Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1697640663393.pdf (Antigua and Barbuda)
Marine Notice No.

2018-01 Rev 2 11 February 2021 SUBJECT: Annual Self Certification of Domestic Pleasure Craft REFERENCE: a) Small craft (control) regulations 2017 Owners and operators of all small craft registered or licensed in Antigua TO: and Barbuda 1.

PURPOSE To set out the operation of the scheme, the policy of ADOMS and the process for licensing and certification.

2.
2.

APPLICATION This Marine Notice applies to small pleasure craft only below 24 metres in length, and to small craft operating commercially, of less than 5 metres in length including jet skis 3.

BACKGROUND Small craft used for pleasure purposes only, are regulated through the Small Craft (Control) Regulations 2017 and by the related Code of Safety for Small Pleasure Craft (SC Code 2017), made in exercise of the powers contained in Section 6 of the Small Craft Control Act 2015, No.
14 of 2015.This applies to all craft operating for pleasure, within Antigua and Barbuda waters, which are less than 24 metres in length and includes small craft operating commercially, of less than 5 metres in length.

The regulations have been in place now from 1 January 2016 and the effectiveness of the small craft legislation has depended on the compliance of those regulated.
Since the regulations came into force, ADOMS has provided technical support to assist small pleasure craft operators in meeting their obligations, under these new regulations and have published comprehensive guidance on our website, under Domestic Vessel Services.

ADOMS has actively engaged with small craft owners/operators, to advise and assist with effective compliance.
Considering this, ADOMS is pleased to announce that effective 1 January 2019, a system of annual self-certification will now be put in place.

4.

OBLIGATIONS AND GUIDANCE 1.

The Requirements a.

All the processes regarding application for licencing and payment of annual fees remain the same.

https://www.abregistry.ag/domestic- vessel-services/licence-application/ Marine Notice | No.2018-01 (rev 2) 11 February 2021 Page 1 | 3 FO-M15 – Rev 01 - 09.02.21 b.
The only change is that owners and operators of the craft mentioned above, will now be required to present their own self declaration, on an annual basis to ADOMS, within the required time frame.

2.

Inspection and Certification a.

The vessel owner shall present the vessel for survey on first registration, at change of ownership (if deemed applicable by ADOMS) and at intervals not exceeding five years from the date of last survey, for a certificate renewal survey.

b.
b.

If owners wish to present their vessels as a group to be surveyed on the same day, ADOMS should be contacted to make the necessary arrangements.

3.

Safety Certificate and Licence and Annual Self Declaration a.
A craft to which the SC Code 2017 applies should not be operated, unless excepted, without having a valid Small Craft Control Safety Certificate and Licence and licence decal sticker, issued by ADOMS, after a satisfactory initial survey (and confirmation of evidence of competence), on change of ownership (if deemed applicable by ADOMS) and at intervals not exceeding five years, from the date of last survey, for a renewal survey.

b.
b.

The Small Craft Safety Certificate and Licence is valid for 5 years, subject to annual self- certification endorsement.

The original Safety Certificate and Licence must not be laminated.

The licence decal sticker must be renewed annually.

c. The vessel owner shall ensure that every year they (or other competent person(s) employed by them) inspect the vessel to confirm that: i.
The safety equipment has been checked in accordance with the appropriate checklist relevant to the vessel within SC Code 2017 ii.

Such safety equipment carried is in accordance with the full requirements of the SC Code 2017 iii.

The safety equipment has been properly maintained and serviced in accordance with manufacturers recommendations iv.
Hull condition, fittings, and machinery (where applicable), is in full accordance with SC Code 2017 Marine Notice | No.2018-01 (rev 2) 11 February 2021 FO-M15 – Rev 01 - 09.02.21 Page 2 | 3 d. On completion of these annual checks, the owner must sign the self- certification declaration, as contained in the Small Craft Control Safety Certificate and Licence, confirming that the vessel continues to comply with the Code and pay the annual fee for the issue of a new licence decal sticker and retain a copy of the declaration on board for inspection purposes, where applicable.
e. The inspection for renewal of the Small Craft Control Safety Certificate and Licence should be carried out up to 3 months prior to expiry date.

The annual self-certification should be carried out during the period of 6 months, extending from 3 months before, to 3 months after the anniversary date.
f. A Small Craft Control Safety Certificate and Licence which is not endorsed for the required annual self-certification and does not have a corresponding licence decal sticker, is invalid and the craft must be submitted for a renewal survey and issue of a new Safety Certificate and Licence.

4.

Incident reporting and enforcement a.


The requirement to report the accidents immediately to this office, or to the ABDF Coast Guard is http://www.abregistry.ag/wp- content/uploads/2018/05/Incident-Report-Form.docx b.

Under enforcement by ABDF CG and ADOMS, any craft reported as not complying with the required safety standard will have their Safety Certificate and Licence withdrawn.
c. ABDF Coast Guard, Ministry Tourisms’ Beach Lifeguards, ADOMS, or the Police can all report on unsafe practices of any small craft, including jet ski operations.

d. The primary function of enforcement of marine safety standards is to protect the public, the environment and promote this within the tourism sector.

Issued by Antigua and Barbuda Department of Marine Services and Merchant Shipping (ADOMS) St. John’s Marine Notice | No.2018-01 (rev 2) 11 February 2021 FO-M15 – Rev 01 - 09.02.21 Page 3 | 3