Survey & Certification
Surveys, certificates and reports connect the ship’s condition with the required evidence and documents. The module supports reading the survey cycle and individual certificates while distinguishing class, flag delegation and commercial assessment.
For the calendar, consult HSSC and the survey types; for document reading, turn to the individual certificates and their attachments. Topics on coordination, flag transfer, lay-up, interim certification and remote verification connect evidence with the actual case. SIRE 2.0 and CDI-M concern commercial assessment, distinct from statutory certification. Each topic retains its own references, editions and limits: read the explanation, scope and examples together.
Harmonized System of Survey and Certification (HSSC)
HSSC connects surveys and certificates under the instruments included in the system. Identifying the document, survey type, dates and evidence allows the programme to be coordinated while retaining each certificate’s distinct requirements.
Annual Survey
An annual survey connects the condition of the ship and its systems with continued maintenance of the conditions required by the certificate. Documents, examinations and tests within the relevant scope support the outcome and its endorsement.
Intermediate Survey
An intermediate survey examines the items specified for the certificate and verifies their condition. The examination programme, second- or third-anniversary window and outcome must remain connected.
Renewal Survey and Certificate Renewal
A renewal survey connects examinations, tests and documents with issue of a new certificate. Completion requires an accepted outcome and correct dates; any extensions follow their own conditions and authorisations.
International Load Line Certificate
The Load Line certificate connects assigned freeboard, marks and ship condition. Validity also depends on surveys and maintained fittings, not only structural alterations.
Tonnage Certificate and IMO Number
The Tonnage Certificate records GT and NT; the IMO number permanently identifies the ship. Tonnage and identity are distinct data that must remain consistent across documents.
IOPP Certificate: Reading the Certificate and Supplement Together
Read the IOPP certificate and supplement together: the former records certification, the latter describes construction and equipment relevant to oil pollution prevention.
Condition of Class and Recommendations
A condition of class must be managed against the Society’s wording, deadline and closure requirements. Completed work is not yet class-accepted closure.
Safety Construction, Equipment and Radio Certificate
Safety Construction, Equipment and Radio cover distinct scopes. Check thresholds, certificates actually issued, records and endorsements; a combined Cargo Ship Safety Certificate may be provided.
ISPS Certification (International Ship Security Certificate)
The ISSC records verification of ship security within SOLAS XI-2 scope; validity depends on timely verifications and endorsements.
MLC Certification (Maritime Labour Certificate and DMLC)
The Maritime Labour Certificate and DMLC connect certification with actual measures for working and living conditions on board.
Managing Surveys under Dual/Multiple Classification
Double class and dual class describe different arrangements. Survey responsibilities must follow the participating societies’ documents.
Statement of Compliance for Ships in Temporary Lay-up
A lay-up file connects ship arrangements, preservation, class and certificate status with conditions for return to service; issuer declarations document their own scope and conditions.
Digitalization of Statutory Certificates
An electronic certificate allows the issued document, its validity and endorsements to be presented and verified using the authority’s instructions and a unique identifier.
Interim Certificates
Interim DOC, SMC, ISSC and Maritime Labour Certificate allow interim certification in their respective permitted cases, following specific verifications and for distinct periods.
Coordination between Class Surveys and Statutory Surveys (RO)
Coordinating surveys means connecting the calendar, access and evidence with class and statutory requirements. The same organisation may act in different roles: identify the mandate, acceptance and records for each scope.
Change of Flag and the Shadow Fleet: What Changes for Surveys and Certificates
A flag transfer connects the ship’s identity and registry, verification by the new Administration and the validity of individual certificates at the time of transfer.
Coordination between the HSSC Cycle and SIRE 2.0 Vetting Inspections
Coordinating HSSC and SIRE 2.0 helps organise vessel availability, particulars and evidence for two distinct processes: statutory certification and commercial assessment by the report recipient.
The IP Code: the Industrial Personnel Safety Certificate
The Industrial Personnel Safety Certificate and Record of Equipment connect safe carriage of industrial personnel with the ship’s regime, equipment and number of persons carried.
Remote Survey Guidance: Remote Survey, ISM Audits and ISPS Verifications
MSC-MEPC.5/Circ.17 of 18 June 2026 distinguishes remote HSSC surveys, ISM audits and ISPS verifications. Eligibility, physical attendance and flag authorization depend on the activity; remote ISPS verifications are considered only in extraordinary circumstances.
CDI-M: the Ship Inspection Report for chemical tankers, gas carriers and beyond
The CDI-M SIR, a voluntary industry scheme in its 10th Edition launched on 5 February 2024, uses a common questionnaire and ship-type Chapter 5; customers or terminals may require it contractually, but the inspection alone does not determine charter eligibility.
Certified substantive revision: 14 October 2026 · page fingerprint 744d2e49bcae