Vessel Documentation is the guarantor of a ship's viability. Registration is only the first step; for a vessel to legally sail and enter ports, it needs dozens of valid certificates and licenses. These documents confirm the vessel's technical soundness, safety, and environmental compliance. Expiration or absence of documents leads to immediate detention by Port State Control (PSC), which is associated with huge losses. This service involves the management, renewal, and monitoring of ship documents to ensure the vessel's constant readiness and compliance with international conventions.
What Does the Vessel Documentation Service Cover?
Specialists ensure the acquisition and validity of all mandatory documents, including:
- Class and Statutory Certificates: Liaising with Classification Societies (Class) to obtain certificates such as Safety Construction, Equipment, and Radio certificates.
- Minimum Safe Manning Certificate (MSMC): Obtaining the document defining the minimum safe crew composition from the Maritime Transport Agency.
- Labor and Social Certificates: Preparing Declaration of Maritime Labour Compliance (DMLC Part I & II) for MLC compliance.
- Safety Management System (ISM): Preparing documentation to obtain the Safety Management Certificate (SMC) and Document of Compliance (DOC).
- Insurance Certificates: Obtaining so-called "Blue Cards" and Bunker Convention Certificates (CLC) based on insurance coverage.
Common Scenarios and Needs
Documentation management is critical in the following situations:
- Annual Surveys: When certificate expiration dates approach, and it is necessary to organize inspections and timely renew documents.
- Vessel Modification: If the vessel underwent reconstruction or equipment change, a new Tonnage Certificate and technical documentation are required.
- Port State Control (PSC) Deficiencies: When an inspector finds a flaw in documentation, and immediate correction is needed to release the vessel.
- Sale and Purchase: Auditing all technical documents during vessel delivery (Closing) so the new owner receives a "clean" ship.
- Flag Requirement Changes: When the maritime administration or IMO changes regulations (e.g., cybersecurity), and vessel manuals need updating.
Georgian Legal Framework
Vessel documentation is regulated by the Maritime Code of Georgia and international conventions (SOLAS, MARPOL, STCW, MLC) to which Georgia is a party. The Maritime Transport Agency issues a list of mandatory documents based on vessel type and tonnage. Most documentation must be in English or have an English translation to be internationally recognized. Legislation strictly defines liability for using forged documents or sailing without certificates.
Service Process: What to Expect
The specialist conducts an audit ("health check") of your vessel's existing documentation. Documents near expiration or missing are identified. Then the lawyer or technical manager contacts Class and the Flag Administration, fills out applications, and coordinates inspector visits. The result is a complete, valid package of documents on board, ensuring peaceful navigation. We also offer a "reminder service" so you never miss a renewal deadline.
Why Choose Legal.ge?
Vessel documentation is a bureaucratic maze where the lack of a single paper can stop the entire business. On Legal.ge, you will find specialists who are not just lawyers but maritime industry experts. They know exactly what your vessel needs under the Georgian flag and can manage this process remotely. Leave the paperwork to professionals and focus on your business.
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