4 The Committee recalled that the Assembly, in
adopting resolution A.959(23) entitled
Format and Guidelines for the Maintenance of the Continuous Synopsis
Record (CSR), recognized the need for guidelines for port State control
officers relating to the use of CSRs, and directed the Sub-Committee
on Flag State Implementation, at its twelfth session (FSI 12) to develop
appropriate guidelines for approval by MSC 78. However, FSI 12, in
view of its work load, was unable to address this task.
5 The Committee, in considering these matters,
agreed that the primary purpose of the CSR is to provide a history
of the ship which can be inspected by appropriate officials. Given
the flexibility and timescales provided for in SOLAS regulation XI-1/5 it is possible that
the information contained in the CSR of a ship at a particular time
may lag behind that contained in new certificates issued in respect
of the ship. Since the Administration is required to issue a new CSR
within a period of 3 months from the date of the change, the resulting
time lag could be of that order. If inconsistencies are identified,
the reasons for them should be considered before control measures
are taken based solely on the view that an inconsistency exists. This
should include examination of the relevant amendment forms completed
by the Company or master and attached to the CSR, which is on board
at the particular time. If an amendment form has not been completed
and attached to the current CSR, the need for control measures, including
requiring remedial action, should be considered.