International Ship Security Certificate (ISSC) – A Complete Guide

The International Ship Security Certificate (ISSC) is a statutory certificate issued under the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, made mandatory by SOLAS Chapter XI-2. It proves that a ship is compliant with international security requirements and has effective measures in place to prevent unlawful acts such as terrorism, piracy, and smuggling. What […]

International Sewage Pollution Prevention Certificate (ISPPC) – A Complete Guide

The International Sewage Pollution Prevention Certificate (ISPPC) is a mandatory statutory document issued under MARPOL Annex IV, which deals with the prevention of pollution by sewage from ships. It confirms that a vessel is constructed, equipped, and operated in compliance with international regulations to prevent the discharge of untreated sewage into the sea. What is […]

International Oil Pollution Prevention (IOPP) Certificate – A Complete Guide

The International Oil Pollution Prevention (IOPP) Certificate is one of the key statutory certificates required under the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL), Annex I. It certifies that a ship has been inspected and found to comply with all requirements related to the prevention of oil pollution at sea. The certificate, […]

International Load Line Certificate (ILLC) – A Complete Guide

The International Load Line Certificate (ILLC) is one of the most important statutory certificates carried by sea-going ships. It is issued in accordance with the International Convention on Load Lines (ICLL), 1966, as amended by the Protocol of 1988, and administered under the Harmonized System of Survey and Certification (HSSC). The certificate confirms that a […]

International Energy Efficiency Certificate (IEEC) – A Complete Guide

The International Energy Efficiency Certificate (IEEC) is a statutory certificate issued under MARPOL Annex VI, Regulation 5.4. It is one of the key instruments introduced by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from ships and promote sustainable maritime operations. What is the IEEC? The IEEC certifies that a ship complies […]

International Ballast Water Management (BWM) Certificate – A Complete Guide

The International Ballast Water Management Certificate (IBWMC) is a statutory certificate issued under the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments, 2004 (BWM Convention). Its purpose is to prevent the spread of harmful aquatic organisms through the discharge of ballast water from ships. Why is Ballast Water Management Important? […]

Garbage Management Plan: What PSC Inspectors Look For

Understanding the requirements of MARPOL Annex V and knowing what PSC inspectors look for in the Garbage Management Plan, Record Book, and on-board segregation is key to ensuring compliance. Introduction Although garbage disposal may seem like a simple task, it is a common area where ships fail to meet the required standards.PSC inspectors frequently find non-compliance in this area. The Garbage Management Plan and Record Book of a ship are important indicators of how seriously the vessel follows MARPOL Annex V, a regulation designed to protect the oceans from pollution caused by waste from ships. This article explains in simple terms what PSC inspectors are looking for and how officers can stay fully compliant. […]

Why Are Pipelines Bent on Ships

Ever wondered why ship pipelines are never straight? Learn the engineering reasons for bent pipelines on ships, from thermal expansion, vibration, and protection against water hammer to safety and space management. Introduction: The Ship Pipelines’ Story That Lies Behind Enter any ship engine room and you are likely to notice something rather curious: no pipeline […]

International Anti-Fouling System (AFS) Certificate – A Complete Guide

International Anti-Fouling System (AFS) Certificate – A Complete Guide The International Anti-Fouling System (AFS) Certificate is a statutory certificate issued under the International Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti-Fouling Systems on Ships (AFS Convention), 2001. Its purpose is to ensure that ships do not use harmful anti-fouling paints or coatings that damage the marine […]

International Air Pollution Prevention (IAPP) Certificate – A Complete Guide

The International Air Pollution Prevention (IAPP) Certificate is a statutory certificate required under MARPOL Annex VI, which regulates the prevention of air pollution from ships. It confirms that the vessel complies with international standards on air emissions, fuel quality, and engine performance, thereby reducing harmful pollutants released into the atmosphere. What is the IAPP Certificate? […]