It requires Parties, either 

ities 

or in co-operation with other States, to 

individually 

basic elements of a search and rescue service, 

establish 

include: to 

Legal framework 

± 

Assignment of a responsible authority 

± 

Organization of available resources 

± 

Communication facilities 

± 

Co-ordination and operational functions 

± 

Processes to improve the service, including planning, 

± 

and international co-operative relationships 

domestic 

and training. 

should establish search and rescue regions 

Parties 

each sea area ± with the agreement of the 

within 

concerned. Parties then accept responsibility 

Parties 

providing search and rescue services for a specified 

for 

area. 

chapter also describes how SAR services should 

The 

arranged and national capabilities be developed. 

be 

are required to establish rescue co-ordination 

Parties 

(RCCs) and to operate them on a 24-hour basis 

centres 

trained staff who have a working knowledge of 

with 

English. 

are also required to `ènsure the closest 

Parties 

co-ordination between maritime and aeronautical 

practicable 

services''. 

. Chapter 3 ± Co-operation between States 

the original chapter 3 on co-operation. It 

Replaces 

Parties to co-ordinate SAR organizations, 

requires 

where necessary, SAR operations with those of 

and, 

States. The chapter states that, unless 

neighbouring 

agreed between the States concerned, a 

otherwise 

should authorize, subject to applicable national 

Party 

rules and regulations, immediate entry into or 

laws, 

its territorial sea or territory for rescue units of 

over 

to International 

Amendments 

on Maritime 

Convention 

and Rescue in force 

Search 

1 January 2000 

from 

The revised SAR Convention 

five chapters. 

countries, representing 47.05% of world shipping tonnage. 

other Parties solely for the purpose of SAR. 

3

. Chapter 4 ± Operating Procedures 

the previous chapters 4 (Preparatory 

Incorporates 

and 5 (Operating Procedures). The chapter 

Measures) 

that each RCC and RSC (rescue sub-centre) 

says 

have up-to-date information on search and 

should 

facilities and communications in the area and 

rescue 

have detailed plans for conduct of SAR 

should 

Parties ± individually or in co-operation 

operations. 

others ± should be capable of receiving distress 

with 

on a 24-hour basis. The regulations include 

alerts 

to be followed during an emergency and 

procedures 

that SAR activities should be co-ordinated on 

state 

for the most effective results. The chapter says 

scene 

``Search and rescue operations shall continue, 

that 

practicable, until all reasonable hope of rescuing 

when 

. Chapter 5 ± Ship Reporting Systems 

recommendations on establishing ship reporting 

Includes 

systems for SAR purposes, noting that existing 

reporting systems could provide adequate 

ship 

for SAR purposes in a given area. 

information 

search and rescue areas 

IMO 

the adoption of the 1979 SAR Convention, the 

Following 

divided the world's oceans into 13 SAR areas, in each 

MSC 

which the countries concerned have delimited SAR 

of 

for which they are responsible. 

regions 

SAR plans for all of these areas were 

Provisional 

when plans for the Indian Ocean were finalized 

completed 

a conference held in Fremantle, Western Australia in 

at 

1998. 

September 

conference had been preceded by similar meetings 

That 

in Caracas, Tokyo, Lagos, Lisbon, Cape Town, 

held 

Seoul, Valencia and Ankara between 1984 and 

Istanbul, 

Manual 

IAMSAR 

with the revision of the SAR Convention, 

Concurrently 

and ICAO jointly developed the International 


and Maritime Search and Rescue (IAMSAR) 

Aeronautical 

published in three volumes covering organization 

Manual, 

management, mission co-ordination and mobile facil- 

and 

ities. 

IAMSAR Manual revises and replaces the Merchant 

The 

Search and Rescue Manual (MERSAR), first published 

Ship 

1971, and the IMO Search and Rescue Manual 

in 

first published in 1978. 

(IMOSAR), 

MERSAR Manual was the first step towards 

The 

the 1979 SAR Convention and it provided 

developing 

for those who, during emergencies at sea, might 

guidance 

assistance from others or who might be able to 

require 

assistance themselves. In particular, it was designed 

provide 

aid the master of any vessel who might be called upon to 

to 

SAR operations at sea for persons in distress. The 

conduct 

was updated several times, with the latest amendments 

manual 

being adopted in 1992 ± they entered into force in 

1993. 

second manual, the IMOSAR Manual, was adopted 

The 

1978. It was designed to help Governments to implement 

in 

SAR Convention and provided guidelines rather than 

the 

for a common maritime SAR policy, encouraging 

requirements 

all coastal States to develop their organizations on 

lines and enabling adjacent States to co-operate and 

similar 

mutual assistance. It was also updated in 1992, with 

provide 

amendments entering into force in 1993. 

the 

manual was aligned as closely as possible with the 

This 

Search and Rescue Manual to ensure a common 

ICAO 

and to facilitate consultation of the two manuals for 

policy 

or operational reasons. MERSAR was also 

administrative 

where appropriate, with IMOSAR. 

aligned, 

SAR Convention is complemented by the global 

The 

distress and safety system (GMDSS) ± an 

maritime 

communications system using satellite and 

integrated 

radiocommunications to ensure that, no matter 

terrestrial 

a ship is in distress, aid can be dispatched. 

where 

GMDSS was developed by IMO in close co- 

The 

with the International Mobile Satellite Organizatiooperation 

(Inmarsat), the International Telecommunication 

(ITU) and other international organizations, notably 

Union 

World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the 

the 

Hydrographic Organization (IHO) and the 

International 

partners. 

COSPAS±SARSAT* 

the GMDSS, all passenger ships and all cargo 

Under 

over 300 gross tonnage on international voyages have 

ships 

carry specified satellite and radiocommunications equipment, 

to 

for sending and receiving distress alerts and maritime 

information, and for general communications. The 

safety 

governing the GMDSS are contained in the 1974 

regulations 

Convention, which has been ratified by 138 

SOLAS 

covering 98.36% of the world merchant shipping 

countries, 

by tonnage. 

fleet 

GMDSS requirements are contained in SOLAS 

The 

IV, on radiocommunications, and were adopted in 

chapter 

The requirements entered into force on 1 February 

1988. 

but provided for a phase-in period until 1 February 

1992 

1999. 

is an international satellite-based search and rescue 

*COSPAS±SARSAT 

established by Canada, France, the USA, and Russia. These four 

system, 

jointly helped develop a 406 MHz satellite emergency positionindicating 

countries 

radiobeacon (EPIRB), an element of the GMDSS designed to 

with the COSPAS±SARSAT system. These automatic-activating 

operate 

are designed to transmit to a Rescue Co-ordination Centre a vessel 

EPIRBs 

and an accurate location of the vessel from anywhere in the 

identification 

world. 

The GMDSS 

survivors has passed''. 

1997. 

The IAMSAR Manual 

is available from the 

IMO Publishing Service. 

Sales numbers 

Volume I: IMO-960E/F/R/S 

Volume II: IMO-961E/F/R/S 

Volume III: IMO-962E/F/R/S 

4

installed on ships constructed 

Engines 

or after 1 January 2000 or engines 

on 

undergo a major conversion on 

which 

after 1 January 2000 should meet 

or 

requirements of the Technical 

the 

on Control of Emission of 

Code 

Oxides from Marine Diesel 

Nitrogen 

(NO x Technical Code). 

Engines 

The NO x 

at a conference held in 

adopted 

1997 under the auspices 

September 

IMO. of 

Code was adopted at the same 

The 

as a new Annex VI, Prevention 

time 

Air Pollution from Ships, was 

of 

to MARPOL 73/78. 

added 

VI, when it comes into 

Annex 

will set limits on sulphur oxide 

force, 

nitrogen oxide emissions from 

and 

13 of Annex VI sets 

Regulation 

for emission values of NO x , and 

limits 

the aim of the NO x 

(a) This regulation shall apply to: 

(1) 

each diesel engine with a power output of 

(i) 

than 130 kW which is installed on a ship 

more 

on or after 1 January 2000; and 

constructed 

each diesel engine with a power output of 

(ii) 

than 130 kW which undergoes a major 

more 

on or after 1 January 2000. 

conversion 

This regulation does not apply to: 

(b) 

diesel engines, engines installed in 

emergency 

and any device or equipment 

lifeboats 

to be used solely in case of 

intended 

and 

emergency; 

engines installed on ships solely engaged in 

(ii) 

within waters subject to the sover- 

voyages 

or jurisdiction of the State the flag of 

eignty 

the ship is entitled to fly, provided that 

which 

mandatory procedures for 

establish 

testing, survey and certification of 

the 

diesel engines, in order to 

marine 

engine manufacturers, ship- 

enable 

and Administrations to ensure 

owners 

all applicable marine diesel en- 

that 

comply with the regulation. 

gines 

the regulation will not 

Although 

into force until Annex VI of 

enter 

73/78 enters into force, 

MARPOL 

are encouraged to 

Administrations 

interim certificates confirming 

issue 

with the NO x Technical 

conformity 

for engines installed on ships on 

Code 

after 1 January 2000, or for engines 

or 

a major conversion on or 

undergoing 

1 January 2000. The aim is to 

after 

that new or modified engines 

ensure 

already be compliant with the 

will 

x Code once it enters into force. 

NO 

issued an MEPC Circular in 


1998, Interim Guidelines 

November 

the Application of the NO x 

for 

Code, which recommends 

Technical 

`Èach engine which will become, 

that 

subject to the provi- 

retrospectively, 

of regulation 13 of Annex VI of 

sions 

73/78 upon its entry into 

MARPOL 

should be certified in accordance 

force, 

with the requirements of the 

x Technical Code.'' 

NO 

VI of MARPOL 73/78 will 

Annex 

into force 12 months after the 

enter 

on which not less than 15 States, 

date 

combined tonnage of which shall 

the 

not less than 50% of the gross 

be 

of the world's merchant 

tonnage 

fleet, have become parties 

shipping 

the Protocol to MARPOL which 

to 

Annex VI. 

contains 

date, two countries have become 

To 

Parties to Annex VI: Norway 

the provisions of subparagraph 

Notwithstanding 

of this paragraph, the Administration may 

(a) 

exclusion from the application of this 

allow 

to any diesel engine which is installed 

regulation 

a ship constructed, or on a ship which 

on 

a major conversion, before the date 

undergoes 

entry into force of the present Protocol, 

of 

that the ship is solely engaged in 

provided 

to ports or offshore terminals within 

voyages 

State the flag of which the ship is entitled to 

the 

(a) For the purpose of this regulation, ``major 

(2) 

means a modification of an engine 

conversion'' 

where: 

the engine is replaced by a new engine built 

(i) 

or after 1 January 2000, or 

on 

any substantial modification, as defined in 

(ii) 

the NO x 

engines should comply with 

Ship 

x Code from 1 January 2000 

NO 

Code is to 

Technical Code was 

exhausts and prohibit deliberate 

ship 

of ozone-depleting sub- 

emissions 

stances. 

and Sweden. 

Annex VI of MARPOL 73/78 

REGULATION 13 

Nitrogen oxides (NO x ) 

(c) 

(i) 

fly. 

Technical Code, is made to the 

engines are subject to an alternative NO x 

such 

measure established by the Adminis- 

control 

tration. 

engine, or 

5

the maximum continuous rating of the engine 

(iii) 

increased by more than 10%. 

is 

The NO x emission resulting from modifications 

(b) 

to in the subparagraph (a) of this 

referred 

shall be documented in accordance 

paragraph 

the NO x Technical Code for approval by the 

with 

(a) Subject to the provision of regulation 3 of this 

(3) 

the operation of each diesel engine to 

Annex, 

this regulation applies is prohibited, except 

which 

the emission of nitrogen oxides (calculated 

when 

the total weighted emission of NO 2 ) from the 

as 

is within the following limits: 

engine 

45.0 6 n (±0.2) g/kW h when n is 130 or more 

(ii) 

less than 2000 rpm 

but 

n = rated engine speed (crankshaft revolutions 

where 

per minute). 

The Conference of Parties to the International 

1 

for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 

Convention 

as modified by the Protocol of 1978 relating thereto, 

1973, 

from 15 to 26 September 1997 in conjunction with the 

held 

Environment Protection Committee's fortieth 

Marine 

adopted, in Conference Resolution 2, the 

session, 

Code on Control of Emission of Nitrogen 

Technical 

from Marine Diesel Engines (The NO x Technical 

Oxides 

Code). 

The purpose of the NO x Technical Code is to 

2 

mandatory procedures for the testing, survey and 

establish 

of marine diesel engines which will enable 

certification 

manufacturers, shipowners and Administrations to 

engine 

that all applicable marine diesel engines comply 

ensure 

the relevant limits for emission values of NO x as 

with 

in regulation 13 of Annex VI to MARPOL 73/ 

specified 

78. 

It is noted that regulation 13 of MARPOL Annex VI 

3 

intended to be applied to diesel engines installed on 

is 

constructed on or after 1 January 2000. While the 

ships 

of the regulation could not be enforced 

requirements 

the entry into force of the Protocol of 1997, it 

before 

be clearly understood that engines installed on 

should 

constructed on or after 1 January 2000 or engines 

ships 

undergo a major conversion on or after 1 January 

which 

will have to meet these requirements once the 

2000 

enters into force. 

Protocol 

To allow uniform application of the Code, and to 

4 

Administrations in certifying engines in accordance 

assist 

it, prior to the date of entry into force of Annex VI, 

with 

guidelines attached at annex to this Circular are 

the 

to be used. 

recommended 

using fuel composed of blends from 

When 

derived from petroleum refin- 

hydrocarbons 

test procedure and measurement methods 

ing, 

be in accordance with the NO x Technical 

shall 

taking into consideration the Test 

Code, 

and Weighting Factors outlined in 

Cycles 

Notwithstanding the provisions of subparagraph 

(b) 

of this paragraph, the operation of a diesel 

(a) 

is permitted when: 

engine 

an exhaust gas cleaning system, approved by 

(i) 

Administration in accordance with the 

the 

x Technical Code, is applied to the engine 

NO 

reduce onboard NO x emissions at least to 

to 

limits specified in subparagraph (a), or 

the 

any other equivalent method, approved by the 

(ii) 

taking into account relevant 

Administration 

to be developed by the Organization, 

guidelines 

is applied to reduce onboard NO x 

at least to the limit specified in 

emissions 

(a) of this paragraph. 

subparagraph 

GUIDELINES FOR 

INTERIM 

APPLICATION OF 

THE 

Each engine which will become, retrospectively, 

1 

to the provisions of regulation 13 of Annex VI 

subject 

MARPOL 73/78 upon its entry into force, should be 

of 

in accordance with the requirements of the NO x 

certified 

Pending entry into force of Annex VI and upon 

2 

compliance with the Code requirements, a 

satisfactory 

of Compliance'' with the NO x Technical Code 

``Statement 

be issued by the flag State Administration, or an 

should 

acting on behalf of that Administration. 

organization 

a Statement of Compliance should contain as a 

Such 

the information as required by appendix 1 of 

minimum 

NO x Technical Code. 

the 

The Statement of Compliance is intended as an interim 

3 

pending issuance of the Engine International Air 

measure 

Prevention (EIAPP) and/or International Air 

Pollution 

Prevention (IAPP) Certificate upon entry into 

Pollution 

Administrations are urged to take into consideration 

4 

Statement of Compliance when issuing certificates in 

the 

with Annex VI, whether or not the Statement 

accordance 

Compliance was issued by their Administration, or 

of 

acting on their behalf, or by other 

organizations 

Governments. 

appendix II to this Annex. 

Administration. 

(i) 

17.0 g/kW h when n is less than 130 rpm 

(iii) 9.8 g/kW h when n is 2000 rpm or more 

INTERIM GUIDELINES FOR THE APPLICATION OF 

THE NO x TECHNICAL CODE 

THE NO x TECHNICAL CODE 

Technical Code. 

force of Annex VI. 

(MEPC Circ. 344) 

6

harmonized system of survey and 

A 

covering international 

certification 

regulations adopted by IMO 

shipping 

into force on 3 February 2000. 

entered 

system covers survey and 

The 

requirements of SOLAS 

certification 

the International Convention on 

1974, 

Lines, 1966, and MARPOL 73/ 

Load 

as well as the IBC Code, BCH 

78, 

and IGC Code. 

Code 

of these instruments require the 

All 

of certificates to show that 

issuing 

have been met, and this 

requirements 

to be done by means of a survey 

has 

can involve the ship being out 

which 

service for several days. The 

of 

system will alleviate the 

harmonized 

caused by survey dates and 

problems 

between surveys which do 

intervals 

coincide, so that a ship should no 

not 

have to go into a port or repair 

longer 

for a survey required by one 

yard 

shortly after doing the 

convention 

thing in connection with another 

same 

system 

Harmonized 

in 1988 

adopted 

international requirements introducing 

The 

the harmonized system of 

and certification (HSSC) for 

survey 

SOLAS and Load Lines Conven- 

the 

were adopted by IMO at an 

tions 

Conference on the Har- 

International 

System of Survey and Certificatiomonized 

held in 1988 ± which itself had 

origins in the 1978 Conference on 

its 

Safety and Pollution Preven- 

Tanker 

which recognized the difficulties 

tion 

by the survey and certification 

caused 

of SOLAS, the Load 

requirements 

Convention and MARPOL 73/ 

Lines 

The 1978 Conference called upon 

78. 

to develop a harmonized system 


would enable the surveys to be 

which 

out at the same time. 

carried 

1988 HSSC Conference 

The 

Protocols to the SOLAS and 

adopted 

number of States ± 15 States 

specified 

a combined merchant shipping 

with 

of not less than 50% of world 

fleet 

shipping tonnage ± for the 

merchant 

to enter into force. 

system 

conditions for entry into force 

The 

the 1988 SOLAS and Load Lines 

of 

were met on 2 February 

Protocols 

when Bahamas deposited instruments 

1999, 

of accession to both instru- 

with IMO. Malta also recently 

ments 

to the 1988 Protocols. The 

acceded 

Load Lines Protocol has 36 

1988 

Parties with 58.58% of world 

States 

shipping tonnage. The 1988 

merchant 

Protocol has 36 States Parties 

SOLAS 

58.10% of world merchant shipping 

with 

tonnage. 

terms of MARPOL 73/78, the 

In 

allowed for amendments 

Convention 

the certification and survey requirements 

to 

to be accepted by a procedure 

as ``tacit acceptance'', meaning 

known 

amendments enter into force on a 

that 

date unless sufficient objections 

specified 

are received. As a result, MAR- 

73/78 was amended on 16 March 

POL 

to introduce the HSSC, with the 

1990 

that the amendments enter 

proviso 

force at the same time as the 

into 

date of the 1988 

entry-into-force 

Protocol and the 1988 Load 

SOLAS 

practice, many Administrations 

In 

classification societies already 

and 

a form of harmonized survey 

operate 

certification. Moreover, a resolu- 

and 

adopted by the IMO Assembly in 

tion 

and amended in 1993 (resolution 

1991, 

as modified by resolution 

A.718(17), 

allowed for Governments 

A.745(18)), 

had ratified the 1988 SOLAS 

which 

Load Lines Protocols to imple- 

and 

the harmonized system ahead of 

ment 

entry-into-force date of the proto- 

the 

cols. 

harmonized system provides 

The 

for: 

a one-year standard interval 

. 

annual, intermediate, 

initial, 

and renewal surveys 

periodical 

appropriate; 

as 

a scheme for providing the 

. 

flexibility for the 

necessary 

of each survey, with 

execution 

provision that the renewal 

the 

may be completed within 

survey 

months before the expiry 

three 

of the existing certificate 

date 

no loss of its period of 

with 

validity; 

a maximum period of validity of 

. 

years for all certificates for 

five 

ships; 

cargo 

a maximum period of validity of 

. 

months for the Passenger 

12 

Safety Certificate; 

Ship 

a system for the extension of 

. 

limited to three 

certificates 

to enable a ship to 

months 

its voyage (or one 

complete 

for ships engaged on 

month 

voyages); 

short 

when an extension has been 

. 

the period of validity of 

granted, 

new certificate is to start 

the 

the expiry date of the 

from 

certificate before its 

existing 

extension. 

main changes to the SOLAS 

The 

Load Lines Conventions are that 

and 

inspections have been made 

annual 

for cargo ships and un- 

mandatory 

inspections have been discontinuedscheduled 

Other changes refer to 

acceptance 

Tacit 

LL Convention 

in 

1988 Load Lines Protocol also 

The 

the tacit acceptance 

introduces 

procedure into the Load 

amendment 

Convention. At present, amend- 

Lines 

enter into force after they have 

ments 

positively accepted by two thirds 

been 

Parties to the Convention, but the 

of 

has proved to be so slow in 

procedure 

that none of the amendments 

practice 

to the Convention has ever 

adopted 

system of ship survey 

Harmonized 

certification in force 

and 

from 3 February 2000 

instrument. 

Lines Protocol. 

The harmonized system 

survey intervals and requirements. 

Lines Conventions to introduce 

Load 

harmonized system. Both Proto- 

the 

cols required explicit acceptance by a 

between surveys, based on 

entered into force. 

7

tacit acceptance, amendments 

Under 

enter into force on a date 

at the time of adoption, unless 

chosen 

are rejected by one third of 

they 

or by Parties the combined 

Parties 

fleets of which represent 

merchant 

of gross tonnage of all the 

50% 

merchant fleets. 

world's 

tacit acceptance procedure will 

The 

changes to the Convention, as 

enable 

by the Protocol, to enter into 

modified 

within a period determined by 

force 

MSC. This is important because 

the 

Convention is currently being 

the 

by IMO. Further changes are 

revised 

expected to be made affecting 

also 

carriers as a result of a report 

bulk 

in 1998 on the sinking of the 

published 

carrier Derbyshire in September 

bulk 

with the loss of more than 40 

1980 

This was presented to the MSC 

lives. 

May 1998 by the United Kingdom 

in 

contains recommendations relating 

and 

to the design and construction of 

carriers. 

bulk 

Sub-Committee on Stability 

The 

Load Lines and on Fishing 

and 

Safety (SLF) agreed at its 

Vessels 

session (February 1999) to 

42nd 

a correspondence group to 

establish 

a draft text of new amendments 

prepare 

to the 1966 LL Convention, as 

as to look at what action may be 

well 

as regards bulk carrier safety 

needed 

a number of other issues. The 

and 

agreed that it has 

Sub-Committee 

clearly demonstrated that current 

been 

Lines Convention standards 

Load 

be inadequate with respect to 

may 

loads and permissible strength of 

wave 

covers for bulk carriers and 

hatch 

ship types. 

other 

correspondence group will 

The 

a report for submission to 

prepare 

next SLF Sub-Committee session, 

the 

for September 2000, for 

scheduled 

November 1999, IMO's 21st Assembly 

In 

adopted resolution A.883(21), 

and uniform implementation 

Global 

the harmonized system of survey 

of 

certification (HSSC), which is 

and 

at encouraging all States to 

aimed 

the HSSC, even if they are 

implement 

parties to the relevant Protocols, 

not 

entered into force on 3 February 

which 

2000. 

survey ± A complete inspection 

Initial 

all items relating to the particular 

of 

before the ship is put into 

certificate 

to ensure that they are in a 

service, 

condition and fit for the 

satisfactory 

for which the ship is intended. 

service 

survey ± Inspection of the 

Periodical 

relating to the particular certifi- 

items 

to ensure that they are in a 

cate 

condition and fit for the 

satisfactory 

for which the ship is intended. 

service 

survey ± As per periodical 

Renewal 

but leads to the issue of a new 

survey, 

certificate. 

survey ± Inspection of 

Intermediate 

items. 

specified 

survey ± General inspection of 

Annual 

items relating to the particular 

the 

to ensure that they have 

certificate 

maintained and remain satisfac- 

been 

for the service for which the ship 

tory 

intended. is 

survey ± Inspection, either 

Additional 

or partial according to the 

general 

to be made after a 

circumstances, 

resulting from casualty investi- 

repair 

or whenever any important 

gations 

or renewals are made. 

repairs 

of certificates required on board 

List 

relating to HSSC 

ship 

Ship Safety Certificate, 

Passenger 

Record of Equipment 

including 

Ship Safety Construction 

Cargo 

Certificate 

Ship Safety Equipment 

Cargo 

including Record of 

Certificate, 

Equipment 

Ship Safety Radio Certificate, 

Cargo 


including 

Ship Safety Certificate, 

Cargo 


including 

Load Lines Certificate 

International 

Load Lines Exemption 

International 

Certificate 

Oil Pollution Prevention 

International 

Certificate 

Pollution Prevention 

International 

for the Carriage of 

Certificate 

Liquid Substances in Bulk 

Noxious 

Certificate of Fitness for 

International 

Carriage of Dangerous Chemicals 

the 

Bulk in 

Certificate of Fitness for 

International 

Carriage of Liquefied Gases in 

the 

Bulk 

of Fitness for the Carriage 

Certificate 

Types of ship survey 

further consideration. 

Assembly resolution 

(some depend on type of ship) 

of Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk 

8

State Control (PSC) is the inspection 

Port 

of foreign ships in national ports 

the purpose of verifying that the 

for 

of the ship and its equipment 

condition 

with the requirements of international 

comply 

conventions and that the ship 

manned and operated in compliance 

is 

applicable international laws. The 

with 

responsibility for ensuring that 

primary 

ship maintains a standard at least 

a 

to that specified in international 

equivalent 

conventions rests with the flag 

and if all flag States performed 

State, 

duties satisfactorily there would 

their 

no need for port State control. 

be 

this is not the case, as 

Unfortunately, 

by the many marine accidents 

evidenced 

around the world ± hence the 

for additional control. 

need 

authority for exercising PSC is 

The 

national law based on relevant 

the 

It is therefore necessary 

conventions. 

a port State to be Party to those 

for 

and to have promulgated 

conventions 

necessary legislation before exercising 

the 

PSC. In accordance with the 

of the applicable conventions, 

provisions 

Parties may conduct inspections 

foreign ships in their ports through 

of 

State Control Officers (PSCOs). 

Port 

inspections may be undertaken 

Such 

the basis of: 

on 

. the initiative of the Party; 

the request of, or on the basis of, 

. 

regarding a ship 

information 

information regarding a ship 

. 

by a member of the 

provided 

a professional body, an 

crew, 

a trade union or any 

association, 

individual with an interest 

other 

the safety of the ship, its crew 

in 

passengers, or the protection 

and 

the marine environment. 

of 

opinions expressed in this paper are those 

*The 

the author and should not be construed as 

of 

reflecting the views of IMO or its 

necessarily 

Secretariat. 

Dr. Heike Hoppe* 

by 

Officer, Maritime Safety Division 

Technical 

Parties may entrust surveys 

Whereas 

inspections of ships entitled to fly 

and 

own flag either to surveyors 

their 

for this purpose or to 

nominated 

organizations, they should 

recognized 

aware that under the applicable 

be 

foreign ships are subject 

conventions, 

port State control, including board- 

to 

inspection, remedial action, and 

ing, 

detention, only by officers 

possible 

authorized by the port State. 

duly 

authorization of these PSCOs 

The 

be a general grant of authority 

may 

may be specific on a case-by-case 

or 

basis. 

possible efforts should be made 

All 

avoid a ship being unduly detained 

to 

delayed. If a ship is unduly detained 

or 

delayed, it should be entitled to 

or 

for any loss or damage 

compensation 

conventions place the responsibility 


for technically and environmen- 

safe ships primarily on the flag 

tally 

However, it is recognized that a 

State. 

State can make a useful contribution 

port 

to these aims, and many conven- 

therefore, contain provisions 

tions, 

permit port State control. These 

that 

include: 

SOLAS 74, regulation I/19, reg- 

. 

IX/6 and regulation XI/4; 

ulation 

Load Lines 66, article 21; 

. 

MARPOL 73/78, articles 5 and 6, 

. 

8A of Annex I, reg- 

regulation 

15 of Annex II, regulation 

ulation 

of Annex III and regulation 8 

8 

Annex V; 

of 

STCW 78, article X and regula- 

. 

I/4; tion 

Tonnage 69, article 12. 

. 

SOLAS Convention is the basic 

The 

instrument dealing with 

international 

operation of ships, compatible 

and 

their safety. 

with 

with its requirements, and a 

comply 

of certificates are prescribed in 

number 

Convention as proof that this has 

the 

done. been 

provisions also allow Contracting 

Control 

Governments to inspect ships 

other Contracting States if there are 

of 

grounds for believing that the 

clear 

and its equipment do not substantially 

ship 

comply with the require- 

of the Convention. The SOLAS 

ments 

is kept up to date through 

Convention 

II-1: Construction ± 

Chapter 

subdivision 

Structure, 

stability, machinery 

and 

electrical 

and 

II-2: Construction ± 

Chapter 

protection, 

Fire 

detection and 

fire 

extinction 

fire 

appliances 

Life-saving 

arrangements 

and 

of dangerous 

Carriage 

goods 

for the 

Management 

operation of ships 

safe 

measures for 

Safety 

craft 

high-speed 

measures to 

Special 

maritime safety 

enhance 

safety 

Additional 

for bulk 

measures 

State Control ± 

Port 

update on IMO's work 

an 

International Maritime Organization 

States are responsible for 

Flag 

that ships under their flag 

ensuring 

which are adopted at 

amendments 

intervals. It contains the fol- 

regular 

lowing chapters: 

Chapter I: 

General provisions 

suffered. 

Provisions for 

port State control 

installations 

Chapter III: 

Chapter IV: 

Radiocommunications 

Chapter V: 

Safety of navigation 

Chapter VI: 

Carriage of cargoes 

provided by another Party; or 

Chapter VII: 

Chapter VIII: Nuclear ships 

Chapter IX: 

Chapter X: 

SOLAS 74 

Chapter XI: 

Chapter XII: 

of maritime safety. The main 

matters 

is to specify minimum stan- 

objective 

dards for the construction, equipment 

carriers. 

9

Convention applies to all passenger 

The 

ships irrespective of size and all 

ships of 500 GT and over when 

cargo 

in international voyages, un- 

engaged 

expressly provided otherwise in 

less 

chapters of the Convention. 

relevant 

general, SOLAS does not apply to: 

In 

of war and troopships, cargo 

ships 

of less than 500 GT, ships not 

ships 

by mechanical means, wood- 

propelled 

ships of primitive build, pleasure 

en 

not engaged in trade and fishing 

yachts 

control procedures laid down in 

The 

19 of SOLAS chapter I are 

regulation 

designed to enable PSCOs to 

primarily 

that foreign ships calling at their 

ensure 

possess valid certificates. In most 

ports 

possession of valid certificates is 

cases, 

proof that the ship concerned 

sufficient 

with Convention require- 

complies 

The PSCO is empowered to 

ments. 

further action if there are clear 

take 

for believing that the condition 

grounds 

of the ship or of its equipment 

not correspond substantially with 

does 

particulars of any of the certifi- 

the 

cates. 

officer can take steps to ensure 

The 

the ship does not sail until it can 

that 

so without endangering passengers, 

do 

of the circumstances and the 

informed 

must also be reported to IMO. 

facts 

6 of chapter IX relates to 

Regulation 

on operational requirements with 

PSC 

to the International Safety 

regard 

(ISM) Code, in particular 

Management 

proper functioning of the ship's 

the 

Management System. 

Safety 

on operational requirements in 

PSC 

is described in regulation 4 of 

general 

Convention on 

International 

Lines 1966 (LL 66) 

Load 

Convention establishes limitations 

The 

the draught to which a ship on 

on 

voyages may be loaded, 

international 

the form of freeboards which should 

in 

adequate stability and avoid 

ensure 

stress on the ship's hull as a 

excessive 

of overloading. It also deals with 

result 

weathertight and watertight 

external 

and provisions are made for 

integrity, 

the freeboard of tankers 

determining 

subdivision and damage stability 

by 

calculations. 

freeing ports, hatchways and 

doors, 

items. The main purpose of these 

other 

is to ensure the watertight 

measures 

of ships' hulls below the 

integrity 

deck. 

freeboard 

assigned load lines must be 

All 

amidships on each side of the 

marked 

together with the deck line. Ships 

ship, 

for the carriage of timber 

intended 

cargo are assigned a smaller 

deck 

as the deck cargo provides 

freeboard 

against the impact of waves. 

protection 

Convention applies to all ships 

The 

in international voyages, ex- 

engaged 

ships of war, new ships of less 

cept: 

24 m (79 feet) in length, existing 

than 

of less than 150 tons gross, 

ships 

yachts not engaged in trade 

pleasure 

to article 21 of the Convention, 

According 

ships holding a certificate issued 

article 16 or 17 are subject, when 

under 

a port of another Contracting 

in 

to control by officers 

Government, 

authorized by such Governments. 

duly 

73/78 

MARPOL 

MARPOL Convention covers all 

The 

technical aspects of pollution from 

the 

except the disposal of waste into 

ships, 

sea by dumping, and applies to 

the 

of all types, although it does not 

ships 

to pollution arising out of the 

apply 

and exploitation of sea-bed 

exploration 

resources. The Convention has 

mineral 

Protocols, dealing respectively 

two 

reports on incidents involving 

with 

substances and arbitration, 

harmful 

six Annexes which contain regulations 

and 

for the prevention of various 

of pollution: 

forms 

I: Prevention of pollution by 

Annex 

of pollution by 

Control 

liquid substances 

noxious 

bulk in 

III: Prevention of pollution by 

Annex 

substances carried 

harmful 

sea in packaged form 

by 

IV: Prevention of pollution by 

Annex 

from ships (not yet 

sewage 

in force) 

of pollution by 

Prevention 

from ships 

garbage 

VI: Prevention of air pollution 

Annex 

ships (not yet in 

from 

Convention applies to ships of all 

The 

including fixed or floating plat- 

types, 

operating in the marine environmentforms 

except warships, naval auxiliary 

other ships owned or operated by a 

or 

and used only on government 

State 

5 authorizes Parties to verify 

Article 

existence of valid certificates while 

the 

ship is in a port or offshore 

the 

under the jurisdiction of that 

terminal 

Article 6 allows for inspections 

Party. 

verify whether a ship has discharged 

to 

harmful substances in violation of 

any 

Convention. 

the 

are four regulations in different 

There 

Annexes authorizing Parties to 

operational requirements, e.g. 

control 

8A of Annex I regarding 

regulation 

procedures relating to the 

shipboard 

of pollution by oil, regula- 

prevention 

15 of Annex II regarding proceduretion 

relating to the prevention of 

by noxious liquid substances, 

pollution 

8 of Annex III regarding 

regulation 

relating to the prevention 

procedures 

pollution by harmful substances and 

of 

8 of Annex V regarding 

regulation 

relating to the prevention 

procedures 

Convention on 

International 

of Training, 

Standards 

and Watchkeeping 

Certification 

Seafarers, 1978 (STCW 78) 

for 

Convention establishes basic requirements 

The 

on training, certification 

watchkeeping for seafarers on an 

and 

level. It contains exten- 

international 

certification and qualification requirementssive 

including syllabuses and 

time for senior officers in charge of 

sea 

in the deck, engine and radio 

watches 

and for ratings forming 

departments 

of the watch. All such seafarers 

part 

required to have a certificate, 

are 

in a uniform manner. 

endorsed 

Convention also specifies basic 

The 

to be observed in keeping 

principles 

and engine watches and special 

deck 

for personnel on oil, 

requirements 

Convention applies to seafarers 

The 

on board seagoing ships, except 

serving 

Application 

force). 

Application 

regulations take into account 

The 

potential hazards present in differ- 

the 

zones and at different seasons. The 

ent 

annex contains several addi- 

technical 

tional 

safety measures concerning 

non-commercial service. 

Control regulation 

vessels. 

Control regulations 

Application 

and fishing vessels. 

Control regulations 

crew or the ship itself. If action of 

the 

type is taken, the flag State must be 

this 

of pollution by garbage. 

chapter XI. 

oil 

Annex II: 

chemical and liquefied gas tankers. 

Application 

Annex V: 

for those serving on board: warships, 

10

X contains the control regulation, 

Article 

stating the right of the PSCO to 

that all seafarers serving on 

verify 

who are required by the Con- 

board 

to be certificated hold the 

vention 

certificates. 

appropriate 

Convention on 

International 

Measurement of 

Tonnage 

1969 (Tonnage 69) 

Ships, 

Convention establishes uniform 

The 

and rules with respect to 

principles 

determination of the tonnage of 

the 

Convention applies to all ships 

The 

in international voyages, ex- 

engaged 

ships of war and ships of less than 

cept: 

m (79 feet) in length. 

24 

12 contains provisions for the 

Article 

of the Tonnage Certificate. 

verification 

the Convention is not a 

Although 

convention'' as such, the ton- 

``safety 

is important to determine which 

nage 

apply to a specific ship. 

conventions 

latest revision of resolution 

The 

Procedures for port State 

A.787(19), 

added guidelines for PSC 

control, 

the Tonnage Convention to the 

under 

in ILO instruments 

Provisions 

a port State exercises PSC based on 

If 

Convention No. 147, ``Merchant 

ILO 

(Minimum Standards) Con- 

Shipping 

1976'', guidance on the conducvention, 

of such control inspections is 

in the ILO publication Inspection 

given 

Labour Conditions on board Ships: 

of 

for Procedure. 

Guidelines 

the basis of their professional 

On 

PSCOs should determine 

judgement, 

clearly hazardous conditions 

whether 

board warrant detaining a ship until 

on 

deficiencies are corrected, or 

any 

to allow it to sail with certain 

whether 

which are not clearly 

deficiencies 

to the safety of the ship or 

hazardous 

the safety and health of the crew. In 

to 

first case, the port State authorities 

the 

as soon as possible, notify the 

should, 

State through its nearest maritime, 

flag 

or diplomatic representative 

consular 

the action taken and, if possible, 

of 

such a representative present. 

have 

of non-Parties 

Ships 

State control is based on the 

Port 

that the port State recognizes 

principle 

certificates issued by or 

international 

behalf of the flag State. It must be 

on 

that such recognition is a 

understood 

extended only to Parties to 

privilege 

Non-Parties may not 

conventions. 

these certificates although Administrations 

issue 

of non-Party States may 

or authorize the issuance of, a 

issue, 

of compliance with the 

certificate 

provisions of conventions. 

relevant 

ratification of conventions is a 

The 

have become Parties to the 

countries 

conventions. This information 

various 

issued by the IMO Secretariat by 

is 

of circulars (and a status of 

means 

table is also available on 

conventions 

IMO web site www.imo.org). 

the 

number of conventions (e.g. 

A 

Protocol 78, article II(3); 

SOLAS 

73/78, article 5(4) and 

MARPOL 

78, article X(5)) stipulate that 

STCW 

more favourable treatment is to be 

no 

to the ships of countries which 

given 

not Party to the relevant Convention. 

are 

the ship or crew has some form of 

If 

other than that required 

certification 

a convention, the PSCO may take 

by 

form and content of this documen- 

the 

into account in the evaluation of 

tation 

ship. The conditions of and on 

that 

a ship and its equipment, the 

such 

of the crew and the flag 

certification 

minimum manning standard 

State's 

be compatible with the aims of 

should 

provisions of the conventions; 

the 

the ship should be subject 

otherwise, 

such restrictions as are necessary to 

to 

a comparable level of safety and 

obtain 

below convention size 

Ships 

maritime conventions have pro- 

Most 

limits of application for each 

gressive 

of size of ships. These may be 

category 

to tonnage, length or other ship 

related 

and also, in certain con- 

parameters, 

to the age of the vessel and 

ventions, 

trading area. Such limits of appli- 

the 

involve not only certificates, but 

cation 

ships and their equipment; in other 

also 

in some cases no certificate is 

words, 

while in other cases a ship is 

required 

from design or equipment 

exempted 

requirements. 

does not alter the fact that such 

This 

should only be permitted to sail if 

ships 

vessels, pleasure yachts not 

fishing 

in trade and wooden ships of 

engaged 

primitive build. 


process and port States must 

continual 

themselves informed as to which 

keep 

ships engaged in international voyages. 

Application 


procedures. 

protection of the marine environment. 

safe and environmentally friendly. It is 

11

for such ships to comply with the 

usual 

of the flag State, which 

requirements 

not be known to the PSCO ± who 

may 

therefore use his/her discretion in 

must 

those ships; possibly assisted in 

judging 

by some form of certification 

this 

by the flag State or on its behalf. 

issued 

a relevant instrument is not 

If 

task will be to assess whether 

PSCO's 

ship is of an acceptable standard in 

the 

to safety, health or the environment. 

regard 

In making that assessment, the 

will take due account of such 

PSCO 

as the length and nature of the 

factors 

voyage or service, the size and 

intended 

of the ship, the equipment 

type 

and the nature of the cargo. 

provided 

the case of deficiencies which are 

In 

hazardous to safety, health 

considered 

the environment the PSCO will take 

or 

which may include detention as 

action, 

be necessary, to ensure that the 

may 

is rectified or that the ship, if 

deficiency 

to proceed to another port, 

allowed 

not present a clear hazard to 

does 

health or the environment. 

safety, 

assist Governments in the regulation 

To 

of ships below convention size, 

regional codes for the safety of 

several 

ships have been developed over 

small 

past few years, some through 

the 

co-operation assistance from 

technical 

like the Asia±Pacific Small Ship 

IMO, 

and a similar set of rules 

Regulations 

the South Pacific Island Countries. 

for 

the Caribbean, the Caribbean Cargo 

In 

Safety Code was developed, with 

Ship 

taking active part in its prepara- 


This development is continuing, 

tion. 

IMO actively promoting the 

with 

of regional rules, taking 

preparation 

of specific regional ship types. 

account 

conventions allow for Administrations 

Most 

to approve equivalents to 

requirements. Administrations 

convention 

doing so are requested to com- 

the particulars to IMO, 

municate 

in turn circulates those particu- 

which 

to other Parties to the convention 

lars 

which the equivalence was 

under 

to Procedures 

Amendments 


for 

its twelfth session in 1981, the 

Since 

Assembly has adopted various 


the 19th Assembly in November 

by 

amalgamated and harmonized 

1995, 

resolutions and circulars adopted 

the 

then. by 

21st Assembly, in November 

The 


1999, 

to the procedures for 

Amendments 

State control, updating the 1995 

port 

resolution. 

amendments include a new 

The 

on PSC relating to the ISM 

section 

which entered into force on 1 

Code, 

co-operation on 

Regional 

State control 

port 

national PSC alone will already 

While 

the safety of ships and the 

enhance 

of the marine environment, 

protection 

a regional approach will ensure 

only 

sub-standard ships and sub-standard 

that 

operators have fewer places left to 

hide. 

a regional approach is 

Unless 

operators will just divert their 

adopted, 

to ports in the region where no or 

ships 

stringent PSC inspections are 

less 

This may seriously hamper 

conducted. 

economic situation of the ports of 

the 

countries that do conduct proper 

those 

To remedy this and to 

inspections. 

improve the effectiveness of 

generally 

many regions of the world 

inspections, 

already entered or are beginning 

have 

enter into regional agreements on 

to 

PSC. 

the first instance, such an agreement 

In 

covers the exchange of informa- 

about ships, their records and the 

tion 

of inspections carried out. This 

results 

is important as it enables 

information 

ports of call to target only 

subsequent 

that have not been recently 

ships 

In general, ships inspected 

inspected. 

the previous six months are not 

within 

unless there are clear 

re-inspected 

to do so. 

grounds 

reason for co-operating 

Another 

other ports in the regions is to 

with 

that identified sub-standard 

ensure 

are effectively monitored. This 

ships 

especially to ships that have 

applies 

allowed to sail with certain minor 

been 

on the condition that these 

deficiencies 

rectified in the next port of call. 

are 

ships can only be monitored by a 

Such 

exchange of information between 

constant 

ports. 

most important benefit from 

The 

however, is ensuring that 

co-operation, 

State inspections are carried out in 

port 

uniform manner in all countries, and 

a 

are applied with regards to 

standards 

detention of ships and the training 

the 

of PSCOs. To achieve this, it 

standards 

common practice of many existing 

is 

to conduct joint seminars 

agreements 

PSCOs in order to harmonize 

for 

regional agreements 

Existing 


on 

present there are seven regional PSC 

At 

in operation: 

agreements 

the Paris Memorandum of 

. 

on Port State 

Understanding 

(Paris MOU), adopted in 

Control 

(France) on 1 July 1982; 

Paris 

the Acuerdo de VinÄ a del Mar 

. 

a del Mar or Latin-America 

(VinÄ 

signed in VinÄ a del 

Agreement), 

(Chile) on 5 November 

Mar 

1992; 

the Memorandum of Under- 

. 

on Port State Control in 

standing 

Asia-Pacific Region (Tokyo 

the 

signed in Tokyo (Japan) 

MOU), 

2 December 1993; 

on 

the Memorandum of Understanding 

. 


Caribbean Region (Caribbean 

the 

MOU), signed in 

(Barbados) on 9 

Christchurch 

1996; 

February 


. 


Mediterranean Region 

the 

MOU), signed in 

(Mediterranean 

(Malta) on 11 July 1997; 

Valletta 

the Indian Ocean Memorandum 

. 

Understanding on Port State 

of 

(Indian Ocean MOU), 

Control 

in Pretoria (South Africa) 

signed 

5 June 1998; and 

on 


. 

for the West and Cen- 

African Region (Abuja 

tral 

signed in Abuja (Nigeria) 

MOU), 

22 October 1999. 

on 

comparative table and map, 

(See 

agreements under 

Regional 

development 

further regional agreements are 

Two 

under development, one for 

currently 

Persian Gulf region and the other 

the 

the Black Sea area. 

for 

first draft of a regional PSC 

A 

for the ROPME (Regional 

agreement 

for the Protection of the 

Organization 

Environment) sea area and the 

Marine 

procedures. 

applicable to a specific ship, 

the 

July 1998. 

Equivalents 

pages 15 to 19). 

granted. 

(resolution A.787(19)) 

Persian Gulf region 

and circulars relating 

resolutions 

PSC. Resolution A.787(19), Proce- 

to 

dures for port State control, adopted 

ultimately regions, and that similar 

13

training programmes 

complementary 

its implementation was discussed 

for 

July 1999 in Manama, Bahrain, at a 

in 

organized by the Marine 

meeting 

Mutual Aid Centre (MEM- 

Emergency 

Bahrain, in co-operation with the 

AC) 

(Gulf Co-operation Council) and 

GCC 

IMO. 

meeting was attended by delegates 

The 

from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, 

Saudi Arabia and the United 

Qatar, 

Emirates, with UNEP/ROWA 

Arab 

Office for West Africa) as 

(Regional 

observers. 

second meeting (venue and date 

A 

yet fixed) is expected to see the 

not 

of an MOU on PSC and also 

signature 

decide on the location of the 

to 

first preparatory meeting for the 

A 

of a port State control 

establishment 

in the Black Sea region took 

system 

in Varna, Bulgaria, from 14 to 17 

place 

1999, attended by delegates 

September 

Bulgaria, Georgia, Romania, the 

from 

Federation, Turkey and the 

Russian 

The meeting was jointly 

Ukraine. 

and financed by IMO and 

organized 

Danish Environment Protection 

the 

(DEPA). 

Agency 

meeting agreed a draft MOU 

The 

a related draft training programme 

and 

considered. 

was 

November 1991, IMO's 17th Assembly 

In 


co-operation in the control of 

Regional 

and discharges, which was aimed 

ships 

the eradication of sub-standard 

at 

and proposed the establishment 

ships 

PSC regimes around the world, 

of 

the pattern adopted by the 

following 

region through the Paris 

European 

in 1982. 

MOU 

resolution invited the authorities 

The 

participating in the Paris MOU 

any other countries participating 

and 

PSC to assist, wherever possible, in 

in 

conclusion of regional agreements 

the 

in the world and to study 

elsewhere 

of inter-regional co-operation 

matters 

a view to compatibility of in- 

with 

systems and exchange of 

formation 

information. 

PSC 

then, IMO has been very 

Since 

engaged in assisting Member 

actively 

in their efforts to eradicate substandard 

States 

shipping and has co-operated 

the preparation and conclusion of 

in 

various regional PSC agreements 

the 

the past few years. It is now hoped 

over 

this process can be taken further 

that 

encouraging these regional systems 

by 

effectively implement the terms of 

to 

agreements, co-operate among 

the 

and, in particular, to for- 

themselves 

the transfer of information. 

malize 

need for support from within 

The 

outside the regions is evident, 

and 

for the newly established 

especially 

agreements, in which the majority 

PSC 

members are developing countries. 

of 

within the regions, the active 

From 

of all members is crucial 

participation 

the implementation of the agreements. 

in 

From outside the regions, 

is required on the one hand 

support 

other well established and func- 

from 

regional agreements by way of 

tioning 

expertise and general gui- 

providing 

and on the other hand, from 

dance 

to provide financing for the 

donors 

of training courses for inspectors. 

conduct 

has developed a global project 


assist regional PSC agreements in 

to 

harmonization of their operations, 

the 

development of their human re- 

the 

capabilities and in the cooperatiosources 

and exchange of information 

each other. As experience is 

amongst 

through implementation and 

gained 

between agreements on a 

interaction 

of common problems, over time 

range 

global co-operation will take 

enhanced 

place. 

following activities are planned: 

The 

a three-day workshop at IMO 

. 

for the secretaries 

Headquarters 

directors of information 

and 

of existing PSC agreements 

centres 

(up to a maximum of 18 

aimed at sharing 

participants), 

problems and experi- 

common 

and assisting in harmonizinences 

and co-ordinating PSC 

and identifying technical 

practices 

assistance and priorities (mid- 

2000); 

promotion of targeted advisory 

. 

to members of newly 

missions 

regional agreements, 

established 

by experts seconded 

preferably 

members of other PSC 

from 

agreements; 

a further seminar/workshop for 

. 

centre directors and 

information 

directors (technicians) of 

deputy 

established regional agreements 

newly 

(up to a maximum of 36 

to provide another 

participants) 

to share common 

opportunity 

update information 

experiences, 

discuss the progress regard- 

and 

harmonization and co-ordinatioing 

of PSC practices; 

IMO participation in regional 

. 

committee meetings. 

PSC 

establishment of world-wide regional 

The 

PSC is only a beginning. 

prospect of global PSC, with 

The 

of information and harmoni- 

exchange 

of procedures and training, has 

zation 

more exciting implications. As 

even 

and more statistics and data are 

more 

and exchanged by the differ- 

gathered 

PSC secretariats, this will result in a 

ent 

increase in knowledge about sub- 

huge 

shipping. 

standard 

knowledge is not only useful in 

This 

it will also provide the maritime 

itself, 

with the opportunity to 

community 

analyse the causes of incidents 

better 

casualties and to ascertain, more 

and 

than ever before, how they 

accurately 

be prevented from occurring again. 

can 

with the information made 

Armed 

as a result of regional co- 

available 

in PSC, we can work towardoperation 

a change of attitude within the 

industry, where a long tradition 

shipping 

of secrecy has too often resulted in 

being hidden and ignored 

problems 

than revealed and solved. 

rather 

development of PSC gives us a 

The 

to challenge that culture and 

chance 

secrecy with transparency and 

replace 

openness. 

recognizes that the task ahead 


be arduous, and although efforts 

will 

improve flag State performance 

to 

a top priority, effective regional 

remain 

including harmonized inspection 

agreements, 

and detention procedures, 

approved qualifications 

internationally 

surveyors/inspectors and transpar- 

of 

through increased information 

ency 

regions and inter-regionally, will 

within 

impact upon both flag and 

eventually 

State responsibilities. 

port 

process already set in motion to 

The 

regional controls and to strive 

increase 

PSC ± the future 

secretariat and information centre. 

Black Sea region 

Memorandum is expected to be 

The 

adopted and signed in Istan- 

finalized, 

bul, Turkey, in April 2000. 

Technical assistance by IMO 

improved and effective implementation 

for 

by flag States themselves is the 

secretaries, deputy secretaries, 

only way forward. 

14

18 

Members 

Canada, Croatia, Denmark, Finland, 

Belgium, 

Target 

rate 

inspection 

Relevant 

instruments 

Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, 

France, 

Norway, Poland, Portugal, Russian 

Netherlands, 

12 

Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, 

Argentina, 

Ecuador, Mexico, Panama, Peru, 

Cuba, 

Venezuela 

Uruguay, 

annual inspection rate per country 15% annual inspection rate per country within 

25% 

years 3 

1966 and LL PROT 1988 

LL 

1974 

SOLAS 

PROT 1978, 1988 

SOLAS 

73/78 

MARPOL 

1978 

STCW 

1972 

COLREG 

69 

TONNAGE 

Convention No. 147 

ILO 

attention ± ships which have been reported by pilots or 

Special 

authorities as being deficient 

port 

Information 

Centre 

Official 

languages 

ships carrying dangerous or polluting goods 

± 

have failed to report relevant 

which 

information 

ships which have been subject of a report or 

± 

by another authority 

notification 

ships which have been subject of a report by 

± 

master, a crew member, etc. 

the 

ships which have been suspended from class 

± 

Administratif des Affaires Maritimes 

Centre 

Saint-Malo, France 

(CAAM), 

representative of each of the authorities and 

a 

EC Commission 

the 

Hague, The Netherlands 

The 

R.W.J. Schiferli 

Mr. 

of the Paris MOU 

Secretary 

Uitleg 1 

Nieuwe 

BP The Hague, The Netherlands 

2514 

+31 70 351 1509 

Tel: 

1966 LL 

1974 

SOLAS 

PROT 1978 

SOLAS 

73/78 

MARPOL 

1978 

STCW 

1972 

COLREG 

passenger ships, ro±ro ships, bulk carriers 

± 

ships which may present a special hazard 

± 

ships which have had several recent 

± 

deficiencies 

de InformacioÂn del Acuerdo 

Centro 

(CIALA), Prefectura Naval 

Latinoamericano 

Aires, Argentina 

Buenos 

Juan Jose Beltritti 

Mr. 

Mayor 

Prefecto 

del Mar Agreement Secretariat 

VinÄa 

Naval Argentina 

Prefectura 

Aires, Argentina 

Buenos 

+54 1 318 7455 

Tel: 

+54 1 318 7547 

Fax: 

PORT STATE CONTROL AGREEMENTS: COMPARATIVE TABLE 

Paris MOU 

Acuerdo de VinÄ a del Mar 

Federation, Spain, Sweden, UK 

Observers Japan, USA, IMO, ILO, Tokyo MOU, Iceland IMO, CEPAL 

during the preceding 6 months 

Amendments will take effect 60 days after acceptance will take effect 60 days after acceptance 

Argentina, Buenos Aires 

Committee 

a representative of each of the authorities 

Secretariat 

Fax: +31 70 351 1599 

Signed 1 July 1982 5 November 1992 

English, French 

Spanish, Portuguese 

16

18 

Members 

Canada, China, Fiji, Indonesia, Japan, 

Australia, 

Target 

rate 

inspection 

Relevant 

instruments 

of Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, 

Republic 

New Guinea, Philippines,* Russian 

Papua 

Singapore, Solomon Islands*, 

Federation, 

Vanuatu, Viet Nam, Hong Kong 

Thailand, 

USA, IMO, ILO, ESCAP, Paris MOU, 

Brunei, 

Ocean MOU 

Indian 

annual regional inspection rate by the year 

50% 

(achieved in 1996) 

2000 

1966 LL 

1974 

SOLAS 

PROT 1978 

SOLAS 

73/78 

MARPOL 

1978 

STCW 

1972 

COLREG 

attention ± passenger ships, ro±ro ships, bulk carriers 

Special 

ships which may present a special hazard 

± 

Information 

Centre 

Official 

languages 

ships visiting a port for the first time or after an 

± 

of 12 months or more 

absence 

ships flying the flag of a State appearing in the 

± 

rolling average table of above-average 

3-year 

detentions 

ships which have been permitted to leave the 

± 

of a State with deficiencies to be rectified 

port 

ships which have been reported by pilots or 

± 


port 


± 


which 

information 

Japan 

Tokyo, 

Y. Sasamura 

Mr. 

Tokyo MOU Secretariat 

Secretary, 

Annex Building 6F 

Tomoecho 

Toranomon 

3-8-26, 

Tokyo 

Minato-Ku, 

105 

Japan 

+81 3 3433 0621 

Tel: 

20 

Antigua & Barbuda, Aruba, Bahamas, 

Anguilla*, 

Bermuda*, British Virgin Islands*, 

Barbados, 

Islands, Dominica*, Grenada, Guyana, 

Cayman 

Montserrat*, Netherlands Antilles, 

Jamaica, 

Kitts & Nevis*, Saint Lucia*, Saint Vincent 

Saint 

the Grenadines*, Suriname*, Trinidad & 

& 

Turks & Caicos Islands* 

Tobago, 

ILO, CARICOM, IACS, Anguilla, 

IMO, 

Turks & Caicos, Canada, USA, 

Montserrat, 

Paris MOU, VinÄa del Mar MOU, 

Netherlands, 

MOU 

Tokyo 

annual inspection rate per country within 

10% 

years 3 

1966 LL 

1974 

SOLAS 

PROT 1978 

SOLAS 

73/78 

MARPOL 

1978 

STCW 

1972 

COLREG 

ships visiting a port for the first time or after an 

± 

of 12 months or more 

absence 


± 


port 


± 


port 

ships whose certificates are not in order 

± 


± 


which 

information 


± 

the preceding 6 months 

in 

Centre CuracËao, Netherlands 

Information 

Antilles 

Michael, Barbados 

St. 

Valerie Browne 

Mrs. 

of the Caribbean MOU 

Secretary 

Transport Division 

International 

House 

Herbert 

Fontabelle 

Michael, Barbados 

St. 

+246 430 7507 

Tel: 

Tokyo MOU 

Caribbean MOU 

(China) 

Observers 

ILO Convention No. 147 



Information Centre Vancouver, Canada 

Committee a representative of each of the authorities a representative of each of the authorities 

Secretariat 

Fax: +246 436 4828 

Fax: +81 3 3433 0624 

Signed 2 December 1993 9 February 1996 

English 

English 

*Acceptance pending. 

17

10 

Members 

Cyprus, Egypt, Israel*, Jordan, Malta, 

Algeria*, 

Target 

rate 

inspection 

Relevant 

instruments 

Morocco*, Tunisia, Turkey and the 

Lebanon, 

Authority* 

Palestinian 


15% 

years 3 

1966 LL 

1974 

SOLAS 

PROT 1978 

SOLAS 

73/78 

MARPOL 

1978 

STCW 

1972 

COLREG 

attention ± ships visiting a port of a State for the first time 

Special 

after an absence of 12 months or more 

or 

Information 

Centre 

Official 

languages 


± 


port 


± 


port 


± 


± 


which 

information 


± 


in 

Egypt 

Alexandria, 

Hani Hosni 

Adm. 

Mediterranean PSC Secretariat 

Secretary, 

Admiral Hamza Pasha Street 

27 

Roushdy 

Egypt 

Alexandria, 

+203 544 6538/5446537/5427949 

Tel: 

+203 546 6360 

Fax: 

15 

Eritrea, Ethiopia, India, Iran, Kenya, 

Djibouti, 

Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, 

Maldives, 

Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Tanzania, 

South 


10% 

years 3 

1966 LL 

1974 

SOLAS 

PROT 1978 

SOLAS 

73/78 

MARPOL 

1978 

STCW 

1972 

COLREG 

69 

TONNAGE 


ILO 

ships visiting a port of a State for the first time 

± 


or 


± 


port 


± 


port 


± 


± 


which 

information 


± 


in 

India Goa, 

B. Ganguli 

Mr. 

I.O.M.O.U. Secretariat 

Secretary 

Land, Sada 

Head 

Antarctic Study Centre 

Near 

Vasco-da-Gama 

403 804, India 

Goa 

+91 834 519383 

Tel: 

Indian Ocean MOU 

Mediterranean MOU 

Yemen 

Observers IMO, ILO, EC IMO, ILO, PMAESA 



Information Centre Casablanca, Morocco 

Information Centre Goa, India 


Secretariat 

Fax: +91 834 519383 

Signed 11 July 1997 5 June 1998 

English, French and Arabic 

English 

*Acceptance pending. 

18

16 

Members 

Cape Verde, Congo, CoÃ te d'Ivoire, 

Benin, 

Target 

rate 

inspection 

Relevant 

instruments 

Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, 

Gabon, 

Namibia, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra 

Mauritania, 


15% 

years 3 

1966 LL 

1974 

SOLAS 

PROT 1978 

SOLAS 

73/78 

MARPOL 

1978 

STCW 

1972 

COLREG 

69 

TONNAGE 


ILO 

attention ± ships visiting a port of a State for the first time 

Special 


or 

Information 

Centre 

Official 

languages 


± 


port 


± 


port 


± 


± 

reporting all information 

not 

ships suspended from class 

± 

Nigeria 

Lagos, 

B.O. Williams 

Mrs. 

Maritime Services Department 

Director, 

Ministry of Transport 

Federal 

Secretariats Complex 

Federal 

Nigeria 

Abuja, 

+234 9 523 0879 

Tel: 

+234 9 523 3705 

Fax: 

6 

Georgia, Romania, Russian 

Bulgaria, 


15% 

years 3 

1966 LL 

1974 

SOLAS 

PROT 1978 

SOLAS 

73/78 

MARPOL 

1978 

STCW 

1972 

COLREG 

69 

TONNAGE 


ILO 

ships visiting a port of a State for the first time 

± 


or 


± 


port 


± 


port 


± 


± 

reporting all information 

not 

ships suspended from class 

± 

ships which have been subject of a report or 

± 

by another authority 

notification 

Black Sea MOU* 

Abuja MOU 

Federation, Turkey, Ukraine 

Leone, South Africa, Togo 

Observers IMO, ILO, MOWCA, Burkina Faso, Mali IMO, ILO 


not yet operating 

not yet determined 


Secretariat 

not yet determined 

Signed 22 October 1999 

English, French 

*Under preparation. 

19

ON STANDARDS OF TRAINING AND WATCHKEEPING ± 

SUB-COMMITTEE 

SESSION: 10±14 JANUARY 2000 

31ST 

Sub-Committee approved new guidance on minimum 

The 

level and in-service physical ability standards for 

entry 

to be included in proposed amendments to the 

seafarers, 

of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping 

Standards 

Code. 

(STCW) 

proposed amendments to section B-1/9 of the Code, 

The 

regarding medical standards ± Issue and 

Guidance 

of certificates, includes a new proposed table 

registration 

guidance on assessment of minimum entry level and 

giving 

physical abilities for seafarers. 

in-service 

proposed table describes (a) ordinary shipboard 

The 

functions, events and conditions, (b) a corresponding 

tasks, 

ability which is considered necessary for the safety 

physical 

a seafarer who is living and working on board a ship at 

of 

and (c) a guideline for measuring the corresponding 

sea, 

ability. Administrations should take these physical 

physical 

into account when establishing medical fitness 

abilities 

standards. 

example, a medical examiner should ensure that a 

For 

has no disturbance in sense of balance since the 

candidate 

function/task of ``Routine movement on 

shipboard 

uneven and unstable surfaces; risk of injury'' 

slippery, 

the physical ability to maintain balance. 

requires 

proposed amendments to the STCW Code, to be 

The 

by the MSC in May 2000, state that the ILO/ 

considered 

publication ``Guidelines for Conducting Pre-Sea and 

WHO 

Medical Fitness Examinations for Seafarers'' 

Periodic 

should also be taken into account 

(ILO/WHO/D.2/1997) 

establishing seafarer medical examination procedures. 

when 

to the 1995 STCW Convention 

Transition 

Sub-Committee reviewed progress in implementing the 

The 

amendments to the STCW Convention, which require 

1995 

to the Convention to communicate to IMO 

Parties 

on compliance with the Convention provisions. 

information 

The information is being reviewed by panels of 

persons, who will report on their findings to the 

competent 

Secretary-General, who will in turn report to the 


on the Parties which fully comply. 

MSC 

the 1 August 1998 deadline, 82 out of the 133 STCW 

By 

had communicated information on compliance with 

Parties 

requirements of the revised Convention. Since that 

the 

another 12 Parties have done so. The 82 Parties which 

date, 

the deadline represent well over 90% of the world's 

met 

completed their work and reported to the Secretary- 

had 

45 had completed their initial evaluation and had 

General; 

clarifications from the Parties; and five panels were 

sought 

engaged in their initial evaluations. 

still 

study reveals unlawful practices 

Research 

to seafarer certificates 

linked 

IMO-funded study to establish the nature and extent of 

An 

practices associated with certificates of compe- 

unlawful 

has so far gathered evidence suggesting the problem 

tency 

be more widespread than initially thought. The study 

may 

being carried out at the Seafarers International Research 

is 

Cardiff, United Kingdom (see separate article, 

Centre, 

draft guidance for fishing vessel 

Revised 

approved 

personnel 

Sub-Committee approved a revised FAO/ILO/IMO 

The 

for Guidance on the Training and Certification 

Document 

Fishing Vessel Personnel. The original Document for 

of 

was adopted in 1985. 

Guidance 

revised Document for Guidance will be submitted 

The 

the MSC in May 2000 for adoption and publication in 

to 

with ILO and FAO. 

conjunction 

Document for Guidance will also be submitted to 

The 

ILO Governing Body for approval at its meeting in 

the 

2000. Formal approval of the document by the 

March 

Governing Body is not required as it is a revision of 

FAO 

existing guidance document. 

an 

and circulars approved 

Resolutions 

Sub-Committee approved the following draft resolu- 

The 

and circulars for submission to the MSC: 

tions 

Proposed amendments to part B of the STCW Code, 

. 

clarification of provisions in the Code. The 

including 

amendments include a table listing certifi- 

proposed 

or documentary evidence required under the 

cates 

Convention and a table of differences between 

STCW 

certification requirements and STCW 95 certification 

STCW 

requirements. 

proposed amendments to the STCW Code are 

The 

to be adopted by the MSC and circulated by 

intended 

of an STCW Circular. 

means 

Draft Assembly resolution to revoke those resolu- 

. 

superseded by the 1995 amendments to the 

tions 

Convention. 

STCW 

approves 

Sub-Committee 

on minimum 

guidance 

physical abilities for seafarers 

page 22). 

and seafarers. 

ships 

the time of the Sub-Committee meeting, 32 panels 

At 

21


SUB-COMMITTEE 


31ST 

Draft MSC circular to revoke those circulars superseded 

. 

by the 1995 amendments to the STCW Convention. 

Draft MSC circular on guidance on arrangements 

. 

Parties to allow for recognition of certificates 

between 

STCW regulation I/10 ± which covers recog- 

under 

of certificates issued by another Party. The 

nition 

circular includes elements to be included in a 

draft 

undertaking between the Parties concerned 

written 

recognition of certificates. 

regarding 

Draft MSC circular providing recommendations on 

. 

certification of officers in charge of an engineering 

the 

and engineering watchkeeping provisions on 

watch 

vessels powered by main propulsion machin- 

fishing 

of 750 kW or more, to apply on entry into force of 

ery 

International Convention on Standards of 

the 

Certification and Watchkeeping for Fishing 

Training, 

Personnel (STCW-F), 1995, and pending the 

Vessel 

IMO-funded study to establish the 

An 

and extent of unlawful prac- 

nature 

associated with certificates of 

tices 

has revealed, from data 

competency 

so far, that the problem of 

gathered 

certification may be more 

fraudulent 

than initially thought. 

extensive 

to support the research, 

Funds 

carried out at the Seafarers 

being 

Research Centre, Car- 

International 

United Kingdom, have been 

diff, 

by the Governments of 

provided 

Norway and the United Kingdom; 

Cyprus, 

the European Union and the 

Confederation of Free 

International 

Unions (ICFTU). 

Trade 

date (by January 2000), the 

To 

team has made contacts 

research 

them to produce a price list 

allowing 

the STCW certificates of Master, 

for 

Mate and Officer of the Watch. 

Chief 

gain more data, other inquiry 

To 

are being considered, including 

methods 

researchers posing as seafarers in 

of a specific type of certificate. 

need 

a trial, a researcher without any 

As 

experience or training, on 

relevant 

of a ``fee'', received, in one 

payment 

unlawful practices identified 

Typical 

so far include: 

to establish minimum standards of competency 

intended 

for officers in charge of an engineering watch 

courses validated 

Model 

Sub-Committee validated the following IMO model 

The 

courses: 

Crowd Management, Passenger Safety and Safety 

. 

seafarers holding certificates 

. 

or endorsed by or on 

issued 

of a maritime Administration 

behalf 

but not valid for the 

performed on board 

function(s) 

to: expired certificates, valid 

due 

but not covering 

certificates 

performed on board 

function(s) 

seafarers holding certificates 

. 

or endorsed by or on 

issued 

of a maritime Administration 

behalf 

but obtained on the basis 

deceitful information through 

of 

certificates issued 

``laundered'' 

the basis of a forged certificate 

on 

or other forged evidence 

mode applies mainly to 

(this 

of recognition 

endorsements 

by a third party); certificates 

issued 

issued by an Administra- 

but lacking underpinning 

tion 

and knowledge; cer- 

competence 

issued on the basis of lax 

tificates 

and certification 

examination 

and certificates issued 

practices 

corrupt officials within an 

by 

for Personnel Providing Direct Services to 

Training 

in Passenger Spaces; 

Passengers 

Crisis Management and Human Behaviour Training, 

. 

Passenger Safety, Cargo Safety and Hull 

including 

Training; 

Integrity 

Proficiency in Fast Rescue Boats; 

. 

Personal Safety and Social Responsibility; 

. 

Maritime English; 

. 

seafarers holding counterfeit 

. 

altered by the holder 

certificates 

or provided by the 

(seafarer) 

or manning agency; 

shipowner 

forged `ìn-house'' or 

certificates 

on the black market or 

obtained 

organizations dedicated 

through 

certificate forging. These cer- 

to 

are either stolen from a 

tificates 

Administration or 

maritime 

or the whole certificate is 

holder, 

by the organization. 

produced 

is evidence to suggest that the 

There 

is more widespread than 

problem 

thought. Another factor 

previously 

has emerged is the extent to 

that 

employers, directly or indirectly, 

which 

promote unlawful practices 

with certificates of competence. 

associated 

Very few companies have the 

or the willingness to verify 

resources 

authenticity of certificates held by 

the 

are directly implicated by 

employers 

their employees with forged 

issuing 

From the research to date, 

certificates. 

is mainly the case with ancillary 

this 

It appears that unlawful 

certificates. 

are more widespread and 

practices 

more difficult to detect in 

perhaps 

case of ancillary certificates. 

the 

certificates in particular seem 

GMDSS 

be readily available. 

to 

fishing vessels powered by main propulsion 

on 

of 750 kW. 

machinery 

adoption of relevant amendments. The circular is 

. Assessment, Examination and Certification of Seafarers. 

reveals unlawful practices 

Study 

to seafarer certificates 

linked 

limitations on certificates 

and 

observed (trading area, ton- 

not 

nage, engine power or medical); 

the seafarers 

they employ. Some 

an authentic seaman's registration 

day, 

book and STCW Ratings certification. 

Administration; and 

22


SUB-COMMITTEE 


31ST 

determine and categorize the 

. 

unlawful practices asso- 

major 

with certificates of competencciated 

(e.g. forged, issued on 

basis of deception such as on 

the 

basis of fraudulent informa- 

the 

and documentary evidence, 

tion 

stolen); 

provide best estimates of the 

. 

of forged certificates of 

number 

and endorsements in 

competency 

various categories held by: 

the 

deck officer, chief engineer, 

master, 

engineering officer, deck 

and engine rating and 

rating 

an estimate of the trend in 

make 

category and a forecast of 

each 

trends; 

future 

identify the main geographical 

. 

where the practices occur 

areas 

labour-supply countries, 

(e.g. 

countries, tradi- 

open-register 

maritime nations, developetional 

countries); 

identify the social, economic and 

. 

pressures which affect 

regulatory 

nature and extent of unlawful 

the 

practices; and 

identify the frequency and extent 

. 

which certificates of compe- 

to 

are checked by employers, 

tency 

States and port States. 

issuing 

study follows concern expressed 

The 

a number of IMO Member States 

by 

a proliferation of fraudulent 

about 

of competency, or authentic 

certificates 

reportedly issued on the 

certificates 

of forged foreign certificates, 

basis 

have been found during port 

which 

control inspections and applica- 

State 

for recognition of certificates. 

tions 

research team has conducted a 

The 

of focus-group studies and 

number 

with seafarers of various 

interviews 

education providers and 

nationalities, 

agencies. Other interviews 

maritime 

planned with seafarers, shipowners, 

are 

crewing agencies, maritime 

and international representative 

authorities 

associations. 

resolution and circular 


IMO Assembly in November 

The 

adopted resolution A.892(21) 

1999 

unlawful practices associated with 

on 

of competency and endorsements. 

certificates 

Assembly expressed deep concern 

The 

about the reported incidents of 

unlawful practices identified 

these 

port State control and en- 

during 

action taken by IMO to undertakdorsed 

research into the issue. 

resolution urges Member Governments 

The 

to take all possible steps to 

cases and to prosecute, or 

investigate 

assist in the investigation and 

to 

of, those found to be 

prosecution 

in the processing or obtain- 

involved 

of fraudulent certificates or endorsementsing 

including the holders of 

certificates or endorsements. 

such 

resolution also urges Govern- 

The 

who endorse certificates issued 

ments 

another Party to first confirm the 

by 

of the original certificate 

authenticity 

the issuing authority and to 

from 

details of the underlying 

include 

on the new document. 

certificate 

2 February 1999. The Circular 

on 

Member States and Parties to 

invites 

to report to IMO and to the 

STCW 

Administration any cases or 

relevant 

cases of fraudulent certificates, 

suspected 

to intensify efforts to eliminate 

problem, and to act under the 

the 

of the Convention, including 

terms 

of those involved, if 

prosecution 

on board are found to be 

seafarers 

International Research 

Seafarers 

(SIRC) 

Centre 

University 

Cardiff 

Park Place 

65±68 

Box 907 

PO 

CF10 3AS 

Cardiff, 

UK Wales, 

+44 (0)29 2087 6915 

Tel: 

+44 (0)29 2087 4619 

Fax: 

http://www.cf.ac.uk/uwcc/masts/ 

study is scheduled to be 

The 

in December 2000. The study 

finished 

issued MSC Circular 900 on 


certificates of competency 

fraudulent 

is intended to: 

holding fraudulent certificates. 

Further information: 

identify the main sources of 

. 

practices (e.g. indivi- 

unlawful 

manning agents, owners, 

duals, 

crime); 

organized 

23

ON FLAG STATE IMPLEMENTATION ± 8TH SESSION: 

SUB-COMMITTEE 

JANUARY 2000 

24±28 

Sub-Committee agreed on a list of 

The 

and a series of performance 

criteria 

by which flag State performance 

indicators 

could be measured when com- 

with the recommendations 

plying 

in IMO Assembly resolu- 

contained 

A.847(20), Guidelines to assist 

tions 

States in the implementation of 

flag 

instruments, and A.881(21), Selfassessment 


of flag State performance. 

A.881(21) includes a flag 

Resolution 

performance self-assessment 

State 

which is intended to be used by 

form, 

States on a voluntary basis to 

flag 

a clear picture of how well their 

obtain 

Administrations are func- 

maritime 

and to make their own assessmentioning 

of their performance as flag 

States. 

A.881(21) invites Mem- 

Resolution 

Governments to submit a copy of 

ber 

self-assessment report in order to 

their 

the establishment of a database 

enable 

would assist IMO in its efforts to 

which 

consistent and effective implementation 

achieve 

of IMO instruments. 

Secretary-General William A. 


informed the Sub-Committee 

O'Neil 

so far only seven completed and 

that 

partly completed self-assessment 

one 

had been returned. Member 

forms 

which had not done so were 

States 

to complete their forms and send 

urged 

in. them 

criteria to be used when 

following 

choose to self-assess their per- 

States 

formance: 

Legal framework and means of 

. 

maritime legislation 

promulgating 

which shall satisfy the inter- 

maritime obligations of 

national 

State. the 

Ability to demonstrate giving full 

. 

complete effect to instru- 

and 

in force to which the flag 

ments 

is a Party. 

State 

Enforcement of maritime legislation. 

. 

Responsibility for any recognized 

. 

(RO) acting on 

organization 

of the Administration, 

behalf 

authorization and mon- 

including 

of, and any corrective 

itoring 

against, the RO. 

action 

Ability to investigate the causes 

. 

personal injuries, non-com- 

of 

casualties, pollution 

pliance, 

and ability to take 

incidents 

remedial action. 

appropriate 

Ability to ensure that a ship 

. 

joined its register does not 

having 

unless it complies with 

operate 

requirements. 

applicable 

Ability to demonstrate that a 

. 

is in place to promote at all 

policy 

a safety and environmen- 

times 

working culture. 

tally-minded 

Sub-Committee additionally 

The 

a series of performance indicators 

agreed 

to be analysed against each of the 

criteria: 

above 

Accidents, casualties and inci- 

. 

reportable to the Organizatiodents 

in terms of the 

of the applicable 

requirements 

conventions. 

Accidents involving personal 

. 

leading to absence from 

injuries 

of three days or more on 

duty 

ships flying the flag of the 

board 

concerned. 

State 

Lives lost on its ships resulting 

. 

the operation of ships flying 

from 

flag. its 

Ships lost. 

. 

Pollution incidents according to 

. 

73/78 and other 

MARPOL 

instruments' reporting 

applicable 

as appropriate, 

standards, 

a measure of the ser- 

including 

of the incidents. 

iousness 

Information provided by other 

. 

under port State control 

States 

in accordance with 

procedures 

applicable Conventions. 

the 

Information provided by statu- 

. 

surveys, audits and inspectiontory 

carried out by, on behalf of, 

at the request of the flag 

and 

State. 

Compliance with communication 

. 

information requirements of 

of 

instruments, including 

mandatory 

the serious and very serious 

reportable to the Organization. 

incidents 

Actions taken against ships, flying 

. 

the flag of the State, which 

been identified as not being 

have 

compliance with the require- 

in 

of mandatory instruments, 

ments 

the effects of such 

including 

actions. 

Sub-Committee agreed a draft 

The 

circular, to include the 

MSC/MEPC 

and performance indicators, 

criteria 

and analysis 

Review 

casualty reports 

of 

Sub-Committee's Working Group 

The 

casualty analysis reviewed a report 

on 

the Correspondence Group on 

from 

Analysis on accident reports 

Casualty 

to IMO. 

submitted 

Correspondence Group ana- 

The 

41 incidents and forwarded 

lysed 

learned to the Sub-Committee 

lessons 

referral to the relevant IMO Sub- 

for 

Committees. 

particular, a number of incidents 

In 

loss of life and/or injury 

involving 

from hot work on board ships, 

arose 

the Sub-Committee on Fire Pro- 

and 

was invited to consider whether 

tection 

guidance on hot work would be 

further 

Failure to follow procedures 

necessary. 

ignorance of safe working practices 

or 

a part in several incidents. 

played 

Sub-Committee agreed on the 

The 

to present to seafarers a summary 

need 

the lessons learned from the analysis 

of 

selected casualties and their causes, 

of 

agreed to consider at its next 

and 

the best means of disseminating 

session 

information to seafarers. In the 

this 

of information to be disseminated 

case 

seafarers, the names of vessels would 

to 

State performance 

Flag 

± criteria and 

self-assessment 

performance standards agreed 

submission to the MSC and MEPC 

for 

approval. 

for 

The Sub-Committee 

agreed the 

not be identified. 

25

ON FLAG STATE IMPLEMENTATION ± 8TH SESSION: 

SUB-COMMITTEE 

JANUARY 2000 

24±28 

unreported and 

Illegal, 

fishing ± 

unregulated 

IMO/FAO working 

joint 

recommended 

group 

Sub-Committee recommended 

The 

the MSC and MEPC consider 

that 

up a joint ad hoc working 

setting 

with the United Nations Food 

group 

Agriculture Organization (FAO) 

and 

address the issue of illegal, un- 

to 

and unregulated (IUU) fishingreported 

inter-agency IMO/FAO meeting 

An 

on the issue of IUU fishing took 

at IMO in early December 1999 

place 

discuss possible means of co- 

to 

While fisheries managemenoperation. 

and conservation aspects of 

fishing came under the auspices 

IUU 

FAO, safety and pollution-preven- 

of 

matters concerning fishing vessels 

tion 

in such activities came under 

involved 

area of competence. 

IMO's 

1993 Torremolinos Protocol 

The 

for the Safety of Fishing 

Convention 

1977, has not yet entered into 

Vessels, 

but there are a number of 

force, 

in force which are applic- 

regulations 

to fishing vessels; for example, 

able 

V, relating to safety of naviga- 

chapter 

of SOLAS, Annexes I (in terms 

tion, 

discharge of oily wastes) and V 

of 

of MARPOL 73/78 and the 

(Garbage) 

Regulations. 

Collision 

group 

Correspondence 


on 

established 

Sub-Committee established a 

The 

group on certain aspects 

correspondence 

of port State control, following 

on deficiency reports, port 

discussion 

control detentions and reports 

State 

infringement of MARPOL 73/78 

on 

under the Convention). 

(mandatory 

to be considered by the 

Issues 

group include possible 

correspondence 

three countries 

in 

in three developing countries are benefiting 

Children 

sales of a book prepared by the staff of IMO. 

from 

have published a children's book entitled Little 

They 

the Brave Little Boat, the first edition of which 

'Mo, 

now been sold out. All profits from the book are 

has 

used to sponsor three children from fishing 

being 

in the Dominican Republic, Indonesia 

communities 

Sri Lanka. 

and 

'Mo was written by Mrs. Annie Kean, of 

Little 

French Translation Section, and is illustrated 

IMO's 

Mr. Paul Le Sage of the Printing Unit. It is 

by 

to illustrate the work of IMO and at the 

designed 

time show the dangers faced by the world's 

same 

It is published in English, French and 

seafarers. 

Spanish. 

second edition has been printed and is now on 

A 

All enquiries should be address to Annie Kean, 

sale. 

Union, IMO, 4 Albert Embankment, London, 

Staff 

7SR (telephone + 44 (0)20 7587 3204; e-mail 

SE1 

The book costs £4. For mail orders 

akean@imo.org). 

cost is £5 per copy within the United Kingdom; 

the 

within Europe; and £6.50 elsewhere in the world. 

£5.50 

credit cards, including Visa, American Express, 

Major 

by port States to flag States 

detentions 

mechanisms for constructive and 

and 

dialogue between flag States and 

timely 

States on port State control 

port 

circular on unscheduled 

Draft 

of ro±ro passenger 

inspections 

agreed 

ships 

Sub-Committee agreed a draft 

The 

circular on guidelines for unscheduled 

MSC 

inspections of ro±ro passen- 

ships by flag States ± intended for 

ger 

conducting unscheduled in- 

surveyors 

of ro±ro passenger ships on 

spections 

of the ship's flag State. Such 

behalf 

are in addition to surveys 

inspections 

audits required by the relevant 

and 

conventions. The unscheduled 

international 

inspection should focus on 

of an operational nature, 

aspects 

crew capabilities, which 

including 

be demonstrated by carrying 

should 

one or more emergency/safety/ 

out 

interventions. 

to the Torremolinos International 

measures to improve the reporting of 

operational procedures. 

Little 'Mo helps children 

Diners and Mastercard are accepted. 

26

external evaluation 

says 

World Maritime University is 

The 

as ``very small and quite 

described 

in many respects'' in an 

beautiful 

of the University carried 

evaluation 

by a team of eminent international 

out 

experts, appointed by the 

academic 

of European Universities, 

Association 

by its French acronym of CRE. 

known 

are delighted to receive the 

``We 

said WMU's Rector, Dr. Karl 

report,'' 

`ànd we are also very 

Laubstein, 

about its very favourable content. 

pleased 

The team's suggestions for the 

are constructive and positive, and 

future 

will base our next Strategic Plan ± 

we 

the years 2002 to 2006 ± on our 

for 

of these proposals.'' 

discussions 

has over 500 members in 39 

CRE 

countries, and was founded 

European 

1959 to promote inter-university 

in 

and co-operation throughout 

dialogue 

WMU joined the leading universities 

Europe. 

in Europe by becoming a 

of CRE in 1997. CRE also 

member 

a range of services to its members, 

offers 

focusing on advice, information 

mainly 

representation, and also, since 

and 

an external review and evaluation 

1993, 

which has so far been used by 

service, 

50 universities across Europe. 

some 

WMU Strategic Plan for the 

The 

1997±2001 calls for an external 

period 

of the University; as WMU 

evaluation 

not part of any national system, it was 

is 

as very important to obtain an 

seen 

neutral evaluation which could 

external, 

the University and its activ- 

benchmark 

ities. 

report notes that ``WMU has 

The 

remarkably well in recent years.'' 

done 

adds, ``WMU seems to us to have 

It 

a good balance of and integration 

achieved 

between sound postgraduate edu- 

and advanced practical training. 

cation 

quality of the student experience 

...The 

highly satisfactory''. 

seems 

made the initial application 

WMU 

a review by CRE in June 1998. The 

for 

had three phases; firstly, the 

process 

prepared a Self-Evaluation 

University 

which was submitted to CRE in 

Report, 

1999. The second phase was 

January 

visits to the University by the CRE 

two 

Team for intensive discussions 

Review 

several days with staff, students 

over 

other stakeholders; the visits took 

and 

in February and June 1999. The 

place 

report, which was submitted to the 

final 

in November 1999. 

University 

Auditors are senior academics 

``The 

across Europe,'' explained Dr. 

from 

``We were very pleased that 

Laubstein. 

Review Team ± Professor John 

our 

former Registrar of University 

Kelly, 

Dublin; Professor Finn Junge- 

College, 

Rector of the Copenhagen 

Jenson, 

School; Professor Ustun Ergu- 

Business 

Rector of Bogazici University in 

der, 

and Professor John Davies, 

Istanbul; 

at Anglia Polytechnic University 

Dean 

the UK ± represented such a range of 

in 

expertise and eminence.'' 

international 

CRE Auditors' Report and its 

The 

will now be considered 

recommendations 

very carefully by the University 

and by WMU's Board of 

community 

To assist in this process, the 

Governors. 

has published a volume 

University 

the Auditors' Report and 

containing 

University's Self-Evaluation Report. 

the 

volume has been produced so that 

``This 

planning process can be entirely 

our 

and involve as many stake- 

transparent, 

in the University as possible,'' 

holders 

Dr. Laubstein. 

said 

of the 

Establishment 

Maritime University 

International 

Forum 

first full meeting of the Interna- 

The 

Maritime University Forum is set 

tional 

be held in the summer of 2000. 

to 

establishment of the Forum was 

The 

at a preliminary meeting 

discussed 

by WMU in August 1999, 

hosted 

by officials from the Nippon 

attended 

(the official sponsor), Kobe 

Foundation 

of Mercantile Marine, Istan- 

University 

Technical University and WMU. 

bul 

Forum is intended to provide a 

The 

for discussion and information 

platform 

and to promote advanced 

exchange, 

education, leading to higher 

maritime 

standards in the maritime field. 

global 

other universities have now 

Four 

joined the Forum (the Arab 

also 

for Science & Technology 

Academy 

Maritime Transport; the Australian 

and 

College; the University of 

Maritime 

at Cardiff and Maine Maritime 

Wales 

Other institutes will also be 

Academy). 

to attend the summer meeting. 

invited 

to hold 11th Conference on 

IMLA 

Education and Training 

Maritime 

International Maritime Lecturers' 

The 

± IMLA ± has announced 

Association 

of its Eleventh Conference on 

details 

Education and Training, 

Maritime 

will be held at WMU from 21 

which 

25 August 2000. 

to 

theme of IMLA 11 will be 

The 

MET Issues: charting the 

Solving 

into the 21st century, and the 

course 

will be organized in co- 

conference 

with international organizationoperation 

concerned with MET and leading 

institutions world-wide. 

MET 

further information about 

For 

11, please contact Irene Rosberg 

IMLA 

WMU (Irene.Rosberg@wmu.se). 

at 

attend a preliminary meeting to discuss the establishment of the 

Participants 

Maritime University Forum. Those attending included Mr. Hiroshi 

International 

Executive Director of the Nippon Foundation; Professor Kiyoshi Hara, 

Terashima, 

of Kobe University of Mercantile Marine; Professor Osmal Kamil Sag, 

President 

of the Maritime Faculty of Istanbul Technical University; and the Rector and 

Dean 

of WMU. 

Vice-Rector 

WORLD MARITIME UNIVERSITY 

WMU is 

``small and beautiful'', 

Auditors then went on to prepare their 

27

28 January 2000, the maritime 

On 

of France, United 

Administrations 

Spain, Singapore and the 

Kingdom, 

Commission signed a Mem- 

European 

of Understanding (MOU) on 

orandum 

setting up of the Equasis informa- 

the 

system. The US Coast Guard and 

tion 

maritime Administration of Japan 

the 

expressed their intention to join 

have 

signatories, but have not yet 

the 

internal procedures for doing 

finalized 

The MOU was signed in the IMO 

so. 

in London in the presence 

Headquarters 

of IMO's Secretary-General Wil- 

O'Neil. 

liam 

will be a unique database 

Equasis 

safety-related information 

collecting 

the world's merchant fleet from 

on 

public and private sources and 

both 

it easily accessible on the 

making 

The launch of the database 

Internet. 

planned for May 2000. 

is 

in its first phase, Equasis will 

Already 

information from public 

contain 

(port State inspection and 

authorities 

information from the three 

detention 

port State control regions, 

participating 

i.e. Paris MOU, Tokyo MOU 

the US Coast Guard) and industry 

and 

(such as information on class, 

players 

participation in industry 

insurance, 

schemes and quality organi- 

inspection 

The database will, however, 

zations). 

subject to continuous improvement, 

be 

more information sources will be 

and 

after the launch of the system 

included 

proposed mechanism to ensure the 

The 

operation of Equasis is 

successful 

an internationally non-binding 

through 

agreed between a small number 

MOU 

quality-minded maritime Administrations. 

of 

The key elements of that 

be members of the Supervisory 

shall 

In addition, IMO, being 

Committee. 

main international regulator, 

the 

participate in the Committee. 

should 

role of the Committee is to supervise 

The 

the management of Equasis and 

on policy matters related to the 

decide 

and future development of 

operation 

system. After the initial trial period 

the 

maximum three years, the MOU will 

of 

amended to allow a broader range 

be 

Administrations to participate in the 

of 

system. 

Equasis 

daily management of Equasis 

The 

be carried out by a body having the 

will 

to conclude agreements on 

capacity 

of Equasis with, for example, 

behalf 

providers, users, consultants and 

data 

of IT service, staff, etc. The 

providers 

Unit should be in charge 

Management 

the daily operations of Equasis, 

of 

financial and marketing as- 

including 

It will also act as secretariat of the 

pects. 

The French maritime Ad- 

Committee. 

has offered to create a legal 

ministration 

for the Management Unit. 

structure 

Technical Unit will be in charge of 

A 

realization of the project at a 

the 

level. This function will be 

technical 

by the Centre Administratif 

performed 

Malo, which is the body currently 

Saint 

the Sirenac database for the 

managing 

MOU on Port State Control. 

Paris 

organizations providing data to 

All 

such as maritime Administrations, 

Equasis, 

classification societies, insurers' 

shipowners' organizations, 

organizations, 

commercial data providers, etc., 

be represented in a consultative 

shall 

called the Editorial Board. The 

body, 

of the Editorial Board is to advise 

task 

Management Unit on all aspects 

the 

to the best possible presentation 

related 

the available data, including aspects 

of 

quality control and up-dating. 

of 

the Editorial Board should 

Secondly, 

the Committee on policy matters 

advise 

related to the future development, 

and improvement of the 

expansion 

information system. 

Equasis 

Internet address of 

The 

will be: 

Equasis 

more information, 

For 

contact: 

please 

de Ruiter 

Willem 

of Division 

Head 

Safety Unit 

Maritime 

Commission 

European 

+32-2-296 8265 

phone 

+32-2-296 9066 

fax: 

News is the magazine of the International 


Organization. The opinions expressed 

Maritime 

not necessarily those of IMO and the inclusion 

are 

an advertisement implies no endorsement of any 

of 

by IMO of the product or service advertised. 

kind 

contents may be reproduced free of charge on 

The 

that acknowledgement is given to 

condition 

News. Editorial correspondence should be 


to: The Editor, IMO News, International 

addressed 

Organization, 4 Albert Embankment, 

Maritime 

SE1 7SR, United Kingdom 

London 

info@imo.org). 

(E-mail: 

correspondence should be addressed 

Advertising 

the Advertising Department at the same address 

to 

020 7735 7611, fax: 020 7587 3241). 

(tel: 

allow at least ten weeks from receipt at IMO 

Please 

additions to, deletions from or changes in the 

for 

list. 

mailing 

in the United Kingdom by IMO. 

Printed 

# IMO 2000. Pub. 432/00. 

Copyright 

Equasis agreement signed 

The Equasis agreement is signed. 

Structure 

http://www.equasis.org 

structure are: 

organizational 

parties to the Equasis MOU 

The 

Information 

Visit IMO's website: http://www.imo.org. 

des Affaires Maritimes (CAAM) in 

in May 2000. 

28

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