MARITIME STATUTORY

In the maritime context, especially when studying SOLAS, MARPOL, and other IMO instruments,
understanding the difference between the regulation, convention, annex, and chapter is essential.

Here’s a clear breakdown:

� 1. Convention

• Definition: A formal international agreement between countries under the IMO (International
Maritime Organization) that sets legal frameworks for maritime safety, pollution prevention,
training, etc.

• Example:

o SOLAS – Safety of Life at Sea

o MARPOL – Marine Pollution

o STCW – Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping

A Convention is the top-level treaty. Countries (flag states) ratify it and agree to follow its rules.

� 2. Annex

• Definition: A subdivision within a convention that covers a specific subject or theme.

• Mostly used in MARPOL (not SOLAS).

• Each Annex can be optional (a country may ratify the convention but not all annexes).
• Example (MARPOL):

o Annex I – Oil Pollution

o Annex II – Noxious Liquid Substances

o Annex VI – Air Pollution

Think of annexes as “books” in a law library — each focusing on a specific topic.

� 3. Chapter

• Definition: A division within a convention or annex, which breaks it down further into organized
themes.

• Each chapter contains multiple regulations.

• Used in SOLAS, STCW, Annexes of MARPOL, etc.

• Example (SOLAS):

o Chapter II-1 – Construction – Subdivision and Stability

o Chapter III – Life-saving appliances

o Chapter V – Safety of Navigation

Chapters are like “chapters in a book”, grouping similar regulations together.

� 4. Regulation
 • Definition: A specific rule or requirement contained within a chapter.

• It is the actual legal clause you must follow.

• Usually cited as: Chapter III, Regulation 19 (means: regulation 19 in Chapter III of SOLAS).

• Example:
o SOLAS Chapter III, Regulation 19: Emergency training and drills

o MARPOL Annex I, Regulation 33: Discharges of oil prohibited

Regulations are the actual laws or standards you comply with onboard.

� SOLAS

SOLAS (1974, with Protocol 1988) is the most important international treaty ensuring ship safety,
administered by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

It lays down minimum safety standards in construction, equipment, and operation of merchant ships.

Here is a detailed explanation of each chapter of the SOLAS Convention (1974, as amended), presented
individually, covering what each chapter includes, its key requirements, and relevant certificates or
documentation.

� Chapter I – General Provisions

This chapter lays the foundation of the SOLAS Convention. It defines:

• Scope and applicability (apply to ships on international voyages)

• Definitions of ship types
• Survey and certification requirements by flag states
• Responsibilities of governments and recognized organizations (ROs)

It establishes that ships must be surveyed at regular intervals to ensure compliance with SOLAS, and
defines:

• Initial, periodic, renewal, and intermediate surveys

Certificates Issued:

• Passenger Ship Safety Certificate

• Cargo Ship Safety Construction Certificate
• Cargo Ship Safety Equipment Certificate
• Cargo Ship Safety Radio Certificate

� Chapter II-1 – Construction: Subdivision and Stability, Machinery and Electrical

Installations
This chapter focuses on ensuring a ship’s structural integrity and survivability in damage conditions. It
sets rules for:

• Watertight subdivision (compartmentalization of the hull)

• Intact and damage stability calculations
• Requirements for steering gears, bilge systems, power supplies, and engine room installations

It ensures the ship remains stable and afloat after sustaining flooding.

Documentation:

• Stability booklet
• Damage stability calculations
• Included in Safety Construction Certificate

� Chapter II-2 – Fire Protection, Fire Detection, and Fire Extinction

This chapter covers fire safety for all ships, prescribing:

• Structural fire protection (e.g., fire-resistant bulkheads)

• Fire detection and alarm systems
• Firefighting systems and equipment (fixed CO₂, sprinklers, water mist, etc.)
• Escape routes and fire drills

Special rules apply to Ro-Ro ships, tankers, and passenger vessels, with additional requirements for
smoke control and fire insulation.

Documents:

• Fire Control Plan

• Fire drills and training records
• Included in Safety Equipment Certificate

� Chapter III – Life-Saving Appliances and Arrangements

Defines minimum standards for:

• Life rafts, lifeboats, life jackets, and man overboard systems

• Number and type of life-saving appliances based on ship type and tonnage
• Crew training, muster lists, and abandon ship drills
• Maintenance and servicing intervals for all LSA

LSA requirements are standardized as per the LSA Code.

Documents:

• LSA Inventory
• LSA maintenance log
 • Included in Safety Equipment Certificate

� Chapter IV – Radio Communications

Requires all ships ≥300 GT on international voyages to comply with GMDSS (Global Maritime Distress
and Safety System).

Mandates:

• Radio equipment (MF/HF/VHF)

• NAVTEX receivers
• Satellite communication (Inmarsat or equivalent)
• Watchkeeping schedules and distress alerting

Applies to all seagoing ships ≥300 GT on international voyages.

Certificates:

• Cargo Ship Safety Radio Certificate

• GMDSS operator license
• Radio logbook

� Chapter V – Safety of Navigation

This chapter applies to all vessels, not just SOLAS ships.

Covers:

• Bridge navigational watch procedures

• Voyage planning and passage plan approval
• Requirements for ECDIS, radar, AIS, BNWAS, magnetic and gyro compasses
• Bridge Resource Management (BRM)
• Meteorological information and weather routing

Emphasizes the master's responsibility and the need for proper record keeping and updates to navigational
charts.

� Chapter VI – Carriage of Cargoes and Oil Fuels

Ensures safety in loading, securing, and transporting cargoes, including:

• Stability during cargo operations

• Stowage, lashing, and securing arrangements
• Handling of bulk cargoes, grain, and oil fuels
• Compliance with IMSBC and Grain Code

Mandatory use of:

 • Cargo Securing Manuals
• Loading manuals
• Stability documentation

� Chapter VII – Carriage of Dangerous Goods

Requires ships carrying dangerous goods to:

• Comply with the IMDG Code

• Prepare a dangerous goods manifest
• Train crew in hazardous materials handling
• Provide fire protection measures specific to dangerous cargoes

Special rules apply to:

• Tankers (chemical, gas, oil)

• Explosive or radioactive cargo

Certificate:

• Document of Compliance for the Carriage of Dangerous Goods

� Chapter VIII – Nuclear Ships

Applies to ships powered by nuclear propulsion.

Covers:

• Design safety standards

• Radioactivity containment
• Special crew training
• National and international approvals

Rarely used and only applies to a few naval and research vessels.

� Chapter IX – Management for the Safe Operation of Ships (ISM Code)

Introduces the International Safety Management (ISM) Code, which aims to ensure:

• Safe operation of ships

• Pollution prevention
• A structured and documented Safety Management System (SMS)

Responsibilities lie with the Company (shipowner/operator).

Certificates:

• Document of Compliance (DoC) for the company

 • Safety Management Certificate (SMC) for the ship

Audited every 2–5 years by Flag State or RO (Class).

� Chapter X – Safety Measures for High-Speed Craft

Applies to HSC such as:

• Fast ferries
• Jet catamarans
• Surface effect ships

Must comply with the High-Speed Craft Code (1994 & 2000 editions), which requires:

• Special stability, evacuation, and fire safety provisions

• Crew training and drills for high-speed manoeuvring

Certificate:

• High-Speed Craft Safety Certificate

� Chapter XI-1 – Special Measures to Enhance Maritime Safety

Strengthens safety by introducing:

• Ship Identification Numbers

• Continuous Synopsis Record (CSR) for tracing ship history
• Enhanced surveys (including bulkhead/structural inspection)

Enables port state control (PSC) to verify compliance.

� Chapter XI-2 – Special Measures to Enhance Maritime Security (ISPS Code)

Implements the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code to prevent maritime terrorism.

Requires:

• Ship Security Plan (SSP)

• Ship Security Officer (SSO)
• Security equipment (door sensors, CCTV)
• Threat level alerts (MARSEC Levels)

Certificate:

• International Ship Security Certificate (ISSC)

� Chapter XII – Additional Safety Measures for Bulk Carriers

Focuses on older or heavily loaded bulk carriers that are prone to hull failure.

Requires:

• Strengthening of transverse bulkheads

• Additional steel plating in cargo holds
• Load-dependent surveys and inspections

Applies to bulk carriers >150m in length.

� Chapter XIII – Verification of Compliance

This chapter establishes the IMO Member State Audit Scheme (IMSAS) to verify that flag states are
implementing IMO instruments properly.

Audits cover:

• Surveys
• Flag State control
• PSC records

No ship-level action but affects national shipping registries.

� Chapter XIV – Safety Measures for Ships Operating in Polar Waters

Introduces Polar Code for ships in Arctic/Antarctic regions.

Requires:

• Ice-class certification
• Enhanced survival equipment
• Cold climate machinery & insulation
• Crew training for polar operations

Certificate:

• Polar Ship Certificate

� Chapter XV – Safety Measures for Ships Carrying Industrial Personnel (Effective

July 2024)

Covers ships carrying more than 12 industrial personnel (e.g., offshore technicians).

Key points:
 • Design and safety measures for transit and working operations
• Stability, lifesaving, and emergency arrangements
• Specific certification and crewing requirements

Certificate:

• Industrial Personnel Safety Certificate

� Recent and Upcoming SOLAS Amendments (2024–2026)

Effective
Topic Amendment
Date
Enhanced requirements for fire safety on Ro-Ro passenger
Fire Safety (Chapter: II-2) 1 Jan 2026
ships (sprinkler coverage, detection)
Chapter V - ECDIS / Nav Clarifications on passage planning, ECDIS updates, bridge
1 Jan 2026
Systems alert management
Chapter III – Life-Saving More detailed requirements for testing and maintenance of
1 Jan 2024
Appliances lifeboats and release gear
New Chapter XV – Industrial Safety measures for ships carrying >12 industrial personnel
1 July 2024
Personnel (e.g., wind farms)
Regular updates on lifeboat drills, fire dampers, damage
Unified Interpretations Ongoing
stability criteria

� MARPOL
Here is a comprehensive and detailed explanation of MARPOL (The International Convention for the
Prevention of Pollution from Ships) — structured Annex by Annex, including key requirements,
certificates, and latest amendments:

MARPOL 73/78 is the main international convention aimed at preventing pollution from ships – both
accidental and from routine operations. It was adopted in 1973 and modified by the 1978 Protocol.

MARPOL applies to all ships, regardless of size or type, and has six technical annexes, each targeting a
specific pollutant.

� Annex I – Regulations for the Prevention of Pollution by Oil

� Key Focus:

• Pollution by oil and oily mixtures from machinery spaces and cargo areas (e.g., tankers)
• Sets discharge criteria and prohibits oil discharge within special areas (like the Mediterranean,
Baltic, Red Sea)

🛠🛠 Requirements:
 • Oil filtering equipment (15 ppm OWS)
• Sludge and bilge water management
• Double hulls for oil tankers
• Oil discharge monitoring equipment (ODME) for tankers

� Key Documents:

• Oil Record Book (ORB) – Part I (Machinery), Part II (Cargo)

• International Oil Pollution Prevention Certificate (IOPP)
• Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plan (SOPEP)
• Garbage Management Plan (linked to sludge control)

� Recent Updates:

• IMO Resolution MEPC.376(80): Updates to discharge limits and definitions (effective 2025)
• Enhanced sludge tank size guidance for new ships

� Annex II – Control of Pollution by Noxious Liquid Substances (NLS) in Bulk

� Key Focus:

• Chemical tankers carrying NLS in bulk

• Categorizes substances into 4 groups: Category X, Y, Z, and OS

🛠🛠 Requirements:

• Prewash and discharge criteria

• Dedicated cargo piping/tank cleaning
• Cargo unloading control

� Key Documents:

• Cargo Record Book

• International Pollution Prevention Certificate for the Carriage of Noxious Liquid Substances
(NLS Certificate)
• Procedures and Arrangements (P&A) Manual

� Recent Updates:

• GESAMP lists updated periodically

• E-submission of NLS cargo data in port call records is becoming mandatory in some jurisdictions

� Annex III – Prevention of Pollution by Harmful Substances in Packaged Form

� Key Focus:

• Covers harmful substances carried in packaged form, including containers, portable tanks, and road
tankers on Ro-Ro ships.

🛠🛠 Requirements:

• Packaging, labelling, and documentation must comply with the IMDG Code
 • Ship must have a list of dangerous goods on board
• Stowage requirements must be followed for segregation

� Key Documents:

• IMDG Code compliance documentation

• Dangerous goods manifest
• Shipboard stowage plan

� Recent Updates:

• IMDG Code updates every 2 years (latest: Amendment 41-22 became mandatory Jan 2024)

� Annex IV – Prevention of Pollution by Sewage from Ships

� Key Focus:

• Sewage discharge from passenger ships, cargo ships ≥400 GT, or ships certified to carry >15 persons

🛠🛠 Requirements:

• Ships must have sewage treatment plants, commutated discharge systems, or holding tanks
• Prohibition of untreated sewage discharge within 12 nautical miles of shore

� Key Documents:

• International Sewage Pollution Prevention Certificate (ISPPC)

• Sewage Management Plan (usually integrated into Garbage Mgmt. Plan)
• Sewage Record Book (where required)

� Recent Updates:

• Baltic Sea Special Area enforcement began for new ships in 2019 and for existing ships in 2021 for
passenger vessels
• Discussions on greywater regulation inclusion under Annex IV (under IMO review)

� Annex V – Prevention of Pollution by Garbage from Ships

� Key Focus:

• Discharge of all types of garbage, including food waste, plastics, dunnage, cooking oil, incinerator
ash, cargo residues

🛠🛠 Requirements:

• Complete prohibition on plastic discharge

• Food waste discharge allowed >12 NM from shore (with maceration)
• Special rules for cargo residues (non-HME vs HME substances)
� Key Documents:

• Garbage Management Plan

• Garbage Record Book (Part I – All Ships; Part II – for ships carrying solid bulk cargoes)
• Placards on garbage discharge rules displayed onboard

� Recent Updates:

• IMO Circular MEPC.1/Circ.810: Revised guidelines for garbage record keeping

• Mandatory classification of HME (Harmful to Marine Environment) substances by shippers

� Annex VI – Prevention of Air Pollution from Ships

� Key Focus:

• Control of air emissions from ships: Sox, NOx, PM, ODS, VOCs, and GHGs

🛠🛠 Requirements:

• Fuel Sulphur limits:

o 0.5% globally
o 0.1% in Emission Control Areas (ECAs) like North Sea, Baltic Sea, California, etc.
• Tier I, II, III NOx emission standards for marine diesel engines (based on ship build date & engine
power)
• Mandatory Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) for new ships
• Mandatory Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP) for all ships
• Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) ratings for ships ≥5000 GT (as of Jan 2023)

� Key Documents:

• International Air Pollution Prevention Certificat (IAPP)

• Engine International Air Pollution Prevention Certificate (EIAPP) for engines ≥130 kW
• Bunker Delivery Notes (BDNs)
• Fuel changeover procedure (for ECA entry)
• SEEMP Part I (ship level), Part II (company level), Part III (CII implementation)
• CII Statement of Compliance

� Recent Updates:

• CII and EEXI mandatory from Jan 2023 (under MARPOL Annex VI Chapter 4)
• IMO DCS (Data Collection System) continues for GHG tracking
� Summary of Certificates under MARPOL
Certificate Annex
International Oil Pollution Prevention Certificate (IOPP) Annex I
International Pollution Prevention Certificate for NLS Annex II
Certificate of Fitness for Chemical/Gas Tankers Annex II
International Sewage Pollution Prevention Certificate (ISPPC) Annex IV
International Air Pollution Prevention Certificate (IAPP) Annex VI
Engine IAPP (EIAPP) Annex VI
International Energy Efficiency Certificate (IEEC) Annex VI
Statement of Compliance for IMO DCS/CII Annex VI

� Special Areas and ECAs under MARPOL

Special Areas have stricter discharge restrictions due to environmental sensitivity.

Annex Special Areas

Annex I Mediterranean, Red Sea, Gulf, Baltic, Antarctic, Black Sea, etc.
Annex IV Baltic Sea (passenger ships)
Annex V Wider Caribbean, Baltic, North Sea, Red Sea, etc.
Annex VI ECAs: North America, US Caribbean, North Sea, Baltic Sea

� STCW

Here’s a detailed and structured explanation of STCW (Standards of Training, Certification, and
Watchkeeping for Seafarers) — broken down by each regulation section, including mandatory codes,
certifications, training requirements, and the latest amendments.

� STCW Convention Overview

The STCW Convention (originally adopted in 1978, revised in 1995, and amended significantly in 2010 –
Manila Amendments) sets minimum international standards for:

• Training
• Certification
• Watchkeeping

It applies to all seafarers on seagoing ships, except warships, fishing vessels, and pleasure yachts not
engaged in trade.

It includes two parts:

1. The Convention – legal framework (binding)

2. The STCW Code – technical details (Part A: mandatory, Part B: recommended)
� Chapter I – General Provisions

Key Content:

• Definitions and scope of application

• Responsibilities of Parties, flag States, and training institutes
• Requirements for issuance, revalidation, and recognition of certificates
• Format and validity of certificates (typically 5 years)
• Medical fitness standards for seafarers

Key Certificates:

• Certificate of Competency (CoC) for officers

• Certificate of Proficiency (CoP) for ratings and specialized duties

� Chapter II – Master and Deck Department

Covers:

• Minimum standards for watchkeeping, training, and certification for:

o Masters
o Chief Mates
o Deck Officers
o Ratings (supporting navigational watch)

Required Competencies:

• Navigation, cargo handling, stability, maritime law, bridge team management

• Use of ECDIS, GMDSS, RADAR, ARPA
• Emergency response & leadership

Key Certifications:

• CoC – Master, Chief Mate, OOW Deck

• GMDSS General Operator Certificate
• CoP – Ratings forming part of navigational watch

� Chapter III – Engine Department

Covers:

• Training and watchkeeping standards for:

o Chief Engineer
o Second Engineer
o OOW Engine
o Engine Ratings

Required Competencies:
 • Marine engineering systems
• Machinery operations and maintenance
• Electrical, electronic and control systems
• Emergency procedures, bunkering, pollution prevention

Key Certifications:

• CoC – Chief Engineer, Second Engineer, OOW Engine

• CoP – Ratings forming part of engine room watch
• High Voltage Safety (≥1000V)

� Chapter IV – Radio Communications and GMDSS

Covers:

• Training for radio personnel on ships fitted with GMDSS

Required Competencies:

• Operating VHF/MF/HF equipment

• Satellite communications
• Sending distress and safety signals
• Maintenance of radio logs

Key Certificates:

• GMDSS General Operator Certificate (GOC)

• GMDSS Restricted Operator Certificate (ROC) (for domestic voyages)

� Chapter V – Special Training for Certain Ship Types

Covers:

• Tankers (Oil, Chemical, Gas)

• RO-RO Passenger Ships
• High-Speed Craft (HSC)
• Ships in Polar Waters (linked to Polar Code)

Training Types:

1. Basic training for all tanker crew

2. Advanced training for officers on tankers

Certificates:

• CoP in Basic Oil/Chemical/Gas Tanker Operations

• CoP in Advanced Tanker Operations
• Passenger Ship Crowd Management / Crisis Management
• Polar Code Training (Basic / Advanced)
� Chapter VI – Emergency, Occupational Safety, Medical Care & Survival Functions

Covers mandatory safety training for all seafarers.

Mandatory Courses:

1. Basic Safety Training (BST) – 5 elements:

o Personal Survival Techniques
o Fire Prevention and Firefighting
o Elementary First Aid
o Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (PSSR)
o Proficiency in Security Awareness
2. Advanced Training (for relevant ranks):
o Advanced Firefighting
o Medical First Aid / Medical Care
o Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats (PSCRB)
o Fast Rescue Boats (FRB)
o Designated Security Duties (DSD)
o Ship Security Officer (SSO)

Certificates:

• CoP in BST (valid 5 years)

• CoP in PSCRB, Advanced Firefighting, Medical Care, etc.
• Security Certificates (SSO, DSD, PSA)

� Chapter VII – Alternative Certification

Provides flexibility for combined or alternative certification paths for:

• Smaller ships
• Integrated engine and deck functions (like EOOW/Deck on tugs or offshore vessels)

Generally implemented nationally based on operational requirements.

� Chapter VIII – Watchkeeping

Covers:

• Watchkeeping arrangements and principles for Deck, Engine, and Radio watches
• Fatigue management
• Work-rest hour limits (minimum 10 hours rest in 24h; 77 hours rest in 7 days)
• Keeping bridge and engine logs

Requires companies to maintain:

• Work/Rest hour records

 • Watch schedules posted in crew mess or near bridge/engine control room

� Key STCW Updates – Manila Amendments (2010)

Implemented globally since 2012, these changes modernized training:

Update Impact
Mandatory for management-level
New training in Leadership & Teamwork
officers
PSA, DSD, SSO mandatory under
Security Training introduced
ISPS
Mandatory Refresher Training every 5 years For BST, PSCRB, Firefighting
Competency in ECDIS, High Voltage, Bridge/Engine Resource Essential for deck and engine
Management officers
Mandatory for electricians on large
Introduction of Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) certification
ships

� STCW Certification Summary

Certificate Who Needs It Validity

5 years (with
Certificate of Competency (CoC) Deck/Engine Officers
revalidation)
Ratings, special skills (e.g.,
Certificate of Proficiency (CoP) 5 years
PSCRB)
GMDSS GOC / ROC Radio Operators 5 years
Basic Safety Training All seafarers 5 years
Advanced Firefighting / Medical Care /
Officers 5 years
PSCRB
Polar Code Training Officers navigating polar waters Valid per course
Security Training (PSA, DSD, SSO) All crew (varying levels) 5 years

� How to Comply with STCW Onboard

• Keep a training matrix for all crew

• Post watch schedules and work-rest hour posters
• Maintain training records, refresher logs, and medical certificates
• Ensure all certificates are valid and up to date

� 1. Load Line Convention (LL) – International Convention on Load Lines, 1966 (as
amended)

� Purpose:
The Load Line Convention establishes the minimum permissible freeboard and regulates how deeply a
ship may be loaded to ensure sufficient reserve buoyancy and stability.

It protects ships from overloading in different sea conditions and climatic zones.

� Scope:

Applies to:

• All ships ≥24 metres on international voyages

• Excludes warships, fishing vessels, yachts not in commercial service

� Key Concepts:

1. Freeboard – Vertical distance from the waterline to the deck line.

2. Plimsoll Mark – A visible marking midship showing loading limits.
3. Deck Line – A horizontal line amidships from which freeboard is measured.
4. Load Line Marks – Indicate limits based on water density and seasons:
o TF – Tropical Fresh Water
o F – Fresh Water
o T – Tropical
o S – Summer
o W – Winter
o WNA – Winter North Atlantic (extra freeboard)

� Surveys & Certification:

• Initial survey during construction

• Annual survey by Class/Flag
• Renewal survey every 5 years

� Certificate:

• International Load Line Certificate (ILLC)

o States minimum freeboard, deck line, and load line marks
o Includes conditions of assignment of freeboard

� Recent Updates:

• Enhanced structural verification for bulk carriers and older vessels

• More robust weathertight closing appliance requirements
• Alignment with IACS Unified Requirements LL1–LL87
� Non-compliance Issues:

• Improperly marked or unreadable load line

• Overloaded beyond summer draft
• Opened or defective hatch covers or closing appliances

� 2. MLC – Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (as amended)

Often called the "Seafarers’ Bill of Rights"

� Purpose:

Ensures decent working and living conditions for seafarers globally, while providing a level playing field
for shipowners by preventing unfair competition due to poor labor practices.

� Scope:

Applies to all seafarers and ships >500 GT on international voyages or operating between foreign ports.

Covers working conditions, accommodation, medical care, employment rights, complaints, and
repatriation.

� 5 Titles of MLC:

1. Title 1 – Minimum Requirements for Seafarers to Work on a Ship

o Minimum age: 16 (18 for hazardous work)
o Medical fitness certificate
o Training and qualifications
o Seafarer employment agreement (SEA)
2. Title 2 – Conditions of Employment
o Written SEA signed by both parties
o Maximum working hours: 14 hours in 24 hrs, 72 in 7 days
o Paid annual leave (minimum 2.5 days/month)
o Regular payment of wages (monthly)
o Repatriation rights
3. Title 3 – Accommodation, Recreational Facilities, Food and Catering
o Minimum standards for cabins, lighting, ventilation
o Inspections for galley and food safety
o Clean potable water, proper nutrition
4. Title 4 – Health Protection, Medical Care, Welfare and Social Security
o Access to qualified medical care onboard and ashore
o Protective equipment
o Shore-based welfare services
5. Title 5 – Compliance and Enforcement
o Flag State and Port State responsibilities
o Complaint procedures onboard
 o MLC certification and inspection regime

� Certificates:

• MLC Certificate
• Declaration of Maritime Labour Compliance (DMLC) – Part I (Flag) and Part II (Ship)

Required for:

• Ships >500 GT on international voyages

🛠🛠 Mandatory Documents:

• Seafarer employment agreements

• Crew list and wage accounts
• Onboard complaint procedures
• Work/rest hour records
• Medical logs and accommodation inspection records

� Recent Amendments (2024–2025):

• Free and accessible internet for seafarers (to be implemented)

• Access to free menstrual hygiene products
• Repatriation conditions strengthened
• Financial security requirements enhanced (death or long-term disability)

� 3. ISM & ISPS Codes – Safety and Security

� ISM – International Safety Management Code

� Purpose:

To ensure safe operation of ships and pollution prevention through a structured management system.

Applies to:

• All ships ≥500 GT on international voyages

• Oil/gas/chemical tankers, bulkers, passenger ships
� Core Elements of ISM:

1. Safety Management System (SMS) – ship-specific system managed by the company

2. Designated Person Ashore (DPA) – link between ship and shore
3. Procedures for:
o Safe operation and emergency preparedness
o Reporting accidents and non-conformities
o Internal audits and management reviews

� Certificates:

• Document of Compliance (DoC) – Issued to the company

• Safety Management Certificate (SMC) – Issued to each vessel

Both certificates are issued by Flag/RO after audits and valid for 5 years with annual verification.

� Common ISM Deficiencies:

• Missing or outdated SMS procedures

• No onboard evidence of drills or management review
• Crew unfamiliar with procedures

� ISPS – International Ship and Port Facility Security Code

� Purpose:

To detect and deter security threats to ships and port facilities, especially post-9/11.

Applies to:

• Passenger ships, cargo ships ≥500 GT, mobile offshore units on international voyages
• Port facilities serving these ships

� Core Elements of ISPS:

1. Security Levels (1, 2, 3 – Normal to Emergency)

2. Ship Security Plan (SSP) – confidential, ship-specific
3. Ship Security Officer (SSO) – responsible for onboard implementation
4. Company Security Officer (CSO) – oversees security compliance ashore

� Certificates:

• International Ship Security Certificate (ISSC)

 o Valid for 5 years with intermediate verification

🛠🛠 Mandatory Records:

• Security drills and exercises

• Security incident log
• Records of restricted area access
• Declarations of Security (DoS)

� Common ISPS Issues:

• Outdated SSP
• Missing drills or unfamiliar crew
• Inadequate control of access points

� Summary of Certificates

Convention Key Certificate(s)

LL International Load Line Certificate (ILLC)
MLC MLC Certificate + DMLC Part I & II
ISM Doc (Company), SMC (Ship)
ISPS ISSC

�TONNAGE

Here is a detailed explanation of the Tonnage Convention (1969) — covering its purpose, measurement
rules, key certificates, application to ships, and its relevance in ship operations and regulatory compliance.

� International Convention on Tonnage Measurement of Ships, 1969 (TONNAGE

Convention)

� Purpose:

The Tonnage Convention standardizes how ships are measured in volume, not weight, to determine their
gross tonnage (GT) and net tonnage (NT). These tonnages are essential for:

• Safety regulations (like SOLAS, MARPOL, STCW)

• Port dues and canal fees
• Manning requirements
• Classification rules
• Load line assignment
It replaced older national or regional tonnage systems for consistency across the industry.

� Scope and Application:

Applies to:

• All ships ≥24 meters in length

• Ships engaged on international voyages

Exceptions:

• Warships
• Fishing vessels
• Small craft not engaged in trade

Applies mandatorily to new ships built after July 18, 1982. Older ships may still use national rules unless
converted or re-measured.

� Key Definitions and Measurement Rules:

1. Gross Tonnage (GT):

• Represents the total internal volume of all enclosed spaces of the ship.
• Formula-based:

GT=K1×VGT = K_1 \times VGT=K1×V

Where:

o V = Volume in cubic meters of the ship's enclosed spaces

o K₁ = Constant (K₁ = 0.2 + 0.02 × log₁₀V)

2. Net Tonnage (NT):

• Reflects cargo-carrying capacity, excluding engine room, crew spaces, etc.

• Used for harbor dues, manning, and safety rules.
• Formula is more complex and includes:
o Volume of cargo spaces
o Number of passengers
o Draft and molded depth

� Certificate Issued:

• International Tonnage Certificate (1969) (ITC 69)

Includes:
o Ship name and IMO number
o GT and NT values
o Measurement method
 o Issued by the Flag State or Recognized Organization (e.g., Class society)

Required by:

• SOLAS
• MARPOL
• Load Line Convention
• STCW
• PSC (Port State Control) for international voyages

🛠🛠 Tonnage Measurement Process:

Conducted by a surveyor from the flag state or classification society using:

• Plans of enclosed spaces

• In-situ measurement where needed
• Compliance with TONNAGE 1969 rules

Resulting GT and NT values are fixed for the ship’s life, unless:

• A major structural conversion is done

• A ship is transferred to another flag
• A re-measurement is requested by the owner

� Why GT and NT Matter:

Application Uses GT / NT
SOLAS/MARPOL/STCW thresholds GT-based applicability
Manning scales NT is used for minimum crew levels
Port dues & canal tolls Mostly GT (e.g., Suez Canal)
Load Line convention GT affects load line assignment
PSC inspection thresholds GT decides applicability scope

� Recent Developments & Notes:

• No major amendments to the Tonnage Convention since adoption.

• IMO has clarified definitions to avoid misuse (e.g., enclosed vs open deck spaces).
• Tonnage fraud or misuse is monitored (e.g., artificially reducing GT for lower fees).