The research vessel Noosfera has successfully passed the audit of the Shipping Register of Ukraine. The SRU experts testified that the flagship of the Ukrainian research fleet is in excellent condition and is fully ready for further navigation.
In Ukraine, the Shipping Register, a state-owned enterprise in the field of maritime and river transport, conducts inspections of ships for compliance with international standards, in particular, regarding the safety of the crew, passengers, the serviceability of mechanisms and their impact on the environment.
During April-May, SRU experts have been checking the RV Noosfera for compliance to the following international documents:
1. International Safety Management (ISM) Code. The purpose of this Code is to provide an international standard for the safe management and operation of ships and for pollution prevention. The preparation and actions of the crew in case of emergency, the procedure for reporting accidents and cases of non-compliance with the provisions of the Code were also checked;
2. Maritime Labour Convention. The Convention provides minimum requirements for seafarers to work on a ship including employment conditions; accommodation, recreational facilities, food and catering; health protection, medical care, welfare and social security Protection; compliance and enforcement.
Although Ukraine has not ratified the Convention, it is important to voluntarily comply with its requirements. The Convention has widespread effect because vessels from non-signatory states that attempt to enter ports of signatory states may face arrest and penalties for non-compliance with the MLC.
3. International Ship and Port Facility Security Code. It prescribes to detect security threats and take preventive measures against security incidents affecting ships or port facilities used in international trade.
«Inspections passed without any comments. We try to meet all international requirements and, having sufficient experience, keep the RV Noosfera at a high level. Grateful to the leadership. Despite the war and difficulties, they provided tremendous support in this matter», – says Oleksandr Gryshko, the captain of RV Noosfera.
The Register’s experts conducted the audit in Cape Town (South Africa), because that is where the RV Noosfera will be located until the next Antarctic season. The return of the vessel to Ukraine before the end of a full-scale war is not planned.
Recall that ATCM XLV was recently held in Finland.