Thematic module · eleventh module developed

# Survey & Certification Live

HSSC, Annual/Intermediate/Renewal surveys, Load Line, Tonnage Certificate, IMO Number, Condition of Class, Safety Construction/Equipment/Radio Certificate, ISPS Certification, MLC Certification, dual/multiple classification, Statement of Compliance for temporary lay-up, digital statutory certificates, interim certificates, coordination between class and statutory surveys, change of flag and the shadow fleet, coordination between HSSC and SIRE 2.0 vetting, and the IP Code (Industrial Personnel Safety Certificate).

Each topic below brings together, in a single place: an operational explanation, the regulatory reference, scope of application, procedure, practical example, real cases, common mistakes, PSC observations, operational tips, a checklist and FAQ — regulations verified as of July 2026.

### Harmonized System of Survey and Certification (HSSC)

Before 1999 every certificate ran on its own independent calendar: the HSSC synchronizes everything into a single five-year cycle, so the ship is not constantly 'in survey' for something.

### Annual Survey

The most frequent check in the HSSC cycle, often underrated because it's 'only annual': in reality it is the point where most of the non-conformities that later surface at a deeper survey are first caught.

### Intermediate Survey

The mid-cycle check that replaces one of the Annual Surveys with a more extensive examination: its fixed window (second/third year) makes it stricter than crews often assume.

### Renewal Survey and Certificate Renewal

The moment when the five-year cycle closes and starts again: how to keep the extension (meant as an exception) from becoming standard practice that masks structural planning delays.

### International Load Line Certificate

The Plimsoll mark on the hull is not decorative: it represents the limit beyond which the ship, according to the freeboard calculation, no longer has a sufficient safety margin.

### Tonnage Certificate and IMO Number

Two numbers that follow the ship for its entire life: tonnage (which determines obligations and fees) and the IMO number (which identifies it permanently, even through a change of name or flag).

### Condition of Class and Recommendations

Neither an ISM Non-Conformity nor a PSC deficiency: a third language altogether, that of Class, with its own deadlines and its own consequences for classification validity.

### Safety Construction, Equipment and Radio Certificate

Three distinct certificates, three distinct surveys, a single HSSC cycle keeping them synchronized: understanding the difference prevents treating them as one generic document.

### ISPS Certification (International Ship Security Certificate)

The certificate itself, as distinct from the plan behind it: the SOLAS Operations module covers the Ship Security Plan, this one covers the verification and issuance cycle of the certificate that attests to it.

### MLC Certification (Maritime Labour Certificate and DMLC)

Two distinct documents meant to be read together: the certificate declares compliance, the Declaration explains how the Company intends to maintain it day to day.

### Managing Surveys under Dual/Multiple Classification

When a ship is classed by two Societies (dual/double class), survey cycles do not simply add up: without a clear Bilateral Agreement between the Societies, the risk is needlessly duplicating surveys or, worse, leaving gaps in coverage.

### Statement of Compliance for Ships in Temporary Lay-up

A ship in temporary lay-up is not exempt from class and statutory obligations: the survey regime is reduced but not eliminated, and reactivation requires a dedicated survey before returning to service.

### Digitalization of Statutory Certificates

Electronic certificates carry the same legal weight as paper ones only if they meet precise technical requirements: recognized format, protection against alteration and a unique identification number. A scanned PDF is not enough.

### Interim Certificates

A newly delivered ship, one just transferred to a new Company, or one under a new Flag State does not yet have the definitive statutory certificates: the interim certificate fills this gap, but only for a limited time window that cannot be renewed indefinitely.

### Coordination between Class Surveys and Statutory Surveys (RO)

The statutory certificate attests that the ship may sail, the class certificate that the ship is structurally sound: two different things, but in the great majority of cases the same surveyor verifies both during the same visit on board.

### Change of Flag and the Shadow Fleet: What Changes for Surveys and Certificates

A ship removed from a registry for sanctions violations can obtain a new flag within days: the flag-hopping phenomenon of the so-called shadow fleet is putting the entire statutory verification system under pressure.

### Coordination between the HSSC Cycle and SIRE 2.0 Vetting Inspections

Over 24,000 SIRE 2.0 inspections completed and a new Focused Inspection Campaign on vessel hardening: planning the survey cycle without considering the vetting calendar is no longer an option for tankers.

### The IP Code: the Industrial Personnel Safety Certificate

Not a passenger ship certificate, but not a simple cargo ship either: ships carrying more than 12 industrial personnel, typical of offshore wind support, now have their own certificate and survey cycle.

### Remote Survey Guidance: Remote Survey, ISM Audits and ISPS Verifications

Not every survey necessarily requires a surveyor on board anymore: the IMO Guidance on remote surveys, approved at MEPC 84/MSC 111, defines when and how a verification can be conducted remotely, without replacing physical inspection as the general rule.

Coming in future updates to this module: first practical feedback on the Remote Survey Guidance (adopted at MEPC 84/MSC 111, April-May 2026) covering remote survey, ISM audits and remote ISPS verifications, further practical experience issuing the Industrial Personnel Safety Certificate on offshore support vessels, update on the SIRE 2.0 Focused Inspection Campaign after its first full year.

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