Confirms compliance with STCW Reg V/1-1 (oil and chemical tankers) or V/1-2 (liquefied gas tankers) for basic and advanced training
Establishes that 'advanced' certificates (required for Master, Chief Officer, Chief Engineer, 2nd Engineer, and anyone with immediate responsibility for cargo) are distinguished from 'basic' ones held by other crew
Checks the certificate matches the actual cargo carried (oil vs chemical) since the two training pathways are not interchangeable
Verifies seagoing service/refresher validity where the Administration imposes a revalidation period
MasterChief Officer2nd Officer
What the Inspector Expects
Confirms the vessel is manned in accordance with the flag State-issued Safe Manning Document required under SOLAS V/14.2
Establishes that the document reflects the vessel's actual trading pattern (e.g., unrestricted vs coastal) and current flag
Verifies that any deviation (crew member sick, awaiting relief) has a documented management-of-change or dispensation
Checks that watchkeeping numbers still support safe navigation and cargo watch rotations under STCW Reg VIII/2 even if the SMD minimum is technically met
MasterChief Engineerall deck and engine officers
What the Inspector Expects
Establishes compliance with the minimum rest thresholds of MLC 2006 Standard A2.3 and STCW Code Section A-VIII/1: at least 10 hours rest in any 24-hour period and 77 hours in any 7-day period (or the alternative 14h/24h & 72h/7d maximum-work formulation)
Confirms records are kept daily, signed by the individual, and countersigned/reviewed by the Master per MLC Standard A2.3.10-12
Checks the process for identifying and correcting recurring rest-hour violations, not just recording them
Verifies exceptions (drills, emergencies) are logged with justification per STCW Code A-VIII/1 paragraph 8
MasterChief Officer2nd Officer
What the Inspector Expects
Confirms compliance with SOLAS III/19.1 and ISM Code 6.3, which require familiarization training before assuming shipboard duties, and full familiarization with life-saving/fire appliances within two weeks of joining
Establishes the familiarization checklist covers muster list duties, escape routes, LSA/FFA locations, alarm signals, and pollution prevention equipment specific to that vessel
Checks that a nominated officer, not just a form, actually walks the new joiner through the ship
Verifies signed completion records exist and are retained, and that a joiner is not left alone on watch or given cargo/pollution-critical duties before completion
all newly joined crewSafety OfficerChief Officer
What the Inspector Expects
Confirms fire and abandon-ship drills are held monthly and that each crew member participates in at least one of each drill every month per SOLAS III/19.3
Establishes that where the vessel carries a davit-launched liferaft, each seafarer assigned to operate it participates in launching and lowering it into the water at intervals not exceeding 4 months, per SOLAS III/19.3.3.3
Checks that drill scenarios are varied (different emergencies, different times, restricted crew simulating absentees) rather than a repeated script
Verifies drill records note any equipment defects found during the drill and that these are tracked to closure
all crewMasterChief Officer
What the Inspector Expects
Establishes the company's duty under ISM Code 6.2 to crew the ship only with seafarers who hold the right certificates, meet medical fitness standards, and are competent for their assigned roles
Confirms a common working language is established and understood per ISM Code 6.5 / STCW Reg I/14, verified in practice during interviews, not just declared in the SMS
Checks the company drug and alcohol policy meets or exceeds industry-standard thresholds and includes a genuinely unannounced testing regime, not a pre-notified one
Verifies medical fitness certificates are valid and appropriate (flag State medical certificate per STCW Reg I/9 / MLC Standard A1.2)
all crewMasterChief Engineer
What the Inspector Expects
Establishes that navigating officers hold type-specific ECDIS familiarization for the actual make/model fitted, not just a generic ECDIS course, per STCW Code Table A-II/1
Confirms Bridge Resource Management / Engine Resource Management training has been completed and is periodically reinforced, supporting the team coordination principles under STCW Code Section A-VIII/2
Checks that crew members can articulate their individual muster-list role in their own words during an interview, evidencing real familiarization rather than memorized paperwork, consistent with ISM Code 6.3
Verifies that training records distinguish classroom/simulator BRM/ERM from any onboard reinforcement (toolbox talks, bridge team drills)
MasterChief Officer2nd Officer
What the Inspector Expects
Establishes that the company has a documented appraisal process supporting the career and skill development obligations of MLC 2006 Regulation 2.8, not just an ad-hoc opinion at sign-off
Confirms appraisal criteria link technical competence, leadership, and conduct to the specific rank being considered for promotion, consistent with the crewing standard expected under ISM Code Section 6.2
Checks whether the Master's or senior officer's input into a subordinate's appraisal is documented and traceable, not verbal only
Verifies a promotion recommendation is supported by more than time-in-rank, such as a completed onboard assessment or training record
MasterChief OfficerChief Engineer
What the Inspector Expects
Establishes that the crewing plan considers continuity in senior ranks so the vessel does not lose institutional knowledge of its cargo systems and SMS through a simultaneous changeover, in line with the crewing standard of ISM Code Section 6
Confirms contract lengths and relief scheduling respect the entitlement to leave under MLC 2006 Standard A2.4 and repatriation rights under Regulation 2.5 without forcing rushed overlaps
Checks whether the company tracks turnover by rank to identify vessels or ranks with chronic relief problems
Verifies overlap periods between an outgoing and incoming officer of the same rank are long enough for a genuine handover, not just a few hours at the gangway
MasterChief OfficerChief Engineer
What the Inspector Expects
Confirms a structured, written handover exists for the Master, Chief Engineer and Chief Officer positions, not just a verbal briefing, supporting the resource-management intent of ISM Code Section 7
Establishes the handover addresses outstanding SMS non-conformities, open defects, cargo or ballast condition, survey status, and any ongoing incidents
Checks that the incoming officer can demonstrate familiarity with the handover content in interview, not just that a document exists on file
Verifies the practice is consistent across changeovers rather than produced only for this inspection
MasterChief OfficerChief Engineer
What the Inspector Expects
Establishes that cadets and junior officers follow a structured training record book mapped to the competence tables of STCW Code Table A-II/1 or A-III/1, not informal on-the-job exposure alone
Confirms a nominated training officer signs off individual tasks as they are completed and observed, rather than in a single batch
Checks that cadets are rotated through the range of shipboard operations required by their training record book within the planned sea-time period
Verifies training progress is periodically reviewed against the syllabus timeline, with gaps identified and addressed before sign-off
Chief Officer2nd Engineerall deck officers
What the Inspector Expects
Establishes that the company runs a practical, task-based competency assessment programme onboard, such as mooring, cargo operations, or emergency equipment operation, going beyond certificate verification, consistent with the competence-based approach of STCW Code Part A
Confirms assessments are carried out by a qualified assessor and results recorded against defined performance criteria, not a simple pass or fail impression
Checks that a crew member found not yet competent in a task receives remedial training and reassessment before being left to perform that task unsupervised
Verifies the assessment programme covers both new joiners and existing crew periodically, not only at initial sign-on
MasterChief OfficerChief Engineer
What the Inspector Expects
Confirms a single, maintained training matrix lists every crew member against every mandatory and company-required certificate or course, supporting the crewing obligation of ISM Code Section 6.2
Establishes the matrix is updated at each crew change, not only during periodic office audits
Checks that expiry dates on the matrix reconcile with the actual certificates held onboard, catching discrepancies before they become overdue
Verifies the matrix flags upcoming expiries far enough in advance for renewal to be arranged before the next contract
MasterChief OfficerChief Engineer
What the Inspector Expects
Establishes awareness that the 2010 Manila Amendments introduced refresher training for Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats, Advanced Fire Fighting, and Medical Care and First Aid, generally at intervals not exceeding five years, tied to revalidation under STCW Reg I/11
Confirms the company distinguishes between a certificate's issue-based validity and the separate refresher-training clock, rather than assuming one certificate lasts indefinitely once issued
Checks that officers due for revalidation before their next contract have refresher training scheduled, not left until the certificate has already lapsed
Verifies refresher training completion is fed back into the ship's training matrix promptly
MasterChief Officer2nd Officer
What the Inspector Expects
Establishes company practice of sending Masters and Chief Engineers to periodic Bridge or Engine Resource Management refresher courses, not a single course completed early in their career
Confirms a Master taking command of a ship type new to them completes a company-mandated ship-handling or type-specific familiarization course before assuming command
Checks that the training is tied to the actual vessel type and size being commanded, not a generic refresher unrelated to its handling characteristics
Verifies certificates and course reports are retained and referenced in the promotion or appointment file
MasterChief EngineerChief Officer
What the Inspector Expects
Establishes that officers with cargo responsibility have completed simulator-based training reflecting the vessel's actual cargo system, going beyond the classroom-only tanker familiarization course
Confirms the simulator training is current, and where the company sets its own interval, that it has not been allowed to lapse indefinitely
Checks whether the simulator training was completed before or shortly after joining, rather than being scheduled for a future leave while the officer already conducts cargo operations
Verifies the training addresses abnormal or emergency cargo scenarios, not only routine loading and discharging
Chief Officer2nd OfficerPumpman
What the Inspector Expects
Confirms every officer who may be required to perform radio duties holds a valid GMDSS General Operator's Certificate, or restricted equivalent where permitted, meeting the competence requirements of STCW Code Table A-IV/2
Establishes the certificate matches the actual GMDSS sea area the vessel operates in, since required competence and equipment differ by area
Checks that the certificate and any required flag State endorsement have not lapsed
Verifies radio watchkeeping duty is actually assigned to certificate holders on the watch and station bill, not to an uncertificated officer covering the bridge
Master2nd Officer3rd Officer
What the Inspector Expects
Establishes that a specific qualified officer is designated to have primary responsibility for radio communications during distress under SOLAS Ch. IV Reg 16, and that this is documented rather than assumed to default to the Master
Confirms the designated person, or a delegate, performs and logs the required GMDSS equipment checks, including routine tests and battery checks
Checks that the radio log is maintained showing test entries and that any equipment defect is tracked to correction
Verifies backup, GMDSS-qualified officers are identified in case the designated person is unavailable
Master2nd Officer3rd Officer
What the Inspector Expects
Confirms the Ship Security Officer holds a valid SSO certificate and that crew members with designated security duties are identified in the Ship Security Plan, consistent with ISPS Code Part A/12
Establishes that all remaining crew, not only those with designated duties, complete security-awareness familiarization appropriate to their role, consistent with the training requirements of ISPS Part A/13
Checks that security drills and exercises are held at the required frequency, cover realistic scenarios, and record actual participation
Verifies communication links between the SSO, Company Security Officer, and Port Facility Security Officer are tested and understood by the crew involved
MasterChief Officerall crew
What the Inspector Expects
Establishes that at least one officer holds the STCW Medical Care certificate as the designated person responsible for medical care onboard, distinct from other crew who hold only Medical First Aid
Confirms the designated officer's competence extends to the practical skills expected of that certificate, such as patient assessment and administering medication, not just certificate possession
Checks the ship's medicine chest is stocked, inventoried, and within expiry per the flag State or recognized medical guidance the company follows
Verifies medical equipment is checked periodically and the designated officer is familiar with its use
MasterChief Officer2nd Officer
What the Inspector Expects
Confirms a medical log is maintained for all treatments and consultations given onboard, supporting the health-record obligations of MLC 2006 Standard A4.1
Establishes that the vessel has access to free, 24-hour radio or satellite medical advice from shore, and that the designated officer knows the actual contact procedure, not just that a number exists in a manual
Checks that any injury or illness resulting in lost time or repatriation is properly logged and reported per company SMS requirements
Verifies confidentiality of medical records is respected while still being accessible to authorized personnel for continuity of care
MasterChief Officer2nd Officer
What the Inspector Expects
Establishes the muster list assigns every crew member to a specific emergency team with a clearly identified team leader, consistent with the drill organization intent of SOLAS Ch. III Reg 19
Confirms team leaders hold the seniority and training, such as Advanced Fire Fighting, appropriate to actually direct a real emergency, not just alphabetical assignment
Checks that team composition accounts for watchkeeping patterns, so a real emergency at night would not leave a team leaderless because that officer is normally asleep with no deputy assigned
Verifies backup or deputy leaders are named for each team in case the primary leader is unavailable or incapacitated
MasterChief Officer2nd Officer
What the Inspector Expects
Confirms a table of shipboard working arrangements is posted in a prominent, accessible location, showing the schedule at sea and in port, consistent with STCW Code Section A-VIII/1 and MLC Standard A2.3
Establishes that the posted schedule is cross-checked against actual rest-hour records to confirm officers and ratings are genuinely working the posted pattern
Checks whether informal swaps or unofficial watch arrangements exist that are never reflected on the posted table, undermining both compliance and safety planning
Verifies the posted schedule reflects the vessel's current manning and trading pattern, not a generic template
MasterChief Officerall deck officers
What the Inspector Expects
Establishes that the company's fatigue management approach goes beyond recording compliance with the minimum thresholds of MLC Standard A2.3 and STCW Code A-VIII/1, addressing workload, watch pattern design, and cumulative fatigue risk
Confirms there is a mechanism for the Master or officers to flag a fatigue risk proactively, rather than only reacting after a rest-hour breach is recorded
Checks whether the company considers voyage-specific fatigue drivers, such as frequent port calls or watch pattern choice, in its risk assessments
Verifies fatigue is considered as a contributing factor in the company's incident investigation process, not treated purely as a paperwork compliance issue
MasterChief OfficerChief Engineer
What the Inspector Expects
Establishes that ratings and junior crew, not only officers, can articulate their individual emergency role from memory in interview, evidencing genuine familiarization consistent with ISM Code 6.3 rather than memorized paperwork
Confirms the crew member can explain not just their muster station but the actual sequence of actions expected of them, such as equipment to don and where to report
Checks whether language ability supports this explanation, tying back to the company's common working-language standard under STCW Reg I/14
Verifies this readiness is consistent across departments and not concentrated only in senior ratings
Able SeamanRatingsall crew
What the Inspector Expects
Confirms the company has a documented process for selecting and periodically auditing recruitment and placement services, consistent with MLC 2006 Regulation 1.4 and the prohibition on charging seafarers recruitment fees under Standard A1.4
Establishes that the manning agency's own licensing is verified and kept current
Checks that the company maintains oversight of the agency's practices regarding contracts, wages, and seafarer complaints, rather than treating crew sourcing as fully outsourced with no follow-up
Verifies a mechanism exists for seafarers to raise concerns about their manning agency directly with the company, separate from the agency itself
MasterChief Engineerall crew
What the Inspector Expects
Establishes that the company monitors quantifiable crewing performance indicators, such as crew turnover rate, on-time relief percentage, or grievance volume, as part of its management review process under ISM Code Sections 6 and 12
Confirms KPI trends are actually reviewed by management, with corrective action taken when a metric deteriorates, not just recorded and filed
Checks whether this vessel's own crewing metrics are within the company's normal range or represent an outlier the company should already be addressing
Verifies KPI data feeds back into the manning agency vetting and internal crewing decisions
MasterChief Engineer
What the Inspector Expects
Confirms the vessel has an onboard complaint procedure meeting MLC 2006 Regulation 5.1.5 and Standard A5.1.5, giving seafarers a fair, effective, and expeditious means to lodge a grievance
Establishes that the procedure allows escalation beyond the vessel, to the company, flag State, or a seafarer's own representative, if the onboard route is inadequate or the complaint concerns the Master
Checks that disciplinary procedures applied to crew are documented and proportionate, avoiding arbitrary or undocumented sanctions
Verifies confidentiality protections exist so a complainant is not exposed to retaliation from the person they are complaining about
Masterall crew
What the Inspector Expects
Establishes the company maintains a policy addressing harassment and bullying onboard as part of its occupational health and safety obligations under MLC 2006 Regulation 4.3 and Standard A4.3
Confirms the policy defines prohibited behavior in practical terms and is communicated to crew in a language they understand, not buried in a general conduct code
Checks that a reporting channel independent of the immediate chain of command exists, since the alleged behavior may involve a senior officer
Verifies any reported incident is investigated and a record kept, with outcomes communicated back to the complainant where appropriate
Masterall crew
What the Inspector Expects
Confirms every seafarer holds a signed Seafarer Employment Agreement meeting the content requirements of MLC 2006 Regulation 2.1 and Standard A2.1, including wages, leave, notice period, and repatriation terms
Establishes the SEA terms are consistent with any separate manning agency contract the seafarer may also hold, since discrepancies between the two are a common source of underlying disputes
Checks that seafarers have clear access to their own SEA onboard and understand its terms, not just that the company holds a signed copy ashore
Verifies the SEA is signed by both the seafarer and the shipowner or company representative, with a copy given to the seafarer before or at the time of signing
all crew
What the Inspector Expects
Confirms seafarers are paid at least monthly and receive a monthly account of wages showing gross amount, deductions, and net amount per MLC 2006 Regulation 2.2 and Standard A2.2
Establishes that the amount shown on the wage account reconciles with actual bank transfers or allotments, not just a paper record with no verifiable payment trail
Checks that any deductions, such as advances or disciplinary fines, are documented, agreed, and within limits the SEA or company policy allows
Verifies overtime and any additional payments are calculated and paid consistently with the SEA terms