![Problems verifying electronic statutory and class certificates noted by Gard](https://iims-media-library.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/12120539/gard-qr.jpg)
Ships continue to experience instances of port state control interventions, and sometimes hefty fines, allegedly because the validity of their electronic statutory and class certificates cannot be verified during onboard inspections.
The practice of issuing signed paper certificates to document compliance with maritime rules and regulations may be nearing its end. Recognising that paper certificates are subject to loss or damage and can be impractical to send to globally-trading ships, most major flag administrations, and classification societies, now facilitate the use of electronic certificates. The process has also been formalized through IMO documents, such as the “Guidelines for the use of electronic certificates” (FAL.5/Circ.39) and the harmonised “Procedures for port state control”, and in accordance with the latter, port state control officers (PSCOs) are requested to note that: Continue reading “Problems verifying electronic statutory and class certificates noted by Gard”