Compliance Inspection Procedure for Operational Delegated Vessels

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1 Process Flowchart

 

2 Purpose

2.1 This procedure provides guidance to Marine Safety Inspectors (MSI) when performing a Compliance Inspection on a vessel enrolled in the Delegated Statutory Inspection Program (DSIP). This procedure applies to vessels in an operational state (i.e., not under construction or repair).
 

3 Authority

3.1 This procedure is based on the authorities granted in the Canada Shipping Act, 2001, sections 10 and 12.

3.2 This procedure was authorized by the Marine Safety and Security Executive on January 13, 2014.

4 Background

4.1 The Delegated Statutory Inspection Program (DSIP) is a program under which Transport Canada Marine Safety and Security (TCMSS) authorizes recognized organizations (ROs) to perform statutory inspections and issue Canadian maritime documents (CMDs) to enrolled vessels.

4.2 DSIP was implemented in 2001 to increase effectiveness in the allocation of Transport Canada resources. Authorization of ROs provides vessel owners with a worldwide range of resources to enhance the safety and efficiency of their vessels.

4.3 Vessels over 24 metres will be directed to one of Canada’s Recognized Organizations to obtain their Canadian maritime documents (CMDs) and to undergo such inspections as are necessary to meet the requirements of section 16 of the Canada Shipping Act, 2001 unless relevant factors including hardship or lack of available providers are brought to the attention of the Minister of Transport for him to consider in the circumstances of a particular case.

5 Application

5.1 This procedure is applicable to Marine Safety Inspectors carrying out inspection activities on board vessels enrolled in DSIP.

6 Responsibility

6.1 The Executive Director, Domestic Vessel Regulatory Oversight, is accountable for the development, implementation, maintenance and continuous improvement of this procedure.

6.2 The Regional Directors (RDs) are responsible for the implementation and promotion of this procedure in their respective regions.

6.3 The responsible authority for this procedure is:

7 Procedure

7.1 A risk-based priority list of all delegated vessels is developed by TCMSS headquarters (HQ) in cooperation with the regions. The DSIP Program Officer distributes the target list to each regional DSIPLO on an annual basis.

7.2 The priority list is developed on the basis of a 25% inspection target. Each region is expected to inspect 25% of their delegated vessels on an annual basis. Passenger vessels may be prioritized for more frequent inspection.

7.3 If the regional DSIPLO or inspection manager becomes aware of a specific issue on board a delegated vessel, an additional inspection may be carried out.

7.4 Vessel Pre-Inspection

7.4.1 In the region, the inspection manager identifies that a vessel on the priority list is available for an inspection.

7.4.2 The inspection manager assigns one or more Marine Safety Inspectors (MSI) to carry out a Compliance Inspection.

7.4.3 The lead MSI contacts the vessel AR to make arrangements for the inspection. In normal circumstances, the RO is not in attendance during this inspection.

7.4.4 The MSI reviews available vessel information in preparation for the inspection. The DSIPLO provides vessel information from the RO database to the MSI.

7.5 Vessel Inspection

7.5.1 The MSI travels to the vessel and notes the condition of the exterior and the means of access.

7.5.2 The MSI presents his/her Transport Canada Inspector ID and Designation Card to the senior officer on board and explains the purpose of the visit.

7.5.3 The MSI may begin by reviewing the vessel’s documentation and crew certificates with the Master. The MSI may also ask the crew certain questions related to the vessel’s SMS (when applicable).

7.5.4 The MSI may proceed to carry out a general tour of the vessel (the ‘walkthrough’) with a member of the vessel’s crew, in order to assess the overall condition of the vessel.

7.5.4.1 The MSI should also identify if any modifications have been made to the vessel and, if so, whether or not the RO was made aware of the changes.

7.5.5 The MSI may also request the crew to perform one or more safety drills, such as a fire or boat drill, or request the crew to operate lifesaving or fire fighting equipment, such as starting the lifeboats or the emergency fire pump.

7.5.6 If the document review and the walkthrough do not reveal any areas of concern that might necessitate a more detailed inspection, the inspection is over.

7.5.7 If the certificate review or walkthrough reveals objective evidence (‘clear grounds’) indicating that the condition of the vessel, its equipment or crew does not match the requirements for issuance of Canadian maritime documents, the MSI begins a more detailed inspection. The detailed inspection focuses on areas where clear grounds were established.

7.5.8 The MSI notes any observed deficiencies on the Flag State Deficiency Report Form B. Instructions on the attribution of the deficiency to the AR, RO, or to TC are found in the related work instructions (RDIMS 6967927).

7.5.9 If the conditions on board are found to be significantly sub-standard, the MSI may choose to suspend the inspection until the vessel’s Authorized Representative has taken the steps necessary to ensure that the vessel complies with regulatory requirements. If conditions are found to be such, the MSI will also pursue compliance and enforcement action, such as Administrative Monetary Penalties. In this case, TCMSS will coordinate with the RO to ensure that any deficiencies are appropriately rectified.

7.5.10 Upon completion of the inspection, the lead MSI provides the Master with a copy of the Flag State Inspection report and Form B (if required).

7.6 Post Vessel Inspection

7.6.1 The MSI records the inspection results in the Ship Inspection Reporting System (SIRS) as per the SIRS User Manual (located in the Help Menu within the SIRS application) and informs the DSIPLO. The DSIPLO will notify the RO.

7.6.2 If serious deficiencies have been found, the MSI determines if further compliance action is needed based on the nature and seriousness of the deficiencies. The MSI consults with the inspection manager and the DSIPLO.

8 Related Documents

8.1 Authorization and Agreement Governing Delegation (RDIMS 6460687).

8.2 Tier III Work Instruction – DSIP Work Instructions

8.3 Tier III Work Instruction – Flag State Inspection Work Instructions'

8.4 IMO Resolution A.739(18)

8.5 IMO Resolution A.789(19)

8.6 Flag State Inspection Report Form A & B.

8.7 Flag State Deficiency Code List

8.8 SIRS User Manual

9 Definitions

9.1 Authorized Representative (AR)

The person meeting the requirements of Section 14 of the Canada Shipping Act, 2001. In the case of a vessel under construction, or being imported into Canada, the AR is the person intending to operate the vessel once it is registered.

9.2 DSIP Liaison Officer (DSIPLO)

The DSIP Liaison Officer is an individual, appointed by the Regional Director, who is the point of contact for all matters pertaining to DSIP in that region.

9.3 DSIP Program Officer (DSIPPO)

The TCMSS HQ employee responsible for coordination of the Delegation Program.

9.4 Compliance Inspection

An announced or unannounced inspection undertaken by TCMSS to verify that the AR has maintained the vessel in accordance with the requirements of the CSA 2001. These inspections may also be used to verify the performance of the RO in fulfilling their responsibilities under the Authorization and Agreement.

9.5 Recognized Organization (RO)

Recognized Organization is a classification society that has been authorized by the Minister of Transport to perform inspections and/or issue certificates on behalf of the Minister, under the authority of formal legal agreements.

9.6 Regional Director (RD)

The Marine Safety and Security Director of one of the five Transport Canada Regions, or a person authorized to act on behalf of the Director.

10 Date of Application

10.1 This procedure is available in both English and French on the Marine Safety and Security web site and became applicable on January 1, 2014.

11 Date for Review

11.1 This procedure shall be reviewed twelve (12) months after its approval by MSSE, and at a frequency of not less than three (3) years thereafter.

12 RDIMS Reference

12.1 The English version of this document is saved in RDIMS under reference number 5073673. This is the fourth approved version of this document.

12.2 La version française du présent document est dans le SGDDI et porte le numéro de référence 5380039.

13 Keywords

• Delegated Statutory Inspection Program
• Marine Safety Procedure Manual
• Recognized Organisation
• Marine Safety Inspector
• Authorized Representative
• Monitoring
• Compliance Inspection