4.1.1 The RO shall determine and provide the adequate
resources in terms of technical, managerial and survey capabilities
to accomplish the tasks being assigned and resources needed to implement
the quality management system and to continually improve its effectiveness;
and to enhance its performance in the delivery of statutory certification
and services.
4.1.2 The RO shall be able to document extensive
experience in assessing the design, construction and equipment of
ships and the capability to effectively perform statutory certification
and services on behalf of a flag State.
4.1.3 The RO shall have the capacity to:
-
.1 provide for the publication and systematic
maintenance of rules and/or regulations for the design, construction
and certification of ships and their associated essential engineering
systems as well as the provision of an adequate research capability
to ensure appropriate updating of the published criteria. The RO is
required to maintain an up-to-date version of this publication in
the English language; and
-
.2 allow participation in the development of its
rules and/or regulations by representatives of the flag State and
other interested parties.
4.2.1 The RO shall be equipped, at all times,
with significant managerial, technical, support and research staff
commensurate with the size of the fleet in its class, its composition
and the organization's involvement in the construction, repair and
conversion of ships. The RO shall be capable of assigning to every
place of work, when and as needed, the means and staff commensurate
with the tasks to be carried out in accordance with the requirements
of this Code and those of the flag State.
4.2.2 The management of an RO shall have the competence,
capability and capacity to organize, manage and control the performance
of statutory certification and services in order to verify compliance
with requirements relevant to the tasks delegated and shall, inter
alia:
-
.1 possess an adequate number of competent supervisory,
technical appraisal and survey personnel;
-
.2 develop and maintain appropriate procedures
and instructions;
-
.3 maintain up-to-date documentation on interpretation
of the relevant instruments;
-
.4 give technical and administrative support to
field staff; and
-
.5 review survey reports and plan approval letters
for accuracy, compliance with requirements and to provide experience
feedback for continual improvement.
4.2.3 The RO shall be established with a qualified
staff to provide the required service representing an adequate geographical
coverage and local representation as required.
4.2.4 The RO shall perform statutory certification
and services by the use of only exclusive surveyors and auditors,
being persons solely employed by the RO, duly qualified, trained and
authorized to execute all duties and activities incumbent upon their
employer, within their level of work responsibility. While still remaining
responsible for the certification on behalf of the flag State, the
RO may subcontract radio surveys to non-exclusive surveyors in accordance
with section 5.9 of part 2 of this Code.
4.2.5 The RO's personnel performing and responsible
for statutory certification and services shall have, as a minimum,
the following formal education:
-
.1 qualifications from a tertiary institution
within a relevant field of engineering or physical science (minimum
two-year programme); or
-
.2 qualifications from a marine or nautical institution
and relevant seagoing experience as a certificated ship officer, and
-
.3 proficiency in the English language commensurate
with the scope of statutory certification and services.
4.2.6 Other personnel assisting in the performance
of statutory work shall have education, training and supervision commensurate
with the tasks they are authorized to perform.
4.2.7 The RO shall have a documented system to
track the qualifications of personnel; including continuous updating
of their knowledge as appropriate to the tasks they are authorized
to undertake. This system shall comprise appropriate training courses,
including, inter alia, international instruments and appropriate procedures
related to the delivery of statutory certification and services, as
well as practical tutored training; it shall provide documented evidence
of satisfactory completion of the training. As a minimum, the provisions
in appendices 1 and 2 shall be met.
4.3.1 The RO shall determine, provide, and maintain
the infrastructure required to perform statutory certification and
services in accordance with the requirements of the mandatory IMO
instruments. Infrastructure includes, as applicable:
-
.1 building, workspaces and associated utilities;
-
.2 process equipment (both hardware and software);
and
-
.3 supporting services, including but not limited
to transport, communication, training and information systems.
4.3.2 Systems (hardware and software) provided
to the surveyor shall be identified and relevant training on their
use shall be carried out and documented. Special consideration should
be given to the situation where a surveyor is working out of a home-based
office.
4.4.1 The RO shall be satisfied that the work
environment is safe and effective to perform statutory certification
and services. While it is understood that such environmental conditions
are not provided by the RO, the environmental conditions under which
the survey will be permitted to take place shall be made clear to
the customer prior to survey commencing.
4.4.2 The RO shall determine the necessary working
procedures required to perform statutory certification and services
safely and effectively. Training of staff on personal safety shall
be carried out and documented.
4.4.3 Requirements for personal protective equipment
to be used while performing statutory certification and services and
procedures for personal safety of surveyors at work shall be established
and documented.