In this ISM News Update:

• How to approach the IMO Cyber Requirements
• Paris MoU guidelines for certificates and crew changes related to COVID-19
• Revision 4 of the ILT (Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate) Contingency Plan is published
• RBG’s Sea time calculator

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How to approach the IMO Cyber ​​Requirements

The IMO regulations for the maritime sector will be coming into force in 2021 (starting from the first DOC audit). However, the interpretations of enforcement and compliance vary considerably. We have already explained a pragmatic implementation of Cyber Security in the Safety Management System in previous News Updates. In the meantime, the US Coast Guard has announced, via this circular, that failure to comply with this IMO requirement could lead to immediate detention of the ship concerned. It is also possible that compliance be requested during a Port State Check, even though a Concentrated Inspection Campaign is yet to be announced.

Paris MoU guidelines for certificates and crew changes related to COVID-19

On 17 December 2020, the Paris MoU on Port State Control published several useful guidelines for shipowners, masters and officers. Some flag states have issued instructions to vessels flying their flag regarding invalid documents due to the pandemic. Furthermore, this publication helps to resolve problems in a broader sense.

The Paris MoU also took into account ongoing developments regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly the issue of overlong service on board. Although the pandemic continues to affect the industry, the Paris MoU will continue to strive for stricter compliance with the Maritime Labour Convention’s fundamental requirements.

When applying ILO guidelines, Port State Controls are urged to require specific written evidence of flag state consent for each vessel, including (a list of) individual seafarers operating on board for a service period longer than the standard of 11 months. In these cases, PSC’s should request a flag-state approved recovery plan describing how deviations from the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) requirements are managed, including repatriation options in the next port of call. The port state should also notify the port state control authorities at upcoming ports of call of the agreed plan and consider entering an appropriate ship-related message in THETIS.

Revision 4 of the ILT (Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate) Contingency Plan is published

Due to the continued pandemic situation and the subsequent lockdowns making it more difficult to perform audits, inspections and certifications, on 31 December 2020, the ILT published an updated Contingency Plan. The plan provides possible transitional arrangements for seagoing vessels under the Dutch flag and their crews concerning medical inspections, STCW training, certificates of competence, ship certificates and compliance audits. The relevant document can be downloaded here, or copy https://www.ilent.nl/documenten/publicaties/2020/12/21/coronavirus-covid-19-contingency-plan-and-guidelines-netherlands-shipping to your browser.

Now available: RBG’s sea time calculator

Many will recognize the situation: the expiry date on your license is getting closer, and you need to get organized. Which documents do you need to present when applying for a new one? Are there refresher courses you need to do? Did you spend enough time at sea to extend your license?

Rood Boven Groen receives questions like these almost every day. We provide flowcharts and manuals for free to help you stay certified. Today we are proud to present our latest addition: The sea time calculator. This is an Excel tool that you can use with versions 97-2003 and higher.

Use it to quickly calculate your days at sea and gain more insight into your licensing possibilities! Download the sea time calculator here.

Hartelijke groeten,
Het RBG Team