This document outlines the mandatory on-board equipment for various types of vessels, ensuring safety and regulatory compliance. These requirements are crucial for vessel operators and owners to understand and adhere to. While the cost of compliance can vary, understanding the essentials is invaluable, potentially saving significantly more than just 15 Euros in the long run by avoiding penalties and ensuring operational safety.
I. Requirements for Fishing Vessels
Fishing vessels, particularly those exceeding 15 meters in overall length, are mandated to be equipped with an Automatic Identification System (AIS). The implementation timeline for this requirement is structured based on vessel size:
- Vessels 24 meters and upwards, but less than 45 meters: AIS implementation was required no later than May 31, 2012.
- Vessels 18 meters and upwards, but less than 24 meters: AIS implementation was required no later than May 31, 2013.
- Vessels exceeding 15 meters, but less than 18 meters: AIS implementation was required no later than May 31, 2014.
- New-build fishing vessels exceeding 15 meters: AIS carriage was mandatory from November 30, 2010.
Alt text: A fishing vessel navigating the open sea, highlighting the types of ships that require mandatory AIS according to maritime regulations.
II. Requirements for Ships on International Voyages
Ships engaged in international voyages calling at Member State ports have specific equipment mandates based on their type and size:
- Passenger ships (irrespective of size) and all non-passenger ships of 300 gross tonnage and upwards: Must be fitted with AIS conforming to Chapter V of SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea Convention) technical and performance standards.
- Passenger ships (irrespective of size) and all non-passenger ships of 3,000 gross tonnage and upwards: Must be equipped with a Voyage Data Recorder (VDR) compliant with Chapter V of SOLAS standards.
- Cargo ships constructed before July 1, 2002 (of 3,000 gross tonnage and upwards): May utilize a Simplified Voyage Data Recorder (S-VDR) meeting Chapter V of SOLAS standards.
Alt text: A large cargo ship docked at a port, illustrating the category of vessels involved in international voyages that are subject to VDR and AIS regulations.
III. Requirements for Ships on Non-International Voyages
Vessels operating on non-international voyages also have mandatory equipment requirements, ensuring safety within national waters:
1. Automatic Identification Systems (AIS)
- Passenger ships (irrespective of size) and all other ships of 300 gross tonnage and upwards: Must be fitted with an AIS that adheres to the technical and performance standards outlined in Chapter V of SOLAS.
2. Voyage Data Recorder (VDR) Systems
- (a) Passenger ships (irrespective of size) and non-passenger ships of 3,000 gross tonnage and upwards constructed on or after July 1, 2002: Must be equipped with a VDR that complies with Chapter V of SOLAS standards.
- (b) Cargo ships of 3,000 gross tonnage and upwards constructed before July 1, 2002: Must be fitted with a VDR or S-VDR meeting Chapter V of SOLAS technical and performance standards.
Alt text: A passenger ship cruising on calm waters, representing vessels engaged in non-international voyages requiring AIS and VDR systems for safety and compliance.
IV. Exemptions to Equipment Requirements
Certain exemptions are provided by Member States under specific conditions:
1. AIS Carriage Exemptions
- (a) Passenger ships below 15 meters in length or 300 gross tonnage on non-international voyages: Member States may exempt these vessels from AIS requirements.
- (b) Non-passenger ships of 300 gross tonnage and upwards but less than 500 gross tonnage sailing exclusively in internal waters and outside normal AIS routes: Member States may exempt these from AIS carriage requirements.
2. VDR or S-VDR Carriage Exemptions
Member States may grant exemptions from VDR or S-VDR requirements under the following circumstances:
- (a) Passenger ships on voyages in sea areas not covered by Class A (Directive 2009/45/EC): May be exempted from VDR requirements.
- (b) Non-ro-ro passenger ships constructed before July 1, 2002: May be exempted from VDR if interfacing is unreasonable or impracticable.
- (c) Cargo ships constructed before July 1, 2002, on international or non-international voyages, planned for permanent decommissioning within two years: May be exempted from S-VDR if decommissioning is within two years of the SOLAS Chapter V implementation date.
Understanding these regulations is more than just a matter of ticking boxes; it’s about ensuring the safety of navigation and operations. While focusing on a figure like 15 euros might seem trivial in the context of maritime operations, grasping these fundamental requirements is the first step towards broader maritime compliance and safety.
