Business & Law Flashcards
Introduction to Maritime Law:
What is the IMO?
The International Maritime Organization. It is the maritime branch of the UN and is responsible for creating the majority of international maritime law
Introduction to Maritime Law:
What is a flag state?
A state in which a vessel is registered and which therefore has the right to fly that states flag.
Introduction to Maritime Law:
What is port state?
A state into which vessels registered in another state enter and, by doing so, come under the law of the former state.
Introduction to Maritime Law:
What is the ILO?
The International Labour Organization. It creates international law with respect to Labour standards, particularly the Maritime Labour Convention in the maritime context
Introduction to Maritime Law:
What are bylaws?
In the UK and some other anglophone states, bylaws are local laws created by local councils or statutory harbor authorities which apply only within their jurisdiction
Introduction to Maritime Law:
What is the UKCA mark?
The UK Conformity Assessed (UKCA) mark is the UK post Brexit replacement for the EU’s wheel mark which signified compliance with the EU Marine Equipment Directive (MED)
Introduction to Maritime Law:
From a regulatory perspective, what kind of organization is the EU?
The EU is a supernation organization. It is a political and economic union of 27 independent nation states but it produces its own laws which apply to those states
Introduction to Maritime Law:
What is the IMO’s mission?
The IMO Develops international conventions to promote safe, secure, environmentally sound, efficient and sustainable shipping through cooperation.
Introduction to Maritime Law:
What was the IMO’s initial focus after the IMO Convention took effect in 1958?
Its initial focus was safety and its first task was the adoption of a new version of the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) convention in 1960
Introduction to Maritime Law:
Where is the IMO headquarteres?
In London, UK
Introduction to Maritime Law:
In the context of the IMO, what is a member state?
A members state is any member of the UN which has accepted the IMO convention. There are currently 175 member states and three associate members.
Introduction to Maritime Law:
What is the structure of the IMO?
The IMO has an Assembly and a Council, who are supported by Committees, Sub-Committees and Working Groups.
Introduction to Maritime Law:
Which are the two main committees in the IMO?
MSC - Maritime Safety Committee
MEPC - Maritime Environmental Protection Committee
Dealing with safety and environmental matters respectively
Introduction to Maritime Law:
What is the purpose of the Facilitation Committee?
The Facilitation Committee (FAL) focuses on simplifying and harmonizing administrative and procedural requirements for international maritime trade.
Introduction to Maritime Law:
How often does the IMO’s assembly sit?
Once every two years
Introduction to Maritime Law:
How many IMO member states are there?
The IMO currently has 175 member states and 3 associate members
Introduction to Maritime Law:
What is a convention?
A convention is an international framework of rules that a group of countries agree to be bound by and to enforce, both on their vessels and on other vessels within their waters.
Introduction to Maritime Law:
What is ratification in an international context?
In an international context, ratification is the formal act by which a state confirms its consent to be bound by a treaty or convention. It normally involved signing a convention or depositing an instrument of accession with the IMO
Introduction to Maritime Law:
Can a convention be adopted without being ratified?
Yes, adoption by the IMO is not the same thing as a convention being ratified by enough member states for it to come into force. There is a list of unratified conventions that have been adopted by the IMO on their website.
Introduction to Maritime Law:
What is ratification in a national context?
Ratification in a national context refers to the formal process by which a country’s legislative body approves and adopts an international treaty or agreement, making it binding and enforceable within the country’s legal system.
Introduction to Maritime Law:
When does a convention which has been adopted by the IMO come into force?
Each convention will state the conditions which need to be meet for a convention to come into force. Normally conventions come in to force one year after ratification by a sufficient number of states, which together represent a significant percentage of the worlds tonnage.
Introduction to Maritime Law:
Where do proposals for new IMO conventions come from?
A proposal for new conventions can come from a member state, a group of member states or the IMO itself.
Introduction to Maritime Law:
What is tacit acceptance?
Tacit acceptance is a procedure where amendments come into force unless objected to by one third of members states.
Introduction to Maritime Law:
How are ver significant amendments made to IMO conventions?
Large amendments are passed through protocols. A protocol is effectively a new treaty which is added to the existing convention.
Introduction to Maritime Law:
Why was tacit acceptance adopted as a method of amending IMO instruments?
Tacit acceptance was adopted because waiting for explicit acceptance for minor amendments was proving impossible, with many worthwhile amendments simply never being adopted.
Introduction to Maritime Law:
In the context of the IMO, what are amendments?
Amendment are the changes made to IMO conventions in order to keep them relevant in the face of technological change and to embrace opportunities to improve safety and reduce the impact on the environment
Introduction to Maritime Law:
What is an IMO resolution?
An IMO resolution is used to promulgate important, formal decisions which are made by the various committees. Most resolutions are related to the adoption of amendment or formal guidelines published by the relevant committee.
Introduction to Maritime Law:
What is an IMO Circular?
IMO Circular serve as means of disseminating information, sharing best practices and facilitating the implementation of the IMO conventions and guidelines. They are not as formal as resolutions.
Classification Societies:
What is IACS?
The International Association of Classification Societies. Founded in 1968, it has a membership of eleven leading classification societies
Classification Societies:
What is a classification society?
A classification society is a non-governmental organization which establishes and enforces technical standards for the design, construction and operation of ships.
Classification Societies:
Which classification societies are members of IACS?
- American Bureau of Shipping (ABS)
- Bureau Veritas (BV)
3.Det Norske Veritas (DNV) - Lloyds register (LR)
- Nippon Kaiji Kykai (Class NK)
- Registro Italiano Navale (RINA)
- China Classificaion Society (CCS)
- Croatian Register of Shipping (CRS)
- Indian Register of Shipping (IRS)
- Korean Register (KR)
- Polish Register of Shipping (PRS)
Classification Societies:
What is the significance of a certificate of class for a vessel?
A certificate of class confirms that a vessel complies with the rules and standards of a classification society
Verifies the structural strength and integrity of essential vessel parts (hull & appendages, propulsion and steering, auxiliary and power plant)
Classification Societies:
Why are Unified Interpretations (UIs) developed by IACS?
UIs are developed to provide consistent interpretations of IMO regulations, ensuring uniform application of standards without introducing new requirements.
Classification Societies:
Beside safety and quality, what are some benefits associated with vessel holding a valid certificate of class?
A valid certificate of class can lead to favorable terms of insurance and financing , as well as enhancing the standing of the vessel and its owner in the industry. It is also likely to make it easier to trade internationally.
Classification Societies:
What are the primary functions of a classification society during the construction of a vessel?
Classification societies review design plans, conduct inspections and approve construction stages to ensure adherence to regulations and their own rules.
Classification Societies:
Is it mandatory for vessels to be classed?
No but the vast majority of vessels are.
Classification Societies:
In the context of survey and certification, what does RO stand for?
Recognized Organizations
Classification Societies:
What is a recognized organization?
An organization, usually a classification society, that has been recognized by a flag state for the purpose of surveying and issuing certificates
Classification Societies:
Which classification societies are recognized organizations in the UK?
- American bureau of shipping (ABS)
- Bureau Veritas (BV)
- Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (Class NK)
- Det Norske Veritas (DNV)
- Lloyds Register (LR)
- Registro Italiano Navale (RINA)
Classification Societies:
Which international instrument sets guidelines for the assessment, authorizations, and oversight of ROs?
The Recognized Organization Code or the RO Code
Classification Societies:
Who decides which organization can be approved as ROs?
Each flag state authorizes its own ROs under the guidelines laid down by the IMO in the RO code.
Classification Societies:
What is the purpose of PSC?
It allows local maritime authorities to inspect foreign vessels that enter their ports to verify compliance with international regulations and standards.
Classification Societies:
What is an MOU with regards to port state control?
A memorandum of understanding between national authorities in a region who agree to coordinate PSC inspections.
Classification Societies:
What is a PSCO?
Port State Control Officer
Classification Societies:
Why would national authorities wish to operate under a regional MOU?
National authorities are able to improve the efficiency of their PSC inspections, focusing their limited resources on substandard vessels and reduce the frequency of inspections on high quality vessels which have been inspected recently.
Classification Societies:
How many MOUs are there with regards to PSC?
There are 9 regional MOUs with a 10th PSC regime operated independently by the US Coast Guard
Classification Societies:
Why is PSC sometimes referred to as a safety net?
PSC is sometimes referred to as a safety net to catch substandard shipping because, although the flag state should be responsible for ensuring compliance onboard its vessels, it permits national authorities to exert influence on vessels which fail to meet those standards. This effectively places a flaw on international compliance below which low quality vessels or flags are not able to fall.
Classification Societies:
If a vessel fails to meet international standards during a PSC inspection, what are the consequences?
Depending on the severity of the issue, the PSCO can require that it is rectified in a given time frame or, if the issue is serious, they can detain the vessel, they can detain the vessel until the issue is resolved.
Classification Societies:
Which are the 9 regional PSC MOUs?
- Paris MOU - Europe and North Atlantic
- Tokyo MOU - Asia and Pacific
- Acuerdo de Vina Del Mar - Latin America
- Caribbean MOU - Caribbean Sea
- Abuja MOU - West and Central Africa
- Black Sea MOU - Black Sea region
- Mediterranean MOU - North African States
- Indian Ocean MOU - Indian Ocean
- Riyadh MOU - Gulf and the Red Sea
Classification Societies:
How does the Paris MOU inspection regime work?
Countries within the Paris MOU work together to harmonize their inspection efforts. They choose which vessel to inspect and how detailed the inspection should be based on a risk profile assigned to each vessel.
Classification Societies:
Which factors are taken into account when determining the risk profile of a vessel under the Paris MOU?
- Type of vesse
- Age of vessel
- Flag performance
- Class (RO) performance
- Company performance
- History of deficiencies and detentions
Classification Societies:
Under the Paris MOU, vessels over what age are automatically considered high risk?
12 years
Classification Societies:
What are the three risk profiles under the Paris MOU?
- High risk ship
- Standard risk ship
- Low risk ship
Classification Societies:
How is flag performance judged under the Paris MOU?
Flag performance is assessed based on the flag states ranking in the white, grey and black lists published by the Paris MOU, weighed against the flag states IMO member state audit scheme status.
Classification Societies:
What is THETIS?
THETIS is the Paris MOUs port state control information database.
Classification Societies:
Which Paris MOU risk profile are passenger vessels and oil tankers always considered to be?
Passenger vessels and oil tankers are always considered high risk ships.
Classification Societies:
Why would a vessel undergo a more detailed inspection under the Paris MOU?
If clear grounds were established during the initial inspection by the PSCO
Classification Societies:
How often are high risk ships required to undergo an expanded inspection under the Paris MOU?
At least once every 12 months.
Classification Societies:
What is a concentrated inspection campaign?
Concentrated inspection campaign focus on specific areas where high levels of deficiencies have been encountered by PSCOs, or where new convention requirements have recently entered into force. Each campaign takes place yearly over a period of three months (sep-nov) and is combined with a regular inspection.
Classification Societies:
Under the Paris MOU, how often are low risk vessels inspected?
Between 24-36 months after last inspection in the Paris mou region
Classification Societies:
What is a periodic inspection under the Paris MOU?
The normal PSC inspection conducted on an interval based on the risk profile of the vessel.
Classification Societies:
What is the only reason for an additional/more detailed inspection under the Paris MOU?
One which is triggered by an overriding or exceptional factor.
Paris MOU “More detailed inspection”
A more detailed inspection will be carried out whenever there are clear grounds for believing, during an inspection, that the condition of the ship or of its equipment or crew does not substantially meet the relevant requirements of a relevant instrument. Clear grounds exist when a Port State Control Officer finds evidence, which in his/her professional judgement warrants a more detailed inspection of the ship, its equipment or its crew. The absence of valid certificates or documents is considered a clear ground. Other examples of clear grounds can be found in Annex 9, paragraph 6 of the MoU text.
A more detailed inspection will also be carried out on ships flying a flag that has not yet ratified all of the Relevant Instruments of the Paris MoU.
A more detailed inspection will include an in-depth examination in:
the area(s) where clear grounds were established
the areas relevant to any overriding or unexpected factors
other areas at random
Classification Societies:
If the PSCO encounters deficiencies, what will they do?
They will issue an inspection report to the master which includes “action required” statements against each deficiency. Depending on the severity of the deficiency, the vessel may be permitted to rectify it immediately or, for serous deficiencies, the vessel may be detained until the issue is rectified.
Classification Societies:
What was the focus of the 2023 Concentrated Inspection Campaign?
Fire Safety
Seaworthiness:
What is seaworthiness?
A vessel is seaworthy when she is reasonably fit in all respects to encounter the ordinary perils of the seas of the adventure insured
Seaworthiness:
What are the five C’s of seaworthiness?
- Certification
- Condition
- Compliance
- Crew
- Conduct
Seaworthiness:
How does crew relate to seaworthiness?
In order for a vessel to be seaworthy, it must be crewed, be an adequate number of qualified, medically-fit and familiarized seafarers, as per the vessels Safe Manning Document and the requirements of the ISM Code.
Seaworthiness:
How does compliance relate to seaworthiness?
Although a vessel may have the required certificate, it will not be considered seaworthy unless the vessel is also in compliance with the requirements of the conventions, codes and regulations which apply to it.
These will include everything from drills and inspections of LSA to chart corrections and compliance with cargo-or passenger-related requirements.
Crew Welfare and Mgmt (MLC & UK Law):
Who should a complaint be made to under MLC?
The onboard complaint procedure requires that complaints are raised at the lowest level possible (ie. line manager rather than the Captain), although seafarers have the right to raise a complaint direct with their head of dept., the Captain, the DPA, or their flag state, etc. They may also complain to the port state of necessary.
Crew Welfare and Mgmt (MLC & UK Law):
MLC certification is made up of which 3 documents?
- Maritime Labour Certificate
- Declaration of Maritime Labour Compliance Part I
- Declaration of Maritime Labour Compliance Part II
Crew Welfare and Mgmt (MLC & UK Law):
The onboard complaints procedure must contain contact details for who?
- The MCA or the vessels flag state
- The national authorities for the seafarers country of residence
Crew Welfare and Mgmt (MLC & UK Law):
What additional hours of rest related requirement apply to those below age 18?
- No work at night
- A rest period of at least 12 hours in every 24 hour period
- A further rest period of at least 2 days per week (ideally consecutively)
- If the work day exceeds 4.5 hours, a 30 min break should be provided
Crew Welfare and Mgmt (MLC & UK Law):
How is night defined with regard to young persons hours of rest?
Night is defined as a period of at least 9 hours starting no later than midnight and ending no earlier than 0500.
Crew Welfare and Mgmt (MLC & UK Law):
What is an SEA?
A Seafarers Employment Agreement is a contract between an employer and the seafarer, in a format approved by the flag state.
Crew Welfare and Mgmt (MLC & UK Law):
What are the minimum hours of rest?
10hrs in any 24hr period.
77hrs in any 7 day period.
10 hours can be split into no more than 2 periods, 1 of which must be at least 6 hours.
Crew Welfare and Mgmt (MLC & UK Law):
What is the maximum period that an SEA can remain in force?
11 months.
Crew Welfare and Mgmt (MLC & UK Law):
How are drills considered for the purpose of hours of rest?
Drills do not count as working hours but they should be arranged so as to minimize the impact of the crews hours of rest.
Crew Welfare and Mgmt (MLC & UK Law):
What must the seafarer have in their possession regarding the SEA?
The seafarer must have a physical copy of the SEA signed by both the seafarer and the ship owner.
Crew Welfare and Mgmt (MLC & UK Law):
Which two documents relate to the hours of rest onboard?
Each seafarer just maintain a copy of their records of their hours of rest and there must also be a table of shipboard working arrangements published in a public place onboard.
Crew Welfare and Mgmt (MLC & UK Law):
What does MLC stand for?
Maritime Labour Convention
Crew Welfare and Mgmt (MLC & UK Law):
Which organization created the MLC?
The International Labour Organization (ILO)
Crew Welfare and Mgmt (MLC & UK Law):
What are the 5 titles of the MLC?
- Title 1 - Minimum requirements for seafarers to work on a ship
- Title 2 - Conditions of employment
- Title 3 - Accommodation, recreation facilities, food and catering
- Title 4 - Health protection, medical care, welfare and social security protection
- Title 5 - Compliance and enforcement
Crew Welfare and Mgmt (MLC & UK Law):
Which convention is considered the 4th pillar of international maritime law?
The Maritime Labour Convention
Crew Welfare and Mgmt (MLC & UK Law):
What is the MLC?
The Maritime Labour Convention is an international treaty that sets out rights and principles for seafarers, insuring decent working conditions, fair treatment and social protection.
Crew Welfare and Mgmt (MLC & UK Law):
How many titles are there in the MLC?
5