Harmonized System of Surveys and Certification (HSSC)

HSSC entered into force on 3rd February 2000 as a result of the protocol adopted
on 11th Nov 1988 by the International Conference on the Harmonized System of
Survey and certification (1988 SOLAS Protocol) Resolution A 883(21) which
introduces Global and uniform and implementation of the HSSC other than the
1988 SOLAS and load line protocol amendments has been adopted to introduce
HSSC in the system.
1) Annex I & II of MARPOL 73/78 by resolution MEPC39(29)
2) International code for construction and equipment of ships carrying
dangerous chemical in bulk (IBC code) by resolution MEPC 40(29)
and MSC 16 (58)
3) International code for construction and equipment of ships carrying
liquefied gases in bulk (IGC code) by resolution MSC 17(58) and
4) Code for construction and equipment of ships carrying dangerous
chemicals in bulk (BCH code) by resolution MEPC 41(29) and
MSC 18(58)

The global and uniform implementation of the HSSC and certification it should be
applied to all types of ships and in respect of all relevant instruments. All
statutory certificates for cargo ships tankers containers, refrigerated vessels will
be valid for a maximum period of 5 years for passenger vessels validity will be
one year
This system provides for a one year standard interval between surveys based on
initial annual intermediate periodical and renewal surveys as appropriate. The
scheme also provides the necessary flexibility for exception of each survey with
the provision that the renewal survey may be completed within ± 3 months
before expiry of the existing certificate with no loss of its period of validity.
External inspections of ships bottom are required for all cargo ships. A minimum
of two such inspections are required during a five year period and the interval
between any two such inspections shall not exceed 36 months. Various
certificates issued under HSSC are:
1. International Loadline certificate - 5 years
2. IOPP certificate - 5 years
3. Passenger Ship Safety certificate - 1 year
4. SAFCON certificate – 5 years
5. Safety Equipment certificate – 5 years
6. Ship Radio Telegraphy – 5 years
7. EAIPP and IAPP certificate – 5 years
8. ISSC – 5 years
9. International pollution certificate for Noxious liquid substances in bulk –
5 years
10. Certificate of fitness for carriage of dangerous chemical in bulk - 5
years