UK Maritime Coast Guard Agency (UK MCA) published a new policy concerning the UK Vessels which are prevented from arranging the relevant Surveys, Inspections and Audits required for compliance with the relevant Statutory Instruments due to the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak.
It should be reminded that from the 23rd March 2020, MCA Surveyors suspended routine survey and inspection activity either domestically or overseas. The relevant Recognised Organisations and Certifying Authorities have developed their own policies on their ability to conduct surveys, inspections and audits as appropriate. The MCA will publish details of the resumption of survey and inspection operations as the situation develops.
The MCA has put in place contingency plans to mitigate disruption to essential statutory activities during the current worldwide coronavirus pandemic
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In the meantime, UK MCA has extended the authorisations provided to their Recognised Organisation’s (RO’s) for the conduct of International Safety Management Certificate and Document of Compliance Audits (SMC and DOC), International Ship Security Certificate Audits (ISSC), Maritime Labour Certificate Inspections (MLC), Safety Construction (SAFCON) and Safety Equipment Certificate Surveys (SEC) on all internationally trading UK cargo vessels to facilitate the engagement of local surveyor resource. This authorisation is irrespective of whether the vessel is engaged on the Alternative Compliance Scheme (ACS) as set out in MGN 568(M) or not.
The Agency encourages ship operators to begin their arrangements for the survey/audit/inspection of their vessels by the relevant RO at the earliest opportunity within the window provided by the regulations and, where the operation of the vessel permits, in an area with no or limited instances of infection by coronavirus.
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