Information on certificate requirements for ships covered by the transitional provision of section 21 of the Regulations of 7 June 2019 No. 710 on the construction, equipment and operation of passenger ships in the territorial waters surrounding Svalbard
This Circular supersedes Circular RSV 1-2017. Ships covered by the transitional provision of section 21 of the Regulations of 7 June 2019 No. 710 on the construction, equipment and operation of passenger ships in the territorial waters surrounding Svalbard shall comply with previous certification requirements as set out here.
1. Certificate requirements for ships carrying more than 12 passengers, engaged on international voyages
Ships arriving at or departing from Svalbard and carrying more than 12 passengers are required to have a Passenger Ship Safety Certificate (SOLAS), alternatively an exemption certificate together with a Record of Equipment (form P).
2. Certificate requirements for ships carrying more than 12 passengers and operating in the inner and territorial waters of Svalbard
As an alternative to a Passenger Ship Safety Certificate (SOLAS), ships carrying passengers in the inner and territorial waters of Svalbard may have
1. a safety certificate for passenger ships of class A, B or C according to Directive 2009/45/EC
or
2. a national passenger certificate allowing the ship to operate in the territorial waters of Svalbard.
For safety reasons, the certificates are required to have an endorsement from the flag State stating that the following technical requirements are fulfilled under the special conditions in these waters:
1. The ship is fitted with a gyro-compass and GMDSS equipment for sea area A2. The company shall ensure that other transmitting heading devices are appropriate for the ship's operational area and take account of the potential limitations of the devices.
2. The ship is provided with personal life-saving appliances with thermal properties for every person on board, or thermal protective aids (TPA) for the total number of passengers and for the crew members who do not have their own immersion suits.
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