HIGH-SPEED CRAFT (HSC) CERTIFICATION

Which vessels are designated as

highspeed craft? Hovercraft, Jetfoils, Seacats, HSS, Jetliner, etc. The HSC Code defines 'high-speed craft' using a formula based partly on displacement. Where can you find the rules and

regulations for construction, maintenance and operation of high- speed craft?

In the HSC Code.

To which craft does the HSC Code

apply? High-speed craft on international voyages. What rules does the MCA apply

when certificating high-speed craft on UK domestic voyages?

These craft may not need to comply fully with the HSC Code. The MCA will determine the extent to which the HSC Code should be applied on a craft-by-craft basis.

Which special HSC documents are required to be carried by craft to which the HSC Code applies?

(1 ) A HSC Safety Certificate (HSCSC); and (2) a Permit to Operate High-Speed Craft (POHSC).

Which special HSC documents are required to be carried by high- speed craft on UK domestic-only voyages?

(1 ) A UK HSC Safety Certificate; and (2) a Permit to Operate High-Speed Craft.

What 'conventional' ship certificates would you expect to find on a high- speed craft?

Certificate of Registry, Safe Manning Document, Safety Radio Certificate, International Load Line Certificate, International Tonnage Certificate, International Oil Pollution Prevention Certificate, ISM Safety Management Certificate and Document of Compliance, Certificate of Class.

In what way is the load line of a high- speed craft different from that of a conventional ship?

On the left side of the load line 'stem', level with the load line through the disc, and at the level of the design waterline, is the letter 'H'. This may be the only assigned load line, but there may also be a 'F' line.

What is the significance of the letter 'H' on the load line of a high-speed craft?

It marks the position of the design waterline, as required by Reg. 2. 9 of the HSC Code (Marking and recording of the design waterline). The forward and after draughts corresponding to this waterline are shown in the High-Speed Craft Safety Certificate.

What manuals and schedules must

a highspeed craft carry? (1 ) A Craft Operating Manual; (2) a Route Operational Manual; (3) a Training Manual; (4) a Maintenance Manual; and (5) a Servicing Schedule. These are prescribed by the HSC Code.

In what forms may the Maintenance Manual and Servicing Schedule be?

Paper or computerised. (The Stena HSSs have a computerised MASS system - Maintenance and Servicing Schedule system. )

In accordance with what document

must a HSC be operated? An approved Operating Manual. Where can you find a list of

documents to be carried by UK high- speed craft, and foreign high-speed craft on UK domestic voyages?

In Annex 1 to MIN 18. (Note: This has passed its expiry date without replacement. )

High-Speed Craft Safety Certificate (HSCSC)

What does a High Speed Craft Safety Certificate certify?

(1) That the craft has been duly surveyed in accordance with the HSC Code. (2) That the survey showed that the structure, equipment, fittings, radio station arrangements and materials of the craft and the condition thereof are in all respects satisfactory and the craft complies with the relevant provisions of the Code. (3) That life-saving appliances are provided for the total number of persons stated and no more. (4) That, in accordance with 1. 11 of the Code, the listed equivalents have been granted in respect of the craft.

What are the other contents of a High Speed Craft Safety Certificate?

Certificate number. Place and date of issue. Expiry date. Endorsements for Periodical Surveys as required by 1. 5. 1 of the HSC Code. Other endorsements permitted by the Code.

Which document should supplement a High Speed Craft Safety Certificate?

A Record of Equipment. What is listed on the Record of

Equipment?

Particulars of craft, including name, manufacturer's model and hull number, distinctive numbers or letters, port of registry, Gross Tonnage, draughts at design waterline, Category, Craft Type and Sea Areas in which the craft is designed to operate; Details of LSA Details of radio facilities; Methods used to ensure availability of radio facilities.

What are the various Categories on the High Speed Craft Safety Certificate?

Category A Passenger craft; Category B Passenger craft; Cargo craft. What are the various Craft Types

on the High Speed Craft Safety Certificate?

Air-cushion vehicle; surface effect ship; hydrofoil; monohull; multihull; other. For which GMDSS sea areas would

a high speed craft operating across the Irish Sea probably be certified?

Permit to Operate High-Speed Craft (POHSC) What are the contents of a Permit

to Operate a High-Speed Craft? Name of operators; name of craft; Official Number; Call Sign; IMO Number; Gross Tonnage; Port of Registry. Permit, with attached Conditions, including maximum number of passengers permitted, with related manning scale of total crew (including cabin crew, etc. ). List of operational crew. Place and date of issue. Signature of issuing authority.

What is the maximum period of

validity of a Permit to Operate? 12 months. When must a new Permit to

Operate be applied for? When the craft is to be used on routes other than those specified in the Permit. What subjects would the Conditions

attached to a Permit to Operate cover?

Operating limits; number of persons; crew complement; operational requirements; records to be maintained.

INTERNATIONAL and UK OIL POLLUTION PREVENTION CERTIFICATES (IOPPC and UKOPPC)

International Oil Pollution Prevention Certificate (IOPPC) Which ships require an

International Oil Pollution Prevention Certificate?

Tankers of 150 GT and over and other ships of 400 GT and over on international voyages.

Which ships do not require an International Oil Pollution Prevention Certificate?

Naval auxiliaries and other State-owned non-commercial ships. Under which international

instrument is an International Oil Pollution Prevention Certificate required?

MARPOL Annex I.

What does an International Oil Pollution Prevention Certificate certify?

(1 ) That the ship has been surveyed in accordance with Reg. 4 of MARPOL Annex I. (2) That the survey showed that the ship's structure, equipment, systems, fittings, arrangements and materials and the conditions thereof are in all respects satisfactory and that the ship complies with the relevant provisions of MARPOL Annex I.

What surveys are required in connection with an International Oil Pollution Prevention Certificate?

Initial survey before issue; intermediate survey within 6 months of the half-life of the certificate, replacing the 2nd or 3rd annual survey; mandatory annual surveys within 3 months of each anniversary of initial survey.

Who can undertake International Oil Pollution Prevention Certificate surveys?

ABS, BV, DNV, LR, GL and RINA are authorised to conduct annual,

intermediate and renewal IOPPC and UKOPPC surveys, and issue or endorse certificates for annual and intermediate surveys. MCA carries out the initial survey for issue of the first certificate, and surveys of ships not classed with the 6 authorised societies. For foreign vessels changing to the UK register, the first survey will be treated as an initial survey and will be conducted by MCA. What items are inspected in the

initial survey for an International Oil Pollution Prevention Certificate?

Plans, specifications and other technical documentation (to verify ship and equipment comply with regulations). Oil pollution prevention equipment to be type-approved. Certificates, oil record books, manuals and other documents. Condition of ship and equipment.

What is the maximum period of validity of an International Oil Pollution Prevention Certificate, and are there any circumstances under which it can be extended?

5 years, subject to annual and intermediate surveys. It may not be extended.

What document is issued as a Supplement to the International Oil Pollution Prevention Certificate, and what does it contain?

A Record of Construction and Equipment. It lists items included in the IOPP survey and records (for tankers): particulars of ship; equipment for the control of oil discharge from machinery space bilges and oil fuel tanks; tanks for oil residues (sludge); standard discharge connection; construction; retention of oil on board; pumping, piping and discharge arrangements; equivalent arrangements for chemical tankers carrying oil; exemption (if any) from Convention requirements; equivalents (if any). It records (for non- tankers): particulars of ship; equipment for the control of oil discharge from machinery space bilges and oil fuel tanks; tanks for oil residues (sludge); standard discharge connection; exemption (if any) from Convention requirements; equivalents (if any).

UK Oil Pollution Prevention Certificate (UKOPPC)

Which ships require a UK Oil Pollution Prevention Certificate instead of an International Oil Pollution Prevention Certificate?

UK ships of the above tonnages which do not trade on international voyages, e. g. Cal-Mac ferries. (Some 'domestic traders' nevertheless have an IOPPC. ) What are the survey requirements for

a UK Oil Pollution Prevention Certificate?

Ships must have an initial survey and a renewal (periodical) survey every 5 years. There is no requirement for mandatory annual surveys.