Interim Certificates
Interim DOC, SMC, ISSC and Maritime Labour Certificates are distinct mechanisms with their own conditions and durations; they attest interim conditions, not completed definitive verification.
Operational Explanation
Interim DOC, SMC, ISSC and Maritime Labour Certificates are distinct mechanisms with their own conditions and durations; they attest interim conditions, not completed definitive verification.
Regulatory Reference
ISM Code 14 — UK implementation, regulation 18; ISPS A/19.4; MLC A5.1.3.5–8 — ILO inspection guidelines.
For an Interim ISSC, ISPS A/19.4.1 expressly includes a ship without a certificate before entry or re-entry into service, as well as on delivery. Reactivation after lay-up must therefore be assessed against certificate status and the required verifications; the cases are not limited to newbuilds or changes of flag/company. ISPS Code A/19.4.1, Regulation (EC) 725/2004, annex II.
Scope of Application
- Interim DOC: new Company or new ship type; at most 12 months under ISM 14.1.
- Interim SMC: delivery, new Company responsibility or flag change; at most 6 months. In special cases the flag, or another authority permitted by ISM 14.3, may extend it by up to a further 6 months.
- Interim ISSC: ISPS A/19.4 cases; 6 months or until the full certificate, whichever is earlier, with no extension. Successive certificates intended to evade full compliance are prohibited.
- Interim MLC: new ship on delivery, flag change or new responsible shipowner; at most 6 months. No further interim after the initial six months; a DMLC need not be issued during this period.
Procedure / How to Complete It
- Name the specific interim instrument.
- Check issue conditions and scope.
- Calculate duration under its instrument.
- Complete full verification by the deadline.
- Do not issue prohibited chains of interim documents.
Practical Example
A new ship may receive Interim SMC and Interim MLC on distinct bases; neither proves full audits are complete.
What Typically Goes Wrong
Treating interim certificate as one SOLAS/MARPOL/MLC mechanism or claiming the same compliance/value as definitive.
Common Mistakes Mistake Library
| Mistake | Consequence | How to Avoid It |
|---|---|---|
| Treating interim certificate as one SOLAS/MARPOL/MLC mechanism or claiming the same compliance/value as definitive. | Non-compliant decision or treatment | Follow the approved arrangement and applicable sources |
What the PSCO Checks
Operational Tips
- Record DOC, SMC, ISSC and MLC deadlines separately.
- Book definitive verification in good time; an allowed extension is not automatic.
- Distinguish Code-based interim certificates from short-term documents issued on other bases.
Preparation checklist
- Instrument named
- Conditions met
- Correct duration
- Full verification planned
- No prohibited repeat
FAQ
Related Topics
Last substantive revision of this page: 16 September 2026 · page fingerprint c4d5d5bdd79b