Purpose
The purpose of this ItC to clarify the competence of Recognized Organizations (RO) with respect to granting extensions of the validity of statutory certificates required by certain international conventions.
Application
This ItC applies to the statutory certification of ships which, under the general authorizations that follow from annexes I, II or III to the Agreement, are delegated an RO.
References
The Agreement 1. June 2002 between the Ministry of Trade and Industry and ROs (the Agreement) paragraph 2.2 cf. Annex I to the Agreement paragraphs 2.1.1, 2.2.3, 2.2.5, 2.6 and 2.7.1 and Annex II to the Agreement paragraphs 2.1.4, 2.1.5, 2.1.7, 2.1.8, 2.1.10, 2.2.2, 2.2.3, 2.5 and 2.6.1.
Background
Paragraph 2.2 of the Agreement reads "Survey and certification services comprise the assessment of Norwegian registered ships classified by RO in order to determine the compliance of such vessels with the applicable requirements of the international conventions, codes, national rules and regulations, circulars and instructions, hereinafter referred to as "applicable instruments", and the issuance of relevant certificates as set out in the Annexes hereto."
SOLAS 1988 Protocol Regulation I/14(e) or 14(f) together with similar texts in ILLC article 19(5) or 19(6), MARPOL Regulations I/10.5 or 10.6, II/10.5 or 10.6, IV/8.5 or 8.6, VI/9.5 or 9.6 and the BWMC's annex section E, Regulations E-5.5 or E-5.6 state that, subject to presence of specific circumstances, the Administration may grant extension of the validity of statutory certificates required under these conventions.
Item
It is the NMA's interpretation of paragraph 2.2 in the Agreement that the extension of statutory certificates, as applicable cf. SOLAS 1988 Protocol Regulation I/14(e) or 14(f) together with similar texts in ILLC article 19(5) or 19(6), MARPOL Regulations I/10.5 or 10.6, II/10.5 or 10.6, IV/8.5 or 8.6, VI/9.5 or 9.6 and the BWMC's annex section E, Regulations E-5.5 or E-5.6 and issued by an RO on behalf of Norway, may be granted without further consultations with the NMA by the RO, which under the general authorizations that follow from annexes I or II to the Agreement, issues the renewal certificates.
As per paragraph 3.3 of the Agreement, request for exemptions from requirements of the applicable instruments shall be submitted to the NMA for consideration and final decision via the head office or dedicated regional office of the RO. Extending the period applicable to bottom survey beyond 36 months cf. SOLAS regulation I/10 (a) (v) will require an exemption from SOLAS requirements and in such cases, an RO shall forward such request(s) for exemption together with its recommendation to the NMA as per paragraph 3.3 of the Agreement.