Rules & Regulations Flashcards
What are internal waters?
Landward of the base line. The state has full legal
rights over any vessel of any nationality
What are territorial seas?
Up to 12 NM from the base line. Any vessel has the
right of ‘innocent passage’ unless it is infringing the laws of the state,
then it may be detained.
What is the contiguous zone?
Up to 24 NM from the base line. A vessel may be
pursued if it is suspected of breaking laws of the state (eg. oil pollution,
smuggling).
What is the Exclusive Economic zone?
Up to 200 NM from the base line. The state
has “sovereign right” to all that is below surface of the sea.
What are the high seas?
Seaward of the EEZ. Only the vessel’s flag state has
jurisdiction, unless the vessel is suspected of piracy or slavery. This is
not the same as international waters
what is the EMSA?
European Maritime Safety Agency.
works to increase the safety standards of shipping inside european waters, this includes:
prevention of pollution, safety & security, technical assistance, and identification & pursuit of ships making unlawful discharges.
What are the flag state responsibilities?
-Participation in International maritime treaties
-Implementation and enforcement of IMO Conventions, Codes, Regulations
-Port State Control (shared MOU)
-Seafarers competence standards
-Movement of ship between flags
-IMO Member state Audit scheme
-participation in IMO & ILO meetings
What does the MCA do?
-Prevent the loss of life on the coast & at sea
-Prevent Pollution
-Legislation and guidance on maritime matters
-Provide Certification of Seafarers
-Inspection of flagged vessels and vessels in UK waters
What are the 3 types of M-notices?
-MGN marine guidance notes
-MIN marine information notes
-MSN Merchant shipping notice
What is the purpose of each M-Notices?
MSN- Provides mandatory UK Legislation.
MGN- Provides advice & guidance on best practice.
MIN- For short term information.
What does (M+F) Mean?
they indicate if they relate to either merchant ships(M) or Fishing Vessels(V) or both (M+F).
What is the MOU?
The Memorandum of Understanding is to make port state control inspections more efficient and effective. it allows different port states to share the work load of port inspections and their results with one another, using shared databases.
known as the “Paris MOU”
What is included on an Expanded Port State Inspection?
-Structural condition, hull&deck
-WTD doors, ventilators & hatches
-Emergency systems: lighting, steering gear, bilge pumping, Em Gen
-Radio Comms, GMDSS
-Fire safety Systems, Drills, firefighting equipment, detection system
-Alarms: Bridge, ECR.
-living and working conditions
-lifesaving appliances, survival and rescue craft
-Pollution prevention measures
What is a ship detention & why would it happen?
Detention of a ship occurs
if there are serious
deficiencies to safety,
health and environment.
Or invalid or missing
statutory certificates,
Why would a ship be given a refusal of access?
-Ship has been detained 3 times in the past 36 months
(and flagged to a high risk state)
-Ship has been detained 3 times in the past 24 months
(and flagged to a standard risk state)
-Ship has jumped a detention
-Ship does not call at an agreed repair yard after a detention
What factors were historically used to target ships for inspection?
Vessel type, age, flag, class, time within the MoU, etc.
How were inspection results historically used to evaluate ships?
Results were gathered and data analyzed to form lists of the best and worst ships, flag states, classifications, builders, and companies
What system has been adopted to make the inspection process more efficient?
The “ship risk profile” system has been adopted.
How are high-risk ships and low-risk ships treated differently under the new system?
High-risk ships are inspected more frequently, while low-risk ships are inspected less frequently.
What incentive does the new inspection system provide to ship owners?
It effectively rewards good ship operation, making it in the owners’ best interests to comply with all requirements.
What is the shared commitment among the Paris MoU region regarding ship inspections?
There is a shared commitment to inspect all ships visiting ports and anchorages in the Paris MoU region as a whole.
What are the important chapters of SOLAS?
-Chapter II-1, Construction
-Chapter II-2, Fire Protection
-Chapter III, Life saving appliances & Arrangements
-Chapter IV, Radio Comms
-Chapter V, Safety of navigation
-Chapter IX, Management of the safe operations of ships
Chapter XI-1, Special Measures to enhance Maritime safety
-Chapter XI-2, Special Measures to enhance Maritime Safety (ISPS)
What does SOLAS Chapter II-1 Cover?
Construction
Subdivision of the vessel
* Watertight integrity and bilge arrangements
* Stability requirements
* Machinery & Electrical installations
What does SOLAS Chapter II-2 cover?
Fire Protection
- Fire zones and thermal boundaries A60 bulkheads etc.
- Restricts the use of combustible materials
- Fire detection
- Fire containment and extinguishing
- Protection of escape routes
What does SOLAS Chapter III cover?
Life -saving appliances & Arrangements
Lifeboat drills and the associated accidents have driven changes in how drills are
now carried out
* New regulations on immersion suits etc.
Note:This section has spawned new legislation such as the Life-Saving Appliance Code
(LSA) and as such a lot of the specifics have moved out of SOLAS
When must a test gear be completed?
12 hours prior to departure by a responsible person
What must a test gear include?
-Main steering gear
-Aux Steering gear
-Bridge & remote steering gear control systems
-Emergency power supplies
-Rudder angle indicator vs physical indicator on rudder
-Power failure alarms (main/emergency/control systems)
Where should written instructions be located & what information should it contain?
Operating instructions must be present which include;
* Block diagram showing changeover procedure – all valves to have ID’s
* All required ship’s officers should be familiar with the systems and the
changeover procedure and operation
* Emergency Steering drills to be run every 3 months as a minimum, including;
* Direct control from steering gear compartment
* Communications procedure & operation of alternative power supplies
How should a muster list be written and what must it include?
Instructions in languages required by the vessels flag state + English
Muster Stations
* Essential actions in an emergency
* Method of donning lifejackets
What must a fire drill include?
Reporting to stations & preparing for allocated duties
* Run up fire pump with 2x hoses
* Check fire outfits & communications
* Operate watertight doors, fire doors and dampers
What is the key objective of the ISM Code?
To minimise the scope for poor decisions, which contribute directly
or indirectly to a casualty or a pollution incident.
What is the company?
The owner of a vessel
* Organisation or person who has responsibility for operating the vessel
(management company / bareboat charterer)
What must every company utilise?
A Safety management system (SMS)
What is a DPA & what is their responsibilities?
Designated Person Ashore
To ensure the safe operation of each ship and provide a link between the company and those onboard.
Monitoring the safety and pollution prevention aspects of the operation of each
vessel
* Ensuring that adequate resources and shore based support are available at all
times
What must the company ensure are provided/complied with on each vessel?
- Seafarers must be qualified, certificated and medically fit (STCW)
- All crew are familiarised with the vessel
- All crew are aware and understand relevant rules, regulations, codes etc.
- Training is provided that is required to comply with the Safety Management
System - Safety Management System information is provided in a language that individuals
can understand (differs from other needs for example, certificates to be in English,
the SMS must be capable of being understood by the individuals employed by the
“Company”) - Crew are able to communicate effectively to carry out their duties
What are procedures that need to be provided for the vessel?
- Key Shipboard Operations e.g. Safety & Pollution
- Special Shipboard Operations – mitigation of the risk of an accident
- Critical Shipboard Operations – where error could lead to an accident that risks
the safety of the vessel, the environment or life
What is the DOC?
Document of Compliance
The DOC ensures that a company has an effective Safety Management System (SMS) in place, aiming to enhance the safety of the crew, the ship, and the environment.
What is the ISPS code?
The Code consists of measures to improve the security of ships and port facilities, created in response to threats after the 9/11 attacks. Its purpose is to provide a consistent framework for assessing risk, allowing governments to adjust security levels and measures based on the threat and vulnerability of ships and ports.
What are the three key levels within the ISPS?
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
What does level 1 of the ISPS Code entail?
Ensuring the performance of the vessels security duties
* Controlling access to the vessel
* Controlling the embarkation or persons and their effects
* Monitoring restricted areas so only authorised people are present
* Monitoring of deck areas and those surrounding the vessel
* Supervising the handling of cargo and stores
* Ensure security communication is readily available
What does level 2 of the ISPS Code entail?
additional measures identified in the ship security plan + all measures in Level 1
What does level 3 of the ISPS Code entail?
Further specific protective measures identified in the ship security plan + all measures in Level 1&2
What are the Annexes of MARPOL
Annex I- Oil
Annex II- Noxious Liquids
Annex III- Harmful substances
Annex IV- Sewage
Annex V- Garbage
Annex VI- Air pollution
Key features of MARPOL Annex I ?
ORB - Oil Record Book
Fitting of Oil discharge, monitoring & Control systems (O.W.S @ 15PPM)
Special Areas
What are the key features of Annex IV ?
Discharge Regulations
Sewage Treatment Systems
Sewage holding Tanks
Surveys and certification
Standard Discharge Connections
Port Reception Facilities
Record keeping
What are the Discharge Regulations for pumping sewage?
Treated sewage by an approved plant can be discharged beyond 3 nautical miles from land, while untreated sewage can only be discharged beyond 12 nautical miles from land, with ships needing to be en route and moving at a minimum speed of 4 knots.
How does MARPOL Annex VI address the issue of ozone-depleting substances?
MARPOL Annex VI bans the intentional release of ozone-depleting substances, such as refrigerants and halons, from ships. It also mandates the proper handling and disposal of these substances to prevent them from entering the atmosphere. This includes keeping a Refrigerant log aboard to ensure all gas is accounted for.
What is the function of an OWS?
The function is to separate any oil from the water in machinery space bilges prior
to discharge overboard. Maximum level of 15 ppm for any discharge
What is the maximum discharge level of oil?
15PPM
Why should detergents not be run through an OWS?
This leads to the creation of emulsion which units struggle to deal with.
What is the purpose of the International Sludge connection
The connection is a short adaptor with an international shore connection on one end and the ship’s connection on the other. It serves as a universal interface for the safe discharge of sludge worldwide.
What are a vessel’s onboard options regarding dealing with Sewage?
-A Collection system, for retention of all sewage when the vessel is 12 nm within land.
-Collecting & Storage System, a comminuting and disinfection system for storage and disposal when the vessel is over 3 nm from land.
-Sewage treatment systems, an approved sewage treatment plant.
What is Aerobic Breakdown?
The biological process breaks down sewage into simple, clean, and inert components plus carbon dioxide. Air is pumped through the tank to support aerobic bacteria, with excess bacteria skimmed off and returned to the primary stage.
What is a garbage management plan?
a comprehensive document that outlines procedures for managing waste generated on board a vessel. The plan ensures compliance with international regulations, particularly those set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) under MARPOL Annex V.
Key Components include?
Waste segregation,
Collection & storage,
Processing & treatment,
Disposal methods,
Record keeping,
Training & Awareness?
What is a garbage record book?
It is an official logbook required by the IMO under MARPOL. This book records details about the handling and disposal of garbage on board a ship. It includes entries on:
Type & quantities of garbage,
Disposal methods,
Dates & Locations,
Responsible personnel.
What is STCW & what is its purpose?
Standard of training, Watchkeeping & certification
To set international standards for the above.
What are the legal responsibilities of a watchkeeper?
- Instant response to the command of the vessel
- Maintain maximum efficiency at all times
- Promote a safe working environment
- Avoid pollution
- Respond to emergencies
What are the minimum hours of rest?
77 hours in a 7-day period
What does the ILO cover?
Standards of competency
* Hours of work and manning
* Appropriate social security measures
* Shipboard conditions of employment and living arrangements
What does the MLC cover?
- Minimum Requirements for Seafarers to Work on a Ship
- Employment Conditions
- Accommodation, Recreational Facilities, Food & Catering
- Health Protection, Medical Care….
- Compliance & Enforcement
What are the requirements for seafarers to work on ship?
-Minimum age requirements
-Medical fitness (ENG1)
-Training
-Recruitment, placement services
What employment conditions must be met with respect to MLC?
-A physical contract must be sent prior to joining the vessel,
-payments, every month and can be transferred to family
-Leave, right to annual as well as shore leave.
-Loss, Right to payment even if the ship is lost
-Manning, the ship should have sufficient manning level to operate safely.
What Accommodation/living conditions must be met with respect to MLC?
Accommodation for living and/or working should be
“Promoting the seafarers’ health and well-being”.
Both food quality and quantity, including water, should
be regulated in the flag state. Furthermore, cooks should have proper
training.
What health protection, medical care, and welfare must be met with respect to MLC?
Medical care on board ship and ashore: Seafarers should be covered for and
have access to medical care while on board.
A safe and hygienic
environment should be provided to seafarers both during working and resting
hours
Social security coverage should be available to seafarers
