1 The current certificates that are on board a
particular ship on 3 February 2000 will remain valid until they expire.
2 The date for the introduction of the harmonized
system of survey and certification (HSSC) after 3 February 2000 should
normally be the latest expiry date of certificates issued under the
SOLAS, Load Line and MARPOL Conventions, unless another convenient
date, e.g. the expiry date of the Cargo Ship Safety Construction Certificate,
the date of dry-docking or date of repair or renovation, is agreed
upon between the shipowner or company and the Administration.
3 In the case where an existing certificate has
expired before the date of introduction of the harmonized system,
a new certificate using the form prescribed under the harmonized system
may be issued after the renewal survey has been carried out. The validity
of the new certificate may be limited to the date of introduction
of the harmonized system as provided for in paragraph 2 above.
4 Notwithstanding that some certificates may still
be valid when the harmonized system of survey and certification is
introduced on a particular ship, renewal surveys should be carried
out whether or not they are due, and a new set of the relevant certificates
under the harmonized system should be issued and the anniversary date
common to all certificates should be specified. In general, renewal
surveys completed within three months of the date of introduction
of the harmonized system may be valid, and the extent of renewal surveys
to be carried out may take account of the date and extent of the previous
renewal surveys if carried out only recently.
5 When implementing the harmonized system of survey
and certification, it should be applied to all types of ships and
in respect of all relevant instruments.