Part 2 - Guidance on Specific Inspection Activities
Clasification Society 2024 - Version 9.40
Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - Resolutions - Assembly - IMO Resolution A.1155(32) – Procedures for Port State Control, 2021 – (Adopted on 15 December 2021) - Annex – Procedures for Port State Control, 2021 - Appendix 7 - Guidelines for Control of Operational Requirements - Part 2 - Guidance on Specific Inspection Activities

Part 2 - Guidance on Specific Inspection Activities

 1 Introduction

This section provides detailed guidance on specific inspection activities described in part 1 with respect to the assessment of compliance with operation requirements in relation to day-to-day activities.

1.1 Bridge operation

1.1.1 The PSCO may determine if officers in charge of a navigational watch are familiar with bridge control and navigational equipment, changing the steering mode from automatic to manual and vice versa, and the ship's manoeuvring characteristics.

1.1.2 All officers in charge of a navigational watch should have knowledge of the location and operation of all safety and navigational equipment. Moreover, this officer(s) should be familiar with procedures which apply to the navigation of the ship in all circumstances and should be aware of all information available.

1.1.3 The PSCO may also verify the familiarity of the officers with all the information available to them such as manoeuvring characteristics of the ship, life-saving signals, up-to-date nautical publications, checklists concerning bridge procedures, instructions and manuals.

1.1.4 The Permit to Operate High-Speed Craft (HSC) includes limitations of the maximum significant wave height (and wind force for hovercraft) within which the craft may operate. When carrying out inspections of HSC, PSCOs may verify by the logbook and the weather records whether these limitations have been respected. PSCOs may find that a voyage had to be completed when worse weather conditions than permitted were encountered and not expected according to the weather forecast, but a new voyage should not commence in such conditions.

1.1.5 The PSCO may verify the familiarity of the officers with procedures such as periodic tests and checks of equipment, preparations for arrival and departure, changeover of steering modes, signalling, communications, alarm system, manoeuvring, emergencies and logbook entries.

1.2 Cargo operation

1.2.1 The PSCO may determine if ship's personnel assigned to specific duties related to the cargo and cargo equipment are familiar with those duties, any dangers posed by the cargo and with the measures to be taken in such a context. This will require the availability of all relevant cargo information as required by SOLAS 1974 regulation VI/2.

1.2.2 With respect to the carriage of solid bulk cargoes, the PSCO should verify, as appropriate, that cargo loading is performed in accordance with a ship's loading plan and unloading in accordance with a ship's unloading plan agreed by the ship and the terminal, taking into account the information provided by the loading instrument, where fitted.

1.2.3 The PSCO, when appropriate, may determine whether the responsible crew members are familiar with the relevant provisions of the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes Code (IMSBC Code), particularly those concerning moisture limits and trimming of the cargo. Additionally, it is expected that the responsible crew members have appropriate knowledge of the recommendatory IMO Code of Safe Practice for Ships Carrying Timber Deck Cargoes (2011 TDC Code) and the Code of Safe Practice for Cargo Stowage and Securing (CSS Code) (non-mandatory, except mandatory sub-chapter 1.9), as amended.

1.2.4 Some solid materials transported in bulk can present a hazard during transport because of their chemical nature or physical properties. Section 2 of the IMSBC Code gives general precautions. Section 4 of the IMSBC Code contains the obligation imposed on the shipper to provide all necessary information to ensure safe transport of the cargo. The PSCO may determine whether all relevant details, including all relevant certificates of tests, have been provided to the master by the shipper.

1.2.5 For some cargoes, such as cargoes which are subject to liquefaction, special precautions are given (see section 7 of the IMSBC Code). The PSCO may determine whether all precautions are met with special attention to the stability of those ships engaged in the transport of cargoes subject to liquefaction and solid hazardous waste in bulk.

1.2.6 Officers responsible for cargo handling and operation and key crew members of oil tankers, chemical tankers and liquefied gas carriers should be familiar with the cargo and cargo equipment and with the safety measures as stipulated in the relevant sections of the IBC and IGC Codes.

1.2.7 For the carriage of grain in bulk, reference is made to part C of chapter VI of SOLAS 1974 and the mandatory International Code for the Safe Carriage of Grain in Bulk (Grain Code).

1.2.8 The PSCO may determine whether the operations and loading manuals include all the relevant information for safe loading and unloading operations in port as well as in transit conditions.

1.3 Operation of machinery

1.3.1 The PSCO may determine if responsible ship's personnel are familiar with their duties related to operating essential machinery, such as:

  • .1 emergency and standby sources of electrical power;

  • .2 auxiliary steering gear;

  • .3 bilge and fire pumps; and

  • .4 any other equipment essential in emergency situations.

1.3.2 The PSCO may verify whether the responsible ship's personnel are familiar with, inter alia:

  • .1 emergency generator:

    • .1 actions which are necessary before the engine can be started;

    • .2 different possibilities to start the engine in combination with the source of starting energy; and

    • .3 procedures when the first attempts to start the engine fail; and

  • .2 standby generator engine:

    • .1 possibilities to start the standby engine, automatic or by hand;

    • .2 blackout procedures; and

    • .3 load-sharing system.

1.3.3 The PSCO may verify whether the responsible ship's personnel are familiar with, inter alia:

  • .1 which type of auxiliary steering gear system applies to the ship;

  • .2 how it is indicated which steering gear unit is in operation; and

  • .3 what action is needed to bring the auxiliary steering gear into operation.

1.3.4 The PSCO may verify whether the responsible ship's personnel are familiar with, inter alia:

  • .1 bilge pumps:

    • .1 number and location of bilge pumps installed on board the ship (including emergency bilge pumps);

    • .2 starting procedures for all these bilge pumps;

    • .3 appropriate valves to operate; and

    • .4 most likely causes of failure of bilge pump operation and their possible remedies; and

  • .2 fire pumps:

    • .1 number and location of fire pumps installed on board the ship (including the emergency fire pump);

    • .2 starting procedures for all these pumps; and

    • .3 appropriate valves to operate.

1.3.5 The PSCO may verify whether the responsible ship's personnel are familiar with, inter alia:

  • .1 starting and maintenance of lifeboat engine and/or rescue boat engine;

  • .2 local control procedures for those systems which are normally controlled from the navigating bridge;

  • .3 use of the emergency and fully independent sources of electrical power of radio installations;

  • .4 maintenance procedures for batteries;

  • .5 emergency stops, fire detection system and alarm system operation of watertight and fire doors (stored energy systems); and

  • .6 change of control from automatic to manual for cooling water and lube oil systems for main and auxiliary engines.

1.4 Manuals, instructions, etc.

1.4.1 The PSCO may determine if the appropriate crew members are able to understand the information given in manuals, instructions, etc. relevant to the safe condition and operation of the ship and its equipment, and if they are aware of the requirements for maintenance, periodic testing, training, drills and recording of logbook entries.

1.4.2 The following information, inter alia, should be provided on board and PSCOs may determine whether it is in a language or languages understood by the crew and whether crew members concerned are aware of the contents and are able to respond accordingly:

  • .1 instructions concerning the maintenance and operation of all the equipment and installations on board for the fighting and containment of fire should be kept under one cover, readily available in an accessible position;

  • .2 clear instructions to be followed in the event of an emergency should be provided for every person on board;

  • .3 illustrations and instructions in appropriate languages should be posted in passenger cabins and be conspicuously displayed at muster stations and other passenger spaces to inform passengers of their muster station, the essential action they must take in an emergency and the method of donning lifejackets;

  • .4 posters and signs should be provided on or in the vicinity of survival craft and their launching controls and shall illustrate the purpose of controls and the procedures for operating the appliance and give relevant instructions or warnings;

  • .5 instructions for onboard maintenance of life-saving appliances;

  • .6 training manuals should be provided in each crew mess room and recreation room or in each crew cabin; the training manual, which may comprise several volumes, should contain instructions and information, in easily understood terms illustrated wherever possible, on the life-saving appliances provided in the ship and on the best method of survival; and

  • .7 SOPEP in accordance with regulation 37 of MARPOL Annex I, or SMPEP for noxious liquid substances in accordance with regulation 17 of MARPOL Annex II, where applicable; and

  • .8 stability booklet, associated stability plans, stability information and approved stability instrument for tankers.

1.5 Oil and oily mixtures from machinery spaces

1.5.1 The PSCO may determine if all operational requirements of MARPOL Annex I have been met, taking into account:

  • .1 the quantity of oil residues generated;

  • .2 the capacity of the sludge and bilge water holding tank; and

  • .3 the capacity of the oily-water separator.

1.5.2 An inspection of the ORB should be made. The PSCO may determine if reception facilities have been used and note any alleged inadequacy of such facilities.

1.5.3 The PSCO may determine whether the responsible officer is familiar with the handling of sludge and bilge water. The relevant items from the guidelines for systems for handling oily wastes in machinery spaces of ships may be used as guidance. Taking into account the above, the PSCO may determine if the ullage of the sludge tank is sufficient for the expected generated sludge during the next intended voyage. The PSCO may verify that, in respect of ships for which the Administration has waived the requirements of regulations 14(1) and (2) of MARPOL Annex I, all oily bilge water is retained on board for subsequent discharge to a reception facility.

1.5.4 When reception facilities in other ports have not been used because of inadequacy, the PSCO should advise the master to report the inadequacy of the reception facility to the ship's flag State, in conformity with the Format for reporting alleged inadequacies of port reception facilities (MEPC.1/Circ.834/Rev.1, appendix 1 of the annex), as may be amended.

1.6 Loading, unloading and cleaning procedures for cargo spaces of tankers

1.6.1 The PSCO may determine if all operational requirements of MARPOL Annexes I or II have been met, taking into account the type of tanker and the type of cargo carried, including the inspection of the ORB and/or CRB. The PSCO may determine if the reception facilities have been used and note any alleged inadequacy of such facilities.

1.6.2 For the control on loading, unloading and cleaning procedures for tankers carrying oil, reference is made to paragraphs 3.1 to 3.4 of appendix 5 where guidance is given for the inspection of crude oil washing (COW) operations. In appendix 3, the PSCO may find detailed guidelines for in-port inspection of crude oil washing procedures.

1.6.3 For the control on loading, unloading and cleaning procedures for tankers carrying noxious liquid substances, reference is made to paragraphs 4.1 to 4.9 of appendix 5 where guidance is given for the inspection of unloading, stripping and prewash operations. More detailed guidelines for these inspections are given in appendix 4.

1.6.4 When reception facilities in other ports have not been used because of inadequacy, the PSCO should advise the master to report the inadequacy of the reception facility to the ship's flag State, in conformity with MEPC.1/Circ.834/Rev.1, as may be amended.

1.6.5 The Garbage Record Book may be presented in an electronic format. A declaration from the Administration should be viewed in order to accept this electronic record book. If a declaration cannot be provided, a hard copy record book will need to be presented for examination.

1.6.6 When a ship is permitted to proceed to the next port with residues of noxious liquid substances on board in excess of those permitted to be discharged into the sea during the ship's passage, it should be ascertained that the residues can be received by that port. At the same time, that port should be informed, if practicable.

1.7 Dangerous goods and harmful substances in packaged form

1.7.1 The PSCO may determine if the required shipping documents for the carriage of dangerous goods and harmful substances carried in packaged form are provided on board and whether the dangerous goods and harmful substances are properly stowed and segregated and the crew members are familiar with the essential action to be taken in an emergency involving such packaged cargo (see SOLAS 1974 regulation VII/3).

1.7.2 Ship types and cargo spaces of ships of over 500 gross tonnage built on or after 1 September 1984 and ship types and cargo spaces of ships of less than 500 gross tonnage built on or after 1 February 1992 are to fully comply with the requirements of SOLAS 1974 chapter II-2. Administrations may reduce the requirements for cargo ships of less than 500 gross tonnage but such reductions shall be recorded in the Document of Compliance. A Document of Compliance is not required for ships which only carry class 6.2, class 7 or dangerous goods in limited quantities and excepted quantities.

1.7.3 MARPOL Annex III contains requirements for the carriage of harmful substances in packaged form which are identified in the IMDG Code as marine pollutants. Cargoes which are determined to be marine pollutants should be labelled and stowed in accordance with MARPOL Annex III.

1.7.4 The PSCO may determine whether a Document of Compliance is on board and whether the ship's personnel are familiar with this document provided by the Administration as evidence of compliance of construction and equipment with the requirements. Additional control may consist of:

  • .1 checking whether the dangerous goods have been stowed on board in conformity with the Document of Compliance, using the dangerous goods manifest or the stowage plan, required by SOLAS 1974 chapter VII; this manifest or stowage plan may be combined with the one required under MARPOL Annex III;

  • .2 checking whether inadvertent pumping of leaking flammable or toxic liquids is not possible in case these substances are carried in under-deck cargo spaces; or

  • .3 determining whether the ship's personnel are familiar with the relevant provisions of the Medical First Aid Guide and Emergency Procedures for Ships Carrying Dangerous Goods.

1.8 Garbage

1.8.1 The PSCO may determine if all operational requirements of MARPOL Annex V have been met. The PSCO may determine if the reception facilities have been used and note any alleged inadequacy of such facilities.

1.8.2 The 2017 Guidelines for the implementation of MARPOL Annex V (resolution MEPC.295(71)), as may be amended, are to assist ship operators complying with the requirements set forth in Annex V and domestic laws.

1.8.3 The PSCO may determine whether:

  • .1 ship's personnel are aware of these Guidelines, in particular section 2 on "Garbage management"; and

  • .2 ship's personnel are familiar with the disposal and discharge requirements under MARPOL Annex V inside and outside a special area and are aware of the areas determined as special areas under MARPOL Annex V.

1.8.4 When reception facilities in other ports have not been used because of inadequacy, the PSCO should advise the master to report the inadequacy of the reception facility to the ship's flag State, in conformity with MEPC.1/Circ.834/Rev.1, as may be amended.

1.9 Sewage

1.9.1 The PSCO may determine:

  • .1 if all operational requirements of MARPOL Annex IV have been met; the PSCO may determine if the sewage treatment system, comminuting and disinfecting system or holding tank has been used and note any alleged inadequacy of the system or holding tank; and

  • .2 that appropriate ship's personnel are familiar with the correct operation of the sewage treatment system, comminuting and disinfecting system or holding tank.

1.9.2 The PSCO may determine whether appropriate ship's personnel are familiar with the discharge requirements of regulation 11 of MARPOL Annex IV.

1.9.3 When reception facilities in other ports have not been used because of inadequacy, the PSCO should advise the master to report the inadequacy of the reception facility to the ship's flag State, in conformity with the waste reception facility reporting requirements (MEPC.1/Circ.834/Rev.1, as may be amended).

1.10 Air pollution prevention

The PSCO may determine whether:

  • .1 the master or crew is familiar with the procedures to prevent emissions of ozone-depleting substances and sulphur when equivalent arrangements are in place;

  • .2 the master or crew is familiar with the proper operation and maintenance of diesel engines, in accordance with their Technical Files;

  • .3 the master or crew has undertaken the necessary fuel changeover procedures or equivalent, associated with demonstrating compliance within a SOx emission control area;

  • .4 the master or crew is familiar with the garbage screening procedure to ensure that prohibited garbage is not incinerated;

  • .5 the master or crew is familiar with the operation of the shipboard incinerator, as required by regulation 16.2 of MARPOL Annex VI, within the limit provided in appendix IV to the Annex, in accordance with the operational manual;

  • .6 the master or crew recognizes the regulation of emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), when the ship is in ports or terminals under the jurisdiction of a Party to the 1997 Protocol to MARPOL in which VOCs emissions are to be regulated, and is familiar with the proper operation of a vapour collection system approved by the Administration (in case the ship is a tanker as defined in regulation 2.27 of MARPOL Annex VI); and

  • .7 the master or crew is familiar with bunker delivery procedures in respect of bunker delivery notes and retained samples as required by regulation 18 of MARPOL Annex VI.

2 Introduction

This section provides detailed guidance on specific inspection activities described in part 1 with respect to the assessment of preparedness for emergencies and drills.

2.1 Muster list

2.1.1 The PSCO may determine if the crew members are aware of their duties indicated in the muster list and that they are familiar with the duties assigned to them and are aware of the locations where they should perform their duties, this is done by asking the crew relevant questions. This could be done prior to the drill or during the drill, for instance questioning of stairway guides on a passenger ship.

2.1.2 To determine whether the muster list is up to date, the PSCO(s) may require an up-to-date crew list.

2.1.3 The PSCO may ensure that muster lists are exhibited in conspicuous places throughout the ship, including the navigational bridge, the engine-room and the crew accommodation spaces. When determining if the muster list is in accordance with the regulations, the PSCO may verify whether:

  • .1 the muster list shows the duties assigned to the different members of the crew;

  • .2 the muster list specifies which officers are assigned to ensure that life-saving and fire appliances are maintained in good condition and are ready for immediate use;

  • .3 the muster list specifies the substitutes for key persons who may become disabled, taking into account that different emergencies may call for different actions;

  • .4 the muster list shows the duties assigned to crew members in relation to passengers in case of emergency; and

  • .5 the format of the muster list used on passenger ships is approved and is drawn up in the language or languages required by the ship's flag State and in the English language.

2.1.4 To determine whether the muster list is up to date, the PSCO may require an up-to-date crew list, if available, to verify this.

2.1.5 The PSCO may determine whether the duties assigned to crew members manning the survival craft (lifeboats or liferafts) are in accordance with the regulations and verify that a deck officer or certificated person is placed in charge of each survival craft to be used. However, the Administration (of the flag State), having due regard to the nature of the voyage, the number of persons on board and the characteristics of the ship, may permit persons practised in the handling and operation of liferafts to be placed in charge of liferafts in lieu of persons qualified as above. A second-in-command shall also be nominated in the case of lifeboats.

2.1.6 Every motorized survival craft shall have a person assigned who is capable of operating the engine and carrying out minor adjustments.

2.2 Communication during drills

2.2.1 The PSCO(s) may determine if the key crew members are able to communicate with each other, and with passengers, as appropriate, in such a way that the safe operation of the ship is not impaired, especially in emergency situations.

2.2.2 For drills, key crew members could be but are not limited to:

  • .1 bridge team including GMDSS operators who must also be able to communicate with the shore and other vessels;

  • .2 fire parties;

  • .3 damage control parties;

  • .4 boat preparation parties; or

  • .5 passenger muster personnel on passenger ships.

2.2.3 The PSCO(s) should verify the working language of the vessel. The crew members assigned to assist passengers should be able to give the necessary information to the passengers in case of an emergency.

2.2.4 The PSCO(s) should determine, if UHF or VHF handheld radios are being used for drills, that the crew are familiar with the equipment, that they are aware of reception dead zones/areas and what alternative communication methods are available.

2.2.5 When drills are being conducted the PSCO(s) should establish that there are sufficient personnel on the bridge to make decisions, navigate the ship as necessary and deal with the considerable amount of communication that is likely.

2.2.6 When a ship is in difficulty it is likely that shore-based organizations, such as the operator of the ship and regional rescue coordination centres, will need to be involved. The PSCO should confirm the master and crew are aware of procedures where shore-based communication is required and how such communication can be established.

2.3 Search and rescue plan

For passenger ships, the PSCO may verify that there is on board an approved plan for cooperation with appropriate search and rescue services in the event of an emergency.

2.4 Fire and abandon ship drills

2.4.1 The PSCO witnessing a fire and abandon ship drill should ensure that the crew members are familiar with their duties and the proper use of the ship's installations and equipment.

2.4.2 When setting a drill scenario, witnessing the drill and finally assessing the standard of the drill, it is important to emphasize that the PSCO is not looking for an exceptional drill, particularly on cargo ships. The main points for the PSCO to be satisfied are:

  • .1 In the event of a shipboard emergency can the crew organize themselves into an effective team to tackle the emergency?

  • .2 Can the crew communicate effectively?

  • .3 Is the master in control and is information flowing to/from the command centre?

  • .4 In the event of the situation getting out of hand can the crew safely abandon the ship?

2.4.3 It is important that when setting the scenario the PSCO clearly explains to the master exactly what is required and expected during the drill, bearing in mind there may be language difficulties. PSCOs should not be intimidating, not interfere during the drill nor offer advice. The PSCO should stand back and observe only, making appropriate notes. It is important to emphasize that the PSCO's role is not to teach or train but to witness.

2.4.4 Drills should be carried out at a safe speed. PSCOs should not expect to see operational drills conducted in real time. During drills, care should be taken to ensure that everybody familiarizes themself with their duties and with the equipment. If necessary, drills should be stopped if the PSCO considers that the crew are carrying out unsafe practices or if there is a real emergency.

2.5 Fire drills

2.5.1 The PSCO may witness a fire drill carried out by the crew assigned to these duties on the muster list. After consultation with the master of the vessel, one or more specific locations of the ship may be selected for a simulated fire. A crew member may be sent to the location(s) and activate a fire alarm system or use other means to give the alarm.

2.5.2 At the location the PSCO can describe the fire indication to the crew member and observe how the report of fire is relayed to the bridge or damage control centre. At this point most ships will sound the crew alarm to summon the fire-fighting parties to their stations. The PSCO should observe the fire-fighting party arriving on the scene, breaking out their equipment and fighting the simulated fire. Team leaders should be giving orders as appropriate to their crews and passing the word back to the bridge or damage control centre on the conditions. The fire-fighting crews should be observed for proper donning and use of their equipment. The PSCO should make sure that all the gear is complete. Merely mustering the crew with their gear is not acceptable. Crew response to personnel injuries can be checked by selecting a crew member as a simulated casualty. The PSCO should observe how the word is passed and the response of stretcher and medical teams. Handling a stretcher properly through narrow passageways, doors and stairways is difficult and takes practice.

2.5.3 The drill should, as far as practicable, be conducted as if there were an actual emergency.

2.5.4 Those crew members assigned to other duties related to a fire drill, such as the manning of the emergency generators, the CO2 room, the sprinkler and emergency fire pumps, should also be involved in the drill. The PSCO may ask these crew members to explain their duties and, if possible, to demonstrate their familiarity.

2.5.5 On passenger ships, special attention should be paid to the duties of those crew members assigned to the closing of manually operated doors and fire dampers. These closing devices should be operated by the responsible persons in the areas of the simulated fire(s) during the drill. Crew members not assigned to the fire-fighting teams are generally assigned to locations throughout the passenger accommodations to assist in passenger evacuation. These crew members should be asked to explain their duties and the meaning of the various emergency signals and asked to point out the two means of escape from the area, and where the passengers are to report. Crew members assigned to assist passengers should be able to communicate at least enough information to direct a passenger to the proper muster and embarkation stations.

2.6 Abandon ship drills

2.6.1 After consultation with the master, the PSCO may require an abandon ship drill for one or more survival craft. The essence of this drill is that the survival craft are manned and operated by the crew members assigned to them on the muster list. If possible, the PSCO should include the rescue boat(s) in this drill. SOLAS 1974 chapter III gives specific requirements on abandon ship training and drills, of which the following principles are particularly relevant.

2.6.2 The drill should, as far as practicable, be conducted as if there were an actual emergency.

2.6.3 The abandon ship drill should include:

  • .1 summoning crew, and passengers where applicable, to the muster station(s) with the required alarm and ensuring that they are aware of the order to abandon ship as specified in the muster list;

  • .2 reporting to the stations and preparing for the duties described in the muster list;

  • .3 checking that crew, and passengers where applicable, are suitably dressed;

  • .4 checking that lifejackets are correctly donned;

  • .5 lowering at least one lifeboat after the necessary preparation for launching;

  • .6 starting and operating the lifeboat engine;

  • .7 operating the davits used for launching liferafts;

  • .8 conducting a mock search and rescue of passenger trapped in their staterooms (if applicable);

  • .9 giving instructions in the use of radio life-saving appliances;

  • .10 testing emergency lighting and low location lights if applicable for mustering and abandonment; and

  • .11 if the ship is fitted with marine evacuation systems, exercising the procedures required for the deployment of such systems up to the point immediately preceding actual deployment.

2.6.4 If the lifeboat lowered during the drill is not the rescue boat, the rescue boat should be lowered as well, taking into account that it is boarded and launched in the shortest possible time. The PSCO should ensure that crew members are familiar with the duties assigned to them during abandon ship operations and that the crew member in charge of the survival craft has complete knowledge of the operation and equipment of the survival craft. Care needs to be taken when requiring a ship to lower lifeboats. The number of persons inside the lifeboats during launching for the purpose of a drill should be at the master's discretion, noting that SOLAS 1974 does not require persons in the lifeboat during lowering and recovery. The purpose of this is to reduce the risk of accidents during launching and recovery; however, this must be balanced out with the risk of embarking/disembarking while the boat is still in the water, if the boat is to be taken away and run.

2.6.5 Each survival craft should be stowed in a state of continuous readiness so that two crew members can carry out preparations for embarking and launching in less than five minutes.

2.7 Enclosed space entry and rescue drills

2.7.1 After consultation with the master, the PSCO may require an enclosed space entry and rescue drill. The essence of this drill is to confirm that crew members are familiar with the procedure to enter an enclosed space and to rescue personnel safely, can demonstrate an enclosed space entry and rescue drill, and can communicate effectively when entering an enclosed space in case of planned entry and/or an emergency situation.

2.7.2 The place of the drill can be selected at an assumed enclosed space; it is not necessary to select an actual enclosed space.

2.7.3 The PSCO should check the structure of the enclosed space, the scenarios of the drills and the responsible officers listed on the muster list where applicable.

2.7.4 The enclosed space entry and rescue drill should include:

  • .1 checking and use of personal protective equipment required for entry;

  • .2 checking and use of communication equipment and procedures;

  • .3 checking and use of instruments for measuring the atmosphere in enclosed spaces;

  • .4 checking and use of rescue equipment and procedures; and

  • .5 instructions in first aid and resuscitation techniques.

2.8 Emergency steering drills

2.8.1 After consultation with the master, the PSCO may require an emergency steering drill. The essence of this drill is to confirm crew members are familiar with the procedure for emergency steering.

2.8.2 The PSCO may check the procedure and means of communication at both the navigation bridge and the steering gear room.

2.8.3 The emergency steering drills should include:

  • .1 direct control within the steering gear compartment;

  • .2 communication procedure with the navigational bridge; and

  • .3 operation of alternative power supplies where applicable.

2.9 Damage control plan and shipboard oil pollution emergency plan (SOPEP) or shipboard marine pollution emergency plan (SMPEP)

2.9.1 The PSCO may determine if a damage control plan is provided on a passenger ship and whether the crew members are familiar with their duties and the proper use of the ship's installations and equipment for damage control purposes. The same applies with regard to SOPEPs on all ships and SMPEPs where applicable.

2.9.2 The PSCO may determine if the officers of the ship are aware of the contents of the damage control booklet, which should be available to them, or of the damage control plan.

2.9.3 The officers may be asked to explain the action to be taken in various damage conditions.

2.9.4 The officers may also be asked to explain about the boundaries of the watertight compartments, the openings therein with the means of closure and position of any controls thereof and the arrangements for the correction of any list due to flooding.

2.9.5 The officers should have a sound knowledge of the effect of trim and stability of their ship in the event of damage to and consequent flooding of a compartment and countermeasures to be taken.

2.10 Fire-control plan

2.10.1 The PSCO may determine if a fire-control plan or booklet is provided, whether the crew members are familiar with the information given in the fire-control plan or booklet, and whether, for tankers, crew members are familiar with the approved stability instrument.

2.10.2 The PSCO may verify that fire-control plans are permanently exhibited for the guidance of the ship's officers. Alternatively, booklets containing the information about the fire-control plan may be supplied to each officer, and one copy should at all times be available on board in an accessible position. Plans and booklets should be kept up to date, any alterations being recorded therein as soon as possible.

2.10.3 The PSCO may determine that the responsible officers, especially those who are assigned to related duties on the muster list, are aware of the information provided by the fire-control plan or booklet and how to act in case of a fire.

2.10.4 The PSCO may ensure that the officers in charge of the ship are familiar with the principal structural members which form part of the various fire sections and the means of access to the different compartments.


Copyright 2022 Clasifications Register Group Limited, International Maritime Organization, International Labour Organization or Maritime and Coastguard Agency. All rights reserved. Clasifications Register Group Limited, its affiliates and subsidiaries and their respective officers, employees or agents are, individually and collectively, referred to in this clause as 'Clasifications Register'. Clasifications Register assumes no responsibility and shall not be liable to any person for any loss, damage or expense caused by reliance on the information or advice in this document or howsoever provided, unless that person has signed a contract with the relevant Clasifications Register entity for the provision of this information or advice and in that case any responsibility or liability is exclusively on the terms and conditions set out in that contract.