Core operations

Interactive Preparation Checklists

Interactive checklists gathered from all 12 thematic modules, for preparation and revision.

Learning checklists. They store progress in the browser and support study, familiarisation and preparation. They do not replace the SMS, approved procedures, manuals or documents, and completion does not demonstrate compliance or readiness: always verify current applicable requirements and documents.

Environmental operations

Before bunkering

Bunker Delivery Note verified; MARPOL delivered sample taken only where Regulation 18.8 applies. For gas or low-flashpoint fuels verify the documentation required by Regulation 18.5.2. Reference: MARPOL sample taken
Declared sulfur content consistent with the operating area (ECA or not)
Remaining tank capacity verified before starting
Communications with the barge/terminal established

Before entering/leaving an ECA

Changeover planned with sufficient lead time before the ECA boundary
Fuel residence time in the lines calculated
Changeover log ready for recording
If an EGCS/scrubber is used: approved equivalence verified, parameters within approved limits and records available

Before a PSC — MARPOL documents and records

Part one of two. The second, Before a PSC — certificates, equipment and SMS status, covers different checks: use them together, not as alternatives.

Oil Record Book updated, signed and consistent with tank volumes
Garbage Record Book and Garbage Management Plan updated
IOPP Certificate and other MARPOL certificates valid
SOPEP emergency contacts verified
OWS functioning and latest maintenance documented

Before sludge disposal in port

Reception facility contacted and availability confirmed
Monthly sludge balance updated
Waste Delivery Receipt ready to be filed

SMS, bridge and inspections

Before an internal ISM audit

NC/CAPA register updated, including any pending effectiveness checks
Recent Near Misses collected and analyzed
DPA contact details posted and known to the crew
Minutes of the last Management Review available
Assigned auditor independent from the area/ship being verified
Familiarization documented for every recently joined crew member
Contingency plans updated based on recent drills or emergencies

Before a new crew member joins

Essential role instructions identified and ready for the briefing
MLC complaint procedure provided and explained to the new joiner
Muster list duties assigned and clearly communicated
Familiarization completed and documented before departure

Before departure (bridge team)

Complete berth-to-berth passage plan, with no-go areas and under-keel clearance verified
ENCs updated and ECDIS back-up verified
Bridge team briefing conducted on the route's critical points
Muster list updated and consistent with the crew on board
Emergency generator tested at the required frequency

Before a PSC — certificates, equipment and SMS status

Part two of two. The first, Before a PSC — MARPOL documents and records, covers the environmental records.

Statutory and class certificates verified (validity and intermediate surveys)
Onboard copies updated to the latest issued version
Critical safety equipment functionally tested, not just visually checked
Ship Risk Profile recently reviewed
Open NCs and CAPA status documented and ready to show

Before entering an enclosed space

Formal permit to work issued
Atmosphere tested with instruments (oxygen, flammable gases, toxic gases)
Adequate ventilation ensured before entry
Outside standby person present and in constant communication
Rescue equipment and PPE verified and available

Surveys and reporting

Before entering dry dock

Repair specification drafted well in advance and in the necessary detail
Class/flag/shipyard presence coordinated
Critical equipment and spares list verified and updated
Thickness measurement campaign planned according to the ship's age
Contingency margin allowed for unforeseen additional work

Before a Renewal Survey

Renewal Survey planned within the 3 months before the certificate's expiry date, so that no validity is lost (SOLAS I/14(b)); the ±3-month window around the anniversary date is the Annual Survey's
Statutory and class certificates collected and checked for completeness
Open Conditions of Class/Recommendations verified and resolved before the survey
International Load Line Certificate and freeboard markings verified
IMO Ship Identification Number verified on the hull and in the documentation

Before annual CII/EU ETS reporting

Fuel consumption and distance-travelled data collected per IMO DCS/EU MRV
CII rating calculated and compared against the threshold required for the reference year
Corrective Action Plan prepared for a D rating (3 consecutive years) or an E rating
EU ETS allowances purchased for 100% of verified emissions for year 2026 onwards, the 40% (2024 emissions) and 70% (2025 emissions) phase-in being over: check that the year the surrender relates to is the emission year, not the year the allowances are handed over
SEEMP Part II/III updated and consistent with the current data collection methodology

Before a vetting inspection (SIRE 2.0 or CDI)

TMSA is not an inspection and is not prepared for on board: it is the Company's annual self-assessment across four maturity levels. It appears below only where shipboard evidence has to be consistent with what the Company has declared.

Crew prepared to explain the actual procedure in their own words, not to repeat standardized answers
Hardware, Procedure and Human Factors status verified jointly for every critical area
Vessel hardening measures against intrusion/piracy verified (SIRE 2.0 CVIQ question 7.2.1, 2024 edition consulted: CVIQ numbering is subject to revision, check it against the current edition)
Onboard documentation consistent between the paper copy and the electronic system
The Company's TMSA self-assessment aligned with the actual operational evidence on board

Passengers, cargo and emergencies

Before an abandon ship drill (boat drill)

The fire drill is a separate exercise, with its own teams and its own record: SOLAS III/19.3.2 requires every crew member to take part in one abandon ship drill and one fire drill each month. The two must be conducted and logged separately.

Lifeboat, davit and hydrostatic release verified and latest maintenance documented
Crew assigned to the muster list present and briefed on their roles
Life jackets and immersion suits checked for number and condition
GMDSS communications tested before the drill
Drill log completed with time, duration and observations

Before passenger embarkation

Pre-departure passenger muster planned and communicated to onboard staff
Escape routes and Evacuation Analysis verified clear of obstructions
Staff and safety signage positioned for gangway operations
Cabin safety cards updated and present in every cabin
Passenger accounting system tested before embarkation

Before loading/discharging operations

Cargo Securing Manual consulted for the specific cargo type
Loading/discharging plan approved and shared with the terminal
Applicable cargo records ready; the MARPOL Cargo Record Book applies to noxious liquid substances carried in bulk under Annex II
Enclosed space entry permit to work verified, if applicable
Draft survey planned and coordinated with the surveyor

Before a critical engine room intervention

Planned Maintenance System (PMS) for the equipment involved consulted
Critical spare parts available on board or ordered with sufficient lead time
Isolation procedure and Permit to Work prepared
Emergency generator tested and ready for use
Communication with the bridge established before starting the intervention

Before loading dangerous goods

Dangerous Goods Manifest completed and notified to the competent authorities
IMDG classification verified for every package or container
Segregation and stowage compliant with IMDG Code requirements
EmS Guide and MFAG available and consulted before loading
IMDG training documented under Chapter 1.3 and records retained; check whether the flag or the Company additionally require a certificate with an expiry date (the Code does not)