Ship Surveys and Certification During Global Health Pandemics; Challenges and Opportunities Presented by COVID-19

Abstract This article examines how flag states, port states, and the shipping industry have attempted to fulfill their obligations to carry out mandatory ship surveys and certification in response to challenges arising from the COVID-19 pandemic and provides guidance for future pandemics. Although the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Conventions do not have procedures to deal with the impacts of global pandemics on ship surveys and certification, the IMO has provided guidance via circular letters, taking a pragmatic and practical approach. Several flag states extended the validity of certificates by taking either a case-by-case or a blanket approach within the statutory maximum of three months. With regard to the extension beyond the statutory period of three months, flag states should consider requests using an evidence-based assessment on a case-by-case basis. Classification societies play an important role in the extension of the validity of certificates by providing their technical expertise and recommendations. Port state control serves as a safety net in the event that flag states do not comply with their obligations. In this regard, cooperation between flag states, port states, and classification societies is key to managing survey and certification during a pandemic. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated an accelerated need for the development of remote surveys. It has also illustrated a need to develop guidance on remote surveys under exceptional circumstances in order to respond to future pandemics.