1 Purpose
This Marine Notice describes the Novaveritas Maritime Division (NVMD) Inspection Program, including the scope of inspections performed, the applicable regulatory framework, the qualifications of surveyors, and the obligations of shipowners and operators when submitting vessels for inspection.
2 Scope of the Inspection Program
The NVMD Inspection Program covers the following categories of vessels and activities:
- Initial, annual, intermediate, renewal, and additional surveys for statutory certification
- Hull, machinery, and equipment surveys in accordance with applicable conventions
- Safety equipment and radio surveys
- Load line surveys and certification
- Condition surveys and pre-purchase inspections (see NVMN-003)
- MLC 2006 labor compliance inspections (see NVMN-004)
- ISM and ISPS audits (see NVMN-005)
3 Regulatory Basis
| Convention / Instrument | Applicable Survey Type |
|---|---|
| SOLAS 74 (as amended) | Safety Construction, Safety Equipment, Radio |
| MARPOL 73/78 | Pollution Prevention (Annex I–VI) |
| Load Lines Convention 1966/88 | Load Line Survey |
| STCW Convention | Manning verification |
| MLC 2006 | Labour conditions inspection |
| AFS Convention | Anti-Fouling Systems |
| BWM Convention | Ballast Water Management |
| CLC/Bunkers Convention | Civil liability certificate review |
4 Surveyor Qualifications
All NVMD surveyors hold qualifications recognized by the relevant flag administration and have professional backgrounds in naval architecture, marine engineering, or equivalent maritime disciplines, with documented sea-going experience where required. NVMD maintains a Quality Assurance system to ensure ongoing surveyor competence.
5 Owner / Operator Obligations
- Notify NVMD at least 14 days in advance of required survey dates
- Ensure vessel is prepared, accessible, and in condition suitable for survey
- Have all relevant certificates, logs, and documentation available for review
- Provide required crew support and safety equipment for the surveyor
- Correct all deficiencies noted in previous surveys prior to renewal surveys
6 Survey Outcomes
Following completion of an inspection, NVMD may issue: a Certificate or endorsement confirming compliance; a Statement of Findings with required corrective actions; a Condition of Class or Condition of Certification with time-limited requirements; or a report of Refusal to Issue, with documented grounds.