ANNEX IV

INDICATIVE GUIDELINES FOR QUALIFIED INSPECTORS WHEN CARRYING OUT UNSCHEDULED SURVEYS DURING A REGULAR CROSSING (as referred to in Article 8(1)) 1. Passenger information The means used to ensure that the passenger number for which the ro-ro ferry or high-speed passenger craft (hereafter referred to as "ship") is certified is not exceeded. That the system for registration of passenger information complies with the regulations and is effective. How the information on the total number of passengers is passed to the master and, if appropriate, how passengers undertaking a double crossing without going ashore are included in the total for the return voyage. 2. Loading and stability information That, when applicable, reliable draught gauges are fitted and are in use. That measures are taken to ensure that the ship is not overloaded and the appropriate sub-division load line is not submerged. That the loading and stability assessment is carried out as required. That goods vehicles and other cargo are weighed where required and the figures passed to the ship for use in the loading and stability assessment. That damage control plans are permanently exhibited and that booklets containing damage control information are provided for the ship's officers. 3. Security for sea The procedure to ensure that the ship is secured for sea before leaving the berth, which should include a positive reporting procedure that all the shell watertight and weather-tight doors are closed. That all the vehicle deck doors are closed before the ship leaves the berth or remain open long enough only to enable the bow visor to be closed, the closing arrangements for the bow, stern and side doors, and the provision of indicator lights and TV surveillance to show their status on the navigating bridge. Any difficulties with the operation of the indicator lights, particularly the switches at the doors, should be ascertained and reported. 4. Safety announcements The form of routine safety announcements and the posting of instructions and guidance on emergency procedures in the appropriate language(s). That the routine safety announcement takes place at the commencement of the voyage and can be heard in all public spaces, including open decks, to which passengers have access. 5. Log book entries An examination of the log book to ensure that the entries are being made regarding the closing of the bow, stern and other watertight and weather-tight doors, drills for sub-division watertight doors, testing of steering gears, etc. Also that draughts, freeboard and stability are being recorded as well as the common working language for the crew. 6. Dangerous goods That any cargo of dangerous or polluting goods is carried in accordance with the relevant regulations and, in particular, that a declaration concerning dangerous and polluting goods is provided together with a manifest or stowage plan to show their location on board, that the carriage of the particular cargo is permitted on passenger ships, and that the dangerous and polluting goods are properly marked, labelled, stowed, secured and segregated. That vehicles carrying dangerous and polluting goods are properly placarded and secured. That, when dangerous and polluting goods are carried, a copy of the relevant manifest or stowage plan is available ashore. That the master is aware of the notification requirements under Directive 93/75/EEC and of the instructions on the emergency procedures to be followed and the rendering of first aid should there be an incident involving the dangerous goods or marine pollutants. That the means of ventilating the vehicle decks is in use at all times, is increased when the engines of the vehicles are running and that there is some form of indication on the bridge to show that the vehicle deck ventilation is in operation. 7. Securing freight vehicles How freight vehicles are secured, for example, whether block stow or individual lashings. Whether sufficient strong points are available. The arrangements for securing freight vehicles when adverse weather is experienced or expected. The method of securing coaches and motor cycles, if any. That the ship has a cargo securing manual. 8. Vehicle decks Whether special category and ro-ro cargo spaces are being continuously patrolled or monitored by a TV surveillance system so that the movement of vehicles in adverse weather and the unauthorised entry of passengers may be observed. That fire doors and entrances are kept shut and that notices are posted to keep passengers off the vehicle decks whilst the ship is at sea. 9. Closure of watertight doors That the policy laid down in the ship's operational instructions for the sub-division watertight doors is being followed. That the required drills are being carried out. That the bridge control for the watertight doors is kept, when possible, on "local" control. That the doors are being kept closed in restricted visibility and any hazardous situation. That crews are instructed in the correct way to operate the doors and are aware of the dangers of their misuse. 10. Fire patrols It should be confirmed that an efficient patrol is being maintained so that any outbreak of fire may be readily detected. This should include special category spaces where a fixed fire detection and alarm system is not fitted noting that these spaces may be patrolled as indicated in paragraph 8. 11. Communications in an emergency That there are sufficient crew members in accordance with the muster list to assist passengers in an emergency and that they are readily identifiable and able to communicate with the passengers in an emergency, taking into account an appropriate and adequate combination of any of the following factors: the language or languages appropriate to the principal nationalities of passengers carried on a particular route; the likelihood that an ability to use elementary English vocabulary for basic instructions can provide a means of communicating with a passenger in need of assistance whether or not the passenger and crew member share a common language; the possible need to communicate during an emergency by some other means (e.g. by demonstration, hand signals, or calling attention to the location of instructions, muster stations, life-saving devices or evacuation routes when verbal communication is impractical); the extent to which complete safety instructions have been provided to passengers in their native language or languages; the languages in which emergency announcements may be broadcast during an emergency or drill to convey critical guidance to passengers and to facilitate crew members in assisting passengers. 12. Common working language between crew members Verify that a working language is established to ensure effective crew performance in safety matters and that this working language is recorded in the ship's logbook. 13. Safety equipment That the live-saving and fire appliances, including the fire doors and other items of the structural fire protection that may be readily inspected, are being maintained. That fire control plans are permanently exhibited or booklets containing the equivalent information are provided for the information of the ship's officers. That the stowage of the lifejackets is appropriate and that the stowage of children's lifejackets may be readily identified. That the loading of vehicles does not prevent the operation of the fire controls, emergency shut-offs, controls for the storm valves, etc. that may be located on the vehicle decks. 14. Navigational and radio equipment That the navigational and radio communications equipment, including emergency position-indicating radio beacons (EPIRBs), are operational. 15. Supplementary emergency lighting That supplementary emergency lighting is fitted, when required by the regulations, and that a record of deficiencies is being kept. 16. Means of escape Marking, in accordance with the applicable requirements, and the lighting, from both the main and emergency sources of power, of the means of escape. The measures taken to keep vehicles clear of escape routes where the means of escape cross or pass through vehicle decks. That exits, particularly exits from duty free shops, which have been found to be blocked by an excess of goods, are kept clear. 17. Operations book That copies of the operations book are provided for the master and each senior officer and that other copies are available for all members of the crew. Also that there are check lists to cover the preparation for sea and other operations. 18. Engine room cleanliness That the engine room is maintained in a clean condition with regard to maintenance procedures. 19. Garbage disposal That the arrangements for the handling and disposal of garbage are satisfactory. 20. Planned maintenance All companies should have specific standing orders, with a planned maintenance system, for all safety related areas including bow and stern doors and side openings, together with their closing arrangements, but also covering engine room maintenance and safety equipment. Plans should be in place for periodically checking all items so as to maintain safety standards at the highest level. Procedures should be in place for recording deficiencies and confirming they have been properly rectified so that the master and the designated person ashore within the company management structure are aware of the deficiencies and are notified when they have been rectified within a time specified. Periodic checking of the operation of the inner and outer bow door closing arrangements should include the indicators, surveillance equipment and any scuppers in the spaces between the bow visor and the inner door and especially the closing mechanisms and their associated hydraulic systems. 21. Making a voyage When making a voyage the opportunity should be taken to check overcrowding, including the availability of seats and the blocking of passageways, stairs and emergency exits by baggage and by passengers unable to find seats. That the vehicle deck is vacated by passengers before the ship sails and that they do not again have access until immediately prior to docking should also be checked.

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Source: EUR-Lex (Cellar) · retrieved 2026-11-03 · Text as adopted (Official Journal); later amendments are not incorporated in this text.