5 Using available means of vessel identification (where appropriate)
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Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - Circulars - Maritime Safety Committee - MSC.1/Circular.1283 – Non-Mandatory Guidelines on Security Aspects of the Operation of Vessels Which do not Fall Within the Scope of SOLAS Chapter XI-2 and the ISPS Code – (22 December 2008) - Annex – Guidelines on Security Aspects of the Operation of Vessels which do not Fall Within the Scope of SOLAS Chapter XI-2 and the ISPS Code - Part 1: Information for Member States and other authorities with responsibility for administering non-SOLAS vessels (other authorities) - 5 Using available means of vessel identification (where appropriate)

5 Using available means of vessel identification (where appropriate)

  5.1 The IMO vessel identification number is made of the three letters IMO followed by the seven-digit number assigned to all vessels by the Clasifications Register Fairplay when constructed. This is a unique seven-digit number that is assigned to propelled, seagoing merchant vessels of 100 gross tonnage and upwards and all cargo vessels of 300 gross tonnage and upwards upon keel laying with the exception of the following:

  • Vessels solely engaged in fishing;
  • Vessels without mechanical means of propulsion;
  • Pleasure yachts;
  • Vessels engaged on special service (e.g., light vessels, SAR vessels);
  • Hopper barges;
  • Hydrofoils, air cushion vehicles;
  • Floating docks and structures classified in a similar manner; and
  • Wooden vessels.

  5.2 Member States and other authorities may wish to consider encouraging operators of pleasure craft to register with the Administration or a suitable organization which could provide a database available for authorized online access to assist in both preventative and response activities related to both safety and security.footnote,footnoteIt should be noted however that registration in itself offers no protection against the misuse of a registered pleasure craft which may be stolen, hijacked or even legally acquired.

  5.3 Pleasure craft engaged in international voyages present unique circumstances. Even when registered, information regarding vessel characteristics, ownership, etc., is often not shared between countries of departure and arrival. This can result in a lack of transparency for security and safety organizations, leading to, for example, complications in validating an arriving vessels identity. Member States and other authorities may wish to seek agreements to provide for such information sharing, within the context of their individual laws and regulations, possibly as part of their individual coastal security initiatives.footnote

  5.4 Member States and other authorities may consider (where appropriate) recommending the fitting of automated tracking equipment for ships which are not included in the requirements of SOLAS chapter V. The benefits of such a system could include:

  • Enhanced safety and security;
  • More rapid emergency response to maritime accidents and casualties;
  • Better and more effective SAR capabilities;
  • Better control of smuggling and human-trafficking attempts;
  • Better control of illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing.

  5.5 Such an automated tracking system could include the Automatic Identification System (AIS), Radio Frequency Identification Device (RFID) tags, Vessel Tracking Systems (VTS), and radar-based systems.

Parent topic: Part 1: Information for Member States and other authorities with responsibility for administering non-SOLAS vessels (other authorities)
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