Introduction
1 The purpose of the control procedures of regulation I/4 is to enable officers duly authorized by
port States to ensure that the seafarers on board have sufficient competence to
ensure safe, secure and pollution-free operation of the ship.
2 This provision is no different in principle from
the need to make checks on ships’ structures and equipment. Indeed, it builds
on these inspections to make an appraisal of the total system of onboard
safety, security and pollution prevention.
Assessment
3 By restricting assessment as indicated in section A-I/4, the subjectivity which is an unavoidable element in
all control procedures is reduced to a minimum, no more than would be evident
in other types of control inspection.
4 The clear grounds given in regulation I/4, paragraph 1.3 will usually be sufficient
to direct the inspector’s attention to specific areas of competency, which
could then be followed up by seeking evidence of training in the skills in
question. If this evidence is inadequate or unconvincing, the authorized
officer may ask to observe a demonstration of the relevant skill.
5 It will be a matter for the professional
judgement of the inspector when on board, either following an incidentfootnote as outlined in regulation I/4 or for the purposes of a routine inspection, whether
the ship is operated in a manner likely to pose a danger to persons, property
or the environmentfootnote.