Facsimile copies of ISSCs

U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters advises that while it expects all arriving SOLAS ships to have original International Ship Security Certificates (ISSCs), it recognizes that in some cases the document may have been issued but has not yet arrived on board. Therefore, its Port State Control (PSC) officers will accept a facsimile copy of an ISSC in lieu of an original ISSC for a short period until the original arrives on board the ship so long as the document appears regular on its face and there is evidence that it was received from the appropriate flag administration or an authorized recognized security organization (RSO). In some instances, where the facsimile copy does not bear all the indicia of authenticity, the PSC officer may issue an administrative deficiency. This means that the ship is allowed to continue operations, but is expected to correct the deficiency in the near future. Plainly inadequate copies of ISSCs will be dealt with appropriately. Statements of Compliance and similar precursor documents will not be accepted as substitutes for ISSCs. Official written guidance on these issues may be promulgated at some future date. Source: HK Law