- EMSA has unveiled guidelines for ship inspections by the Port States in accordance with regulations.
- The guidelines are expected to normalize implementation and enforcement of the provisions.
- Ships falling under the scope are expected to have on board an Inventory Certificate (IC) or Ready for Recycling Certificate (RfRC).
- Detailed inspection to be carried out by port State control where a ship does not carry a valid certificate.
- Ships may be warned, detained, dismissed or excluded if it fails to submit to the relevant documents.
The European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) has issued Guidance on Inspections of Ships by the Port States in Accordance with Regulation (EU) 1257/2013 on Ship Recycling, says a press release issued by Maritime Shipping Directorate in their website.
Smooth implementation of regulations
The overarching aim of the Guidance is to ensure harmonized implementation and enforcement of the provisions of the Ship Recycling Regulation and of the Port State Control Directive.
Ship Recycling Regulation obligations
The Directorate takes this opportunity to remind all concerned of the relevant obligations under the Ship Recycling Regulation, including as outlined in Merchant Shipping Notice147.In particular, ships falling under the scope of the Regulation are expected to have on board an Inventory Certificate (IC) (existing ships as from 31 December 2020) or a Ready for Recycling Certificate (RfRC),as applicable.
Inventory certificate regulations
In accordance with Article 10(2) of the Regulation, an IC ceases to be valid if the condition of the ship does not correspond substantially with the particulars of the IC, including where Part I of the Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM) has not been properly maintained and updated, reflecting changes in ship structure and equipment,taking into account the relevant IMO guidelines. An IC also ceases to be valid where the renewal survey is not completed within intervals not exceeding five years.In accordance with Article 10(4) of the Regulation, a RfRC ceases to be valid where the condition of the ship does not correspond substantially with the particulars of the certificate.It is the responsibility of all concerned to ensure that all certificates are properly completed and signed.
Rules for admission
A detailed inspection may be carried out by port State control where a ship does not carry a valid certificate,or there are clear grounds for believing: either that the condition of the ship or its equipment does not correspond substantially with the particulars of that certificate and/or Part I of the IHM;or that there is no procedure implemented on board the ship for the maintenance of Part I of the IHM.
Rules for denial
A ship may be warned, detained, dismissed or excluded from the ports or offshore terminals under the jurisdiction of a Member State if it fails to submit to the relevant authorities of that Member State a copy of the ICor the RfRC, as appropriate and on request of those authorities.
The cooperation of all parties is hereby solicited to ensure the uninterrupted operations of Maltese ships.
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Source: MaltaTransport
