6 Ways Ship Agencies Simplify Ship Sanitation Control Certificate
Ship Sanitation Control Certificates (SSCC) and Ship Sanitation Control Exemption Certificates (SSCEC) are important documents that help keep ships clean and safe from health risks during international voyages. These certificates are necessary for ensuring that ships meet international health standards, preventing the spread of diseases. Ship agencies play a big role in helping shipowners get and maintain these certificates.
What are SSCC and SSCEC?
SSCC and SSCEC are documents that prove a ship meets health and sanitation standards set by the International Health Regulations (IHR) 2005. These regulations were created to prevent the spread of diseases around the world. Before 2007, ships were required to have a Deratting Certificate to control the spread of diseases carried by rodents. However, this was replaced by the more detailed Ship Sanitation Certificates (SSC).
In Indonesia, these certificates are known as the Ship Sanitation Control Certificate (SSCC) and Ship Sanitation Control Exemption Certificate (SSCEC). The SSCC is given to ships that have undergone sanitation measures like cleaning and disinfection. The SSCEC is issued to ships that are inspected and found to be free of any sanitation problems. These certificates are valid for six months and need to be renewed after that period.
Why Are Ship Sanitation Certificates Important?
Ship sanitation certificates are important because they help ensure that ships are safe and clean. These certificates show that the ship has been inspected and meets international health standards. They are valid for six months, and after that, the ship must be inspected again to renew the certificate. A ship’s sanitation certificate can become invalid for several reasons, such as if there are health risks on board, the ship’s name changes, the certificate expires, or the information on the certificate is incorrect.
The main goal of these certificates is to identify and control any public health risks on the ship while it is in port. This helps prevent the spread of diseases and ensures that the ship is safe for the crew, passengers, and the places it visits.
How Do Ship Agencies Help with SSCC and SSCEC?
Ship agencies are very helpful when it comes to getting and keeping SSCC and SSCEC. Here’s how they assist shipowners:
- Scheduling Inspections
Ship agencies help by arranging the necessary inspections with the Port Health Office, which is the authority that issues SSCC and SSCEC. These inspections need to be done regularly, so it’s important to schedule them at the right time. Ship agencies coordinate with the ship’s crew and port authorities to find a convenient time for the inspection, ensuring that the ship’s operations are not interrupted. This helps the ship stay on schedule while meeting health regulations. - Preparing for the Inspection
Before the inspection, the ship needs to be in good condition. Ship agencies assist the crew in making sure the ship is clean and meets all health standards. They help with cleaning areas like food storage, water supply, and waste disposal. Ship agencies also make sure that all necessary paperwork is ready, such as previous inspection reports and health certificates. By guiding the crew on what the inspectors will be looking for, ship agencies ensure that the ship is well-prepared for the inspection. - Fixing Problems Found During Inspection
If the inspection finds any issues, the ship agency helps fix them quickly. This might involve cleaning, disinfecting, or other sanitation measures. If the ship is given a temporary certificate, such as an SSCEC, the ship agency works to resolve the issues so that the ship can receive its full SSCC. This helps the ship remain compliant with health regulations and avoid any delays. - Communicating with Authorities
Ship agencies act as a bridge between the shipowner and the Port Health Office. They handle all communication, making sure everything is clear and the inspection process goes smoothly. This is important to avoid any misunderstandings and to keep the process moving forward. - Ongoing Support
Even after the ship receives its SSCC or SSCEC, the ship agency continues to provide support. They help the crew maintain the ship’s sanitation standards between inspections, ensuring that the ship is always ready for its next inspection. This ongoing support helps prevent future problems and keeps the ship in compliance with health regulations. - Emergency Help
Sometimes, unexpected situations arise, like an illness outbreak on board or an unplanned inspection. In these cases, ship agencies are there to help. They can quickly coordinate with local health authorities and arrange for any necessary medical or sanitation support. This ensures that the situation is handled properly and that the ship remains compliant with health regulations.
In conclusion, ship agencies play a crucial role in helping shipowners get and maintain Ship Sanitation Control Certificates (SSCC) and Ship Sanitation Control Exemption Certificates (SSCEC). They assist with scheduling inspections, preparing the ship, fixing problems, and communicating with authorities. They also provide ongoing support to ensure the ship stays in compliance with health regulations. With the help of a ship agency, shipowners can be confident that their vessels meet international health standards, keeping everyone on board safe and healthy.
References :
- Mengenal Sertifikat Sanitasi Kapal SSCEC dan SSCC. (2023, December 4). Retrieved from Ilmu Kapal dan Logistik: https://www.kapaldanlogistik.com/2023/04/mengenal-sertifikat-sanitasi-kapal-sscec-sscc.html
- Ship Sanitation Control Exemption Certificate (SSCEC). (2020, March 19). Retrieved from Maritime Cyprus: https://maritimecyprus.com/2020/03/19/ship-sanitation-control-exemption-certificate-sscec/
