Watergate House
2/8 Casemates Square
Gibraltar

Tel (+350)200 46862 / 200 47771 /200 50424
Fax (+350) 200 47770
e-mail: maritime.survey@gibraltar.gov.gi
maritime.registry@gibraltar.gov.gi

Shipping Information Notice – 096
Survey and certification – Alternative Means
To: Ship Owners, Operators, Master’s, Certifying Authorities, and Recognised Organisations

SummaryThis Shipping Information Notice (SIN) sets out the Gibraltar Maritime Administration’s requirements forsurvey and certification inclusive of the Administration’s policy towards case by case acceptances ofalternative survey means such as remote surveys associated with exceptional circumstances.
1. Introduction
1.1 At the onset of the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Administration put in place a pragmatic
framework for the certification of Gibraltar registered vessels to enable their continued
operation.
1.2 As national and international restrictions which were put in place as a result of the pandemic
are now for the most part no longer in effect, the survey, inspection, and audit of Gibraltar
registered vessels remain subject to the mandatory statutory and classification regime ofsurveys and certification under the relevant Conventions, Codes, etc.
1.3 In all cases, the survey, inspection and audit of Gibraltar registered vessels are to beundertaken via physical attendances by the Administration, or by the Administration’s
Recognised Organisations (RO) or Certifying Authorities (CA) in accordance with applicable
authorizations for statutory functions which may be undertaken on behalf of theAdministration.
2. Mandatory Surveys & Inspections via alternative means/remote surveys
2.1 Gibraltar Maritime Administration does recognize that there may be exceptional
circumstances where a physical attendance by surveyors from the Administration, RO, or CA
may not be possible, and where alternative means such as remote attendances/surveys may
be considered.
2.2 Gibraltar Maritime Administration will consider applications in respect of 2.1 above on a caseby case basis in respect of the eligible survey items as detailed within the International
Association of Class Societies (IACS) UR Z29, Table 1.
2.3 In cases where a variation to the traditional survey processes such as via remote means areto be considered, the review and technical consideration of those processes are to berecorded and presented by the RO or CA to the Administration with a recommendation for
their use as alternative measures.

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2.4 Any application to consider alternative measures must contain a detailed description of theapplicable statutory function(s) and circumstances which dictate that the relevant activity
cannot be undertaken via a physical attendance.
2.5 Reviews and technical considerations in respect of alternative means such as remote surveys
should ensure a level of assurance and effectiveness equivalent to a survey physicallyundertaken by a surveyor.
2.6 When assessing use of alternative means such as remote surveys, RO’s and CA’s are to take
into account the requirements of IACS UR Z29, and which in addition must include thefollowing:
2.6.1
2.6.2
2.6.3
2.6.4
2.6.5

Review of Class records;
Review of Port State Control performance;
Review of ISM vessel and company performance;
Reports of any incident, accidents, or casualties associated with the vessel;
Any other information relevant to the condition or operation of the vessel.

2.7 Applications to the Administration for alternative measures should not proceed if the reviewof the vessel and company performance gives any cause for concern.
2.8 Following review by the Administration of a submitted application by an RO or CA for the useof alternative means, the Administration will inform the RO or CA of the decision taken inrespect of the application.
3. International Safety Management (ISM) Code & International Ship & Port Facility Security(ISPS) Code
3.1 Delegated shipboard verifications via remote means in respect of ISM & ISPS will not be
considered.

4. Non-mandatory surveys/inspections
4.1 Non-Mandatory surveys/inspections will be conducted at the discretion on theAdministration. Operators are advised to contact the Administration in respect of such
surveys/inspections.

5. Ad-hoc mandatory surveys
5.1 Ad-hoc mandatory surveys such as those for load-line exemptions for tows, repositioning
voyages, etc, will be conducted at the discretion on the Administration as resource availability
dictates. Operators are advised to contact the Administration in respect of such surveys.

Steve Gomez – Chief Surveyor (Ag)For & on behalf of the Maritime Administrator
Issue date: 20 March 2023
All notices are available through www.gibraltarship.com
This copy of the Administrative Instruction has been sent electronically and does not carry a signature or official stamp. A sign and stamped copy
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