Reinstatment of safety management certificate (SMC) when window period lapsed due to prolonged layup/docking (Superseded by M.S. Notice 09 of 2014)

1. Planning SMC Audits

All parties should plan intermediate and renewal SMC audits well in advance, considering the available window periods.

2. Intermediate SMC Audits

If a vessel's intermediate SMC audit window closes during layup/docking, the existing SMC becomes invalid. In such cases:

• Recognized Organization (RO): Can conduct an “Initial SMC audit” beyond the window period, under intimation to the Directorate.
• Audit Scope: Normal operating conditions, equivalent to an “initial” audit.
• Validity: The validated SMC is valid from the date of completion of the initial audit, not exceeding the original expiry date of the existing SMC.

3. Renewal SMC Audits

If renewal audits cannot be completed before the expiry of the existing SMC, the RO can conduct the “renewal SMC audit” beyond the window period.

The new SMC will be valid from the date of completion of the renewal audit, not exceeding five years from the date of expiry of the existing SMC.