IMMARBE implements a Self-Inspection Program

Notice to: Ship Owners/ Managers/ Operators | Surveyors/Auditors

C23005 | 08 February 2023

Aiming to minimize the number of vessels detained, IMMARBE implements a Self-Inspection program providing Owners with key information that can be used as a tool to prevent deficiencies and/or detentions.

Following the issuance of C20004 on 17th January 2020, in regard to the Self-Inspection Program implemented by IMMARBE through MMN-19-006, this Circular aims to update Ship Owners/ Managers /Operators and Surveyors/ Auditors on the latest developments of this program being in force by 23rd January 2023 through MMN-19-006r3.

The Technical Department of IMMARBE has implemented a revised  Self-Inspection Checklist highlighting all necessary items in order to confirm compliance with international and national requirements. Main amendment against the old version is the adding of:

1. Cyber risk assessment completed and the management plan available on board – ISM section.
2. DMLC Part II in compliance with MLC 2006, as amended in 2018 – MLC 2006 section.
3. Statement of compliance in accordance with the Hong Kong Convention or European Union Ship Recycling Regulation (EU-SRR) available on board – Other Requirements section
4. Note 1: Tokyo MOU ships shall submit the Self-Inspection Checklist (SIC) the first 5 days of each month. All other vessels operating outside the Tokyo MOU are to submit their SIC by the 15th of each month.
5. Note 2: A full photo report (Hull, Main Deck, Mooring Stations, Cargo Spaces, Navigational Bridge, Accommodations, Engine Room, Machinery Spaces, etc.) must be submitted on quarterly basis (January, April, July and October). At least two photos per area with the date inserted in each photo.
   Note 4: Crew List (Use FAL FORM 5 IMMARBE only) needs to be attached as required in STCW items and submitted on a monthly basis.

This checklist is to be used as an instrument to self-inspect Belize Flagged Vessels by their Master(s) allowing the prompt identification of deficiencies and their rectification prior to a Port State Control Inspection is performed.

This checklist is to be used as an instrument to self-inspect Belize Flagged Vessels by their Master(s) allowing the prompt identification of deficiencies and their rectification prior to a Port State Control Inspection is performed.

The Self-Inspection Checklist must be submitted to IMMARBE’s Technical Department within the first 5 days of each month for all vessel’s operating in the Tokyo MoU. Vessels operating outside of the Tokyo MoU (Paris, Black Sea, Mediterranean and Indian MoU) shall submit their self-inspection report by the 15th of each month.

It is also aimed to minimize the number of deficiencies found by a Port State Control Officer and to mitigate the possibility of having the vessel detained by a Port State Control Authority.

The Self-Inspection Checklist must be submitted to IMMARBE’s Technical Department on monthly basis and within the first 5 days of each month except for those vessels found by a Port State Control Officer with 7 or more deficiencies. All vessels found with 7 of more deficiencies will be included in a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) for non-compliant vessels.

This Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) will require the submission of the Self-Inspection Checklist twice a month for a period of 90 days. Vessels included in the Performance Improvement Plan must perform the first submission during the first 5 days and the second on the 15th of each month.

IMMARBE assures that a proper enforcement of the Self-Inspection Checklist onboard Belize flagged vessels will assuredly reduce the number of detentions; and the Owners, Operators and master’s will be confident that their vessels will be in good national and international standards.

Offences

Any Owner, ISM Operator or Master who disregards the provisions contained in this Merchant Shipping Notice can encounter disciplinary actions.

Any inaccurate information contained in the Self-Inspection Checklist will be considered as a False Statement and disciplinary actions can be considered.

Act now

All Owners, ISM Operators and masters are required to take note on those ports with the most detentions as well with the most common deficiencies found onboard for proper actions as deemed necessary.

All Owners and ISM Operators must instruct their master’s onboard Belize Flagged Vessel to submit the self-inspection checklist and crew list as requested by this notice to IMMARBE Technical Department inspections@immarbe.com.The information contained in the Self-Inspection Checklist and Crew list must be verified and confirmed by the Designated Person Ashore (DPA).

Annual Flag Inspections to be carried by General Safety Inspectors from the date of effect of this notice shall ensure the verification of evidence of the submission of the self-inspection checklist to IMMARBE. Lack of evidence shall be considered as a deficiency due to non-compliance with Flag State Requirements.

Mandatory Surveys to be carried by DBS from the date of effect of this notice shall ensure the verification of evidence of the submission of the self-inspection checklist to IMMARBE. Lack of evidence shall be considered as a deficiency due to non-compliance with Flag State Requirements.

Dromon Surveyors on each survey/ audit/ inspection should verify that evidence of submitting the Self-Inspection Checklist to IMMARBE exists onboard. Lack of evidence shall be considered as a deficiency due to non-compliance with the Flag Requirements.

For further information, please contact our Marine Division at marine@dromon.com