Statutory Certification and Services

**Summary of DGS Order No. 6 of 2013: Statutory Certification and Services** **Info Card** - **Applicable to:** Indian flag ships, Classification Societies, Ship Owners, and Ship Operators. - **Effective Date:** 18th March 2013 (with phased implementation). - **Superseded Circulars:** MSL Branch Circular No. 1 of 2008 and MS Notice No. 11 of 2007. **Key Changes and Requirements** 1. **Statutory Surveys and Certifications** - Recognised Organizations (ROs) can undertake statutory surveys and certifications for Indian flag ships. - Surveys include SOLAS, MARPOL, COLREGs, AFS, TONNAGE, LL, and other applicable conventions. - ROs issue full-term statutory certificates without further approval from the Administration. - Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) remains the assigning authority for initial load line assignments. 2. **Oversight Programme and Supplementary Surveys** - The Administration maintains an oversight programme, including supplementary surveys. - Supplementary surveys can be undertaken by ROs while the vessel is trading exclusively in foreign waters. - Other statutory surveys can be undertaken by any notified RO, with the owner's choice. 3. **Approval of Plans, Drawings, Manuals, and Booklets** - ROs confirm that approved plans, drawings, manuals, and booklets comply with applicable rules and guidelines. - No further approval is required for existing vessels changing flag to India, provided no substantial deviation is reported. 4. **Approval of Products and Equipment** - Products, equipment, materials, or appliances certified by any notified RO or carrying evidentiary test reports are accepted. - Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) maintains and publishes an updated list of approved manufacturers. 5. **Audits** - Interim, initial, and renewal audits for Safety Management Certificate (SMC) are undertaken by IRS auditors. - Audits for International Ship and Port Security (ISPS) Code and Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006 are undertaken by IRS, as applicable. 6. **Notification to the Administration** - ROs notify the nearest Mercantile Marine Department and the DGS immediately upon detecting a major deficiency or non-conformance that could detain a ship. - ROs report to the Directorate in writing the names and details of any ship removed from their list due to non-compliance. 7. **Grant of Exemptions** - Non-compliance or deficiencies may require exemptions for continued vessel operation, subject to the MS Notice provisions. 8. **Qualification of Surveyors** - Surveyors must meet prescribed qualifications and experience levels, not lower than government surveyors. 9. **Control and Monitoring** - ROs offer themselves for annual periodical audits by the maritime administration. - ROs fall under public and government monitoring mechanisms and are liable for legal and financial liabilities arising from delegated functions. **Important Note** - ROs must demonstrate competency, transparency, and accountability in implementing administrative processes and procedures.