IMO aims to regulate the use of electronic certificates

The digitalization of certificates enjoys great support within the industry, resulting in more effective processes and improved communication between maritime administrations, shipping companies and vessels.

However, at present, the reliance on traditional paper certificates is still high.There are no common data standards, so the integration of data between different systems is sometimes complicated.

In addition, there are a number of reports roaming where Port State Control (PSC) rejected to accept digital certificates, whether printed and stamped or not.

As the use of electronic certificates holds a considerable potential for reducing the administrative burdens imposed on the shipping industry, the IMO picked up the topic and is heading towards new regulations and standardization. An initial set of guidelines was approved by the IMO’s Facilitation Committee (FAL) in April 2013 (see IMO FAL.5/Circ.39), followed by various recommendations and suggestions from the member states which led to a widened view of the topic (see FAL 39/5, e-Business possibilities for the facilitation of maritime traffic).

A pilot project by the Danish Maritime Authority (DMA) in co-operation with DFDS A/S has shown the advantages, but also the administrative and technical barriers, of the use of electronic certificates. The full report on the pilot project can be found here.

We are keen to see the next steps and looking forward to the suggested standardization, which will have direct impact on the certificate management of our CODie ISMAN Planned Maintenance System (PMS).

As the majority of the intended electronic certificate handling, work flows and regulations were implemented in ISMAN since years ago. We consider this to be a very positive step forward and believe adoption of the new regulations in ISMAN will be easy to realize (once available).

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