Operational Guide · Registers & Logbooks

# 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.

SOLAS Safety Construction Safety Equipment Safety Radio

## Operational Explanation

Cargo ships subject to SOLAS must carry three distinct statutory certificates, each with its own verification scope: the Cargo Ship Safety Construction Certificate (structure, machinery and electrical installations), the Cargo Ship Safety Equipment Certificate (life-saving, fire-fighting and navigation equipment) and the Cargo Ship Safety Radio Certificate (GMDSS radiocommunication apparatus).

Each of these certificates has a maximum validity of 5 years and, for a newly built ship, is typically first issued as a 5-month interim certificate pending completion of the first full survey cycle. Although three separate documents, their timing is kept synchronized by the HSSC (Harmonized System of Survey and Certification) cycle, which aligns their respective anniversary dates and survey windows (Annual, Intermediate, Renewal).

## Regulatory Reference

SOLAS Chapter I, Regulation 12 (Survey requirements) and Regulations 8/9/10 for the respective certificates; verification cycle synchronized per HSSC (Res. A.1186(33)).

## Scope of Application

Every cargo ship subject to SOLAS, for which the three certificates must be kept valid and synchronized under the HSSC cycle.

## Procedure / How to Complete It

1. Verify that the three certificates (Construction, Equipment, Radio) have anniversary dates synchronized according to the HSSC cycle.
2. Schedule the respective surveys (Annual, Intermediate, Renewal) for each certificate in coordination with the other two, avoiding unnecessary overlaps.
3. For newly built ships, verify the validity of the 5-month interim certificate pending completion of the first full survey cycle.
4. Keep the specific technical documentation for each scope (structural, equipment, radio) up to date and available for the respective survey.
5. Verify that any structural, equipment or radio apparatus modification is reported to the Classification Society for any impact on the specific certificate concerned.

## Practical Example

Management example: a newly built ship receives the three 5-month interim certificates at launch; the first full survey cycle is scheduled so that the three definitive certificates are issued with the same anniversary date, simplifying management of the HSSC cycle for the following five years.

## Real Cases

Misaligned management of the three certificates, with different anniversary dates for each, has in some cases resulted in unnecessary closely-spaced surveys and the risk of an unnoticed expiry of one of the three certificates while the Company's attention was focused on the other two.

## Common Mistakes Mistake Library

Mistake | Consequence | How to avoid it
--- | --- | ---
The three certificates treated as a single generic document rather than three distinct verification scopes | Specific technical documentation not ready for the survey of one of the three scopes | Keep separate, up-to-date technical documentation for structure, equipment and radio
Anniversary dates of the three certificates not synchronized per the HSSC cycle | Unnecessary closely-spaced surveys and risk of an unnoticed expiry | Verify and maintain synchronization of the anniversary dates per HSSC
Modification of equipment or radio apparatus not reported to the Classification Society | Specific certificate potentially no longer valid without the Company noticing | Always report any relevant modification to the Classification Society for the certificate scope concerned

## PSC Observations

PSCOs check the validity and consistency of the three certificates against the ship's actual condition, in particular verifying that safety equipment and radio apparatus match what is attested in the respective certificates.

## Operational Tips

- Keep separate technical documentation for structure, equipment and radio, not a single generic file.
- Verify the synchronization of the three certificates' anniversary dates per the HSSC cycle.
- Always report to the Classification Society any equipment or radio apparatus modification that could affect the specific certificate.

## Checklist

- Anniversary dates of the three certificates verified as synchronized per HSSC
- Specific technical documentation for each scope up to date and available
- 5-month interim certificate verified for newly built ships
- Surveys of the three certificates scheduled in coordination
- Relevant modifications reported to the Classification Society for the scope concerned

## FAQ

What are the three distinct SOLAS certificates for a cargo ship?
The Cargo Ship Safety Construction Certificate (structure, machinery, electrical installations), the Cargo Ship Safety Equipment Certificate (life-saving, fire-fighting, navigation) and the Cargo Ship Safety Radio Certificate (GMDSS apparatus).
What is the maximum validity of these certificates?
5 years, with a 5-month interim certificate typically issued for newly built ships pending completion of the first full survey cycle.
How are the three certificates kept synchronized over time?
Through the HSSC cycle (Harmonized System of Survey and Certification), which aligns their respective anniversary dates and Annual, Intermediate and Renewal survey windows.
🎬 Additional photos, videos and interactive diagrams for this topic will be available in a future version of the platform.

## Related Topics

HSSC Annual Survey

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