SuperbaKnowledge Demonstration release
Platforms
Superba ecosystem
SuperbaHubEcosystem overview — how the environments connect, and the architecture behind them
Independent demonstrations
Superba KnowledgeYou are hereOperational maritime knowledge
Carbon Easy MapsMaritime decarbonisation, mappedPSC Easy MapsPort State Control, understood as a system
Training
LearningTraining delivery
ENIT
Superba ecosystem
SuperbaHubEcosystem overview — how the environments connect, and the architecture behind them
Independent demonstrations
Superba KnowledgeYou are hereOperational maritime knowledge
Carbon Easy MapsMaritime decarbonisation, mappedPSC Easy MapsPort State Control, understood as a system
Training
LearningTraining delivery
Home › Survey & Certification › Statement of Compliance for Ships in Temporary Lay-up
Operational guide · Certification & surveys

Statement of Compliance for Ships in Temporary Lay-up

Lay-up does not create one universal certificate or survey regime: the warm/cold arrangement, duration, class status, treatment of statutory certificates and recommissioning scope must be agreed for the ship with flag and class.

lay-upStatement of Compliancereactivation

Operational Explanation

Temporary lay-up may be warm or cold, with different crewing, active systems, maintenance and operational readiness. A society may offer a notation, declaration or document under its own terminology; there is no single IMO “Statement of Compliance” that automatically suspends surveys.

Class and statutory certificates must be managed separately. During prolonged lay-up some statutory certificates may not be maintained through periodical surveys, while class status may follow a limited regime under the Rules. Return depends on duration, preservation, modifications, overdue surveys and actual condition.

Regulatory Reference

Apply the conventions and flag instructions for statutory certificates, society Rules for class and local authority requirements. One society’s procedures are not a universal regime. DNV — lay-up and reactivation.

HSSC 2025 §5.5 treats lay-up or a long period out of service for major repairs/modifications as possible special circumstances for dating a certificate following a late renewal. The Administration decides; the renewal retains its full scope and additional examinations may be needed depending on inactivity and preservation of hull and machinery. This does not automatically suspend due dates. HSSC 2025 §5.5.

Scope of Application

Ships taken out of service for commercial, technical or market reasons. Requirements and controls vary with location, duration, warm/cold mode, crewing, system status, flag, class and coastal authorities.

Procedure / How to Complete It

  1. Notify flag, class, insurers and relevant authorities.
  2. Agree the lay-up mode and status of class and certificates.
  3. Prepare safety, preservation, maintenance and test plans.
  4. Record surveys, audits and certificates falling due during the period.
  5. Derive recommissioning from actual condition, work and due dates.

Practical Example

For a ship in extended cold lay-up, Company, flag and class establish which certificates will not be maintained, which limited visits apply, and which overdue surveys, tests and checks are required before service.

What Typically Goes Wrong

Relying on the name of a declaration, assuming all surveys are suspended, or applying one predefined comprehensive reactivation scope ignores flag requirements, Rules, duration, condition and actual due dates.

Common Mistakes Mistake Library

MistakeConsequenceHow to avoid it
Document treated as universalLegal effect overstatedRead issuer, basis and conditions
Standard return scopeToo little or too much workUse due surveys and actual condition

What the PSCO Checks

When the ship returns to operation, PSC applies its ordinary regime and checks certificates, crewing, condition and operation. Previous lay-up neither replaces valid certificates nor by itself determines inspection priority or outcome.

Operational Tips

Preparation checklist

FAQ

Is there one universal IMO Statement of Compliance for lay-up?
No. Document names and effects depend on flag, society and applicable arrangements.
Do surveys stop automatically?
No. Treatment of class and certificates must be agreed and documented.
Does recommissioning always require the same survey?
No. Scope depends on duration, preservation, overdue surveys, modifications and condition.

Related Topics

Annual SurveyCondition of Class and Recommendations

Last substantive revision of this page: 16 September 2026 · page fingerprint cf43d8478e94