Name of Cadet/Cadette: Domiquil, Jerry Course, Year and Sections: BSMT 2C

Technical Instructor: Capt. Eusebio Planada Activity name: Write an essay test about the
history and importance of maritime law.

Online Questions: Introduction to Maritime Ship Certificates

What is the purpose of maritime ship certificates? Discuss their importance in ensuring safety and
regulatory compliance in the shipping industry.

1. Explain the concept of Flag State and the role it plays in issuing and regulating maritime ship
certificates. Discuss the responsibilities and obligations of Flag States in relation to ship
certification.

In maritime industry the flag state insures the overall flow of passage of any vessel, they
regulates all the necessary means when it comes to rules and regulations. Flag States are like
guardians of ship safety. They give out certificates, like the Safety Management Certificate and
International Ship Security Certificate, to show ships follow safety rules. They check ships to
make sure they’re safe, eco-friendly, and good for the crew. Flag States also make sure ships
follow worldwide rules from groups like the International Maritime Organization. If there’s an
accident, they investigate and fix problems. This keeps their reputation strong and helps ships be
safe and eco-friendly worldwide.

2. Differentiate between mandatory and voluntary ship certificates. Provide examples of each and
explain their respective purposes and requirements.

There are institution that provides a guidelines on what are the needs of a vessel, specially when
it comes to certification and legality of a vessel to comply with the rules. The certificates enable
every ships to insure the safety of the vessel, crew and the environment, but there is also
voluntary certificates that a shipping companies can provide. Mandatory ship certificates, like
the Load Line or Pollution Prevention Certificates, are must-haves, legally proving a ship follows
safety and eco rules. They’re essential for a ship to sail legally. Voluntary ship certificates, like the
Green Passport or ISM Code Document, aren’t required by law but show a ship’s dedication to
 top standards. They boost a ship’s reputation and appeal to the market, even if they’re not
obligatory. Whether it is mandatory or not, the main purpose of it is for the vessel to comply
with all the necessary needs that helps to lessen and prevent any casualties that could affect the
crew and management itself.

3. Discuss the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and its impact on
maritime ship certification. Explain the key SOLAS certificates that ships are required to obtain
and the safety measures they represent.

The SOLAS is established refers to the safety of life at sea, this is one of the main branch of IMO
that sets all the rules and regulations for all international vessel that part of the organizations.
SOLAS, the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, is a vital treaty shaping ship
safety worldwide. It profoundly impacts ship certification. Notably, ships must obtain certificates
like the Safety Management Certificate (SMC) and International Ship Security Certificate (ISSC) to
demonstrate their commitment to SOLAS safety and security standards. These certificates are a
guarantee of vessel safety, crew well-being, and global maritime security.

4. What is the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, and how does it relate to
ship certification? Discuss the ISPS certificates that ships must possess and their significance in
enhancing maritime security.

The International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code is a set of rules to make ships and
ports safer from security threats, like terrorism. It connects with ship certification because ships
need two certificates: the Ship Security Certificate (SSC) and the International Ship Security
Certificate (ISSC). These certificates show that ships follow ISPS rules and help keep our seas and
ports secure by preventing security risks. To sum it all up, ISPS provides and ensure the safety of
the vessel, it is one of necessary certificates that the IMO sets, for safer and secure voyage of
ship worldwide.

5. Explain the purpose and importance of the International Oil Pollution Prevention (IOPP)
Certificate. Discuss the requirements and measures ships must comply with to obtain and
maintain this certificate.

The IOPP certificates is for tanker vessel, this essential to stop ships from polluting
the sea with oil. It makes sure ships have plans to prevent oil spills and follow
environmental rules. To get and keep this certificate, ships must do three
things: make a plan to prevent oil spills, use good oil filters, and let inspectors
check if everything's okay. This certificate is crucial because it keeps our
oceans clean and healthy and makes sure ships do the right things to protect
our environment.
6. Analyze the role of the International Air Pollution Prevention (IAPP) Certificate in addressing
environmental concerns in the shipping industry. Discuss the emission limits and measures that
ships must adhere to for IAPP certification.

When it comes to Air Pollution, there are also specified certification for preventing carbon
emissions through the air, it ensures that every vessel must have a certificate for prevention of
contaminants trough the air, in more simple way, the IMO wants to have an eco friendly
environment for every vessel, this would be a big benefit on fighting what we call Global
Warming. The International Air Pollution Prevention (IAPP) Certificate is crucial for reducing air
pollution from ships. It makes sure ships follow strict rules to limit emissions that harm the
environment. To get this certificate, ships must:

1. Follow emission Limits: Ships can't emit too much pollution, like sulphur oxides (SOx)
and nitrogen oxides (NOx). Rules like MARPOL Annex VI control sulfur in ship fuel.

2. Use Cleaner Fuels or Tech: Ships can use cleaner fuels or technology like scrubbers to
reduce emissions.

3. Monitor and Report: Ships must track and report their emissions to show they follow the
rules.

Port Inspections: Ports check if ships meet these rules when they enter.

7. Discuss the significance of the International Load Line Certificate in ensuring the stability and
safety of ships. Explain how load lines are determined and the regulatory framework governing
load line requirements.

When it comes to safety of the vessel, a certification is also applied. The stability and smooth
running of vessel is ensured through International Load Line Certificate. The International
Load Line Certificate is crucial for ship safety. It shows how much cargo a ship
can carry safely, avoiding instability and sinking. Load lines depend on ship
design, buoyancy, and factors like seasons and water type. This prevents
submerging and cargo problems. The rules, led by the IMO under the Load
Line Convention, split the world into zones, each with its load line rules. Ships
get checked, marked, and certified for following these rules. Regular updates
keep up with safety changes, protecting ships, crews, and the environment.

8. Explain the purpose and requirements of the International Tonnage Certificate (ITC). Discuss how
tonnage is measured and the implications of obtaining an ITC for a ship.

This certification is also one of the important things to be considered in terms of stability and
safety of the vessel, this guides the right tonnage to be put in any vessel. The International
Tonnage Certificate (ITC) ensures that a ship’s size is measured consistently worldwide. It’s
 important for fair port fees, safety, and the environment. There are two types: ITC69 for older
ships and ITC69/90 for newer ones. Tonnage is like the ship’s size, not its weight. It’s figured out
using special math, mainly Gross Tonnage (GT) and Net Tonnage (NT), showing how big the ship
is and how much cargo it can carry. Having an ITC is vital because it follows global rules, helps
with port costs, and proves the ship is safe and eco-friendly, affecting how well it operates and
makes money.

9. Discuss the significance of the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code and the
related Dangerous Goods Certificate. Explain the regulations and safety measures ships must
comply with when carrying dangerous goods.

The International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code is vital for safely transporting
hazardous materials by sea. It ensures that dangerous goods are packed, labeled, and stowed
correctly, reducing risks to ships, crews, and the environment. Ships carrying such goods need a
Dangerous Goods Certificate, confirming their compliance. Regulations include proper
packaging, labeling, and placarding of hazardous cargo. Ships must have trained personnel,
safety equipment, and emergency plans. These measures prevent accidents and pollution,
safeguarding lives and the ocean. The IMDG Code and the certificate are essential for global
safety when transporting dangerous goods by sea.

10. What is the Maritime Labour Certificate (MLC), and why is it important for ships? Discuss the
requirements and provisions of the MLC in ensuring decent working and living conditions for
seafarers.

The Maritime Labour Certificate (MLC) stands as a crucial international agreement established by
the International Labour Organization (ILO) to protect the rights and welfare of seafarers. It
establishes guidelines for ensuring suitable working and living conditions aboard ships,
encompassing equitable pay, reasonable work hours, and safe surroundings. Additionally, it
encompasses provisions related to health, safety, crew quarters, sustenance, and medical
assistance. The MLC is instrumental in guaranteeing equitable and dignified treatment of
seafarers, furthering their physical and mental well-being during extended journeys. It remains
essential for the maritime sector to uphold human rights while nurturing a skilled and motivated
workforce.

11. Explain the purpose and features of the International Ship Security Certificate (ISSC). Discuss the
security measures and procedures ships must comply with to obtain and maintain an ISSC.
The International Ship Security Certificate (ISSC) serves the crucial role of ensuring maritime
security. It confirms that a ship complies with international security standards outlined in the
International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code. To obtain and keep an ISSC, ships must
implement security measures such as access control, surveillance, and security training for crew.
They also conduct security drills and risk assessments regularly. The ISSC helps safeguard against
 security threats like terrorism, piracy, and unauthorized access, making global shipping safer for
goods and people. It's a vital tool in maintaining security in the maritime industry.

12. Discuss the significance of the International Anti-Fouling System (AFS) Certificate in preventing
marine pollution. Explain the requirements and measures ships must meet to obtain and retain
an AFS Certificate.

The International Anti-Fouling System (AFS) Certificate is vital for safeguarding our oceans from
pollution. This certificate ensures that ships apply eco-friendly coatings on their hulls to prevent
harmful marine organism growth. To obtain and retain this certificate, ships must adhere to
guidelines that involve using approved, non-hazardous coatings and keeping their hulls well-
maintained. By doing this, they prevent toxic substances from entering the ocean, thus safeguarding
marine ecosystems. The AFS Certificate plays a crucial role in reducing pollution and preserving the
overall well-being of our seas, helping to maintain the delicate balance of marine life.

13. Analyze the role of the International Management Code for the Safe Operation of Ships and for
Pollution Prevention (ISM Code) in ship certification. Discuss the requirements and
responsibilities of ship management companies to obtain and maintain an ISM Code
certification.

The ISM Code, or International Management Code for Safe Operation of Ships and Pollution
Prevention, plays a crucial role in maritime safety. Ship management companies must adhere to its
guidelines, which involve establishing robust safety protocols, offering crew training, and conducting
frequent assessments. By complying with these standards, companies not only obtain but also
maintain ISM Code certification, helping to minimize the potential for accidents and environmental
harm while promoting responsible and safe ship operations.

14. Explain the purpose and requirements of the International Ballast Water Management (BWM)
Certificate. Discuss the measures and technologies ships must adopt to prevent the spread of
invasive aquatic species.

The International Ballast Water Management (BWM) Certificate is like a permission slip for ships. Its
purpose is to make sure ships don't spread harmful aquatic critters when they release or take in
ballast water (used for balance). To get this certificate, ships need to use special systems or
treatments that remove or kill these critters. It's important because invasive species can harm local
ecosystems when they travel in ballast water. So, the certificate ensures ships use the right
technology to protect our waters from invaders.

Note: When using these questions for an online quiz or assessment, it is advisable to provide multiple-
choice options or request brief written responses from participants.