The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) is to commence a 'phased return' to survey and inspection activity in the UK from Monday 20 July 2020.
The resumption of MCA routine vessel inspections is a partial relaxing of the restrictions put in place on 23 March this year, in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Port State Control Inspections, overseas survey work and the survey and audit of internationally trading vessels will not resume at this time but will remain under review.
Oral exams, both deck and engineering, will also resume, although they will be carried out remotely.
The MCA said that surveys, audits, and inspections will follow a 'risk based' approach and that its survey and inspection team will work within Government guidance.
The Agency advised operators to approach their corresponding classification society to make the necessary arrangements in advance of 20 July. MCA marine offices are currently taking bookings.
The three-month short-term certificates that were previously being issued to ensure vessel compliance during the pandemic will remain valid until their expiration.
Katy Ware, director of Maritime Safety and Standards and the UK's permanent representative to the International Maritime Organization said: 'This is an important and necessary small step towards resuming the MCA's work of survey and inspection,' adding that 'the time is now right to return to UK survey and inspection work as a recognition of supporting the industry and also keeping it safe'.'
For more information visit the government website
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