Handbook For Inspection of Ships and Issuance of Ship Sanitation Certificate

Handbook for Inspection of
Ships and Issuance of

Ship Sanitation Certifcates
International Health Regulations (2005)

Ship Sanitation Certificates

Ship Sanitation Certifcates
WHO Library Cataloguing-in-Publication Data

International health regulations (2005): handbook for inspection of ships and
issuance of ship sanitation certificates.
1. Legislation, Health. 2. Communicable disease control - legislation.
3. Ships. 4.Sanitation. 5. Disease outbreaks - legislation. 6. Disease transmission prevention and control. 7. Handbooks. I. World Health Organization.
ISBN 978 92 4 154819 9
(NLM classification: WA 810)
World Health Organization 2011

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Printed in France
WHO/HSE/IHR/LYO/2011.3
Design by Crayonbleu, Lyon, France
Editing by Biotext Pty Ltd, Canberra, Australia
CONTENTS
Foreword
Acknowledgments
GLOSSARY
Acronyms
13
INTRODUCTION
15
SCOPE
17
PART A: INSPECTION SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
19

1. Overview of legal and policy framework

2. Roles and responsibilities
2.1 Role of competent authority
2.2 Role of conveyance operators
2.3 Role of inspecting officers

3. Pre-inspection planning and administrative arrangements

for issuing ship sanitation certificates
3.1 General preparation and administrative arrangements for

issuing ship sanitation certificates
3.2 Planning for on-site inspection

4. Measures and operational procedures for ship inspection
and the issue of ship sanitation certificates
4.1 Documentation review
4.2 Inspection process

4.3 Taking samples

4.4 Issue of certificates

5. Control Measures

6. Other relevant international agreements and instruments
20
21
22
23
24
24
PART B CHECKLISTS FOR SHIP INSPECTION
37
Area 1
Area 2
Area 3
Area 4
Area 5
Area 6
Area 7
Area 8
38
42
55
60
64
71
76
85
Quarters
Galley, pantry and service areas
Stores
Child-care facilities
Medical facilities
Swimming pools and spas
Solid and medical waste
Engine room
25
26
26
27
28
29
30
34
35
Area 9
Area 10
Area 11
Area 12
Area 13
Annex 1

Potable water
Sewage
Ballast water
Cargo holds
Other systems and areas
International Health Regulations (2005)
Annex 3, Model Ship Sanitation Control Exemption Certificate/Ship Sanitation

Control Certificate
129
Annex 2
Algorithm for issuance of ship sanitation certificates,

handling of re-inspections and affected conveyances
Annex 3
Sequence of inspection areas
Annex 4
Personal protective equipment for inspectors and crew
Annex 5
Technical equipment useful to perform a ship inspection
Annex 6
Model documents for ship inspection
Annex 7
Evidence Report Form
Annex 8
Instructions for completing the Evidence Report Form
References and resources
88
109
117
122
125
131
135
136
137
139
141
142
143
Foreword
On 23 May 2005, the Fifty-eighth World Health Assembly adopted the International
Health Regulations (IHR) (2005), and the Deratting Certificate/Deratting Exemption Certificate required by the IHR (1969) was replaced by the broader-scope ship sanitation
certificates (SSCs), which came into force on 15 June 2007.
The IHR (2005) states that parties can authorize certain ports to issue the SSCs and their
extensions, as well as to provide the services referred to in Annex 1 of the regulations.
The authorized ports should have, among other capacities, trained personnel available
to board a ship and to identify any significant risk to public health, as well as to take
control measures. Thus, it is imperative to have a global, standardized operational procedure for inspecting ships.
After the IHR (2005) took effect in June 2007, the World Health Organization (WHO),
Health Security and Environment (IHR ports, airports and ground crossings) developed
the Interim technical advice for inspection and issuance of ship sanitation certificates.
This technical advice, which was published in August 2007, assists States Parties to manage ship inspection and issue SSCs.
This document, Handbook for inspection of ships and issuance of ship sanitation certificates (the handbook), replaces the previous interim technical advice, and reflects the
need for a common understanding of the purpose and scope of the application of SSCs
worldwide. It is an important tool for helping to prevent and control known public health
risks (not just rodents), and provides a common way to register and communicate events
and measures taken on board. The handbook is intended to raise conveyance operators
awareness and response to public health events, and provide the opportunity for routine
verification of health status on board at least twice each year.
This handbook may be used in conjunction with the Guide to ship sanitation (WHO, 2011)
and the International medical guide for ships (WHO, 2007), which are oriented towards
preventive health and curative health, respectively, on board ships.
The handbook was developed through an iterative series of drafting and peer-review
steps. The following expert meetings were held to revise the handbook:
informal Transportation Working Group Meeting for Ship Sanitation Certificates, Lyon,
France, 68 November 2007;
informal Transportation Draft Working Group Meeting on procedures for inspection
and issuance of ship sanitation certificates, Lyon, France, 1719 December 2007;
informal consultation for draft on procedures for inspection and issuance of ship sanitation certificates, Lyon, France, 1416 April 2008;
meeting on recommended procedures for inspection and issuance of ship sanitation
certificates, Lyon, France, 1415 April 2009;
informal consultation meetings for the ship sanitation guidelines, Lyon, France, 1216
October 2009.
A public consultation version of this handbook was posted on the WHO website in May
2010. During the course of meetings and peer review, participants and experts from represented cruise ship operators, seafarer associations, collaborating Member States for
the IHR (2005), Port State Control, port health authorities and other regulatory agencies
were involved from diverse developing and developed countries. The acknowledgements section contains a complete list of contributors.
From 2008 to 2010, several workshops and field activities were held at the subregional, regional and interregional level. Experts from all WHO regions participated, and the
workshops provided an opportunity to revise previous interim technical advice and test
the new draft handbook using training exercises onboard ships. The workshops and field
activities were supported by WHO regional and country offices, as well as public health
authorities in different countries, including Sines, Portugal (2009); Santos (2008), Fortaleza
(2010), Brazil; Palma de Majorca (2008), Cartagena (2009), Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
(2010), Spain; Amsterdam, the Netherlands (2007); Hamburg, Germany (2008); Miami,
United States of America (2008); Bridgetown, Barbados (2008); Manila, the Philippines
(2009); Colombo, Sri Lanka (2010); and Paris, France (2009).
Acknowledgments
This handbook was developed in consultation with experts from diverse developing and
developed countries.
The work of the following individuals was crucial to the development of this edition of
the Handbook for inspection of ships and issuance of ship sanitation certificate and is
gratefully acknowledged:
Jaret T. Ames, Vessel Sanitation Program, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
Atlanta, United States of America
James Barrow, Division of Global Migration and Quarantine, National Center for Preparedness, Detection, and Control of Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, Atlanta, United States of America
Marie Baville, Environment Health Officer, Department of Emergency Response and Preparedness, General Directorate of Health, Ministry of Health, Paris, France
Priagung Adhi Bawono, Quarantine Sub-directorate, Directorate General Disease Control
and Environmental Health, Ministry of Health, Jakarta, Indonesia
David Bennitz, Public Health Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, Canada
Colin Browne, Pan American Health Organization/Eastern Caribbean Countries, Bridgetown, Barbados, World Health Organization
Luiz Alves Campos, National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa), Brasilia, Brazil
Susan Courage, Environmental Health Bureau, Safe Environments Directorate
Health Canada, Canada
Yves Chartier, WHO, Geneva, Switzerland
Frdric Douchin, Departmental Directorate of Health and Social Affairs of the Seine
Maritime, France
Zhiqiang Fang, Department of Health Quarantine of General Administration of Quality
Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine, Beijing, China
Milhar Fuazudeen, Maritime Training and Human Element Section, Maritime Safety Division, International Maritime Organization, London, United Kingdom
Christos Hadjichristodoulou, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
Daniel Lins Menucci, WHO, Lyon, France
Hameed Gh H Mohammad, Ports and Borders Health Division, Rumaithiya, State of
Kuwait
Rosemarie Neipp, General Directorate for Public Health and Foreign Health Affairs,
Ministry of Health and Social Policy, Spain
Ma Lixin, Department of Health Quarantine of General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine, Beijing, China
Henry Kong, Port Health Office, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
5
Jenny Kremastinou, National School of Public Health, Athens, Greece

Maike Lamshft, Hamburg Port Health Center, Central Institute for Occupational Medicine and Maritime Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
Fbio Miranda da Rocha, National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa), Brasilia, Brazil
Mohamed Moussif, Mohamed V International Airport, Casablanca, Morocco
Barbara Mouchtouri, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
Matthijs Plemp, National Institute of Public Health and the Environment, The Netherlands
Thierry Paux, Department of Alert, Response and Preparedness, Ministry of Health, Paris,
France
Tobias Riemer, Hamburg Port Health Center, Central Institute for Occupational Medicine
and Maritime Medicine, Germany
Clara Schlaich, Hamburg Port Health Center, Central Institute for Occupational Medicine
and Maritime Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
Christoph Sevenich, Institute for Occupational and Maritime Medicine, Hamburg Port
Health Center, Germany
Natalie Shaw, International Shipping Federation, London, United Kingdom
Mel Skipp, Carnival UK, Cruise Lines International Association, London, United Kingdom
Maria Dulce Maia Trindade, Macao International Airport/Port Health Authority, Centre
for Prevention and Control of Disease/ Health Bur eau, Government of Macao Special
Administrative Region, China
Stphane Veyrat, Department of Emergency Response and Preparedness, General Directorate of Health, Ministry of Health, Paris, France
Mario Vilar, Ministerio de Salud Publica, Direccin General de la Salud, Montevideo, Uruguay
Ninglan Wang, WHO, Lyon, France
Sandra Westacott, Port Health Services, Southampton City Council, Southampton,
United Kingdom
Ruth Anderson, Agnieszka Rivire provided secretarial and administrative support throughout the meetings during the development of the guide. Daniel Lins Menucci, Christos
Hadjichristodoulou, Barbara Mouchtouri, Bruce Plotkin, Clara Schlaich, Christoph Sevenich and Ninglan Wang undertook final technical writing and revision roles in developing the guide.The preparation of this document, Handbook for inspection of ships
and issuance of ship sanitation certificates, would not have been possible without the
generous technical and logistical support of several institutions, including the French
Ministry of Health; the Hamburg Port Health Center (Germany); the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,; University of Thessaly, Greece; National Health
Surveillance Agency (Anvisa), Brazil; General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine(AQSIQ), China; Spain Ministry of Health; Portugal Ministry of
Health, and Health Canada.
GLOSSARY
Acceptable non-rat-proof material
A material with a surface that is treated (flashed) to be resistant to rat gnawing when
the edges are exposed to gnawing (the gnawing-edges), but that is subject to penetration by rats if the gnawing-edges are not treated.
Accessible
Capable of being exposed for cleaning and inspection with the use of simple tools, such
as a screwdriver, pliers or an open-ended wrench.
Affected
Persons, baggage, cargo, containers, conveyances, goods, postal parcels or human remains that are infected or contaminated, or carry sources of infection or contamination,
so as to constitute a public health risk.
Affected area
A geographical location specifically for which health measures have been recommended
by WHO under International Health Regulations (2005)
Airbreak
A piping arrangement in which a drain from a fixture, appliance or device discharges
indirectly into another fixture, receptacle or interceptor at a point below the flood-level
rim.
Airgap
The unobstructed vertical distance through the free atmosphere between the lowest
opening from any pipe or faucet supplying water to a tank, plumbing fixture or other
device and the flood-level rim of the receptacle or receiving fixture. The air gap should
typically be at least twice the diameter of the supply pipe or faucet, or at least 25 mm.
Backflow

The flow of water or other liquids, mixtures or substances into the distribution pipes of a
potable supply of water from any source or sources other than the potable water supply.
Back-siphonage is one form of backflow.
Backflow preventer
A mechanical device installed in a water or waste line to prevent the reversal of flow
under conditions of back pressure. An approved backflow-prevention plumbing device
is typically used on potable water distribution lines where there is a direct connection or
a potential connection between the potable water distribution system and other liquids,
mixtures or substances from any source other than the potable water supply. Some devices are designed for use under continuous water pressure, whereas others are non-pressure types. In the check-valve type, the flap should swing into a recess when the line is
flowing full to preclude obstructing the flow.
Back-siphonage
The backward flow of used, contaminated or polluted water from a plumbing fixture or
vessel or other source into a water-supply pipe as a result of negative pressure in the
pipe.
7
Black water

Waste from toilets, urinals or medical facilities.
Biohazard bag
Bag used to secure biohazard waste that requires microbiological inactivation in an
approved manner for final disposal. Must be disposable and impervious to moisture,
and have sufficient strength to preclude tearing or bursting under normal conditions of
usage and handling.
Child care facility

Facility for child-related activities where children are not yet out of diapers or require
supervision using the toilet facilities, and are cared for by vessel staff.
Cleaning
Removal of visible dirt or particles through mechanical action, reducing the microbial
environment population through the application of chemical, mechanical or thermal processes for a certain period of time.
Closed joints, seams and crevices
Those where the materials used in fabrication of the equipment join or fit together
snugly. Suitable filling materials may be used to effect a proper closure.
Communicable disease
Diseases caused by pathogenic microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, parasites or
fungi. The diseases can be spread, directly or indirectly, from one person to another.
Zoonotic diseases are communicable diseases of animals that can cause disease when
transmitted to humans.
Competent authority
Authority responsible for implementing and applying health measures under the International Health Regulations (2005).
Corrosion-resistant
Capable of maintaining original surface characteristics under prolonged influence of the
use environment, including the expected food contact and the normal use of cleaning
compounds and sanitizing solutions. Corrosion-resistant materials must be non-toxic.
Coved
A concave surface, moulding or other design that eliminates the usual angles of 90
degrees or less.
Cross-connection
Any unprotected actual or potential connection or structural arrangement between a
public or a consumers potable water system and any other source or system through
which it is possible to introduce into any part of the potable system any used water,
industrial fluid, gas or substance other than the intended potable water with which the
system is supplied. Bypass arrangements, jumper connections, removable sections,
swivel or change-over devices and other temporary or permanent devices through which,
or because of which, backflow can occur are considered to be cross-connections.
Disease
An illness or medical condition, irrespective of origin or sources, that presents or could
present significant harm to humans.
Disinfection
The procedure whereby measures are taken to control or kill infectious agents on a human or animal body, on a surface or in or on baggage, cargo, containers, conveyances,
goods and postal parcels by direct exposure to chemical or physical agents.
Easily cleanable
Fabricated with a material, finish and design that allows for easy and thorough cleaning
with normal cleaning methods and materials.
Flashing
The capping or covering of corners, boundaries and other exposed edges of
acceptable non-rat-proof material in rat-proof areas. The flashing strip should typically be of rat-proof material, wide enough to cover the gnawing-edges adequately and
firmly fastened.
Food contact surfaces
Surfaces of equipment and utensils with which food normally comes in contact, and surfaces from which food may drain, drip or splash back onto surfaces normally in contact
with food. This includes the areas of ice machines over the ice chute to the ice bins.
Food display areas
Any area where food is displayed for consumption by passengers and/or crew.
Food handling areas
Any area where food is stored, processed, prepared or served.
Food preparation areas
Any area where food is processed, cooked or prepared for service.
Food service areas
Any area where food is presented to passengers or crew members (excluding individual
cabin service).
Food storage areas
Any area where food or food products are stored.
Free pratique
The permission for a ship to enter a port, embark or disembark, discharge or load cargo
or stores.
Grey water
All used water, including drainage from galleys, dishwashers, showers, laundries, and
bath and washbasin drains. It does not include black water or bilge water from the machinery spaces.
Halogenation
In this context, halogenation refers to disinfection using halogen disinfectants, such as
chlorine, bromine or iodine, to treat recreational water or potable water to reduce the
concentration of pathogenic microorganisms.
9
International voyage
(a) In the case of a conveyance, a voyage between points of entry in the territories of
more than one state, or a voyage between points of entry in the territory or territories of
the same state if the conveyance has contacts with the territory of any other state on its
voyage, but only as regards those contacts.
(b) In the case of a traveller, a voyage involving entry into the territory of a state other
than the territory of the state in which that traveller commences the voyage.
National IHR Focal Point
The national centre, designated by each State Party, which shall be accessible at all times
for communication with WHO IHR Contact Points.
Non-absorbent materials
Materials with surfaces that are resistant to moisture penetration.
Non-food contact surfaces
All exposed surfaces, other than food contact or splash contact surfaces, of equipment
located in food storage, preparation and service areas.
Perishable food
A food that is natural or synthetic and that requires temperature control because it is in
a form capable of supporting:
the rapid and progressive growth of infectious or toxigenic microorganisms;
the growth and toxin production of Clostridium botulinum; or, in raw shell eggs, the
growth of Salmonella enteritidis.
Personal protective equipment (PPE)

Equipment used to create a protective barrier between the worker and the hazards in
the workplace.
Point of entry
A passage for international entry or exit of travellers, baggage, cargo, containers,
conveyances, goods and postal parcels, as well as agencies and areas providing services
to them on entry or exit.
Portable
A description of equipment that is readily removable or mounted on casters, gliders or
rollers; provided with a mechanical means so that it can be tilted safely for cleaning; or
readily movable by one person.
Potable water
Fresh water that is intended for human consumption, drinking, washing, teeth brushing,
bathing or showering; for use in fresh-water recreational water environments; for use
in the ships hospital; for handling, preparing or cooking food; and for cleaning food
storage and preparation areas, utensils and equipment. Potable water, as defined by the
WHO Guidelines for drinking-water quality (2008) does not represent any significant risk
to health over a lifetime of consumption, including different sensitivities that may occur
between life stages.
10
Potable water tanks

All tanks in which potable water is stored from bunkering and production for distribution
and use as potable water.
Public health emergency of international concern
An extraordinary event that is determined, as provided in the International Health Regulations (2005):
to constitute a public health risk to other states through the international spread of
disease; and
to potentially require a coordinated international response.
Public health risk
A likelihood of an event that may affect adversely the health of human populations, with
an emphasis on one that may spread internationally or may present a serious and direct
danger.
Readily removable
Capable of being detached from the main unit without the use of tools.
Removable
Capable of being detached from the main unit with the use of simple tools, such as a
screwdriver, pliers or an open-ended wrench.
Scupper
A conduit or collection basin that channels water run-off to a drain.
Sealed spaces
Spaces that have been effectively closed, all joints, seams and crevices having been
made impervious to insects, rodents, seepage, infiltration and food fragments or other
debris.
Seam
An open juncture between two similar or dissimilar materials. Continuously welded junctures, ground and polished smooth, are not considered seams.
Sewage
According to the internationally accepted definition in the International Maritime
Organizations International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships
(MARPOL 73/78), sewage is defined as:
drainage and other wastes from any form of toilets, urinals and WC scuppers;
drainage from medical premises (e.g. dispensary, sick bay) via washbasins, wash tubs
and scuppers located in such premises;
drainage from spaces containing living animals (e.g. livestock carriers); or
other waste waters (e.g. grey water from showers) when mixed with the drainages defined above.
Sewage treatment
The process of removing the contaminants from sewage to produce liquid and solid
suitable for discharge to the environment or for reuse. It is a form of waste management.
A septic tank or other on-site wastewater treatment system such as biofilters can be used
to treat sewage close to where it is created.
11
The common method of sewage treatment is to flush sewage from toilets through a
piping system into a holding tank where it is comminuted, decanted and broken down
by naturally occurring bacteria in an aerobic process, and disinfected before it is discharged into the open sea. It is important to consider that an excessive use of cleaners
and disinfectant in the sewage system may destroy the natural bacteria in the treatment
plant. The aerobic process needs oxygen. Therefore, aerators blow air into the biological
compartment. Toxic gases can be produced during the process.
Ship
A seagoing or inland navigation vessel on an international voyage (IHR, 2005).
Ship water system
On-board treatment equipment and facilities, water storage tanks, and all the plumbing
and fixtures on the ship.
Smooth
A food contact surface that is free from pits and inclusions, with a cleanability equal to
or exceeding that of (100 grit) number 3 stainless steel.
A non-food contact surface that is equal to commercial grade hot-rolled steel and is
free from visible scale.
A deck, bulkhead or deck head that has an even or level surface with no roughness or
projections that render it difficult to clean.
Surveillance
Systematic ongoing collection, collation and analysis of data for public health purposes,
and the timely dissemination of public health information for assessment and public
health response as necessary.
State Party
Under the International Health Regulations, States Parties are those states that have
become bound by the revised International Health Regulations (2005).
Traveller
Natural person taking an international voyage.
Turbidity
Cloudiness or lack of transparency of a solution due to presence of suspended particles.
Typically measured in nephelometric turbidity units (NTU).
Vector
An insect or other animal that normally transports an infectious agent that constitutes a
public health risk.
Verification
Final monitoring for reassurance that the system as a whole is operating safely. Verification may be undertaken by the supplier, by an independent authority or by a combination of these, depending on the administrative regime of a given country. Typically
includes testing for faecal indicator organisms and hazardous chemicals.

12
Acronyms
BWMP
ballast-water management plan
CAC
Codex Alimentarius Commission
FAO
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
FSP
food safety plan
GDWQ
Guidelines for drinking-water quality (World Health Organization)
HACCP
hazard analysis critical control point
HPC
heterotrophic plate count
IHR
International Health Regulations
ILO
International Labour Organization
IMGS

International medical guide for ships (International Labour Organiza-

tion, International Maritime Organization, World Health Organization)
IMO
International Maritime Organization
ISM manual
International Safety Management manual
ISO
International Organization of Standardization
ISPP certificate International Sewage Pollution Prevention certificate

MEPC
Marine Environment Protection Committee
MFAG

Medical first aid guide for use in accidents involving dangerous goods
(International Maritime Organization)
PPE
personal protective equipment
SSC
ship sanitation certificate
SSCC
Ship Sanitation Control Certificate
SSCEC
Ship Sanitation Control Exemption Certificate
UV
ultraviolet
WHO
World Health Organization
13
14
INTRODUCTION
The International Sanitary Regulations were first adopted in 1951. In 1969, they were
renamed as the International Health Regulations (IHR). The 1951 IHR were intended to monitor
and control six serious infectious diseases: cholera, plague, yellow fever, smallpox, relapsing
fever and typhus. In the intervening 50 years, many developments affected the international
transmission of disease, including changes in international ship traffic. Therefore, on 23 May
2005, the World Health Assembly adopted a revised IHR by way of resolution WHA58.3, which
entered into force on 15 June 2007.
Beginning with the 1951 IHR, the Deratting Certificate/Deratting Exemption Certificate was
a required document for the international public health control of ships visiting international
ports. The Deratting Certificate helped to reduce the international spread of rodent-borne
diseases, especially plague. All ships on international voyages were required to renew this
certificate every six months, and this renewal required all areas of the ship to be inspected. In
the IHR (2005), the Deratting Certificate/Deratting Exemption Certificate was replaced by the
much broader ship sanitation certificates (SSCs) and was no longer valid after 2007.
The IHR (2005) SSCs are of particular importance for the prevention and control of public
health risks on board ships on international voyages. They provide internationally recognized
documentation regarding the sanitary conditions of a ship, while reducing the need for further
and more frequent inspections of the ship during the period for which the certificate is valid
(but with options for additional inspections under certain limited circumstances).
This handbook is intended to be used as reference material for port health officers, regulators,
ship operators and other competent authorities in charge of implementing the IHR (2005) at
ports and on ships. The handbook is based on the IHR (2005) provisions regarding ship inspection and issue of SSCs. They provide guidance for preparing and performing the inspection,
completing the certificates and applying public health measures within the framework of the
IHR (2005).1
1. IHR Article 2, purpose and scope: to prevent, protect against, control and provide a public health response to the international
spread of disease in ways that are commensurate with and restricted to public health risks, and which avoid unnecessary interference with international traffic and trade.
15
16
Scope
SSCs are used to identify and record all areas of ship-borne public health risks (not limited to
rodents).2 They require the application of comprehensive and detailed inspection procedures
and techniques by personnel who are trained in public health issues. The relevant IHR (2005)
provisions include Articles 20, 22, 23, 24, 25, 27, 28, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 39, 40, 41, 42,
43, 44 and 45, and Annexes 1, 3, 4 and 5.
SSCs emphasize the criteria to be considered during the inspection of areas of the ship. They
also provide information for determining which public health measures should be adopted to
prevent and control public health risks on board, in turn preventing the international spread
of disease. At the completion of the inspection, a new SSC should be issuedeither a Ship
Sanitation Control Exemption Certificate or a Ship Sanitation Control Certificate, according
to the results of the inspection. If the inspection cannot be accomplished at an authorized
port (listed on the World Health Organization [WHO] website), the existing certificate may
be extended by no more than one month (this must also be done at an authorized port). As
provided in the regulations, when an SSC is issued, there is no distinction as to nationality, flag,
registry or ownership of the ship.
Part A of this document is a reference for pre-inspection planning and administrative arrangements for issuing the Ship Sanitation Control Exemption Certificate or the Ship Sanitation
Control Certificate. Part A describes activities that are the responsibility of port health officers,
and national or local public health authorities. These activities maintain adequate standards
for ship inspection and issue of SSCs.
Part B of this document is a template for the inspection and issue of SSCs. It describes the
areas to be inspected; the relevant standards that apply; the possible evidence that may be
found or sample results that could constitute a public health risk; the documentation that
must be reviewed before, during and after the inspection process; and control measures or
corrective actions that must be taken. The format of this template follows the IHR model SSC
in Annex 3 of the IHR (2005). Part B may also be used as reference material for regulators, ship
operators and ship builders, and serve as a checklist for understanding and assessing the
potential health impacts of projects involving the design of ships.
Throughout this document, references are provided on occupational health issues for ships
crews or other events that affect public health, and inspections applicable to items of IHR Annex 3. References are also provided on the prevention and control of events that may constitute a public health event of international concern (as defined in the IHR).
This handbook also addresses environmental issues that may constitute public health risks,
such as the discharge by ships of sewage, waste and ballast water. Harmful contamination
(other than microbial contamination), such as from radionuclear sources, could also be found
on ships. Such contamination is subject to the IHR (2005) and the requirements of Article 39
and Annex 3; however, specific control measures are outside the scope of this handbook. This
2. IHR Annex 3 provides a comprehensive list of areas, facilities and systems to be inspected with a view to issue of an SSC.
17
handbook only address the adoption of preliminary control measures, and the mobilization of
specialized experts and agencies to respond to radiological events if detected on board.
In summary, Parts A and B of this document have been developed to assist the competent
authority at the port in determining:
recommended competencies for the personnel inspecting ships for the issue of SSCs;
administrative arrangements for routine enquiries for the planning of ship inspection and
issue of SSCs;
methods of identification, measurement and control of public health risks related to ships,
travellers, cargo or discharge;
procedures relating to the prevention of international spread of disease;
recording of information on the SSC, including for further action by the ships crew or the
competent authorities at future ports of call;
communication and response requirements for events of public health concern, including
incidents and emergencies on board.
The Guide to ship sanitation (WHO, 2011) and the International medical guide for ships (WHO,
2007) are companion volumes to this document, oriented towards preventive health and curative health, respectively, on board ships.
18
Part A:
Inspection system
requirements
19
Part A: Inspection system requirements
1. Overview of legal and policy framework

When the International Health Regulations (IHR) (2005) came into force on 15 June
2007, competent authorities could require from international ships the IHR model ship
sanitation certificate (SSC) (IHR Annex 3), which covers public health risks on board,
and the necessary inspections and control measures taken in accordance with the IHR
(2005). Competent authorities are required to use the Annex 3 SSC to identify and record all evidence of contamination or infection and other risks to human health in different areas, facilities or systems, together with any required control measures that must
be applied (as authorized by the IHR) to control public health risks1. The SSCs may be
required from all ships, whether seagoing or inland navigation ships, on international
voyages that call at a port of a State Party.
According to the IHR (2005), States Parties authorize certain ports to inspect ships
and issue the certificates (or their extensions) and to provide related services and
control measures, as referred to in Article 20.3 and Annex 1 of the IHR (2005). Any port
authorized to issue the Ship Sanitation Control Certificate (SSCC) must have the
capability to inspect ships, issue certificates and implement (or supervise the
implementation of) necessary health control measures. States Parties can also
authorize ports to issue the Ship Sanitation Control Exemption Certificate (SSCEC) or
to grant extensions of up to one month to conveyance operators, if they are unable to
carry out the necessary measures at the port in question.
The IHR (2005) requires States Parties to ensure that all SSCs are issued according to
IHR Article 39 and Annex 3.
The States Parties must also send to the World Health Organization (WHO) the list of
their ports authorized to:
issue SSCCs and provide the related services referred to in IHR (2005) Annex 3
(Requirements for the SSC) and Annex 1B (Core capacity requirements for designated ports);
issue SSCECs only, and extend a valid SSCEC or SSCC for one month until the ship
arrives in a port at which the certificate may be issued.
Each State Party must inform WHO of any changes that occur in the status of the listed ports. WHO publishes and updates a list of these authorized ports, with related
information. This list is available on the WHO (IHR 2005) website (http://www.who.int/
ihr/ports_airports/en).
According to the IHR (2005), the SSCs of each State Party must conform to the IHR
model SSC in Annex 3. The use of the model certificate facilitates the international
movement of shipping, minimizes unnecessary delays, helps to standardize the inspection process, and allows uniform and easily recognizable communication of risks.
Certificates must have correct formatting and content as specified in the IHR (2005);
1. According to the IHR (2005), public health risk is defined as a likelihood of an event that may affect adversely the health of
human populations, with an emphasis on one which may spread internationally or may present a serious and direct danger. This
central concept underpins these guidelines and, together with other definitions, is important in understanding how the inspection
process described here achieves the IHR (2005) goals.
20
certificates that do not conform to the model may be viewed by other competent
authorities as invalid or may be invalid according to the IHR (2005).
Use of the template does not impose any obligation on the ship, other than those
prescribed by the IHR (2005).
SSCs may be used as international communication tools and will usually be delivered
in countries (or, sometimes, regions) other than the place of issue. Therefore, States
Parties should usually issue and complete the certificates in English or in French.
2. Roles and responsibilities

States Parties shall take all practical measures consistent with the IHR (2005) to ensure
that conveyance operators permanently keep conveyances for which they are responsible free from infection or contamination, including vectors and vector reservoirs (IHR
[2005] Article 24). The application of control measures may be required if evidence of
sources of infection or contamination is found. These measures may be carried out by
the conveyance operator (either by the crew or by a private company under contract)
or by the competent authority. The control measures applied should always be agreed
upon and supervised by the competent authority (usually the port health authority).
The SSCs are designed to identify, assess and record any public health risks, and the
consequent control measures that should be taken, while ships are in port. Public
health risks are identified by epidemiological evidence, direct observation or measurement (or any combination of these). The competent authority should evaluate the risk
in terms of the epidemiological situation and the severity of the risk. Control measures
shall be applied at the point of entry, according to the conditions specified by the IHR
(2005).
If clinical signs or symptoms of illness or disease and factual evidence of a public health
risk (including sources of infection and contamination) are found on board a ship on
an international voyage, the competent authority shall consider the ship as affected
and may:
(a) disinfect, decontaminate, disinsect or derat the conveyance, as appropriate, or
cause these measures to be carried out under its supervision; and
(b) decide in each case the technique employed to secure an adequate level of
control of the public health risk as provided in these regulations. Where there are
methods or materials advised by WHO for these procedures, these should be employed, unless the competent authority determines that other methods are as safe and
reliable (IHR [2005] Article 27.1).
If the competent authority for the points of entry is not able to carry out the control
measures required under IHR Article 27, the ship may nevertheless be allowed to depart, subject to the following conditions:
(a) the competent authority shall, at the time of departure, inform the competent
authority of the next known port of entry of the type of information referred to under
subparagraph (b); and
21
(b) in the case of a ship, the evidence found and the control measures shall be noted
in the SSCC (IHR [2005] Article 27.2).
Therefore, ports should have the capacity to support the control measures adopted
to prevent the spread of disease and disease agents. Such measures include cleaning,
disinfection, decontamination, deratting and disinsection.
A port on the WHO list of ports authorized to issue SSCs should also have available
trained personnel who can board ships, identify any significant risks to public health
and take appropriate control measures. Thus, States should have nationally recognized training and competency requirements for public health or environmental health
officers assigned to issue SSCs.
Subject to IHR (2005) Article 43, or as provided in applicable international agreements,
ships shall not be refused free pratique by States Parties for public health reasons. In
particular, they shall not be prevented from embarking or disembarking; discharging
or loading cargo or stores; or taking on fuel, water, food and supplies. States Parties
may subject the granting of free pratique to inspection and, if a source of infection or
contamination is found on board, the carrying out of necessary disinfection, decontamination, disinsection or deratting, or other measures necessary to prevent the spread
of the infection or contamination (IHR [2005] Article 28).
If the public health risk appears significant or if evidence of potential international
spread of disease exists, the National IHR Focal Point and community-level health
authorities should be alerted immediately by the competent authority.
2.1 Role of Competent Authority

The competent authority responsible for the implementation and application of health
measures at points of entry is required, according to the IHR (2005) (Article 22), to:
be responsible for monitoring baggage, cargo, containers, conveyances, goods,
postal parcels and human remains departing and arriving from affected areas, so that
they are maintained in such a condition that they are free from sources of infection or
contamination, including vectors and reservoirs;
ensure, as far as practicable, that facilities used by travellers at points of entry are
maintained in a sanitary condition and are kept free from sources of infection or contamination, including vectors and reservoirs;
be responsible for supervising any deratting, disinfection, disinsection or decontamination of baggage, cargo, containers, conveyances, goods, postal parcels and human
remains, or sanitary measures for persons, as appropriate under these regulations;
advise conveyance operators, as far in advance as possible, of their intent to apply
control measures to a conveyance, and shall provide, where available, written information concerning the methods to be employed;
be responsible for supervising the removal and safe disposal of any contaminated
water or food, human or animal dejecta, wastewater and any other contaminated matter from a conveyance;
22
take all practicable measures consistent with these regulations to monitor and control
the discharge by ships of sewage, refuse, ballast water and other potentially diseasecausing matter that might contaminate the waters of a port, river, canal, strait, lake or
other international waterway;
be responsible for supervising service providers for services concerning travellers,
baggage, cargo, containers, conveyances, goods, postal parcels and human remains
at points of entry, including the conduct of inspections and medical examinations as
necessary;
have effective contingency arrangements to deal with an unexpected public health
event;
communicate with the National IHR Focal Point on the relevant public health measures
taken pursuant to these regulations.
2.2 Role of conveyance operators

According to the IHR (2005) (Article 24), States Parties must take all practicable measures
consistent with the IHR to ensure that conveyance operators:
comply with the health measures recommended by WHO and adopted by the State
Party;
inform travellers of the health measures recommended by WHO and adopted by the
State Party for application on board;
permanently keep conveyances for which they are responsible free from sources of
infection or contamination, including vectors and reservoirs. The application of measures
to control sources of infection and contamination may be required if evidence is found.
The ships master must ensure that any cases of illness that are indicative of an infectious disease or evidence of a public health risk on board are relayed to the competent
authority at port on arrival, as required by Article 28 and Annex 3.
The IHR (2005) (Annex 4) also requires that conveyance operators shall facilitate:
inspections of the cargo, containers and conveyance;
medical examinations of persons on board;
application of other health measures under these regulations;
provision of relevant public health information requested by the State Party.
Conveyance operators shall also provide to the competent authority a valid SSCEC or
SSCC and a Maritime Declaration of Health (IHR [2005] Articles 37 and 39; Annexes 3,
4 and 8).
With regard to vector-borne diseases, the IHR (2005) Annex 5 provides specific measures
applicable to conveyances and conveyance operators.
23
2.3 Role of inspecting officers

The role of the competent authority is to inspect areas, systems and services on board;
verify the practical implementation of these systems and services; ascertain the sanitary condition of areas inspected; and recommend corrective actions or require measures to be taken when and where applicable. Any control measures required should be
noted on the Evidence Report Form (see Annex 7) and will lead to the issue ance of
an SSCC.
The IHR (2005) Annex 3 identifies areas, systems and services to be inspected on a
conveyance. The IHR (2005) Annex 1 requires that States Parties should provide trained
personnel at points of entry to inspect conveyances, to conduct inspection programmes and to ensure a safe environment for travellers using port facilities, as appropriate.
In order to perform these duties, inspecting officers should demonstrate competency
in the following areas before being assigned to inspection duties:
Assessment of public health risks (including the effectiveness of systems implemented to control risks) by direct observation and by measurement with testing and sampling equipment. The assessment should be based on the information received from
conveyance operators, agents or the ships master, such as information from the Maritime Declaration of Health2; communications to port before a ships arrival about
public health events on board (IHR [2005] Article 28); traveller information; the disease
status at port of origin, in transit and at the port of entry; and the application of personal protective techniques and related equipment.
An understanding of the manner in which public health risks from microbiological,
chemical and radiological agents affect human health and can be transmitted to individuals via other individuals, food, air, water, waste, vectors, fomites and the environment; appropriate measures to restrict radiation exposure to levels as low as
reasonably practicable, if radiation risks are identified; and the protocol for seeking
professional help for management of radiation risks and their effects.
Use of operational procedures for notification, assessment and response, equipment and medicines; knowledge of environmental requirements relating to the size
and type of conveyance; and knowledge of related, applicable guidelines (e.g. WHO,
International Labour Organization [ILO], International Maritime Organization [IMO]).
3. Pre-inspection planning and administrative arrangements for

issuing ship sanitation certificates
Before establishing an inspection programme, the inspection procedures and the

administrative arrangements necessary for inspections and the issue of certificates
should be in place.
2. The ships master must ascertain the health status on board before arrival at port. The master must also deliver to the competent
authority a complete Maritime Declaration of Health, which should be countersigned by the ships surgeon (if one is on board),
unless the competent authority does not require a declaration (include Article 37 and Annex 8; see WHO interim technical advice
for case management of pandemics [H1N1] on ships).
24
3.1 General preparation and administrative arrangements for inspection

of ships and issue of ship sanitation certificates
3.1.1 Communication
Develop procedures for notification, assessment and response with regard to public
health events on board (e.g. disease outbreaks, sources of infection and contamination, incidents and emergencies).
Establish and maintain communication, reporting and tracking systems, in cooperation with other key agencies and departments such as the National IHR Focal Point and
the national health surveillance system.
Maintain an up-to-date, easily accessible list of ports authorized to issue SSCs; include an up-to-date list of contact details for the ports.
Ensure that inspectors are capable of clear communication with ships operators or
agents and their crews.
Determine and disseminate the correct information for communication to the competent authority, the conveyances and their operators or agents.
Assess the volume, frequency and type of ship arrivals.
3.1.2 Training
Develop and implement plans that identify training needs, qualification requirements
and competency criteria.
Ensure that inspectors can issue SSCs, including in English
Familiarize inspectors with the checklists in this document.
Familiarize inspectors with all necessary procedures for inspecting ships and issuing
SSCs.
Ensure that inspectors demonstrate appropriate knowledge of the types of certificates
defined in this document and of the legal text of the IHR (2005).
Train inspectors in the likely flow of inspections, according to the size and type of
ships.
3.1.3 Equipment
Ensure that the tools and equipment necessary for inspection and control measures,
including personal protective equipment (PPE) and sampling equipment, are always
available and in a good condition (see list of PPE and recommended equipment in
Annexes 4 and 5).
Ensure that the correct forms, the unique seals or stamps to authenticate certificates,
and other administrative supplies are accessible and in good condition.
3.1.4 Administration
Develop and implement a high-quality management scheme for monitoring, auditing
and assessing the outcomes of inspections.
Develop and implement a system for the administrative control and record management of issued SSCs; for example, establish and maintain a file system or secure database
of inspections performed and certificates issued. The system should be able to identify
previous deficiencies.
25
Establish a system for collecting the agreed inspection fees.

Identify the port areas required for the safe inspection of ships; the adoption of
control measures, when applicable; and the facilities and services as listed in IHR (2005)
Annex 1B.
3.2 Planning for on-site inspection

Request and record the pre-arrival information supplied by the ships operator or
agent (i.e. confirm time of arrival, berth, request for inspection, previous and next port,
health status on board, identity and contact details of conveyance operator or agent).
Based on the received information, perform an assessment of public health risks;
assemble the personnel and equipment necessary for the individual inspection.
Prepare easy-to-understand information about the inspection procedures in a form
that can be transmitted to the ship in advance (e.g. a leaflet). For unannounced inspections, this information should not be transmitted in advance. The information should
contain:
- a list of the documents required for inspection;
- advice that a contact person must be available on board;
- advice that all areas must be accessible for inspection, in order that the inspection
proceeds unhindered.
4. Measures and operational procedures for ship inspection and

the issue of ship sanitation certificates
Inspections are designed to confirm that ships are operating in accordance with appropriate practices for assessment and control of health risks on board.
An inspection provides a snapshot of a ships operations and the manner in which
its systems are implemented and maintained. The inspecting officer should typically
identify risks that arise from the activities on the ship, and the effectiveness of the
ships own assessment of risks and control measures. Both the quality of operating
procedures and the extent of their implementation should be assessed. Specifically,
the inspection should determine whether the ships operator and/or master have identified relevant hazards, assessed health risks and identified suitable control measures
to effectively manage those risks.
With regard to the issue of SSCs, a port should have appropriately trained personnel
available to board a ship, identify any significant public health risks and order control
measures. Before boarding, inspectors need to comply with all necessary administrative and technical procedures to ensure efficient and safe access to the ship. They
should also follow procedures to ensure a reasonable level of safety while the ship is in
dock, when boarding and during onboard inspections.
If a new certificate is to be issued, all areas must be inspected. The areas must be in a
condition that prevents cross-contamination by the inspection process (e.g. as described in Annex 3).
26
Before an inspection begins, the ships master should, if possible, be informed of the
purpose of the inspection, be advised to prepare all the required documentation and
be instructed to provide a contact person on board to facilitate the inspection.
An inspection usually includes a preliminary discussion with the ships operator or
agent and the master on matters relating to the ships sanitation systems and procedures. Additionally, the relevant documentation sent to the master or representative by
the competent authority before the inspection should be reviewed.
If a ships risk assessment and risk management systems are unsatisfactory, evidence
of implementation is inadequate, or unforeseen potential hazards are identified, the
inspection officer should discuss these matters with the master at the conclusion of the
visit. The discussion may include previous inspection reports, relevant current documentation and all food- and water-related activities undertaken on the ship.
Subsequently, a summary of the matters that do not comply with this document or with
other associated technical documents (e.g. the WHO Guide to ship sanitation) should
be confirmed in writing by the officer on the Evidence Report Form (see Annex 7). The
officer should also note the relevant advice given, including an expected timeframe
for any corrective action.
If control measures are noted on the existing SSCC or on an existing Evidence Report
Form (see Annex 7), the inspection shall verify that these measures have been successfully implemented.
If the conditions under which the inspection and/or control measures are performed
are incompatible with obtaining satisfactory results, the competent authority shall
make a note to that effect on the SSCC.
4.1 Documentation review

For inspection purposes, information on the ship, its cargo and possible public health
risks is needed, but the requested information and documents from conveyance operators need to be public health information necessary for these public health purposes.
With regard to health documents, the practice should follow the requirements in
the IHR (2005) and documents listed in other international agreements, such as IMO
conventions that relate to environmental protection and sanitation in general (e.g. the
International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships 1973, as modified
by the 1978 protocol [MARPOL]; and the Convention on Facilitation of International
Maritime Traffic 1965, as amended 2006).
To help the ships master prepare for the inspection, a list of all required documents
should be sent in advance by the national authority (e.g. to the maritime agent) before
the port health officer boards the ship for inspection.
27
The Maritime Declaration of Health (see model provided in IHR [2005] Annex 8)
contains basic data relating to the state of health of crew and passengers during the
voyage and on arrival at the port, and provides valuable information on:
identification of the ship;
ports of call within past 30 days (to be listed);
all crew members and travellers within past 30 days (to be listed);
validity of the existing SSC and whether re-inspection is required;
affected areas visited.
The SSC (see model provided in IHR [2005] Annex 3) identifies all areas of public health
risks and any required control measures to be applied.
The International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (see model provided in IHR
[2005] Annex 6) verifies that crew members and passengers have been vaccinated according to entry requirements.
The following documents, according to the document list in the Convention on Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic 1965 (as amended 2006), may be requested by
the competent authority to assess public health risk:
a General Declaration, to ascertain the ships name, type and flag State; it also provides valuable information on the ships requirements in terms of waste and residues,
reception facilities and brief particulars of voyage;
a Cargo Declaration and Ships Stores Declaration, for information on the cargo (e.g.
port of loading and discharge, description of goods);
a Dangerous Goods Manifest, which details information on dangerous goods (e.g.
subsidiary risk(s), mass, stowage position on board).
The following additional sources of information may be required, if appropriate, for
assessment of public health risk:
management plans concerning, for example, water bunkering, food safety, pest
control, sewage or waste;
an IMO Ballast Water Reporting Form;
a medical log, for information on incidents on board the ship that may constitute
health events under the IHR (2005);
a list of medicines, providing information on the kinds and amounts of medicines
carried in the medical chest;
a Potable Water Analysis Report, which provides the results of any microbiological
examinations or chemical analyses of potable water on board.
The competent authority should develop protocols and procedures for the transmission of pre-arrival and pre-departure information, to effectively process the required
information.
4.2 Inspection process

Inspection is undertaken by observing areas of the ship. When a ship requests a new
certificate, all areas as listed in this document (see Annex 3) should be inspected. The
main purpose of the inspection is to confirm that all points of control have been correctly identified, and that any appropriate control measures have been implemented
or corrective actions taken.
28
While performing inspections on board or in port areas, inspectors must wear appropriate
identification, clothing and PPE, including, but not limited to, life jackets, safety helmets,
safety boots, high-visibility clothing, respiratory and noise (ear) protection, rubber gloves, protection goggles, face masks (FFP3) and single-use overalls, as required.
Previous identification and security clearance of port authorities and ship operators
should be granted before starting the inspection.
Generally, the inspector starts the inspection by introducing the team and outlining
the objective of the inspection to the master. The inspector then receives information
about operating conditions and safety rules on board from the master. This exchange
should occur in a private space, if available. The inspection process is then outlined to
the master, and the documentation in place is reviewed.
The order of inspection (see Annex 3) is at the inspectors discretion. However, crosscontamination from inspection activities should be avoided. Therefore, personal hygiene, cleanliness of clothes and the inspectors health status should be considered.
If a new certificate is to be issued, all areas have to be inspected. If the ships holds are
in use, the cargo should also be inspected, if applicable, especially for presence of vectors. If enough personnel are available in the inspection team, team members can be
assigned different areas for inspection. The aim is to achieve all the objectives of the
inspection, taking into consideration the availability of time, the number of inspectors,
and the size and type of the ship.
The areas for inspection, the kind of evidence sought, the potential sources of information and the appropriate control measures to be taken are identified in the checklists
of this handbook. This handbook can help identify deficiencies and non-compliance
before completing the certificate.
4.3 Taking samples

The model SSC in IHR (2005) Annex 3 contains columns for recording sample
results as part of the inspection and related information; however, such samples may
not be required in all inspections according to the IHR. Whether a sample should be
taken and analysed depends on factors such as the particular circumstances described
in the checklists; the evidence found by the inspectors; the nature of any
potential public health risks; and the adequacy, in a particular context, of the usual
inspection techniques that do not involve taking samples. For example, if the cold potable
water system shows temperatures above 25 C, the risk of Legionella contamination
increases. Therefore, this temperature is a trigger for taking a water sample.
Harmful contamination other than microbial contamination (e.g. from chemical or
radioactive sources) may also be found on ships. Methods of sampling for these
contaminants are described in the WHO Guide to ship sanitation.
If sample results are pending, issue an SSCC and note Results are pending on the
certificate.
29
In general, when clinical signs or symptoms of illness or disease are present, evidence
of a public health risk (including sources of infection and contamination) is found on
board, or a public health risk is definitively identified, the competent authority determines the appropriate public health measures to be applied for an adequate level
of control. Methods or materials advised by WHO for these measures should be employed, unless the competent authority determines that other methods are similarly
safe and reliable.
4.4 Issue of certificates

SSCECs and SSCCs consist of two parts: (a) the model certificate, which outlines the
key physical areas of the ship for inspection; and (b) the attached references to the systems for management of food, water, waste, swimming pools and spas, and medical
and other facilities that may require closer inspection, according to the size and type
of the ship. The Evidence Report Form can be used to list the evidence found and
measures indicated.
After the inspection, the inspecting officer should debrief the master before issuing
an SSC. The master or representative must be allowed sufficient time to address any
deficiencies and to retrieve the necessary documentation before completing the certificate. According to the evidence of the adequacy of sanitary measures detected
during the inspection, either an SSCEC or an SSCC is issued (see the flow chart in IHR
[2005] Article 39, Appendix 2).
Instructions for completing the certificate are as follows:
Strike through the non-applicable certificate in the heading (either SSCEC or
SSCC).
Fill in the required information in the two tables (name of ship, flag, etc.).
Choose the applicable table (left: SSCEC, right: SSCC).
Complete every box in all the columns.
Write legibly and use consistent wording from the checklists of this handbook.
Use the Evidence Report Form if there is insufficient space on the SSC.
Note areas not applicable by marking NA.
Use the wording None or Nil in areas in which no evidence is found.
List the documents reviewed.
Use the wording None or Nil if no documents were reviewed.
Clearly indicate if sample results were reviewed by noting Yes or No.
Indicate if sample results are not yet available by noting Sample results pending.
Sign (identifying the inspecting officer), date and stamp the certificate.
Ensure that all certificates are legible.
Ensure that English is at least one of the languages on the certificate.
If a re-inspection is performed on a ship holding a valid certificate, an Evidence Report
Form should be attached to the original certificate to record further information. The
attachment must be referenced on the original certificate, preferably with a stamp as
shown in Section 4.4.4, with the signature of the inspector. The attachment should also
refer to the original document.
30
4.4.1 Ship Sanitation Control Certificate

An SSCC is issued when evidence of a public health risk, including sources of infection and contamination, was detected on board and the required control measures
have been satisfactorily completed. The SSCC records the evidence found, the control
measures taken, and the samples taken and corresponding results (if applicable); if
necessary, an Evidence Report Form can be attached.
If the conditions under which control measures are taken are such that, in the opinion
of the competent authority, a satisfactory result cannot be achieved at the port where
the operation was performed, the competent authority shall make a note to this effect
on the certificate. The note identifies all evidence of ship-borne public health risks and
any required control measures to be applied at the next port of call. If the ship is allowed to depart, at the time of departure the competent authority shall inform the next
known port of call by a rapid means of communication (e.g. e-mail, fax, telephone) of
the type of evidence and the requisite control measures. These procedures particularly
apply in contexts in which the public health risk could spread internationally or could
present a serious and direct danger to the health of human populations.
Any evidence of public health risks identified, required control measures or notation of
sample results pending that could lead to the issue of an SSCC should be documented
on the certificate, when applicable.
4.4.2 S
hip Sanitation Control Exemption Certificate
According to the IHR (2005), an SSCEC is issued when no evidence of a public health
risk is found on board and the competent authority is satisfied that the ship is free from
infection and contamination, including vectors and reservoirs. This certificate is usually
issued, as far as practicable, only if the inspection has been performed when the ship
and the holds are empty, or when the holds contain only ballast or other material of
similar nature and a thorough inspection of the holds is possible (IHR [2005] Article 39).
Despite the presence of a valid SSCEC or an extension, according to the IHR (2005),
inspections may nonetheless be required in various circumstances, as stated in IHR
(2005) Articles 23 and 27 and Annex 4 (e.g. if the pre-assessment indicates evidence of
a public health risk).
4.4.3 Extension of ship sanitation certificates
SSCECs and SSCCs are valid for a maximum of six months. This period may be extended by one month if the inspection or control measures required cannot be accomplished at the port. However, if a ship constitutes a serious risk for the spread of
disease, the necessary disinfection, decontamination, disinsection, deratting or other
measures to prevent the spread of the infection or contamination must be performed
at the next point of entry. At the time of departure, the competent authority shall inform the competent authority of the next point of entry of the evidence found and the
control measures required.
31
An extension allows a ship to reach a port at which the inspection and necessary
control measures can be performed, without the necessity to travel with an expired
certificate.
An extension may be granted up to 30 days before the expiry date of the existing SSC.
However, the SSC cannot be extended for longer than 30 days after the expiry date
(IHR [2005] Article 39).
Use of an extension stamp similar to that shown below is recommended to ensure
a common standard among competent authorities. Place the stamp on the existing
certificate.
4.4.4 E
vidence Report Form
The Evidence Report Form (see Annex 7) can be used to document evidence of public
health risks found during an inspection, and also the prescribed control measures or
corrective actions. The words required and recommended are used, according to
the evidence found, samples tested and documents reviewed. The inspecting officer
then submits the SSC and attached Evidence Report Form to the ships master. If a report form is used, a note is made on the SSC. Use of an attachment stamp similar to
that shown below is recommended to ensure a common standard among competent
authorities.
32
Some control measures required to avoid dissemination of disease and to control

an existing serious and direct danger should be adopted immediately. Any required
control measure automatically results in the issue of an SSCC.
According to the risk assessment performed by the competent authority during the
inspection, the crew and conveyance operator should follow any other recommendations for preventive measures to avoid potential risks.
Existing international standards and regulations are used as a baseline for defining the
control measures advised as required or recommended measures. When shall
is used to address a measure in the relevant articles and accounts of the international
conventions, standards and regulations, the measure is deemed as a required measure.
For example, the ILO (No. 68) Food and Catering (Ships Crews) Convention specifies
matters of food supply and catering arrangements designed to secure the health and
well-being of ships crews. This measure is addressed by shall, and thus leads to a
required designation.
Articles published in scientific journals provide evidence of public health risks that
trigger public health emergencies at points of entry or in conveyances. The effects of
such events justify specified measures to control contamination and infection. These
articles provide a scientific basis to determine which measures should be required. For
example, huge outbreaks of foodborne diseases that are often caused by pathogens
resulting from improper temperature control in the food chain have been documented.
Therefore, preventive measures concerning temperature control in food source,
preparation, processing and service are crucial. Such measures are therefore identified
as required measures.
Some measures draw on international best practices to achieve the goal of controlling
infection and contamination in an effective and efficient manner.
4.4.5 Affected conveyances and ship sanitation certificates
According to IHR (2005) Articles 27 and 39, a conveyance shall be considered affected:
if a valid SSCEC or SSCC cannot be produced;
if clinical signs or symptoms of illness or disease are present and information based
on fact or evidence of a public health risk exists, including sources of infection and
contamination. In these circumstances, a conveyance is considered infected even if it
possesses an SSCEC or an SSCC.
If the competent authority is unable to carry out the required control measures, or the
results of control measures are ineffective, this should be clearly stated on an attachment
to the certificate (e.g. an Evidence Report Form as in Annex 7). The attachment should
detail the facts or evidence of public health risks and the required control measures.
The attachment should be clearly marked as an attachment to the original certificate
and cross-referenced by, for example, the date and port of issue (see Annex 2).
33
After a re-inspection of the ship in the next port to check that the control measures
required by the previous competent authority have been performed, and that the
measures have been verified as effective, notes to that effect must be made on the
attachment. The ship shall then cease to be regarded as an affected conveyance
under IHR (2005) Article 27, unless other public health risks were discovered on the reinspection. The original validity date of the exemption certificate remains unaffected,
unless a full inspection is performed and a new certificate issued, with the agreement
of the master of the ship.
5. Control measures
Once the public health risks have been identified based on the information or evidence
found, the competent authority should determine appropriate control measures
and consider the adequacy of existing control measures. Public health risks can be
controlled by a variety of means. The competent authority should enforce reasonable
and practicable control measures, according to the risk assessment. Unnecessary
or excessive measures should be avoided. In addition, the availability of technical
resources and reasonable costs should be considered when assessing options for
control.
When a public health risk exists, control measures that will reduce the risk to an
acceptable level should be identified. The conveyance operator is responsible for
controlling any onboard risks. Nevertheless, the competent authority should provide
reasonable assistance to identify suitable and relevant control options.
Control measures for public health risks on ships should be applied only after all key
parties (i.e. the master, the conveyance operator or agent and the port authorities
involved in this activity) have been fully informed of the intended methods. Critical
activities, such as the designation of port areas for quarantine of ships suspected of
carrying a public health risk, should be identified well in advance, in cooperation with
the port operator for ship movement. The schedule of work to be performed should
be confirmed with the ships supervisory crew members and noted in any corrective
actions.
The methods suggested for detecting and measuring public health risks on ships (in
Part B of this document) are based on information from existing guidelines, WHO
State Party experts, international organizations and the shipping industry.
Disinsection, decontamination, deratting, disinfection and other sanitary procedures
taken pursuant to the IHR (2005) shall be performed in a manner that avoids injury and,
as far as possible, discomfort to persons. Also, environmental damage that affects
public health, baggage, cargo, containers, conveyances, goods or postal parcels
should be avoided (IHR [2005] Annex 4B.1). As far as practicable, facilities used by
travellers at points of entry should be maintained in a sanitary condition and kept
free from sources of infection or contamination, including vectors and reservoirs (IHR
[2005] Article 22.2). These measures shall be initiated and completed without delay,
and applied in a transparent and non-discriminatory manner (IHR [2005] Article 42).
34
6. Other relevant international agreements and instruments

While this document focuses on specific provisions of the IHR (2005), other international
instruments and agreements also address related issues, such as crew safety and comfort,
and some operational aspects such as facilitation, communication, maritime pollution,
and safety and security of ships and ports. Such instruments and agreements include
those adopted under the auspices of the ILO and the IMO. These international
instruments should be compatible and, indeed, synergistic, with the IHR (2005). In any
event, the IHR (2005) provides that the IHR and other instruments be interpreted in a
compatible manner. A number of these instruments and agreements are referred to,
where applicable, in parts of this document.
As provided in the IHR (2005) and subject to the preceding paragraph, the regulations
do not prevent States Parties having certain common interests in terms of their health,
geographical, social or economic conditions. States Parties are also not precluded
from concluding special treaties or arrangements to facilitate the application of the
regulations, with particular regard to:
direct and rapid exchange of public health information between neighbouring territories of different States Parties;
health measures to be applied to international coastal traffic and to international
traffic in waters within their jurisdiction;
health measures to be applied in contiguous territories of different States Parties at
their common frontier;
arrangements for carrying affected crew and passengers or affected human remains
by means of transport specially adapted for the purpose;
deratting, disinsection, disinfection, decontamination or other treatment designed
to render goods free from disease-causing agents.
The IHR (2005) also provides that, without prejudice to their obligations under the
regulations, States Parties that are members of a regional economic integration
organization shall apply in their mutual relations the common rules in force in that
organization.
35
36
PART B:
CHECKLISTS FOR
SHIP INSPECTION
37
Area 1 Quarters
Introduction
The operator is accountable for maintaining a safe environment on board for crew and
passengers. As the IHR (2005) and other relevant international agreements should be interpreted in a compatible manner (Article 57), quarters for crew members should comply with
existing conventions on crew accommodation and food and catering in the ILO conventions. For ships constructed before July 2006, all crew accommodation should comply with
the Accommodation of Crews Convention (Revised) 1949 No. 92 and the Accommodation
of Crews (Supplementary Provisions) Convention 1970 No. 133. For ships constructed after
July 2006, accommodation should comply with the Maritime Labour Convention 2006.
International standards and recommendations

ILO Maritime Labour Convention 2006
1. Article IV, Seafarers employment and social rights, paragraph 3: Every seafarer has a right
to decent working and living conditions on board ship; paragraph 4: Every seafarer has
a right to health protection, medical care, welfare measures and other forms of social
protection;
2. Regulation 3.1, Accommodation and recreational facilities.
ILO Convention No. 92 concerning crew accommodation on board ship (revised 1949).
Accommodation of Crews Convention (Revised), 1949, lays down detailed specifications
concerning matters as sleeping accommodation, mess and recreation rooms, ventilation,
heating, lighting and sanitary facilities on board ship.
ILO Convention No. 133 on Accommodation of Crews 1970
ILO R140 Crew Accommodation (air Conditioning) Recommendation 1970
ILO Convention No. 147 on Minimum Standards in Merchant Ships 1976
Main risks
Factors contributing to the occurrence of public health risks on board include the design,
construction, management and operation of quarters.
Document review
Construction drawings of sanitary facilities and ventilation.
Cleaning procedures and logs.
Construction plans demonstrating how cross-contamination is avoided in specified clean
and dirty areas.
Smoke tests at exhaust and at air intakes close to exhaust.
References
International conventions
ILO, Maritime Labour Convention 2006.
Scientific literature
Barker J, Stevens D, Bloomfield SF (2001). Spread and prevention of some common viral
infections in community facilities and domestic homes. Journal of Applied Microbiology,
91(1):721.
38
Black RE et al. (1981). Handwashing to prevent diarrhea in day-care centers. American Journal of Epidemiology, 113(4):445451.
Carling PC, Bruno-Murtha LA, Griffiths JK (2009). Cruise ship environmental hygiene and
the risk of norovirus infection outbreaks: an objective assessment of 56 vessels over 3 years.
Clinical and Infectious Diseases, 49:13121317.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2001). Influenza B virus outbreak on a cruise
shipNorthern Europe, 2000. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 50:137140.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2002). Outbreaks of gastroenteritis associated
with noroviruses on cruise shipsUnited States. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report,
51:11121115.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2003). Norovirus activityUnited States, 2002.
Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 52:4145.
Chimonas MA et al. (2008). Passenger behaviors associated with norovirus infection on
board a cruise shipAlaska, May to June 2004. Journal of Travel Medicine, 15:177183.
Corwin AL et al. (1999). Shipboard impact of a probable Norwalk virus outbreak from coastal
Japan. The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 61:898903.
Cramer EH, Blanton CJ, Otto C (2008). Shipshape: sanitation inspections on cruise ships,
19902005, Vessel Sanitation Program, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Journal
of Environmental Health, 70:1521.
Depoortere E, Takkinen J (2006). Coordinated European actions to prevent and control
norovirus outbreaks on cruise ships. Euro Surveillance: European Communicable Disease
Bulletin, 11:E061018.
Enserink M (2006). Infectious diseases. Gastrointestinal virus strikes European cruise ships.
Science, 313:747.
Hansen HL, Nielsen D, Frydenberg M (2002).Occupational accidents aboard merchant
ships. Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 59(2):8591.
Herwaldt BL et al. (1994). Characterization of a variant strain of Norwalk virus from a
foodborne outbreak of gastroenteritis on a cruise ship in Hawaii. Journal of Clinical
Microbiology, 32:861866.
Ho MS et al. (1989). Viral gastroenteritis aboard a cruise ship. The Lancet, 2:961965.
Lang L (2003). Acute gastroenteritis outbreaks on cruise ships linked to Norwalk-like viruses.
Gastroenterology, 124:284285.
Lawrence DN (2004). Outbreaks of gastrointestinal diseases on cruise ships: lessons from
three decades of progress. Current Infectious Disease Reports, 6:115123.
ONeill HJ et al. (2001). Gastroenteritis outbreaks associated with Norwalk-like viruses and
their investigation by nested RT-PCR. BMC Microbiology, 1:14.
Verhoef L et al. (2008). Multiple exposures during a norovirus outbreak on a river-cruise
sailing through Europe, 2006. Euro Surveillance: European Communicable Disease Bulletin,
13(24)pii:18899.
Widdowson MA et al. (2004). Outbreaks of acute gastroenteritis on cruise ships and on land:
identification of a predominant circulating strain of norovirusUnited States, 2002. Journal
of Infectious Diseases, 190:2736.
39
Control measures and

corrective actions
Recommended
Inspection results: evidence

found, sample results,
documents reviewed
Required
Code of
Areas
1.1 Construction
1.1.1
Surfaces and fixtures not proAccommodation should be constructed of maperly sealed or difficult to
terial that is easily sealed and cleaned.
clean.
1.1.2
Accommodation constructed of
unsuitable material that creates All accommodation to be kept free from vector
conditions for potential infesta- entry.
tion by vectors.
1.1.3
Adequate ventilation system or properly screeNo window available or ventila- ned window should be in place, especially in
tion system inadequate, which sleeping rooms and mess rooms, to prevent
affects the health of occupants. the spread of disease. Adjust ventilation dependent on climate in which ship is sailing.
1.1.4
o
No heating system.
1.1.5
o
Sleeping rooms for crew or pas- Provide separate sleeping rooms constructed
sengers constructed from infer- of steel or other approved substance; rooms
must be watertight and gas-tight.
ior materials.
1.1.6
o
Provide toilet facility for crew members, either

No toilet facility available for
in their quarters or in a common lavatory outcrew members.
side individual quarters.
1.1.7
o
Bathrooms or shower rooms Equip sleeping rooms with private or common

not provided.
bathroom, including toilet.
1.1.8
o
Absence of drainage system

Install drainage system sufficient to cope with
or drainage system unable to
demand.
cope with demand.
Where appropriate, apply measures to ensure

effective screening against vector entry.
External doors or windows not Construct doors that open outward and are
self-closing.
vector-protected.
Provide informative material on individual preventive measures.
1.1.9
o
Provide adequate heating system.
1.1.10
o
Screen mesh not sufficiently

Install screen mesh of gauge 1.6 mm or less.
small gauge (i.e. max.1.6 mm)
1.1.11
o
Lack of ventilated space Modify construction of toilet facilities to enable

between toilet facilities, quar- open-air ventilation (prevents cross-contamination).
ters and food spaces.
1.1.12
o
Exhaust air vents from sanitary

Correct the construction or design so that no
spaces physically connected to
exhaust air from sanitary or other spaces is
air supply systems, or the two
connected to air supply systems.
systems are too close.
40

corrective actions
Recommended

documents reviewed
Required
Code of
Areas
1.2 Equipment
1.2.1
Install proper hand-washing facilities (including

liquid soap, paper towels, etc.).
Hand-washing facilities absent Provide informative material on personal hygiene, signage and a regular awareness proor inadequate.
gramme for crew on use of toilet facilities and
the importance of hand washing.
1.2.2
Toilet facilities
equipped.
1.2.3
Inadequate storage of personal

Provide adequate storage space for personal
effects creating conditions for
effects, or remove to individual quarters.
cross-contamination.
insufficiently
Equip toilet facilities with means for hand drying

(preferably disposable paper towels), toilet paper and individual or liquid soap.
1.3 Cleaning and maintenance

1.3.1
o
Cleaning and maintenance pro- Instigate adequate cleaning and maintenance

gramme absent or inadequate. programme.
1.3.2
o
Poor hygiene conditions with

presence of dust, waste, vec- Instigate cleaning and disinfection schedule.
tors.
1.3.3
o
Contamination by chemicals or
Apply decontamination measures.
other agents.
1.3.4
o
Toilet leaks or overflows, or Maintain toilet system free from leaks and baccross-connection exists.
kups.
1.3.5
o
Toilet flushing system poorly

Keep toilet flushing system maintained.
maintained.
1.3.6
o
Dirty linens and cloths.
1.3.7
o
Provide laundry facilities with appropriate equipment for laundry treatment, storage and distribution (clean and dirty circuits well defined).
Perform disinfection and appropriate disinsection or deratting measures.
Evidence of vectors or reserRepair or replace surfaces or fixtures to be duvoirs found.

rable, perform as originally designed, allow for
easy cleaning and prevent vector infestation.
o
o
1.4 Lighting
1.4.1
o
Natural or artificial lighting in- Provide artificial lighting when adequate natusufficient.
ral light not available.
1.5 Ventilation
1.5.1
o
Evidence of dirt and debris in

Relocate air-conditioning and heating systems
heating or cooling systems, or
to facilitate easy cleaning and disinfection.
poor air quality.
41
Area 2 Galley, pantry and service areas

Introduction
Major risk factors that contribute to foodborne outbreaks on board ships are primarily
associated with temperature control of perishable food, infected food handlers, crosscontamination, heat treatment of perishable food, contaminated raw ingredients and use
of non-potable water in the galley. Some diseases can be transmitted from one country
to another by infectious agents or contaminants due to poor control measures on board.
Therefore, detecting contamination in the sources, preparation and processing of food,
as well as in the service of food at restaurants and in mess rooms, is crucial for the prevention and control of foodborne disease.

Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC)
The Codex Alimentarius is a collection of internationally adopted food standards created
in 1963 by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and WHO.
The standards in the collection are presented in a uniform manner. The Codex also includes advice in the form of codes of practice, guidelines and other recommended measures
to assist in achieving the purposes of the Codex Alimentarius (CAC 1995; 1997a, b; 1999;
2003). The CAC guidance provides important information on basic food safety, which will
be referred to throughout this section.
ILO, Maritime Labour Convention 2006
Regulation 3.2, Food and catering,paragraph 2: Each Member shall ensure that ships that
fly its flag meet the following minimum standards: (b) the organization and equipment
of the catering department shall be such as to permit the provision to the seafarers of
adequate, varied and nutritious meals prepared and served in hygienic conditions; and (c)
catering staff shall be properly trained or instructed for their positions.
The regulation also contains further requirements and guidance related to proper food
handling and hygiene.
ILO (No. 68), Food and Catering (Ships Crews) Convention 1946
Article 5: Each Member shall maintain in force laws or regulations concerning food supply
and catering arrangements designed to secure the health and well-being of the crew of
the vessels mentioned in Article 1.
These laws or regulations shall require:
(a) the provision of food and water supplies which, having regard to the size of the crew
and the duration and nature of the voyage, are suitable in respect of quantity, nutritive
value, quality and variety;
(b) the arrangement and equipment of the catering department in every vessel in such a
manner as to permit of the service of proper meals to the members of the crew.
Article 6: National laws or regulations shall provide for a system of inspection by the competent authority of:
(a) supplies of food and water;
(b) all spaces and equipment used for the storage and handling of food and water;
42
(c) galley and other equipment for the preparation and service of meals; and
(d) the qualification of such members of the catering department of the crew as is required by such laws or regulations to possess prescribed qualifications.
Article 7: National laws or regulations or, in the absence of such laws or regulations, collective agreements between employers and workers shall provide for inspection at sea at
prescribed intervals by the master, or an officer specially deputed for the purpose by him,
together with a responsible member of the catering department of:
(b) all spaces and equipment used for the storage and handling of food and water, and
galley and other equipment for the preparation and service of meals.
The results of each such inspection shall be recorded.
Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point system (HACCP)
HACCP is noted as a system to identify and monitor the critical control points in the food
manufacturing and distribution chain, including the source and stockpile. At these critical
points, control is essential to prevent, eliminate or reduce a hazard and to take corrective
action. Food safety plans or programmes (FSPs) are required to manage the process of
providing safe food. Typically, the FSP is based on the HACCP system.
Main risks
Foodborne diseases have been associated with loading poor-quality food. Nevertheless,
even if the loaded food is safe, this does not ensure that the food will remain safe during
the storage, preparation, cooking and serving activities that follow on board. The main
risks to food safety in the galley, pantry and service areas are related to the following:
Biological hazards (bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites)
Biological hazards occur when bacteria, viruses, moulds, yeasts or parasites contaminate
food. These organisms are commonly associated with humans and with raw products entering food preparation sites. Therefore, raw ingredients in the galley are high-risk factors.
Storage time and temperature of food, and awareness and implementation of hygienic
practices by food handlers on board ship also play significant roles in food safety.
Chemical hazards (e.g. cleaning agents)
Chemical contamination of food may inadvertently occur naturally before loading or
during processing (e.g. by the misuse of cleaning chemicals or pesticides). Examples of
naturally occurring chemicals are mycotoxins (e.g. aflatoxin), scombrotoxin (histamine),
ciguatoxin and shellfish toxins.
Equipment and utensils
The equipment and utensils contacting food are designed and constructed to ensure
that, when necessary, they can be adequately cleaned, disinfected and maintained to
avoid the contamination of food. Equipment and containers are typically made of materials with no toxic effects when used as intended. Where necessary, equipment should
be durable and movable, or capable of being disassembled to allow for maintenance,
cleaning, disinfection, monitoring and inspection for pests.
43
Document review
Cleaning schedule and logs.
Purchase records and shipboard documentation of food sources (wrapping or other
identification on the packaging, or a written product identification sheet).
Food storage inout record.
Drainage construction drawings.
Previous inspection reports.
Pest logbook with information on sightings.
Temperature records for food storage, cooling logs and thermometer readings.
References
Addiss DG et al. (1989). Outbreaks of diarrhoeal illness on passenger cruise ships, 197585.
Epidemiology and Infection, 103:6372.
Berkelman RL et al. (1983). Travelers diarrhea at sea: two multi-pathogen outbreaks caused by food eaten on shore visits. American Journal of Public Health, 73:770772.
Boxman IL et al. (2009). Environmental swabs as a tool in norovirus outbreak investigation,
including outbreaks on cruise ships. Journal of Food Protection, 72:111119.
Cliver D (2009). Control of viral contamination of food and environment. Food and Environmental Virology, 1:39.
Couturier E et al. (2009). Cluster of cases of hepatitis A with a travel history to Egypt, SeptemberNovember 2008, France. Euro Surveillance: European Communicable Disease
Bulletin, 14(3) pii:19094.
Cramer EH, Blanton CJ, Otto C (2008). Shipshape: sanitation inspections on cruise ships,
19902005, Vessel Sanitation Program, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Journal of Environmental Health, 70:1521.
Cramer EH, Gu DX, Durbin RE (2003). Diarrheal disease on cruise ships, 19902000: the
impact of environmental health programs. American Journal of Preventive Medicine,
24:227233.
Cramer EH et al. (2006). Vessel sanitation program environmental health inspection team.
Epidemiology of gastroenteritis on cruise ships, 20012004. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 30(3):252257.
Herwaldt BL et al. (1994). Characterization of a variant strain of Norwalk virus from a foodborne outbreak of gastroenteritis on a cruise ship in Hawaii. Journal of Clinical Microbiology, 32:861866.
Hobbs BC, Colbourne MJ, Mayner PE (1975).Food hygiene and travel at sea. Postgraduate Medical Journal, 51:817824.
Lawrence DN et al. (1979). Vibrio parahaemolyticus gastroenteritis outbreaks aboard two
cruise ships. American Journal of Epidemiology, 109:7180.
Lew JF et al. (1991). An outbreak of shigellosis aboard a cruise ship caused by a multiple-antibiotic-resistant strain of Shigella flexneri. American Journal of Epidemiology,
134:413420.
Mouchtouri VA et al. (2008). Surveillance study of vector species on board passenger
ships, risk factors related to infestations. BMC Public Health, 8:100.
44
Rooney RM et al. (2004). A review of outbreaks of foodborne disease associated with passenger ships: evidence for risk management. Public Health Reports, 119(4):427434.
Said B et al. (2009). Hepatitis E outbreak on cruise ship. Emerging Infectious Diseases,
15:17381744.
Sasaki Y et al. (2006). Multiple viral infections and genomic divergence among noroviruses during an outbreak of acute gastroenteritis. Journal of Clinical Microbiology, 44:790
797.
Snyder JD et al. (1984). Outbreak of invasive Escherichia coli gastroenteritis on a cruise
ship. American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 33:281284.
Waterman SH et al. (1987). Staphylococcal food poisoning on a cruise ship. Epidemiology
and Infection, 99(2):349353.
Guidelines and standards
WHO, Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point System (HACCP) (http://www.who.int/foodsafety/fs_management/haccp/en/)
Recommended international code of practicegeneral principles of food hygiene, CAC/
RCP 1-1969, Rev. 4-2003. CAC
45

corrective actions
Recommended

documents reviewed
Required
Code of
Areas
2.1 Documents and management practices review
2.1.1
2.1.2
2.1.3
o
No food safety plan, written

policies or informative material
(documents and signage) on
food preparation, handling and
services in place.
Medical logs indicate that crew

affected by communicable diseases returned to work in the
galley before being symptom
free for a minimum of 48 hours,
or the presence of other communicable diseases affecting the
crew.
Develop and implement food safety plan,

based on HACCP principles, in terms of source,
preparation, service, roles and responsibilities.
Post written policies and informative material

(documents and signage) on food handling
and production, hand washing and hygiene in a
noticeable place in or near the galley.
Food handlers or galley crew members with

symptoms of gastrointestinal illness must not
perform any food-related work until symptom
free for a minimum of 48 hours.
Re-evaluate communicable disease status.
Develop written policies for hygiene, cleaning

and maintenance procedures. Provide inforNo routine cleaning program- mative material (e.g. documents, videos, text
books, signage) for crew.
me and schedule.
Develop training manual and improved supervision of programme application.
2.1.4
o
No temperature logs for received goods, freezers, cold

storage, holding temperatures
or preparation temperatures.
No calibrated thermometers
available.
Set up temperature logs for freezers and hot

and cold holding units. Keep temperature
control and cooking time calibration logs of
food thermometers.
2.1.5
o
Develop and implement waste management

plan to prevent odour and nuisances, minimize
No waste management plan or
attraction of vectors, avoid contamination of
cleaning schedule available.
food and pollution of the environment. Set up
cleaning schedule and logs.
2.1.6
o
No food safety training programmes or documented evi- Formulate and implement training programme
dence that crew have under- and set up training log.
gone training.
2.2 Equipment, utensils and materials
2.2.1
o
46
Hand-washing station in the

galley absent or inadequately
equipped.
Equip at least one dedicated hand-washing

station, preferably in the galley area, with soap,
means for hand drying (preferably disposable
paper towels) and waste towel receptacle.
Post signage that indicates location of handwashing station, and proper hand-washing
technique and time.
2.2.2

corrective actions
Set up food preparation sinks in as many areas

as necessary and feasiblethat is, in all meat,
fish and vegetable preparation rooms; cold
Muiti-use sink used for food pantries or grade mangers; and any other areas
preparation without proper where crew wash or soak food. Provide at least
one sink dedicated to food preparation only.
cleaning and disinfection.
Strict cleaning, disinfection and sanitizing of
sink before food preparation, especially if only
one sink available.
Recommended

documents reviewed
Required
Code of
Areas
2.2.3
Food contact surfaces, utensils

Replace materials of food contact surfaces with
and equipment not durable,
corrosion-resistant, non-toxic, non-absorbent,
corrosion resistant and non-abeasily cleanable, smooth, durable materials.
sorbent.
2.2.4
o
Install or repair tight-fitting doors or similar proTight-fitting doors or similar tective closures for openings to ice bins, food
protective closures not availa- display cases, and other food- and ice-holding
facilities to prevent contamination of stored
ble or not functioning.
products.
2.2.5
o
Inadequate waste containers

Use material and containers that are rodent
(e.g. not rodent proof, watertiproof, watertight, non-absorbent and easy to
ght or non-absorbent; difficult
clean.
to clean).
2.2.6
o
Keep lids and covers in food-handling spaces

Lids and covers on waste contaiclosed as much as possible during food prepaners absent or not kept closed.
ration, food serving and cleaning operations.
2.3.1
o
Evidence found of non-potable

water use in galley, pantry and Connect sinks with the potable water system.
food stores.
2.3.2
o
Construction of areas, surfaces

and equipment makes cleaning Make areas, surfaces and equipment of madifficult, and allows vectors to terials that are durable and easy to clean and
harbour and food residues to allow proper drainage.
build up.
2.3.3
o
Absent or inappropriate faciliEnsure appropriate facilities for storage and

ties for storing potable water
distribution of an adequate supply of potable
and ice for use in food and
water.
drinks.
2.3.4
o
Reconstruct sink drain with an indirect connecSink drain directly connected to

tion to wastewater system (i.e. an air break) to
wastewater system.
prevent wastewater backup.
2.3.5
o
Redesign, reconstruct, adequately maintain

Absent or inadequate ventiand clean ventilation systems. Ensure louvres
lation system (e.g. excessive
or registers in ventilation terminals are readily
condensation).
removable for cleaning.
2.3.6
o
Insufficient lighting levels.
Provide artificial lighting if adequate natural light not available to properly evaluate sanitary
conditions.
2.3 Facilities
47

corrective actions
2.3.7
o
Unprotected lighting over food Install or fix lighting fixtures to ensure food is
preparation areas.
not contaminated by glass breakage.
2.3.8
o
Provide dedicated, appropriate and hygienic

spaces with toilet, hand-washing and handdrying facilities, and an adequate supply of
Toilet facilities for food-handling soap. Ensure facilities do not open directly into
galleys or other food-handling areas.
crew absent or not accessible.
Equip adequate changing facilities for food-handling
crew; include suitable storage facilities for clothes, if
possible.
2.3.9
o
2.3.10
o
Equip dining room service stations with hard,

durable, non-absorbent deck (e.g. sealed granite or marble). Ensure a safe separation distance of at least 61 cm (2 ft) from the edge of
the working sides of the service station. Decks
behind service counters, under equipment and
Dining room station(s), decks in technical spaces must be constructed of
and areas under equipment hard, durable, non-absorbent materials (e.g.
or in technical places are not tiles, epoxy resin or stainless steel).
constructed of hard, durable,
Durable coving with radius at least 10 mm (0.4
non-absorbent materials.
in), or open design >90, must be used as an
integral part of the deck and bulkhead interface, and at the juncture between decks and
equipment foundations. Stainless steel or other
coving, if installed, should be securely installed
and of sufficient thickness to be durable.
Food contact surfaces not
smooth or have breaks, open
seams, cracks, chips, inclusions,
pits or other imperfections;
or have sharp internal angles,
corners and crevices; or are not
easily accessible for cleaning
and inspection.
Repair or replace damaged surfaces and equipment to ensure they are non-toxic, durable,
corrosion resistant, non-absorbent, smoothly
finished and easy to clean, to prevent crosscontamination.
Clean, apply sanitizing measures, and disinsect

or derat where vectors present.
2.4 Food processing

2.4.1
o
2.4.2
o
48
Evidence of lack of knowledge of

hand hygiene found (e.g. same
employee loads dirty dishes Wash hands regularly, especially between difand removes clean dishes, but ferent tasks.
does not thoroughly wash hands
between the two tasks).
Use separate utensils and cutting boards for
preparation of raw and ready-to-eat foods.
Clean and disinfect food contact surfaces, taEvidence of cross-contamina- bleware and utensils whenever there is a chantion between cooked and raw ge of use from raw to ready-to-eat foods.
food.
Clean and disinfect the cross-contamination
area before food preparation. Separate preparation and storage areas for raw and ready-toeat foods.
Recommended

documents reviewed
Required
Code of
Areas

corrective actions
Recommended

documents reviewed
Required
Code of
Areas
2.4.3
Repair or replace freezers that cannot maintain

Foods in freezers visibly spoiled, foods in a frozen state.
refrozen or, when hand pressure Discard any spoiled, refrozen, partially thawed
is applied, partially thawed.
and thawed foods, and any other food stored
at incorrect temperatures.
2.4.4
Perishable foods found stored

at incorrect temperatures for
the type or class of food. If time
control used, no explanation or
documentation for periods longer than 6 hours.
Maintain correct temperatures for storing perishable foods to prevent food entering the danger zone for microbial growth, as follows:
Place food held hot in a hot-holding apparatus already at a temperature of at least 62.8C
(145F) and maintain at that temperature until
required.
Reheat cooked, cooled, perishable food for
hot-holding until all parts of the food reach a
temperature of at least 74 C (165 F). Maintain
temperature until required.
Store perishable foods and drinks at, or below, 4 C (40 F), except during preparation or
when held for immediate serving after preparation. When such foods are stored for extended periods, a temperature of 4 C (40 F) is
recommended.
Usually store fruits and vegetables in cool
rooms.
2.4.5
First-aid box not accessible.
Ensure first-aid box is readily accessible for use

in food-handling areas, and trained crew are
appointed to take charge of first-aid incidents.
2.4.6
Food handlers or galley crew Treat wounds with waterproof dressings. Wear
members have exposed cuts disposable gloves if wounds become infected;
apply medical treatment immediately.
and wounds.
2.5.1
Temperature logs for hot- and

Monitor temperature in hot- and cold-holding
cold-holding units not up to
units on a regular basis. Maintain temperature
date, or inspection verifies temlogs and record any deviations accurately.
perature logs inaccurate.
2.5.2
Provide at least one air temperature thermoAmbient air temperature and

meter in cold-holding unit, and ensure at least
food probe thermometers abone accurate food probe thermometer is used
sent or malfunctioning.
in the galley.
2.5.3
Expired food.
o
o
2.5 Hygiene control system
Discard expired food and check all expiry dates

on a regular basis.
49

corrective actions
Recommended

documents reviewed
Required
Code of
Areas
2.6 Personal hygiene

Strictly clean hands when personal cleanliness
may affect food safety:
at the start of food-handling activities;
immediately after using the toilet;
between handling raw food or any material
that could contaminate other food items and
handling ready-to-eat food (avoid if possible);
between handling money and handling readyto-eat food (avoid if possible).
2.6.1
o
Evidence of poor personal hyRefrain from:

giene practices.
smoking in or near food preparation and serving areas;
spitting in or near food preparation and serving areas;
chewing or eating in or near food preparation
and serving areas;
sneezing or coughing over unprotected food.
Always wear clean clothes.
2.6.2
o
Food handlers or galley crew

members with signs or symptoms of communicable diseases
(discharge from nose, eyes or
ears; cough; diarrhoea; vomiting; fever; visibly infected skin
lesions or boils; jaundice, etc.).
Any galley crew members showing signs or

symptoms of communicable diseases must
immediately report to the assigned medical
officer. Food handlers or galley crew members
should refrain from any food-related work until
symptom free for a minimum 48 hours.
2.7.1
o
2.7.2
o
50
Construction of, and materials

used for, equipment and other
galley features conducive to the
build-up of food debris, grease
and soil; galley fixtures not made
of non-corroding metal or other
durable material; or fixtures not
close fitting.
Repair or replace galley surfaces, equipment

and fixtures to be durable, close fitting and
easily cleaned, and to prevent contamination
of food and harbouring of vectors. Clean or
replace equipment showing signs of grease or
soil accumulation.
Implement a routine maintenance schedule for

fixtures, fittings and equipment used during
food production and food handling.
Handle, use and store cleaning chemicals caEvidence of improper cleaning refully, in accordance with manufacturers insprocedures and improper use of tructions.
cleaning chemicals and disinfecImplement a checklist system for scheduled
tants.
cleaning of all necessary items.
2.7.3
o
Waste containers are a source of

After each emptying, thoroughly scrub, wash
contamination and attract vecand treat waste containers with disinfectant.
tors.
2.7.4
Evidence of accumulated soil

Properly clean and disinfect food contact surfaand grease on previously cleaces, tableware and utensils after each use.
ned food contact surfaces.
2.7.5
2.7.6

corrective actions
Use warm, soapy water and designated clean cloths

Evidence of inadequate cleato clean and thoroughly rinse utensils or areas after
ning and sanitizing of utensils
use. Additionally, apply approved chemical sanitior areas before using.
zer at correct concentration, where appropriate.
Tighten bulkhead joints to prevent contamination of food and vector infestation.
Repair or replace decks to be hard, durable,

Openings evident between non-absorbent and non-slip.
decks and bulkheads; decks da- Repair or replace any junctions between fixtumaged or corroded.
res, decks and ceilings where openings allow
for vector entry (use temporary measures, if
needed, to close openings until appropriate
permanent construction can take place).
Clean and disinfect food contact surfaces and

apply vector control measures.
Keep record of traps, baits (location, dates and

results) and potential breeding sites for mosquitoes and other pests.
2.7.7
Evidence of vector infestation.
2.7.8
Evidence of vectors feeding

or breeding inside or outside Apply disinfection and vector control measures.
waste containers.
Recommended

documents reviewed
Required
Code of
Areas
2.8 Food hygiene training
2.8.1
Strengthen training of food handlers; first-level

training should cover:
types and sources of public health risks related to the food chain;
basic knowledge of microbiology, toxins, spores, including growth and destruction of food
contaminants;
food operation areas and equipment;
personal hygiene (basic rules and responsibilities);
Food handlers do not demons preventing food contamination and spoilage;
trate competencies concerning
cleaning, disinfection and sterilization;
hygiene.
legal obligations;
pest awareness;
effective temperature control of food, including:
- chilled or frozen food
- storage, thawing and cooking food
- cooling, reheating and holding food;
common food hazards, including physical,
chemical and microbiological hazards; symptoms and causes of food poisoning.
2.8.2
Managers and supervisors of

food processing demonstrate Improve training of managers and supervisors
lack of necessary knowledge to enable them to judge potential risks and
of food hygiene principles and take necessary action to remedy deficiencies.
practices.
51
Appendix 1 Examples of appropriate temperatures and

conditions for foods supplied to ships
Item
Temperature on receiving
Condition on receiving
Meat and poultry
5 C (41 F) or below.
Obtained from an approved source (i.e.

stamped with official inspection stamp).
Good colour and no odour.
Packaging clean and in good condition.
Seafood
5 C (41 F) or below. The Codex

recommends a temperature as
close as possible to 0 C.
Obtained from an approved source.

Good colour and fresh odour.
Shellfish
7 C (45 F) or below. The Codex

recommends a temperature as
close as possible to 0 C.

Clean, shells closed, no broken shells.
Shellstock tags must be readable and attached.
Crustacea
(unprocessed)

Clean and in good condition.
Crustacea
(cut or processed)

Clean and in good condition.
Dairy products
5 C (41 F) or below, unless labelled otherwise.

Shell eggs

Clean, not cracked.
Liquid eggs

Liquid eggs frozen and pasteurized.
52
Operation
a)
In refrigerator or purpose4 C or below.

built thawing cabinet
Cooking
Portioning
Not above 21 C for a period not exceeding 4 hours.
Only when the food will be immediately

transferred to conventional cooking units
In commercial microwave as part of a continuous cooking process,
c)
oven
or when the entire, uninterrupted cooking process takes place in the microwave
oven.
a) Rare cooked beef
The centre of joints must reach a minimum

of 63 C.
b) Large poultry carcasses
Temperature of 74 C is achieved in the

deep thigh muscle.
Milk (Code of Hygienic Practi- 72C for 15 seconds (continuous flow pasc) ce for Milk and Milk Products, teurization), or 63 C for 30 minutes (batch
CAC/RCP 57, 2004)
pasteurization).
Completed within the minimum practicable

time, which should not exceed 30 minutes.
In large-scale systems in which cooking and

chilling of foods cannot be performed in 30
minutes, portioning should take place in a
separate area in which the ambient temperature should be 15 C.
Serve food immediately or place in cold
storage at 4 C.
a) Chilling
Reduce temperature in the centre of the

food product from 60 C to 10 C in less
than 2 hours. Immediately store product at
4 C.
b) Storage
As soon as the chilling is complete the

products should be put into a refrigerator.
Temperature should not exceed 4 C in any
part of product and should be maintained
until final use.
Storage period between preparation of
chilled food and its consumption should
be less than 5 days, including both day of
cooking and day of consumption.
Kept at or below 18 C.
Stored at or below 4 C for less than 5 days.

Do not refreeze thawed or partially thawed
food.
b) In running potable water

Thawing
Temperature control
a) Chilled product
Chilling and
storage of
chilled food
a) Freezing
Freezing
and storage
conditions
b) Storage
for frozen
food
Recommended
Process
Required
Appendix 2 General principles of temperature control
53
Transport
Vehicles and containers inDesigned to maintain food temperature of at

a) tended for transporting healeast 60 C.
ted food.
Designed to maintain temperature of alreaVehicles and containers in- dy chilled (cooked) food, not to chill food.
b) tended for transporting coo- Ideally, maintain temperature of foods at 4
ked-and-chilled food.
C, but temperature may rise to 7 C for a
short period during transport.
Vehicles and containers inMaintain at or below 18 C, but may rise

c) tended for transporting cooto 12 C for a short time during transport.
ked-and-frozen food.
At least 75 C should be reached in centre of food within 1 hour of removing food

from refrigeration.
Reheat rapidly to pass food quickly through

the hazardous temperature range between
10 C and 60 C.
Serve reheated food to consumer as soon

as possible and at a temperature of at least
60 C.
In self-service establishments, maintain temperature of food either below 4 C or above

60 C, as appropriate.
a) Reheating.
Reheating
and service
b) Service.
54
Temperature control
Recommended
Operation
Required
Process
Area 3 Stores
Introduction
The above risk factors applicable to galleys also apply to the food stores, as food stores are
not only areas for food storage, but also contain counters and equipment for food or drink
preparation, limited cooking and ware washing used for temporary food storage.; often,
however, counters and equipment for food or drink preparation, limited cooking and ware
washing are used for temporary food storage. Review all galley sections above for application to pantries of standards, evidence and corrective actions in all general categories of
food safety.
Non-food stores include spaces designed for storage of non-food items, such as cleaning
equipment, chemicals and other non-food equipment or supplies for support of food areas.
Appropriately and hygienically managed stores limit potential for soiling of clean supplies
and attraction and breeding of pests (i.e. non-food stores should be clean, organized, well
stocked and well run). Storage areas should be appropriately labelled.

ILO (No. 155), Occupational Safety and Health Convention 1981
Article 7: The situation regarding occupational safety and health and the working environment shall be reviewed at appropriate intervals either over-all or in respect of particular
areas, with a view to identifying major problems, evolving effective methods for dealing
with them and priorities of action, and evaluating results.
ILO (No. 134), Prevention of Accidents (Seafarers) Convention 1970
Article 4: These provisions shall refer to any general provisions on the prevention of accidents and the protection of health in employment which may be applicable to the work of
seafarers, and shall specify measures for the prevention of accidents which are peculiar to
maritime employment.
ILO (No. 68), Food and Catering (Ships Crews) Convention 1946
Article 5: Each Member shall maintain in force laws or regulations concerning food supply
and catering arrangements designed to secure the health and well-being of the crews of
the vessels mentioned in Article 1.
These laws or regulations shall require:
(a) the provision of food and water supplies which, having regard to the size of the crew and
the duration and nature of the voyage, are suitable in respect of quantity, nutritive value,
quality and variety;
(b) the arrangement and equipment of the catering department in every vessel in such a
manner as to permit of the service of proper meals to the members of the crew.
Article 6: National laws or regulations shall provide for a system of inspection by the competent authority of:
(b) all spaces and equipment used for the storage and handling of food and water;
(c) galley and other equipment for the preparation and service of meals; and
(d) the qualification of such members of the catering department of the crew as is required
by such laws or regulations to possess prescribed qualifications.
Article 7: National laws or regulations or, in the absence of such laws or regulations, collective agreements between employers and workers shall provide for inspection at sea at
prescribed intervals by the master, or an officer specially deputed for the purpose by him,
together with a responsible member of the catering department of:
55
(b) all spaces and equipment used for the storage and handling of food and water, and galley
and other equipment for the preparation and service of meals.
The results of each such inspection shall be recorded.
Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC)
The Codex Alimentarius is a collection of internationally adopted uniform food standards. It also
includes provisions of an advisory nature in the form of codes of practice, guidelines and other
recommended measures to assist in achieving the purposes of the Codex Alimentarius (CAC
1995; 1997a, b; 1999; 2003). The CAC guidance provides important information on basic food
safety, which will be referred to throughout this section.
Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point system (HACCP)
HACCP is noted as a system to identify and monitor the critical control points in the food manufacturing and distribution chain, including the source and stockpile. At these critical points,
control is essential to prevent, eliminate or reduce a hazard and to take corrective action. Food
safety plans or programmes (FSPs) are required to manage the process of providing safe food.
Typically, the FSP is based on the HACCP system.
Main risks
The major risks include bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites in, or on, food due to the improper
storage of foods. For example:
foods placed on the deck;
improper holding temperatures in cold stores;
eggs, fish, meat and poultry not separated from ready-to-eat foods (e.g. lunch meats from cut
melons, salads and other ready-to-eat foods);
washed and unwashed fruits and vegetables not separated.
Improper storage of chemicals is another risk.
Document review
Cleaning and maintenance schedule and logs.
Purchase records and shipboard documentation of food source (e.g. wrapping or other identification on packaging, or written product identification sheets).
Food storage inout records.
Construction drawings
Previous inspection reports.
Pest logbook with information on sightings.
Records of food storage temperatures, cooling logs and thermometer readings.
References
Cramer EH, Gu DX, Durbin RE (2003). Diarrheal disease on cruise ships, 19902000: the impact of
environmental health programs. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 24:227233.
McEvoy M et al. (1996). An outbreak of viral gastroenteritis on a cruise ship. Communicable
Disease Report CDR Review, 6:R188R192.
Rooney RM et al. (2004). A review of outbreaks of foodborne disease associated with passenger
ships: evidence for risk management. Public Health Reports, 119:427434.
Codex Alimentarius Commission (http://www.codexalimentarius.net/web/index_en.jsp)
WHO, HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point System)
(http://www.who.int/foodsafety/fs_management/haccp/en/)
56

corrective actions
Recommended

documents reviewed
Required
Code of
Areas
3.1 Construction
3.1.1
o
Reconstruct to ensure protection against weather and sea, insulation from heat or cold and
Poorly designed construction for separation from other spaces.
protection against weather and
sea.
Reconstruct to ensure that room is visually clean and
structurally sound.
3.1.2
o
Repair openings and areas of significant damage.
Openings or damage.

3.2.1
o
Soiled stores.
Maintain cleaning programmes and logs.
3.2.2
o
Evidence of standing water.
Eliminate standing water and its source.
3.2.3
o
Evidence of vectors or reser- Perform disinfection, disinsection and deratvoirs.

ting measures.
3.3 Food sources

Document on food packaging or separately record sources to comply with country-of-origin
laws and regulations.
3.3.1
o
Foods found spoiled or unpa- Obtain all foods consumed on board from
ckaged.
reputable sources ashore (i.e. sources approved or considered satisfactory by the relevant
Containers or packaging have health administration).
no source or suspicious source
Verify food quality and safety when purchasing:
identifications.
clean, free from spoilage and adulteration, safe
Supervisory food crew mem- for human consumption. Do not accept raw
bers cannot provide satisfactory materials and ingredients if known to contain
details of sources and countries parasites; undesirable microorganisms, pestiof origin to enable tracing if a cides, veterinary drugs or toxins; decomposed
or extraneous substances; unless contaminants
poisoning occurs
can be reduced to an acceptable level by routine sorting or processing.
Discard spoiled foods.
3.4 Storage
3.4.1
o
Food and non-food, or raw and Separate food and non-food stores. Clearly
prepared products not sepa- segregate storage of raw and prepared prorate.
ducts.
57
3.4.2
o
Disordered stores.
Post signage for storage and maintenance procedures.
3.4.3
o
Store food at safe distance (approximately 15

Foods found in contact with the cm or 6 in) above the deck and protect from
deck, standing water or other water entry and other potential contamination.
contamination.
Dispose of contaminated foods and, where
feasible, clean and sanitize food containers.
3.4.4
o
Storage areas poorly constructed or maintained, allowing

presence of vectors or soiling of
stored foods with dirt, debris or
droppings.
3.4.6
o
Foods stored in locker rooms,

toilet or bathing areas, garbage
rooms, or mechanical or technical spaces; or under sewer lines,
leaking water lines or lines on
which water has condensed.
Perishable foods found stored

under inadequate temperature conditions for the type or
class of food, for periods over 4
hours, without sufficient explanation or documentation (e.g.
cooling without a cooling log).
Frozen foods in freezers found
visibly spoiled or partially
thawed when hand pressure
applied
58
Stock raw materials and ingredients in an order

for effective stock rotation.
Reconstruct food storage areas with suitable

materials for easy cleaning to deter harbouring
vectors.
Repair or construct decks with hard, durable,

non-absorbent, non-skid material. Install durable coving with a radius of at least 10 mm (0.4
in), or an open design >90. Make the coving
an integral part of the deck and bulkhead interface, and of the juncture between decks and
equipment foundations, for easy cleaning and
prevention of vector entry.
Apply disinsection and deratting measures

to eliminate evident vectors.
3.4.5
o
Recommended

corrective actions
Required

documents reviewed
Code of
Areas
Always store foods in designated, secured

rooms, protected from contamination and
infestation.
Transfer foods to rooms free from contamination or temperature abuse for safe storage.
Maintain correct temperatures for storing perishable foods to prevent food entering the danger zone for microbial growth, as follows:
Place food held hot in a hot-holding apparatus already at a temperature of at least 62.8
C (145 F), and maintain at that temperature
until required.
Reheat cooked, cooled, perishable food for
hot-holding until all parts of the food reach a
temperature of at least 74 C (165 F). Maintain temperature until required.
Store perishable foods and drinks at or below 4 C (40 F), except during preparation or
when held for immediate serving after preparation. When such foods are stored for extended periods, a temperature of 4 C (40 F) is
recommended.
Usually store fruits and vegetables in cool
rooms.

corrective actions
Discard perishable foods immediately. If control
measures applied in presence of inspector,
note both date that control measures applied
and re-inspection date (i.e. the same date) on
the ship sanitation certificate.
Recommended

documents reviewed
Required
Code of
Areas
3.5 Hazardous material

3.5.1
o
Chemicals used for cleaning

and maintenance of food areas Separate chemicals by storing in a locker.
stored in food area.
3.6.1
o
Evidence of absence or inadeImprove training in correct use of cleaning chequate knowledge of correct use
micals.
of cleaning chemicals.
3.6 Training
o
59
Area 4 Child-care facilities

Introduction
Infants and children are known reservoirs for infection. Therefore, child-care facilities on
board ships contribute to public health risks. They are also important centres for surveillance
and control of public health risks. Modes of infectious disease transmission within or from
child-care facilities include the dropletair and oralfaecal routes and person-to-person
spread. The prevalence of disease may depend on the level of immunity in children and
carers, country of origin and age of children, as well as onboard preventive and control
measures. The main infections occurring on board may be vaccine-preventable diseases
(e.g. influenza, measles and varicella), respiratory infections (e.g. common cold, pharyngitis
and middle-ear infection), diarrhoeal disease (e.g. rotavirus, norovirus and hepatitis A)
and parasitic diseases (e.g. pediculosis or disease caused by hookworm). Crew members
designated to onboard child-care play key roles in the prevention, surveillance and control
of communicable diseases to and from children.
Background information
Types of child care that may be offered on board passenger ships include:
care of infants and preschool children who are not toilet-trained and need supervision by
staff, including changing diapers;
care of children who are toilet-trained;
provision and supervision of public playgrounds.

None
Main risks
Ill-designed child-care facilities, lack of training for carers and inappropriate prevention and
control procedures may pose a risk to all crew and passengers on board. General public
health may also be at risk when children return to their communities.
Critical areas for controlling risks are:
size, ventilation and lighting of child-care facilities;
materials and cleanliness of surfaces of furniture, carpets and toys;
diaper changing, hand-washing facilities and toilets;
food preparation areas;
training of crew in sanitation procedures, with an emphasis on hand washing;
immunization of children and crew;
communication procedures concerning notification of disease;
isolation measures, including exclusion of sick children and crew from child-care facilities;
methods to manage symptomatic passengers (such as isolation in cabin or departure
from ship) to improve compliance with control measures.
Document review
Required documents are:
written procedures and policies on cleaning, maintenance and waste management;
written guidance on control measures if symptoms of infection occur in children; guidelines will include handling of body fluids, record keeping, notification of disease, communication, outbreak management and exclusion policies in case of illness;
vaccination list of child-care staff.
60
References
Carling PC, Bruno-Murtha LA, Griffiths JK (2009). Cruise ship environmental hygiene and
the risk of norovirus infection outbreaks: an objective assessment of 56 vessels over 3 years.
Clinical Infectious Diseases, 49:13121317.
Cliver D (2009). Control of viral contamination of food and environment. Food and Environmental Virology, 1:39.
Cramer EH, Gu DX, Durbin RE (2003). Diarrheal disease on cruise ships, 19902000: the impact of environmental health programs. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 24:227
233.
McCutcheon H, Fitzgerald M (2001). The public health problem of acute respiratory illness
in childcare. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 10(3):305310.
61

documents reviewed

corrective actions
Recommended
Code of
Areas
Required
Part B: checklistS for ship inspection
4.1 General design of child-care facility

4.1.1
Child-care facilities not appro- Provide child care in a space of appropriate size
priate in size and location.
and location.
4.1.2
Child-care facilities not well lit

Install sufficient lighting and/or ventilation.
and not well ventilated.
4.1.3
Presence of disease vectors

such as insects. Presence of Clean, disinfect and/or apply insecticide as apother sources of contamination. propriate.
Facilities not clean.
4.1.4
o
Potable water and handwashing facilities not available Install appropriate washbasin with hot and cold
and/or not appropriate for use potable water.
by children.
4.1.5
o
Paper towels or hand-drying

device, liquid soap, waste reEquip room with all required materials.
ceptacle, toilet brush or toilet
paper missing.
4.1.6
o
Provide separate toilet facilities for children and

No separate toilets for staff and staff.
children, or toilets not appropriate in size for children; toilets Clean toilets.
dirty or do not flush properly.
Repair toilet flushing system as appropriate.
4.1.7
o
Surfaces not smooth and durable.

Equip room with appropriate material.
Carpets, toys and furniture not
cleanable.
4.2.1
o
An area specifically set aside for

diaper changing not provided Designate appropriate diaper-changing area.
within the facility.
4.2 Diaper-changing facilities

o
Diaper-changing area not adequately equipped.

4.2.2
o
Equip diaper-changing area with appropriate

Hand-washing station, cleaning material.
wipes, detergent, disinfectant
and waste receptacle not
available.
4.3 Training of staff
4.3.1
o
62
Crew members designated for

Train child-care staff in sanitary procedures and
child care not trained in sanitary
the symptoms and basic control of disease. Doprocedures or the symptoms
cument training.
and basic control of disease.

documents reviewed

corrective actions
Recommended
Code of
Areas
Required
4.4 Cleaning and disinfection

4.4.1
o
Basic cleaning plan not maintained or carrying out the cleaning Provide, observe and maintain cleaning plan.
plan not documented.
4.4.2
Written procedures not available for cleaning and disinfection

of hands and materials in case Provide, observe and maintain cleaning plan.
of contact with blood, vomit or
excrement.
4.4.3
Written procedures for removal Provide, observe and maintain waste manageof waste not available.
ment plan.
4.4.4
o
Evidence of disease vectors Disinfect, derat and apply insecticides, as apand/or reservoirs found.
propriate.
4.5 Operation manuals

Written guidance on control
measures not available for
when children show symptoms
of common infections.
4.5.1
o
Guidance to include control

Provide written procedures and policies for resmeasures such as:
ponding to common childhood infections.
handling of body fluids;
record keeping;
notification and communication;
outbreak management and
exclusion policies.
4.6 Vaccinations
4.6.1
o
Vaccination list of child-care

Provide updated vaccination list of crew.
crew members not present.
63
Area 5 Medical facilities

Introduction
Medical facilities are important for the onboard surveillance and control of disease. However, they also contribute to the occurrence of public health risks, as unsanitary conditions
within medical facilities can cause the spread of communicable diseases. Sick passengers
may pose a public health risk on board and ashore.
Therefore, crew members designated to provide onboard medical care play a key role in the
prevention, surveillance and control of communicable diseases. Prerequisites for the control
of public health risks on board include training of dedicated staff, appropriate operational
manuals and protocols, facilities for diagnosis and treatment, and timely notification to the
competent authority.
Smaller ships may not have the capacity to fulfil all measures for surveillance, prevention
and control in the same way as larger ships with a physician on board.

ILO, Maritime Labour Convention 2006
Regulation 4.1, Medical care on board ship and ashore: Standard A 4.1 stipulates that all
ships carry a medicine chest, medical equipment and a medical guide. The national requirements shall take into account the type of ship, the number of persons on board and the
nature, destination and duration of voyages and relevant national and international recommended medical standards. With ships carrying 100 or more persons and ordinarily engaged in international voyages of more than 3 days duration, a medical doctor who provides
medical care shall be carried.
Guidelines B 4.1 and 2 outline the requirements to properly maintain and inspect the medicine chest by a designated crew member. Requirements include ensuring standardized medical training of designated seafarers, providing an up-to-date list of radio stations through
which medical advice can be obtained, and carrying an appropriate medical report form.
ILO, IMO, WHO, International medical guide for ships, 3rd edition, 2008 (IMGS)
The IMGS is noted as a source of information in the non-statutory part of the Maritime
Labour Convention 2006. It is a medical text that includes recommendations for the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and epidemic control of communicable diseases, including
guidance on disinfection and removal of insects.
Chapter 33, Recommendations for the ships medicine chest and equipment, includes specifications for the list of medicines and their storage, including record-keeping. Recommendations are given for antivirals, antimalaria medication, antibiotics, antipyretics, medication
against diarrhoea, disinfectants for skin and wounds, personal protective equipment, thermometers and other items for the control of communicable diseases.
IMO, Medical first aid guide for use in accidents involving dangerous goods (MFAG)
1982
Ships carrying dangerous goods are obligated to have additional medicines, specific antidotes and special equipment on board, as prescribed in the MFAG.
64
IMO, International Convention on Standards, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers 1978, as amended 1995 (STCW 95)
This convention is an international standard concerning the mandatory training of seafarers.
Main risks
Medical facilities need to be designed, equipped and maintained so that person-to-person
spread of disease is prevented. All ships subject to the regulations established by the IMO
and the ILO are required to follow training standards and carry a medical chest. The MFAG
names specific medications and equipment that are mandatory for ships carrying dangerous goods. Beyond these requirements, no formal international instruments specify the
contents of the medical chest, the design of medical facilities or operational manuals and
protocols. The IMGS includes a suggested list of medications and equipment to be carried.
A number of national maritime authorities further specify the contents and design of medical facilities plus the training of crew designated to onboard medical care.
Areas and standards to minimize the risk of spread of disease that concern medical facilities
are as follows:
1. Medical facilities designed for accommodation of ill crew and passengers
Facilities must:
be easily accessible and separated from other activities, particularly from food-storage
and food-handling areas, and from spaces for waste;
facilitate private treatment of ill travellers;
be clean, well ventilated and well lit;
provide adequate space for isolation of ill travellers;
be properly maintained with potable water, and toilet and hand-washing facilities;
not be used for other purposes.
2. Crew members designated to work in medical facilities
Staff must:
be trained in basic medical first aid in accordance with STCW 95;
include credentialed medical staff (physician and nurses) for ships carrying more than 100
people, in accordance with the Maritime Labour Convention 2006;
provide evidence of attendance at approved training courses observing SCTW 95 criteria;
demonstrate knowledge and competence by observed practices, such as adequate record keeping.
3. Medications and medical equipment
Supplies must:
include all medications, personal protective equipment, medical devices and disinfectants sufficient to diagnose, treat and control public health risks according to the ships
size, number of travellers and voyage pattern;
meet the recommendations and requirements of the IMGS and MFAG as a minimum.
Medications must:
be given to travellers and crew only by trained and authorized personnel;
be accompanied by adequate dispensory records.
65
Medical equipment must:

be in good operational and hygienic order and operated and maintained according to
manufacturers recommendations.
4. Medical treatment log
A well-organized, legible and up-to-date medical log must list cases of illness, passengers
and crew concerned, and any medication dispensed. Log entries should list:
first date of clinic visit; name, age and sex of patient;
passenger or crew member designation;
crew member position or job;
cabin number;
date and time of illness onset;
symptoms;
details of specimen collection or other action taken, if applicable.
5. Confidentiality of personal medical and health information
Personal medical and other health information concerning passengers and crew, maintained
in the above records or otherwise, must be processed and maintained confidentially in
accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
6. Operational manuals
Procedures to reduce onboard risks of diseases should:
relate to the ships size, number of travellers, mix of patients, voyage pattern and the type
and size of medical facilities;
give special attention to adequate surveillance on board passenger ships (e.g.
gastrointestinal disease log) and operation of high-risk facilities, such as haemodialysis or
intensive-care units;
provide adequate policies and procedures on cleaning, sanitation, sharps disposal and
waste management.
7. Communication infrastructure
Communication infrastructure and procedures should be in place to contact external support for emergency medical advice services (telemedical assistance service) in case of a
health emergency and to alert the competent authority about public health risks on board.
Document review
up-to-date ships log and/or medical logbook, including treatment list;
crew member interviews if the medical log is not available during inspection or entries
are inadequate; if written information is required, request Maritime Declaration of Health
from the State Party;
training and certification of staff assigned to medical care;
lists of medicines, vaccines, disinfectants and insecticides;
number of passengers, mix of patients (passenger ships only), medical equipment in
place and procedures performed, depending on ships voyage pattern and size;
cleaning, sanitation, maintenance and waste policies and procedures;
specific disease surveillance logs (e.g. gastrointestinal disease), where applicable;
operational manuals for high-risk facilities and devices such as an intensive-care unit,
blood transfusion facility, operating theatre or haemodialysis facility;
specimens collected and results if disease occurs on board; if possible, international
certificates of vaccination or prophylaxis.
66
References
ILO, Maritime Labour Convention (2006).
ILO, IMO, WHO (2008). International medical guide for ships, 3rd edition
(http://apps.who.int/bookorders/anglais/detart1.jsp?sesslan=1&codlan=1&codcol=15&co
dcch=3078).
IMO, Medical first aid guide for use in accidents involving dangerous goods.
IMO, International Convention on Standards, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers
1978, as amended in 1995, chapter VI.
Anonymous] (2002). Norovirus activityUnited States, 2002. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly
Report, 52:4145.
[Anonymous] (2003). The healthy traveler: cruising past infection. Johns Hopkins Medical Letter:
Health After 50, 15:6.
Brotherton JM et al. (2003). A large outbreak of influenzaA and B on a cruise ship causing
widespread morbidity. Epidemiology and Infection, 130:263271.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (1999). Preliminary guidelines for the prevention
and control of influenza-like illness among passengers and crew members on cruise ships.
Atlanta, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Cramer EH et al. (2006). Epidemiology of gastroenteritis on cruise ships, 20012004. American
Journal of Preventative Medicine, 30:252257.
Cramer EH, Gu DX, Durbin RE (2003). Diarrheal disease on cruise ships, 19902000: the impact
of environmental health programs. American Journal of Preventative Medicine, 24:227233.
Dahl E (2004). Dealing with gastrointestinal illness on a cruise shipPart 1: Description of
sanitation measures. Part 2: An isolation study. International Maritime Health, 55:1929.
Dahl E (2005). Medical practice during a world cruise: A descriptive epidemiological study of
injury and illness among passengers and crew. International Maritime Health, 56:115128.
Dahl E (2006). Norovirus challenges aboard cruise ships. International Maritime Health, 57:230
234.
Enserink M (2006). Infectious diseases. Gastrointestinal virus strikes European cruise ships.
Science, 313:747.
Ferson MJ, Ressler KA (2005). Bound for Sydney town: health surveillance on international
cruise vessels visiting the Port of Sydney. Medical Journal of Australia, 182:391394.
Herwaldt BL et al. (1994). Characterization of a variant strain of Norwalk virus from a foodborne outbreak of gastroenteritis on a cruise ship in Hawaii. Journal of Clinical Microbiology,
32:861866.
OMahony M et al. (1986). An outbreak of gastroenteritis on a passenger cruise ship. Journal of
Hygiene (London), 97:229236.
Peake DE, Gray CL, Ludwig MR, Hill CD (1999). Descriptive epidemiology of injury and illness
among cruise ship passengers. Annals of Emergency Medicine, 33:6772.
Schlaich CC, Oldenburg M, Lamshoft MM (2009). Estimating the risk of communicable diseases
aboard cargo ships. Journal of Travel Medicine, 16:402406.
WHO (1988). International medical guide for ships, 2nd ed., including the ships medicine
chest. Geneva, WHO.
Widdowson MA et al. (2004). Outbreaks of acute gastroenteritis on cruise ships and on land:
identification of a predominant circulating strain of norovirusUnited States, 2002. Journal of
Infectious Diseases, 190:2736.
Wilson ME (1995). Travel and the emergence of infectious diseases. Emerging Infectious
Diseases, 1:3946.
67

documents reviewed

corrective actions
Recommended
Code of
Areas
Required
5.1 Construction
5.1.1
Use facilities for medical purposes only if ships

Medical facilities used for non- carry 15 or more passengers and crew and are
medical purposes (e.g. living engaged in a voyage of more than 3 days.
quarters or storage rooms).
Provide accommodation exclusively for medical use.
5.1.2
Medical facilities not easily

accessible and not separated
from other activities, food-storage and food-handling areas Provide private treatment space in a dedicated
and waste disposal areas; and/ and suitable location.
or not suitable for private treatment of ill crew and passengers.
5.1.3
o
Install sufficient lighting for proper medical

Medical facilities not well lit and
practices; evaluate sanitary conditions and/or
not well ventilated.
ventilation.
5.2 Equipment
5.2.1
o
Potable water and hand- Install washbasin with hot and cold potable
washing facilities not available. water.
5.2.2
o
Paper towels or hand-drying

device, liquid soap, waste
Equip room with all required materials.
receptacle, toilet brush or toilet
paper missing.
5.2.3
o
Absence or inadequate sharps

or biomedical collectors.
Equip room with United Nationscertified

sharps or biomedical collectors (for specifications, see Area 7, Solid and medical waste).
5.3 Medical chest
68
Supply adequate medications and/or equipment according to IMGS (3rd ed.) or flag-state
requirements and MFAG if dangerous goods
are on board.
5.3.1
o
Size, type and storage of medical chest inadequate to diagnose, treat and control public
health risks on board.
5.3.2
o
Evidence of medicines that Replace all medicines that have passed their
have passed expiry dates.
expiry dates with fresh medicines.
5.3.3
o
Medicines not stored according to manufacturers re- Store medicines according to manufactuquirements (e.g. vaccines not rers requirements.
stored in refrigerators).
5.3.4
o
Implement storage management of mediciMedicines not stored in an ornes; organize by medicine types, identificaganized manner.
tion codes, etc.

documents reviewed

corrective actions
Recommended
Code of
Areas
Required

5.4.1
No evidence of procedures and

policies on cleaning, sanitation, Provide written procedures and policies relating
sharps disposal or waste mana- to the complexity of medical care on board.
gement.
5.4.2
Evidence of disease vectors

Disinfect, derat and apply insecticides immeand/or reservoirs that harbour
diately.
disease vectors.
5.4.3
o
Toilet dirty or not flushing proClean toilets; repair toilet flushing system.
perly.
5.4.4
o
Medical equipment and devices not in good operational

Operate and maintain equipment and medical
and hygienic condition and
devices according to manufacturers recomnot operated and maintained
mendations.
according to manufacturers recommendations.
5.5 Training of crew members

5.5.1
o
No crew members designated

to medical care, medication
Designate crew members for medical care.
dispensing and maintenance of
medical facilities on board.
5.5.2
o
For ships carrying 100 or more

persons and ordinarily engaged in international voyages of Designate medical doctor to provide care, if
more than 3 days, no medical applicable.
doctor present to provide medical care.
5.5.3
o
Crew members designated to

work in medical facilities are
not trained in basic medical
first aid. No evidence of attenDesignate crew members with appropriate
dance at approved training
training according to level of onboard care
courses observing SCTW 95
provided.
criteria. Designated staff demonstrate lack of knowledge
and competence by observed
poor practices.
5.6 Health information

5.6.1
o
5.6.2
Medical log not available du- Provide updated medical log listing cases of
ring inspections. Entries not illness, passengers or crew concerned and
legible or up to date.
medications dispensed.
No up-to-date medical guide

available (according to flag- Provide up-to-date medical guide
state regulation or IMGS).
69
Recommended

corrective actions
5.6.3
No operations manuals available for the prevention, surveillance and control of public
health risks on board (applicable to passenger ships only).
Provide surveillance logs for diseases (e.g. gastrointestinal diseases) and operations manuals
for all medical procedures that are available on
board.
5.6.4
o
No evidence of adequate operations manuals for high-risk Provide written procedures and policies for
facilities and procedures (appli- operation of high-risk facilities, such as intensicable only if such facilities are ve-care units and haemodialysis facilities.
present).
5.7.1
o
No or inadequate communication infrastructure and procedures in place to contact teleme- Equip medical facilities with communication indical assistance service and to frastructure and procedures.
alert the competent onboard
authority on public health risks.
5.7.2
o
List of radio stations for telemedical assistance not available or Provide up-to-date list of radio stations.
up to date.
Required

documents reviewed
Code of
Areas
5.7 Communication infrastructure
70
Area 6 Swimming pools and spas

Introduction
A variety of infectious agents (viruses, bacteria and protozoa) are associated with the
recreational use of water, and these can affect the skin, ears, eyes, gastrointestinal tract
and respiratory tract.
Risk factors for acquiring an infectious disease from the recreational use of water include:
the presence of infectious agents;
suitable conditions for the growth of infectious agents, e.g. temperature of 3040 C, a
source of nutrients (organic matter from people bathing);
a way of exposing crew and passengers to the infectious agents (e.g. Legionella bacteria
in the aerosol created by water agitated in spa pools);
the presence of people who could be exposed to the infectious agents (e.g. people
passing near a spa pool).
Infectious agents can easily be introduced to pools and spa pools through people bathing,
from dirt entering the pool or from the water source.
Spa pools are smaller than swimming pools and have a much higher ratio of bathers to
water volume. Thus, the concentration of organic matter in spa pools is often far higher than
in swimming pools. Water disinfection is, therefore, a key control measure, but the raised
temperature and high organic content of spa pool water can make it difficult to maintain
effective disinfection.
Non-microbiological hazards are also associated with the recreational use of water. These
include accidental drowning, slipping, tripping and entrapment, as well as chemical, thermal
and manual handling injuries.
Identification and assessment of the risks should be carried out to enable the ship operator
to decide on measures to prevent or control exposure to infectious agents and other nonmicrobiological hazards. The ship operator is responsible for:
assessing the risks associated with operating the swimming pool or spa pool;
preventing or controlling exposure to hazards associated with the swimming pool or spa
pool;
developing, maintaining and field testing public health measures to control exposure;
training crew members to use the control measures correctly.
Swimming pools and spa pools must be safe and free from irritants, infectious agents and
algae. Daily maintenance of swimming pools and spa pools must:
remove suspended and colloidal matter and render the water clear, bright and
colourless;
remove organic matter;
provide sufficient disinfectant to control the growth of infectious agents;
maintain the pH of the water at an optimum for disinfection;
maintain a comfortable temperature for bathing.
Water treatment involves two main steps:
filtration to maintain a physically clean, clear and safe environment;
chemical disinfection to prevent cross-infection between people bathing and prevent the
growth of infectious agents within the water and on surfaces in the swimming pool or spa
pool and associated water and air circulation systems.
71
Effective purification relies on powerful filtration in conjunction with continuous disinfection

via a complete and reliable circulation system to collect and disinfect water. To minimize
contamination of the pool with organic matter from people bathing, it is essential to advise
them to use toilets and shower before using the pool.

WHO (2006). Guidelines for safe recreational waters, volume 2swimming pools and similar recreational water environments. Geneva, WHO.
Main risks
The main risks are:
microbiological (viruses, bacteria and protozoa);
non-microbiological (accidental drowning, slipping or tripping, entrapment, as well as
chemical, thermal and manual handling injuries).
Document review
schematic plan for recreational water facilities, plant and systems;
written scheme for controlling the risk from exposure to disease-causing microorganisms;
pool installation, design and construction, maintenance and operation specifications;
training records for crew responsible for control methods;
monitoring records;
test results (e.g. pH, residual chlorine and bromine levels, temperature, microbiological
levels);
regular cleaning procedures;
emergency cleaning and disinfection procedures.
References
WHO (2006). Guidelines for safe recreational water environments, volume 2swimming
pools and similar recreational-water environments. Geneva, WHO.
WHO (2007). Legionella and the prevention of legionellosis. Geneva, WHO.
Beyrer K et al. (2007). Legionnaires disease outbreak associated with a cruise liner, August
2003: epidemiological and microbiological findings. Epidemiology and Infection, 135:802
810.
Goutziana G et al. (2008). Legionella species colonization of water distribution systems,
pools and air conditioning systems in cruise ships and ferries. BMC Public Health, 8:390.
Jernigan DB et al. (1996). Outbreak of Legionnaires disease among cruise ship passengers
exposed to a contaminated whirlpool spa. Lancet, 347(9000):494499.
Kura F et al. (2006). Outbreak of Legionnaires disease on a cruise ship linked to spa-bath
filter stones contaminated with Legionella pneumophila serogroup 5. Epidemiology and
Infection, 134:385391.
Rowbotham TJ (1998). Legionellosis associated with ships: 1977 to 1997. Communicable
Disease and Public Health 1:146151.
72

documents reviewed

corrective actions
Recommended
Code of
Areas
Required
6.1 Management
6.1.1
Management plan absent,

and/or responsible crew members unable to demonstrate
knowledge of and/or competency in any or all of the following:
Produce and implement a management plan
correct operation of the pool
for controlling the risk of exposure to diseasesystems;
causing microorganisms.
checks to be carried out (and
their frequency) to ensure that
the scheme is effective;
precautions to control the risk
of exposure to disease-causing microorganisms.
6.2 Design and construction

6.2.1
o
Materials or fittings support the Replace materials or fittings with corrosion-regrowth of microorganisms or sistant materials that do not support the growth
of microorganisms.
corrode easily.
6.2.2
o
Pipework not accessible for

cleaning; balance tanks not ac- Ensure that pipework and balance tanks are accessible for cleaning and disin- cessible for cleaning and disinfection.
fection.
6.3 Equipment
6.3.1
o
Ultraviolet (UV) disinfection

device installed but not properly maintained and/or turbidity of the water greater
than 0.5 nephelometric turbidity units (NTU).
Maintain UV disinfection devices according

to manufacturers instructions.
Control turbidity of the water so that it is less

than 0.5 NTU.
6.4 Operation, cleaning and maintenance

6.4.1
o
Produce and implement a water treatment proWater treatment programme

gramme to include the use of chemicals and
absent.
biocides, where appropriate.
6.4.2
o
Chemicals and biocides not

used to control microbiological Ensure that automatic chemical dosing pumps
activity and/or automatic che- and equipment are well maintained and regumical dosing pumps and equip- larly calibrated.
ment not regularly calibrated.
6.4.3
o
Responsible crew members unable to demonstrate knowledge

of, and/or competency in, the
operation and maintenance of
the pool systems.
6.4.4
o
Responsible crew members unaTrain responsible employees in the knowledge

ble to demonstrate knowledge
of, and/or competency in, the application of
of correct manual chemical dothe water treatment programme.
sing procedures.
Train responsible crew members in knowledge of, and/or competency in, the operation
and maintenance of the pool systems. Assess
knowledge and/or competency following training.
73
6.4.5
o

documents reviewed
Operational parameters out of
acceptable range for spa pools. Acceptable values are as
follows:
Free chlorine should not exceed 3 mg/l in public and
semi-public pools and 5 mg/l
in hot tubs.
Bromine should not exceed 4
mg/l in public and semi-public
pools and 5 mg/l in hot tubs.
pH range 7.27.8 for chlorine
disinfectants.
pH range 7.28.0 for brominebased and other non-chlorine
processes.
Turbidity < 0.5 NTU.
Microbiological value values out
of acceptable range (see WHO
Guidelines for safe recreational
water environments, volume 2,
Table 5.3 Recommended routine sampling frequencies and
operational guidelines for microbial testing during normal
operation)

corrective actions
Close pools and check pH calibration and value, then rectify faults and recheck pH. If pH
is still out of limits, empty pool and refill with
clean water to reach pH 7.2 and add appropriate level of disinfectant.
Check dosing units and calibration are working
properly (i.e. they contain adequate disinfectant, the flow rate is appropriate and there are
no air locks or blockages in pipework).
Train responsible crew members in knowledge

of, and/or competency in, the monitoring of
safe operating limits. Assess knowledge and/or
competency following training.
Take microbiological samples of the water and

analyse at least heterotrophic plate count, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Legionella spp.
Responsible employees are unable to demonstrate knowledge

of and/or competency in the
safe operating limits of the defined parameters.
74
Train responsible crew in knowledge of, and/

or competency in carrying out, corrective action for agreed out-of-limit situations. Assess
6.4.6
o
Responsible crew unable to demonstrate knowledge of, and/

or competency to carry out,
corrective action for agreed
out-of-limit situations.
6.4.7
o
Responsible crew unable to demonstrate that checks are made

on:
cleanliness of the water in the
Train responsible crew in knowledge of the
system;
maintenance procedures.
backwash of sand filters;
cleanliness of water line, overflow channels, grills and pool
surrounds.
6.4.8
o
Responsible crew unable to

demonstrate knowledge of the
determined control levels of
biocides and the rate of release
or rate of addition of biocide.

determined control levels of biocides and
the rate of release or rate of addition of biocide.
Recommended
Code of
Areas
Required

documents reviewed

corrective actions
6.4.9
o
Microbiological tests for indicaTest for indicator microorganisms regularly.

tor organisms not carried out.
6.4.10
o
Seawater flow-through pools Close seawater flow-through pools for use wheoperated in port without suita- never ship is in port or in other water bodies
ble water treatment.
that may harbour potential contamination.
6.4.11
o
Pool surrounds, overflow chan- Clean dirty components immediately.

nels, exposed pipework, filters and fittings visibly dirty or Produce and implement a procedure for regugreasy.
lar cleaning of the pools.
6.4.12
o
Responsible crew unable to demonstrate knowledge of, and/

or competency in, the regular
cleaning procedures of the
pool systems.
6.4.13
o
Clean and disinfect all surfaces that come in

Surfaces in sauna appear dirty
contact with people, to avoid spread of diand not well maintained.
seases (e.g. skin diseases).
6.4.14
o
Responsible crew unable to demonstrate that good hygiene

information is available to pool
users.
Provide good hygiene information for pool

users, e.g. signage showing Use toilets and
showers and Avoid submerging your head in
spa pools.
6.4.15
o
Evidence of disease vectors Apply disease vector control measures and difound.
sinfect.

regular cleaning procedures of the pool systems. Assess knowledge and/or competency
following training.
Recommended
Code of
Areas
Required
o
o
6.5 Emergency procedures
6.5.1
o
No faecal accident response

procedure defined and/or responsible crew are unable to demonstrate knowledge of, and/
or competency in, emergency
cleaning and disinfection procedures.
Produce and implement a procedure for emergency cleaning and disinfection. Train responsible employees in knowledge of emergency
cleaning and disinfection procedures. Assess
75
Area 7 Solid and medical waste

Introduction
Depending on the type and route of a ship, large amounts of waste are produced on board.
This waste can be separated into food waste, paper and cardboard, cans and tins, glass,
plastics, oily materials and potentially infectious medical waste.
The international definition of garbage is all kinds of food, domestic and operational waste,
excluding fresh fish and parts of fish, generated during normal operation of the ship, as
defined in Annex V of the IMO International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from
Ships (MARPOL 73/78).
While MARPOL regulations are targeted to environmental protection, unsafe management
and disposal of ship waste can also lead to adverse health consequences. MARPOL Annex V details the proper retention, selective collection, storage and disposal of wastes on
board, on shore and overboard (where shore areas will not be affected). MARPOL Annex V
includes measures to prevent the creation of health hazards.
It is necessary to meet international standards and recommendations to help avoid pollution of the seas and creation of individual and public health risks.
The recommendations in this checklist follow the physical waste stream of production
transportprocessingstoragedisposal.

IMO, International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships 1973, as modified by the protocol of 1978 relating thereto (MARPOL 73/78) as amended.
Annex V: Prevention of pollution by garbage from ships.
Garbage type
Outside special areas
In special areas
Plastics, including synthetic

ropes, fishing nets and plastic
bags
Disposal prohibited
Disposal prohibited
Floating dunnage, lining and

packing material
Disposal prohibited less than 25

nautical miles from nearest land
Disposal prohibited
Paper, rags, glass, metal, bottles, crockery and similar refuse

miles from nearest land
Disposal prohibited
Paper, rags, glass, etc., comminuted or grounda

Disposal prohibited
Food waste, comminuted or

grounda

Disposal prohibited less than

12 miles from nearest land
Food waste, not comminuted

or ground

Disposal prohibited less than

12 miles from nearest land
Mixed refuse
Varies by componentb
Varies by componentb
Must pass through a screen with a mesh size no larger than 25 mm.
When substances with different disposal or discharge requirements are mixed, the more stringent disposal requirement applies.
76
Codex Alimentarius Commission (2003). CAC/RCP1-1969 (Rev.4-2003) Recommended international code of practicegeneral principles of food hygiene; incorporates hazard analysis and
critical control point (HACCP) system and guidelines for its application.
WHO (2004). Rolling revision of the Guidelines for drinking-water quality and Guide to ship
sanitation (Draft), 10/2004. Geneva, WHO.
WHO (1999). Safe management of wastes from health-care activities. Geneva, WHO.
IMO (2000). Guidelines for ensuring the adequacy of port waste reception facilities. London,
IMO.
IMO Resolution MEPC.70(38): Guidelines for the development of garbage management plans.
London, IMO.
IMO Resolution MEPC.76(40): Standard specification for shipboard incinerators. London, IMO.
IMO Convention on Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic 1965, as amended, 2006 edition. Annex 5: Certificates and documents required to be carried on board ships.
Main risks
Food wastes attract disease vectors, including rodents, flies and cockroaches. All waste can
contain physical, hazardous microbial or chemical agents; for example, sharp objects such as
needles may harbour infectious agents. Harmful chemicals can be deposited in waste and pose
a risk for waste-handling staff.
Humans can become exposed directly, both on board and at port, by contact with waste that is
not managed in a safe manner. Exposure can also occur through the environmental transfer of
disease-causing organisms or harmful substances that have not been disposed of safely. However, waste can be managed and disposed of in ways that prevent harm. Procedures to facilitate
the safe processing, storage and discharge of garbage should be implemented in a garbage
management plan.
Document review
Required documents:
a garbage management plan for every ship of 400 tons gross tonnage and above, and every
ship certified to carry 15 persons or more; this document should contain all information requested in the Marine Environment Protection Committee Guidelines for the development of
garbage management plans;
a garbage record book for every ship of 400 tons gross tonnage and above, and every ship
certified to carry 15 persons or more; this document should contain information on amounts
of different waste types produced on board, plus information including discharge and incineration processes;
International safety management manual;
maintenance instructions for waste processing units (e.g. incinerator);
construction plans of sewage system to check drains in waste areas.
References
IMO, Maritime Labour Convention 2006.
WHO (1999). Safe management of wastes from health-care activities. Geneva, WHO.
WHO (2011). Guide to ship sanitation. Geneva, WHO.
77

documents reviewed

corrective actions
Recommended
Code of
Areas
Required
7.1 Garbage record book

Required for all ships >400 tons gross tonnage or with 15 persons on board
7.1.1
o
No garbage record book availa- All garbage record books must be available
ble, or garbage record book for a minimum of 2 years. Notify Port State
does not contain all disposal Control.
and incineration operations.
The date, time, position of ship, Garbage record books must be up to date. Prodescription of the garbage and vide missing information to Port State Control
estimated amount incinerated and competent authority.
or discharged are not logged
and/or signed.
7.2 Garbage management plan

Required for all ships of >400 tons gross tonnage or with 15 persons on board
Develop garbage management plan according
to IMO guidelines.
7.2.1
o
No garbage management plan Implement all procedures for collecting, stoavailable, or not all procedures ring, processing and disposing of garbage in
for collecting, storing, proces- the plan.
sing and disposing of garbage
are covered in the plan.
Nominate a designated person to be in charge
of carrying out the garbage management plan.
Translate garbage management plan into the
working language of the crew.
o
o
7.3 Management
7.3.1
o
Lack of training materials and/

or evidence of lack of knowledge about garbage procedures
and discharge regulations.
Train crew in procedures and regulations relating to garbage collecting, processing, sorting
and disposal.
Support crew with training materials about

garbage separation, processing, storage and
discharge.
Display signage in English, French or Spanish

language, notifying passengers and crew of the
disposal requirements according to MARPOL
Annex V.
7.4 Places of waste production
7.4.1
o
Waste containers for food refuse:

are not available;
are dirty;
are not tightly covered;
are not watertight;
emit a strong odour;
attract rodents or other vermin.
Places for food waste include
galley, pantry and restaurants.
78
Install waste container that is watertight, nonabsorbent and easily cleanable; can be disinfected; and has a tightly fitting cover.
Scrub, wash and disinfect containers thoroughly after each emptying.
Control pests in the area.

documents reviewed

corrective actions
7.4.2
o
Garbage containers for other Equip area with appropriate containers.

garbage types are:
not watertight;
absorbent;
Define an adequate waste container storage
difficult to clean;
not equipped with tight co- area.
vers.
7.4.3
o
Clean, disinsect and disinfect dirty containers

Existing containers are:
at an area away from any food areas.
dirty;
broken;
attracting rodents or vermin; Clean, disinsect and disinfect affected area.
places where disease vectors
feed or breed, either inside or
outside waste containers.
Replace broken containers.
7.4.4
o
7.4.5
o
Waste containers not tightly

covered between operations
(e.g. opened containers may
be necessary during food
operations).
Cover waste containers in food preparation or

serving areas during operations whenever possible.
Supply food areas with waste containers that

can be opened without use of hands (e.g. with
a foot pedal).
Install a grease interceptor between galley wastewater drains and wastewater system.
Collect and dispose of grease in a legal way

Grease separated from galley (e.g. authorized port waste reception facility, inwastes not handled correctly.
cineration or overboard discharge on the high
seas).
Clean grease trap.

7.4.6
o
Evidence of vectors and/or

reservoirs found.
Recommended
Code of
Areas
Required
Disinfect the reservoirs and apply vector control

measures.
o
o
7.5 Medical waste
7.5.1
o
Remove correctly packaged waste from the

point of production to a dedicated secure storage place.
Dispose of medical waste as soon as possible in

an appropriate land-based facility.
Accumulation of medical was- Reduce storage time as much as possible.

tes at the point of production
Include medical waste handling in the garbage
(e.g. medical facility).
management plan.
Store potentially infectious waste in yellow
plastic bags or containers that are labelled with
the words HIGHLY INFECTIOUS and with the
international infectious substances (biohazard)
symbol.
o
o
79

documents reviewed

corrective actions
Store non-infectious waste from health-care facilities in black plastic bags.
7.5.2
o
7.5.3
o
7.5.4
o
Medical waste not disposed of

in coloured and labelled plastic
bags or containers, or not separately stored.
Hazardous health-care waste
not separated from non-hazardous waste.
Liquid medical wastes not

discharged into the sewage
(black-water) system; dispensary or medical facility drains not
connected to the black-water
system.
Store medical wastes separately from other

wastes at a dedicated place.
o
o
Supply fresh collection bags or containers.
Provide appropriate containers or bag holders

in dispensary or medical facility.
Post waste separation and identification instructions at each waste collecting point.
Remove containers and bags when they are

three-quarters full.
Close waste bags tightly (e.g. with cable

straps).
Connect piping for medical liquid waste and

wastewater from medical areas, including bathtubs, showers and hand-wash basins, to the
sewage system.
Dispose of sharps waste into suitable plastic

containers.
Provide sharps containers that are made of metal or puncture-proof plastic, fitted with covers,
rigid, impermeable and tamper proof. ContaiSharps waste (e.g. needles, bla- ners need to be yellow, and labelled with the
des) not stored in appropriate word SHARPS and the international infeccontainers; waste other than tious substance (biohazard) symbol.
sharps found in the container; Provide appropriate container holders to avoid
container or containers are full. injuries if ship is rolling.
Dispose of all containers that are three-quarters
full into a labelled, yellow infectious medical
waste bag before removal from the dispensary.
Do not dispose of any waste other than sharps

in the sharps container.
7.5.5
o
80
Recommended
Code of
Areas
Required
Store pharmaceutical waste (e.g. out-of-date

medicines) ideally in brown plastic bags and
Pharmaceutical waste not sto- return it to a land-based disposal facility.
red or disposed of correctly.
Prohibit incineration at low temperatures or
discharge of pharmaceuticals into the sewage
system.
7.5.6
o
No designated secure storage

Designate a storage place for medical waste
place for safe storage and/or
and secure it against unauthorized access.
treatment of medical wastes.
7.5.7
o
Plastics or wet materials found Allow only paper- or cloth-based material to be

prepared to be incinerated.
incinerated.

documents reviewed

corrective actions
7.5.8
o
Crew members handling potentially infectious health-care Vaccinate crew members in charge of handling
wastes not vaccinated against these waste types against hepatitis B.
hepatitis B.
7.5.9
o
Evidence of vectors and/or re- Disinfect, derat and apply insecticides immeservoirs found.
diately.
Recommended
Code of
Areas
Required
7.6 Hazardous chemical waste
7.6.1
o
Designate a space for storage of hazardous

waste.
No designated space for storage of hazardous chemical Improve lighting in storage area.
waste; area not secure against
Improve ventilation in storage area.
unauthorized access; area dirty,
insufficiently lit or insufficiently Clean storage place.
ventilated.
Secure storage area against unauthorized access.
Store different chemicals separately to avoid
chemical reactions.
7.6.2
o
7.6.3
o
Hazardous chemical wastes of Dispose of waste to approved organizations or

different composition accumu- agencies authorized to manage hazardous waste.
lating or not stored separately. Obtain information about suitable waste reception facilities in ports to minimize accumulation
of hazardous waste.
Evidence of vectors and/or
reservoirs found.
Disinfect, derat and apply insecticides immediately.
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
7.7 Transport
Clean and disinfect waste transport facilities.
7.7.1
o
Clean and disinfect all chutes and lifts regularly.

7.7.2
o
7.7.3
o
Install removable, cleanable, non-absorbent

Interiors of garbage lifts and and non-corroding cover with suitable integral
chutes or other waste transport cove of at least 10 mm along all sides for botsystems:
tom of lifts.
are not adequately construc- Improve construction to allow waste transport
ted;
systems to be easy to clean and disinfect.
show dirt or grease accumuReplace interiors of garbage lifts and chutes
lation;
with stainless steel.
have a strong odour;
Provide garbage chutes with automatic clea are damaged or corroded.
ning systems.
o
o
o
o
No drain provided at the bot- Install drains at bottom of lift shafts.

tom of lift shafts; drain not
connected to the sewage Connect drains to sewage system.
system; or bottom of lift shaft
Clean and disinfect bottom of lift shaft.
dirty.
Evidence of vectors and/or Disinfect, derat and apply insecticides immediately.
reservoirs found.
o
o
o
o
81

documents reviewed

corrective actions
Recommended
Code of
Areas
Required
7.8 Garbage processing
7.8.1
o
7.8.2
o
7.8.3
o
82
Sorting tables not constructed

from impervious, non-absorbent material (preferably stainless steel), do not have coved
corners and rounded edges, or
are broken or dirty.
Room where garbage is processed does not meet the same

criteria as garbage storage
rooms.
No hand-washing facilities
available close to waste processing areas. Hand-washing facilities not adequately equipped.
Clean and disinfect sorting tables carefully after

each use.
Install sorting tables made of suitable material

(preferably stainless steel), with coved corners
and rounded edges. If deck coaming is provided, it should be at least 8 cm high and coved. Tables should be drained to the sewage
system.
Provide garbage processing rooms with same

equipment as garbage storage rooms, including ventilation, lighting, potable water hose
and drains.
Provide hand-washing facilities with running

hot and cold potable water.
Equip hand-washing facility with disposable

towels, liquid soap, hand disinfection liquid,
waste receptacle and signage showing Wash
and disinfect your hands.
Install a hose connection and sufficient drains

to avoid pooling of water.
7.8.4
o
No personal protective equipment (PPE) available; PPE not

in good operational condition;
and/or crew members show no
competency in the use of PPE.
Equip staff in charge of waste handling with safety

goggles or face shield, face mask, rubber gloves,
working gloves, safety boots or shoes, and a protective suit. Train the staff.
7.8.5
o
Pieces of comminuted garbage

Comminute garbage until it passes a mesh size
that are collected for overboard
of 25 mm before disposal.
disposal are too large.
7.8.6
o
Commuter and/or compactors

in dirty condition, emit a strong Clean, disinfect and derat garbage processing
smell or attract rodents and facilities.
other vermin.
7.8.7
o
Place used to clean garbage

containers promotes cross-contamination and/or is in poor sanitary condition.
7.8.8
o
Evidence of vectors and/or re- Disinfect, derat and apply insecticides immeservoirs found.
diately.
Designate a place to clean garbage containers

far away from any food areas (e.g. in properly
equipped and maintained garbage storage
room).

documents reviewed

corrective actions
Recommended
Code of
Areas
Required
7.9 Storage
7.9.1
o
7.9.2
o
7.9.3
o
7.9.4
o
Storage place does not meet

the following requirements:
adequate size;
protected from the sun;
inaccessible to animals, insects and birds;
easy to clean and disinfect;
durable, non-absorbent, hard
floor;
drainage to sewage system;
water supply for cleaning
purposes;
water hose for cleaning;
easily accessible for staff in
charge;
secured against unauthorized
access;
good lighting (220 lux) and
ventilation;
not situated in the proximity
of fresh food stores or food
preparation areas
No hand-washing facilities
available close to waste holding
areas. Hand-washing facilities
not adequately equipped.
Ensure garbage rooms are large enough to

hold unprocessed waste for longest period expected between offloading of waste.
Develop a cleaning schedule for regular cleaning and disinfection.
Protect storage room from intrusion of animals

and insects.
Tightly cover containers stored on deck.
Install drainage and connect drainage to sewage system.
Provide running water and hose for cleaning

purposes.
Secure garbage room or containers against
unauthorized access.
o
o
Improve ventilation and lighting.
Ensure garbage area is distant from food area.
Provide hand-washing facilities with running

hot and cold potable water.
Equip hand-washing facilities with disposable

towels, liquid soap, hand disinfection liquid,
waste receptacle and signage stating Wash
and disinfect your hands.
Install a hose connection and sufficient drains

to avoid pooling of water.
o
o
o
Supply cleaning equipment.
Supply PPE, including safety goggles or face

shield, rubber work gloves, face mask, safety
shoes or boots, and protective suit.
Supply suitable waste bags and/or containers

close to storage area.
Supply containers of adequate capacity for

paper, plastics, tins, food waste and dry waste.
7.9.5
o
Install sun protection or change location of

storage area to avoid heat from sun and other
sources.
No locker for cleaning materials Provide storage locker with cleaning utensils
available; broken or dirty equi- away from food.
pment.
Provide proper cleaning equipment.
No adequate supply of cleaning equipment, PPE and waste
bags or containers located close to the storage area.
Inadequate supply of waste Label waste containers according to content.

containers. No separation of
garbage types or not enough Store different garbage types separately.
Store dry and food wastes in tightly covered
suitable receptacles
containers protected against the weather and
from intrusion of rodents and other vermin.
o
o
o
o
83

documents reviewed

corrective actions
Recommended
Code of
Areas
Required
7.9.6
o
Thoroughly clean, disinfect and apply insectiContainers dirty or attracting

cides to the containers after each emptying if
disease vectors.
necessary.
7.9.7
o
No refrigerated space availa- Provide a sealed refrigerated space for storing

ble where necessary for wet wet garbage; the space needs to meet the
same criteria used for cold food storage.
refuse.
7.9.8
o
Garbage room full of garGather information about suitable port waste

bage.
7.9.9
o
Vectors or reservoirs found.
7.10.1
o
Ash, plastic materials or other

substances that may contain
heavy metals or other poisonous substances discharged
to the sea.
Dispose of garbage at port reception facility.
reception facilities in the next ports.
Disinfect, derat and apply insecticides immediately.
7.10 Incinerator
7.10.2
o
7.10.3
o
7.10.4
o
7.10.5
o
7.10.6
o
Evidence of leakage of gases

and/or particles from combustion chamber.
Incinerator has no prominent signage to warn against
unauthorized opening of
doors during operation and
against overloading incinerator with garbage.
Incinerator full of ash or slag.
Train crew in correct disposal of incinerator

ash.
Inform competent authority for MARPOL violations.
o
o
Check exhaust system and gas-tightness of incinerator plant.
Install appropriate signage stating Do not

open during operation and Do not overload
incinerator.
Clean combustion chamber and dispose of

ash or slag at a port reception facility.
Clean incinerator room.

Incinerator room is dirty or
Store garbage in an appropriate storage
garbage is accumulating.
room.
Disinfect, derat and apply insecticides imVectors or reservoirs found.
mediately.
o
o
o
7.11 Discharge
7.11.1
o
7.11.2
o
84
Garbage has been disposed Inform competent authority (e.g. Port State
of overboard in a special Control).
area, or any other evidence of
prohibited waste deposit into Capture and retain waste on board.
water.
Display signage in English, French or SpaMaster or crew not familiar
nish, notifying passengers and crew of garwith procedures for manabage disposal requirements in accordance
ging garbage on board.
with MARPOL Annex V.
o
o
Area 8 Engine room

Introduction
The engine room and nearby compartments can contain hazardous microbial, chemical and
physical agents. Infectious agents and harmful chemicals can be transferred from the engine
room into waste through connections to black water (as defined in the glossary), grey water (as
defined in the glossary), ballast water, effluent from oilwater separators, cooling water, boiler
and steam generator blowdown, industrial wastewater and other hazardous waste.
People can become exposed directly through contact with onboard waste and facilities that are
not managed in a safe manner. Exposure can also occur through the environmental transfer of
disease-causing organisms or harmful substances due to unsafe environmental management,
operational failure and lack of crew training.

IMO, Guidelines for engine room layout, design and arrangement (MSC 68/Circ 834)
1. Chapter 6.3, Ergonomics:
6.3.7. The layout, design and arrangement of machinery and work areas in engine rooms should
be such that the engine room can be conveniently cleaned.
6.3.9. A supply of consumables, such as light bulbs, flashlights, batteries, aural protection,
protective goggles, disposable work clothes, gloves, rags, cups, logbooks, pens and pencils,
should be maintained in the engine room for the use of personnel working in the engine
room.
2. Chapter 6.4, Minimizing risk through layout and design:
6.4.6. Engine rooms should be provided with means for collecting and disposing of oil, paper,
rags and other wastes and with supplies for cleaning to minimize the potential for fire and personnel injury.
IMO, International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships 1973, as modified by the protocol of 1978 relating thereto (MARPOL)
Annex VI sets limits on emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) from diesel engines.
Amendments to the annex of the protocol of 1997 to amend the International Convention
for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships 1973, as modified by the protocol of 1978 relating
thereto (revised MARPOL Annex VI): Progressive reductions in nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions
from marine engines were also agreed, with the most stringent controls on so-called Tier
III engines, i.e. those installed on ships constructed on or after 1 January 2016, operating in
emission control areas.
ILO Convention No. 133 on Accommodation of Crews 1970
1. Article 9: Ships of 1,600 tons or over shall be provided:
(b) a water closet and a wash basin having hot and cold running fresh water, within easy access
of the machinery space if not fitted near the engine room control centre.
2. In ships of 1,600 tons or over, other than ships in which private sleeping rooms and private or
semi-private bathrooms are provided for all engine department personnel, facilities for changing clothes shall be provided, which shall be:
(a) located outside the machinery space but with easy access to it; and
(b) fitted with individual clothes lockers as well as with tubs and/or shower baths and wash
basin having hot and cold running fresh water.
85
Main risks
The main risks include contamination by vectors and effects of the engine-room environment on
the occupational health of crew members, including:
external exposure to oil and inhalation of oil vapour and mist created by poorly ventilated and
located equipment;
high temperature of enclosed control rooms with insufficient cooling facilities;
insufficient lighting.
Document review
None applicable.
References
IMO (1978). Guidelines for engine room layout, design and arrangement (MSC 68/Circ 834).
London, IMO. Chapter 6.3, Ergonomics; Chapter 6.4, Minimizing risk through layout and design.
IMO, International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships 1973, as modified by
the Protocol of 1978 relating thereto (MARPOL), Annex VI.
86

documents reviewed

corrective actions
Recommended
Code of
Areas
Required
8.1 Construction
8.1.1
o
Design and arrange machinery and work areas

Construction design not favouso that the engine room can be conveniently
rable for cleaning.
cleaned.
8.2 Management
Apply vector control measures and eliminate
vector reservoir.
8.2.1
o
Evidence of vectors found.
8.2.2
o
Ducts extend from the weaVector-proof both ends of the service outlet of
ther deck directly to the encold-air or hot-air systems serving more than
gine room without protection
one compartment.
from vectors.
8.3 Equipments and facilities

All ships of 1,600 tons or more
8.3.1
o
Hand-washing station not wi- Install a washbasin with hot and cold potable wathin easy access.
ter within easy access of machinery.
8.3.2
o
Provide facilities for changing clothes that are:

located outside the machinery space but wiWashing station and clothesthin easy access;
changing room for engine de fitted with individual clothes lockers as well
partment personnel absent.
as showers or baths and washbasins with hot
and cold running potable water.
8.4 Ventilation
8.4.1
o
Ventilation units are out of

Repair or replace ventilation units.
order.
87
Area 9 Potable water

Introduction
Clean drinking-water is essential for health; therefore, nearly every nation in the world has
their own set of regulations to assure clean drinking-water for its population. Countries that
have not defined their own drinking-water regulations often refer to the WHO Guidelines
for drinking-water quality (GDWQ), Vol. 1, 3rd ed. Geneva: WHO.
Ships may be equipped with two or three different water systems: potable water, non-potable
water used for other operational procedures and water for firefighting. Whenever practicable,
only one water system should be installed to supply potable water for drinking, personal
hygiene, culinary purposes, dishwashing, and hospital and laundry purposes. Non-potable
water, if used on the ship, needs to be loaded and distributed through a completely different
piping system, which should be colour coded according to existing international standards.
Definition of drinking-water
The terms drinking-water or potable water are used to define any water for human
consumption. This includes not only water for drinking or cooking, but also water for brushing
teeth, showers, washing hands, washing clothes and so on. Even on large, modern merchant
vessels, showers and washbasins that have so-called fresh water are actually drawing it
directly from desalination plants; therefore, it does not meet drinking-water quality criteria.
Untreated fresh water may also harbour many health risks for the consumer and public
health. Therefore, ships equipped with freshwater systems cannot use water that is unfit
for any human consumption.

ILO, Accommodation of Crews (Supplementary Provisions) Convention 1970 (No.
133)
The ILO Convention no. 133 has been ratified by a large number of Member States. It defines the minimum standards for crew accommodation on commercial ships above 1,000
gross tonnes. This convention states that people on board need to have permanent access
to cold potable water. Additionally, showers or bathtubs, and washbasins must have running
hot and cold fresh water. The definition of this term is problematic, as described above.
The ILO Convention no. 133 will be included in the ILO Maritime Labour Convention 2006,
which defines the same requirements, but is still in process of ratification.
WHO Guidelines for drinking-water quality
This document gives information about microbial, physical and chemical aspects of drinking-water quality, and is often used as a reference by different national drinking-water
legislation.
International Organization of Standardization (ISO)
ISO has published several important international standards that describe technical aspects
for safe potable water constructions.
Main risks
Improperly managed water on ships is an established route for infectious disease transmission.
Furthermore, water may be a source of index cases of disease, which might then be transmitted
88
via other routes. Most waterborne outbreaks involve ingestion of water that was contaminated
with pathogens derived from human or animal excreta. Contamination is associated with
spoiled bunkered water, cross-connections between potable and non-potable water, improper
loading procedures, poor design and construction of potable water storage tanks, and
inadequate disinfection. Space is often limited on board ships, and therefore potable
water systems are likely to be physically close to excessive heat, or close to hazardous
substances such as sewage or waste streams. Avoiding cross-contamination is one of the
major challenges of keeping water safe on ships.
Bunkering is a high-risk procedure. Unsafe handling and using inappropriate materials (e.g.
firefighting hoses) may lead to contamination. Hazardous water can be supplied from shore and,
if the ship has no barrier systems, the water may contaminate the ships potable water.
Contamination of the shore (supply) system is also possible if there are no backflow
preventers installed between the shore and the ship. It is crucial to know where risks exist,
and it is necessary to implement good handling practice concerning potable water hoses
and the whole bunkering procedure.
The GDWQ define the recommended minimum quality criteria of potable water. Some of
the most common criteria are listed below. The parameters in bold can be used as on-site
parameters to monitor a ships water safety.
Appearance and colour
The appearance and taste of drinking-water should be acceptable to the consumer. Water
should have no detectable odour. Ideally, drinking-water should have no visible colour.
pH
For effective disinfection with chlorine, the pH should be less than 8.0. The optimum pH
depends on the water and the materials used in the potable water distribution system, but it
is usually in the range 6.58.0 and can extend up to 9.5. The pH is important when checking
water treatment efficiency and corrosive potential of mains and pipes in the drinking-water
distribution system.
Temperature
Water temperature should always be either below 25 C or above 50 C. In temperatures of
2550 C, a high risk of bacterial growth (especially Legionella spp.) exists, and water safety
testing should be performed.
Conductivity
Electrical conductivity is not discussed in the GDWQ. It is an important operational parameter to assess the efficacy of the desalinated water remineralisation process. Typical values (in
S/cm) for desalinated water are very low. A contamination of distillate or seawater can be
easily detected because seawater has a high conductivity (e.g. 50 000 S/cm).
Chlorine
Free chlorine and total chlorine should be measured during or after the disinfection treatment,
or more often as required. Effective disinfection should have a free chlorine (Cl2) concentra89
tion of between 0.5 mg/l and 1.0 mg/l at the point of consumption. Different national standards in chlorination levels should be considered, because they can differ. For example, the
United States Vessel Sanitation Program states that the acceptable minimum level of free
chlorine at the distant point while water should be in consumption condition is 0.2 mg/l,
whereas in European the maximum allowed concentration is around 0.6 mg/l.
Lead
Lead concentration should not exceed 10 g/l. The use of lead pipes, fittings or solder can
result in elevated lead levels in drinking-water, which cause adverse neurological effects.
This is especially true in systems with aggressive or acidic waters. Wherever practicable,
lead pipework should be replaced.
Cadmium
Cadmium concentration should not exceed 3 g/l.
Iron
Iron levels should not exceed 200 g/l. At levels above 300 g/l, iron stains laundry and
plumbing fixtures. There is usually no noticeable taste at iron concentrations lower than 300
g/l, although turbidity and colour may develop.
Copper
Copper should not exceed a concentration of 2000 g/l. Copper can stain laundry at
concentrations above 1000 g/l and, at levels above 5000 g/l, copper can cause the water
to have an orange tinge and a bitter taste. Corrosion in the piping is a typical cause of copper contamination in water.
Nickel
Nickel contamination can happen when nickel is leached from new nickel/chromium-plated
taps. Low concentrations may also arise from stainless steel pipes and fittings. Nickel leaching drops off over time. Increasing the water pH to control corrosion of other materials
should help to reduce nickel leaching. Nickel concentrations should not exceed 20 g/l.
Zinc
The main corrosion problem with brasses is dezincification, which is the selective dissolution of zinc from duplex brass, leaving behind copper as a porous mass of low mechanical
strength. Zinc (as zinc sulfate) imparts an undesirable astringent taste to water at a concentration of about 4000 g/l. Water containing zinc at concentrations in excess of 30005000
g/l may appear opalescent and develop a greasy film when boiled. The GDWQ do not
define a health-based guideline value, but concentrations above 3000 g/l may not be
acceptable to consumers.
Hardness
Hardness, measured in concentration of calcium carbonate (CaCO3), should be between
100 mg/l (1 mmol/l) and 200 mg/l (2 mmol/l) to avoid corrosion and scaling, respectively.
Turbidity
Median turbidity should ideally be below 0.1 nephelometric turbidity units (NTU) for effective disinfection. Typical values for potable water are between 0.05 NTU and 0.5 NTU.
The appearance of water with a turbidity of less than 5 NTU is usually acceptable to all
90
consumers. High turbidity can cause material collected on the surfaces of pipes to slough
off within the water distribution system.
Microorganisms
Total coliforms
Coliforms are a broad class of bacteria, and include those that can survive and grow in
water. Hence, they are not useful as an index of specific faecal pathogens, but they can be
used as an indicator of treatment effectiveness, and to assess the cleanliness and integrity
of distribution systems, and the potential presence of biofilms. The guideline value is zero
(0) coliforms per 100 ml of water.
Escherichia coli
E. coli is a type of coliform, and is considered the most suitable index of faecal contamination monitoring, including surveillance of drinking-water quality. The guideline value is zero
(0) E. coli per 100 ml of water.
Intestinal enterococci
The intestinal enterococci group can be used as an index of faecal pollution. Most species
do not multiply in water environments. Important advantages of this group are that they
tend to survive longer in water environments than E. coli or thermotolerant coliforms, and
are more resistant to drying and chlorination. Guideline value is zero(0) per 100 ml of water.
Clostridium perfringens
Most of these bacteria are of faecal origin and produce spores that are exceptionally resistant to unfavourable conditions in water environments, including ultraviolet irradiation,
temperature and pH extremes, and disinfection processes, such as chlorination. Like E. coli,
C. perfringens does not multiply in most water environments and is a highly specific indicator of faecal pollution. C. perfringensshould not be present in drinking-water.
Heterotrophic plate count
Heterotrophic plate counts (HPCs) detect a wide spectrum of heterotrophic microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi. The test is based on the ability of the organisms to grow
on rich growth media, without inhibitory or selective agents, over a specified incubation
period and at defined temperatures (usually at 22 C and 36 C).
HPC is a useful parameter for the operational management of the ships potable water
system and water treatment efficacy. To properly compare HPC results, it is crucial to take
more than one sample in the system. At a minimum, one sample should be taken from the
tank (by use of an installed sampling tap) and another sample should be taken at the tap
farthest away from the tank (usually at the bridge deck). Comparison of both (or more) samples allows interpretation of biological processes inside the distribution system and gives
information about treatment efficacy. To be able to survey development of microbial growth
in the particular system, it is necessary to always take the samples from the same sampling
points. There are no guideline values, but the actual numbers from HPC are not as important as changes in numbers at particular locations. In distribution systems, increasing
numbers from HPC can indicate a deterioration in cleanliness, possible stagnation and the
potential development of biofilms.
91
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
P. aeruginosa is a common environmental organism and can be found in faeces, soil, water
and sewage. It can multiply in water environments and also on the surface of suitable organic materials that are in contact with water. P. aeruginosa is a recognized cause of hospitalacquired infections with potentially serious complications. It has been isolated from a range
of moist environments, such as sinks, water baths, hot-water systems, showers and spa pools. The main infection route is through susceptible tissuenotably wounds and mucous
membranesand contaminated water or surgical instruments. Therefore, at a minimum,
it should be analysed in water samples taken from sick bays or hospitals, where stagnant
water often poses an additional health risk.
Legionella
Legionella bacteria are the cause of legionellosis, including Legionnaires disease. The
bacteria are ubiquitous in the environment and can grow at temperatures found in piped
distribution systems. The route of infection is by inhalation of droplets or aerosols; however,
exposure from piped water systems is preventable through the implementation of basic
water quality management measures. This includes maintaining water temperature outside
the range at which Legionella proliferates (2550 C) and maintaining disinfectant residuals
throughout the piped distribution system. Whenever water temperatures are found in the
critical range of 2550 C, Legionella testing should be performed to assess the health risk
for consumers.
Sampling procedure
Water sampling is necessary whenever technical or operational problems may exist, or
when national law requires a water analysis.
The water sampling must be done by qualified personnel so that the sampling method
does not influence the test results (i.e. does not contaminate the sample). Special sampling
bottles and special procedures (as defined in ISO 19458) must be used.
Sample testing needs to be done using suitable methods by accredited laboratories. An
internationally accepted laboratory quality standard is defined in ISO 17025. This document
provides examples for parameters that are useful in certain circumstances.
An example for a reasonable microbiological sampling scheme is given below. It should be
considered that the quantity of samples depends on the size of the water installation.
Sample A: One sample should be taken from the potable water tank. This sample represents the water quality at the beginning of the ships potable water system. Sampling
should be performed as described in ISO 19458 (purpose a). Ship operators should be
advised to install water sampling taps at the tank so that samples can be taken properly.
Sample B: The next sample should be taken from the tap farthest from the potable water
tank. It represents the influence of the distribution system. Sampling should be performed
according to ISO 19458 (purpose b).
Sample C: If there is evidence of stagnation or other contamination in medical areas, an
additional sample should be taken according ISO 19458 (purpose c). This sample represents the water quality for the consumer because sampling taps are not disinfected before
sampling. It would be reasonable to test for P. aeruginosa at this sampling point.
Sample D: Whenever cold water temperature is above 25 C or hot water temperature is
below 50 C (or both), additional testing for Legionella is recommended. In this case, at
least one cold and one hot water sample should be taken. It can be useful to test more
sampling points (e.g. at the calorifier) to get even more information.
92
Document review
Constructional drawings of potable water system.
Drinking-water analysis reports.
Medical logbook or gastrointestinal record book (or both).
Water safety plan.
Maintenance instructions of treatment devices.
References
ILO, Accommodation of Crews (Supplementary Provisions) Convention 1970 (no. 133).
Castellani PM et al. (1999). Legionnaires disease on a cruise ship linked to the water supply
system: clinical and public health implications. Clinical Infectious Diseases, 28:3338.
Cayla JA et al. (2001). A small outbreak of Legionnaires disease in a cargo ship under repair.
European Respiratory Journal, 17:13221327.
Daniels NA et al. (2000). Travelers diarrhea at sea: three outbreaks of waterborne
enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli on cruise ships. Journal of Infectious Diseases, 181:1491
1495.
Goutziana G et al. (2008). Legionella species colonization of water distribution systems,
pools and air conditioning systems in cruise ships and ferries. BMC Public Health, 8:390.
Joseph CA, Yadav R, Ricketts KD (2009). Travel-associated Legionnaires disease in Europe
in 2007. Eurosurveillance, 14(18):pii:19196.
Merson MH et al. (1975). Shigellosis at sea: an outbreak aboard a passenger cruise ship.
American Journal of Epidemiology, 101:165175.
Mintz ED et al. (1998). An outbreak of Brainerd diarrhea among travelers to the Galapagos
Islands. Journal of Infectious Diseases, 177:10411045.
OMahony M et al. (1986). An outbreak of gastroenteritis on a passenger cruise ship. Journal
of Hygiene (London), 97:229236.
Regan CM et al. (2003). Outbreak of Legionnaires disease on a cruise ship: lessons for
international surveillance and control. Communicable Disease and Public Health, 6:152
156.
Rooney RM et al. (2004). A review of outbreaks of waterborne disease associated with ships:
evidence for risk management. Public Health Reports, 119:435442.
Department of Health and Human Services (USA), Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, National Center for Environmental Health (2005). Vessel sanitation program
operations manual. Atlanta, GA, and Ft Lauderdale, FL, Department of Health and
Human Services (USA), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for
Environmental Health.
Department of Health and Human Services (USA), Public Health Service, Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (2005). Vessel sanitation program construction guidelines. Atlanta,
GA, Department of Health and Human Services (USA), Public Health Service, Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention.
ISO/IEC 17025:2005. General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration
laboratories. Geneva, ISO.
ISO 19458:2006. Water qualitysampling for microbiological analysis. Geneva, ISO.
93
SO 14726:2008. Ships and marine technologyidentification colours for the content of

piping systems. Geneva, ISO.
ISO 15748-1:2002 and ISO 15748-2:2002. Ships and marine technologypotable water supply
on ships and marine structures. Geneva, ISO.
ISO 5620-1:1992 and ISO 5620-2:1992. Shipbuilding and marine structuresfilling connection
for drinking water tanks. Geneva, ISO.
WHO (2006). Guidelines for drinking-water quality, first addendum to 3rd ed., Vol. 1,
Recommendations. Geneva, WHO.
WHO (2007). Legionella and the prevention of legionellosis. Geneva, WHO.
WHO (2011). Guide to ship sanitation, 3rd ed. Geneva, WHO.
94

documents reviewed

corrective actions
Recommended
Code of
Areas
Required
9.1 Documents
9.1.1
o
No water quality analysis report

available, last analysis report
shows contamination or not all
required parameters have been
analysed.
Samples have to be taken to assess actual status of potable water.Refer to WHO Guide to
ship sanitation, Table 2.2,
Examples of parameters frequently tested in
potable water and typical values.
9.1.2
o
Medical log raises suspicion of

Samples have to be taken to assess actual stapossible waterborne diseases
tus of potable water.
(e.g. diarrhoea).
9.1.3
o
No water safety plan available,

water safety plan not adequate
or no other potable water
policies available to ensure safe
potable water on board.
Implement a water safety plan, including all critical procedures influencing potable water quality (e.g. bunker procedure, ship water system).
Samples have to be taken to assess actual status of potable water.
9.2 Management
9.2.1
o
Staff members not trained on

safe management of the potaProvide training to staff responsible for maintaible water system or show lack of
ning the potable water system.
knowledge about risks of several components.
9.2.2
o
No routine checks performed

to estimate the proper function Check backflow prevention devices.
of the potable water system.
9.3 General construction on board
9.3.1
o
If several water systems are used, allow only

fresh water to be delivered to slop sinks, laundry facilities, water closets. If non-potable water
bibcock connections are used for deck flushing
and cleaning purposes the tap should be labelled and secured against accidental use.
Non-potable water is delive- Connect drinking-water used in all taps,

red to consumers in sources showers, and washbasins that may supply water for human consumption to a potable water
other than slop sinks.
Materials and pressurized Use only materials that are resistant to 90C
components used not heat (taps to 70C) so that thermal disinfection can
be done.
resistant.
Washbasins, showers and

other taps requiring water
for human consumption are
connected to fresh water
instead of potable water.
supply only.
9.3.2
o
Materials used not suitable

for use in potable water sys- Use only materials that will not contaminate the
potable water with corrosive products or other
tems.
9.3.3
o
substances that harm water quality. Plastics and
Metals and plastics not certi- metals in contact with potable water should be
fied for use in potable water approved by the national authorities for this
systems and may harm water purpose.
quality.
95

documents reviewed

corrective actions
Recommended
Code of
Areas
Required
9.4 Water boats and water barges

Install independent potable water tanks according to approved technical standards.
9.4.1
o
Equip boat or barge with suitable, clean potable water hoses that are blue (in colour) and
labelled with the words Potable water. MaBoat not properly equipped
terials used need to meet the requirements of
with independent potable wanational health authorities.
ter tanks; suitable, clean water hoses and hose fittings; or Clean and disinfect existing potable water hopumps and independent pipe ses, fittings and equipment.
systems to provide potable wa- Store all required equipment in a closed, clean,
ter only to the ships. Poor sani- self-draining locker that is labelled with the
tary condition of water boat or words Potable water hose/equipment.
equipment.
Clean and disinfect the whole storage and distribution system that is used to provide potable
water to other ships.
o
o
Remove any cross-connections to non-potable

water piping or components.
9.4.2
o
No facilities for disinfection

Equip boat or barge with suitable disinfection
available, and no way to madevices to be able to deliver chlorinated potanually disinfect potable water
ble water to the consumer.
tanks.
9.4.3
o
Train staff and develop a water safety plan to

Lack of knowledge about good
educate them about particular risks of the syshygiene practices.
tem.
9.4.4
o
No actual water quality report

Order professional laboratory staff or an authoavailable or report older than
rized health authority to take and analyse water
3 months (this will depend on
samples.
national regulations).
9.4.5
o
Installation of potable water

Call an authorized health authority to perform
system and equipment not apan audit to approve the potable water installaproved by the authorized health
tion on board.
authority.
9.5 Bunkering procedure
9.5.1
o
Discard contaminated water and disinfect the

potable water system.
Water from shore obviously Bunker potable water or drinking-water from a

does not meet the GDWQ
shore supply that is potable and safe.
Verify that the potable water source meets the

GDWQ before bunkering water from shore.
9.5.2
o
96
No port water quality report Request port water quality report before bunavailable.
kering water.

documents reviewed

corrective actions
9.5.3
o
No testing equipment available Equip ship with basic testing equipment (e.g.
on board.
turbidity, pH, disinfection residuals).
9.5.4
o
Stop bunkering immediately and discard bunShore supplier using inappro- kered water.
priate, broken or dirty materials
Use only own materials (e.g. hoses, fittings) that
(hoses, fittings, etc.).
are appropriate, clean and well maintained.
9.5.5
o
No backflow prevention to
avoid contamination of the
shore supply is installed in the Install backflow preventer on board to avoid
ship, or backflow prevention is any backflow from ship to the shore supply.
not adequately maintained or
inspected.
Install connection flange (big ships according

to ISO 5620; flange with five bolts) where only
potable water hoses can be connected to avoid
accidental connection to hoses carrying sewage or other non-potable liquids.
9.5.6
o
Potable water-filling connection

not constructed properly to
avoid connection of non-potable water hoses, not coloured
blue, not tightly sealed with a
cap or not secured with a corrosion-proof key lock.
Secure flange with a sealed cap and a corrosion-proof key lock to prevent contamination
and unauthorized access.
o
o
o
Clean and disinfect filling line.
9.5.7
o
Mark filling line with blue colour and the words

Potable water filling.
Potable water filling line does
not exist for every tank.
Start the filling line either in a gooseneck position downwards (ideal) or horizontally.
Filling line is dirty, is not installed adequately, has cross-con- Place the end of the filling line at least 45 cm
nections to other non-potable above the deck.
water systems, is passing through any non-potable liquid or is If potable water filling line is used to fill nonpotable water tanks, install an air gap before
not labelled.
installing any non-potable water tanks.
Remove cross-connections and piping that lead
through tanks carrying any non-potable liquid.
9.5.8
o
Equip bunker station with suitable potable water hoses, clearly marked with the words Potable water. Normal firefighting hoses are not
Filling hoses not made of suita- appropriate.
ble materials, not labelled, used Use potable water hoses exclusively for this
for other purposes other than purpose.
potable water filling, dirty, not
capped, or in poor or unsanitary Provide suitable hoses, approved by the authocondition.
rized national administration, of at least 15 m
in length and equipped with unique fittings to
avoid connection to other hoses (connect to
the filling line according to ISO 5620).
Recommended
Code of
Areas
Required
o
o
97
9.5.9
o

documents reviewed

corrective actions
Flush hoses with potable water, drain hose and
raise both ends before filling with 100 mg/l of
chlorine solution for 1 hour. Then drain and
flush thoroughly before use or storage (with
ends capped).
Order suitable disinfection (e.g. chlorine) to disinfect hoses.
If hoses are being blown out by compressed air,

acquire a liquid trap, filter or similar device to
prevent contamination via the compressed air
system.
Avoid dragging ends on the ground and dipping uncapped ends into harbour water. Train
staff in good hygiene practices.
Install potable water hose lockers that are made

of non-corrosive, non-toxic and smooth materials; can be closed; are self draining and easily
cleaned; and are labelled with words such as
Potable water hose and fitting storage.
Potable water hose locker has to be installed at

least 45 cm above the deck to avoid contamination with non-potable liquids.
Potable water hose lockers

do not exist, are inadequately Label potable water hose lockers with the
constructed or not labelled, or words Potable water hose locker.
are in dirty or poor condition.
Maintain, clean and disinfect lockers.
9.5.10
o
Recommended
Code of
Areas
Required
Keep locker closed while not in use to avoid

any contamination.
Do not store equipment and utensils that are

not required for potable water handling in potable water hose lockers.
During bunkering, hoses are Elevate the hoses so they are above ground.
placed directly on the ground Do not touch the harbour water with the hose
or through harbour water.
(to prevent cross-contamination).
9. 6 Water production
9.6.1
o
Place the sanitary overboard discharge and the

fresh water intake on opposite sides.
Sea chest for freshwater intake

If it is on the same side, place the sanitary dislocated on the same side, and
charge as far above the freshwater intake as
at the same section or aft of the
possible.
sanitary overboard discharge.
Never produce potable water while sanitary

overboard water is being discharged.
98
9.6.2
o

documents reviewed

corrective actions
Take samples from the tank and, at the minimum, perform a microbiological analysis (e.g.
test for E. coli, coliforms, enterococci, C. perWater has been produced in fringens, HPC) to evaluate level of risk.
unsafe areas such as in ports,
Perform disinfection of piping and components
on rivers or on anchorage.
between evaporator and tank.
Inform responsible staff that water production
in unsafe areas is forbidden.
Recommended
Code of
Areas
Required
o
o
9.6.3
o
Evaporator process tempera- Control temperature.

ture below 80 C and no disinfection device installed to treat Install disinfection device (e.g. automatic chlorination) behind evaporator and control temperature.
the distillate.
9.6.4
o
Evaporator has no opening and

Equip ship only with components that can be
cannot be maintained or insmaintained and inspected.
pected.
9.6.5
o
Information about evaporaObtain and post the most important instructor missing; no manufacturer
tions, including technical specifications, close
contact details or maintenance
to the evaporator.
instructions available.
9.6.6
o
Salinity sensor not installed or

Repair or install a low-range salinity sensor with
working. Automatic discharge
alarm function, and an automatic switch-off or
to waste if distillate salty not
discharge.
installed or working.
9.6.7
o
No sampling tap at the distillate Install a heat-resistant metal sampling tap so

outlet.
distillate sampling can be done.
9.6.8
o
Reverse osmosis: staff members

show a lack of knowledge about Conduct training for staff who are responsible
health risks of membrane brea- for the potable water system.
ches and device maintenance.
o
o
o
9. 7 Treatment components
9.7.1
o
Piping installed that allows bypassing of treatment compoRemove all bypasses.

nents (e.g. disinfection devices,
filters, rehardening systems).
9.7.2
o
Remineralization process not

working or not existing behind
evaporators or reverse-osmosis
devices. Insufficiently treated
distillate or permeate delivered
to the consumer.
9.7.3
o
Install remineralization devices to control corrosivity of the water.
Inform consumer about the water quality (e.g.

hardness, pH).
Train staff on maintenance of remineralization devices.
Remineralization devices not

Empty, clean, disinfect and refill the reminecleaned, maintained or refilled
ralization device according to manufacturers
regularly. Maintenance proceinstructions.
dures unknown
Label device with information about manufacturer and technical specifications.
o
o
99
9.7.4
o

documents reviewed

corrective actions
Filters dirty or maintenance Backwash or replace filter medium according to

procedures unknown.
the manufacturers instructions.
Recommended
Code of
Areas
Required
9. 8 Disinfection
9.8.1
o
No disinfection device installed to treat produced water

downstream of the desalination
device.
Install automatic disinfection device (preferably

chlorination) behind the seawater desalination
devices (evaporator or reverse-osmosis device)
according to approved technical standards.
The water must be at least 30 minutes in the
tank to disinfect properly.
9.8.2
o
Disinfection of bunkered water

not possible.
Install automatic disinfection devices (preferably chlorination in the bunker line) to treat buNo technical ability to add di- nkered water according to approved technical
sinfection measures during bu- standards.
nkering procedure.
9.8.3
o
Install an automatic chlorination device.

Manual chlorination performed Order a professional company to perform chlowithout sufficient knowledge.
rination of the water. Respect the guideline values of national health authorities.
9.8.4
o
Continuous halogenation performed, but no continuous recording of the halogen concentration installed.
Record disinfection residue at the farthest point

in the system where significant water flow exists
(e.g. bridge deck).
o
o
Check chlorine concentration (free and total) and

pH of the water before and after each bunkering,
and at regular intervals during normal operation.
9.8.5
o
Free chlorine level should be between 0.5 mg/l

There is no chlorine in the sys- and 1.0 mg/l during disinfection (consider natem during chlorination.
tional standards) and at the point of delivery,
the minimum should be 0,2 mg/l.
9.8.6
o
A sampling cock is missing downs- Install sampling cock 3 metres downstream of

tream of the disinfection unit.
the disinfection injection device.
9.8.7
o
Quantity of stored disinfection

chemicals insufficient to treat Store enough disinfection chemicals to be able
the water volume over the who- to perform continuous water disinfection.
le duration of travel.
9.8.8
o
Chlorine and pH testing kits not Equip ship with a testing kit for free and total
available.
chlorine (range 05 mg/l) and pH (range 610).
9.8.9
o
Potable water system needs

Perform professional superchlorination with 50
a superchlorination, due to
mg/l over 24 hours. Water is unfit for consumpcontamination, or system repair
tion in the meantime.
or maintenance.
UV system not well maintained.
9.8.10
o
Clean and disinfect the UV lamp according to

the manufacturers instructions.
Lack of knowledge concerning
Arrange to have the necessary spare parts (e.g.
operation and maintenance.
UV lamp) on board.
Bypass piping installed.
System not approved by the natio- Remove any bypass construction around disinnal authority.
fection devices.
No spare parts available on board.
100
o
o

documents reviewed

corrective actions
During the next inspection, provide a written
approval for the system, or install a new device
that is approved by the national authority.
Label device with manufacturers information

and technical specifications.
Recommended
Code of
Areas
Required
9. 9 Tanks
9.9.1
o
Clearly identify potable water tanks (e.g. with

Potable water tanks not identi- the words Potable water in large print).
fiable or volume not labelled.
Label tanks with the volume.
Tank location does not meet
the following requirements:
The tank is located in areas
without exposure to heat, dirt,
vectors or other contamination.
The tank is protected from any
contamination from outside
the tank.
The tank is independent of
the ship hull or the bottom
of the tank is at least 60 cm
above the maximum load water line.
The cofferdam is at least 45
cm above and between tanks
that are not for potable water
storage, and between potable
water tanks and the hull.
o
o
Potable water tanks should be located in areas

where they will be at no risk for contamination
and are protected against contamination from
other sources.
Protect the water from heating (to between

25 C and 50 C) to prevent microorganism
growth.
9.9.3
o
Drainage lines or piping carrying

non-potable liquids (e.g. sewage Remove piping that is passing through potable
or fuel) are leading through the water tanks or construct an acceptable tunnel.
potable water tank.
9.9.4
o
Lines carrying sewage or other

highly contaminated liquids Remove maintenance openings or piping to
are passing directly over main- avoid accidental cross-contamination by leatenance openings of potable king pipes.
water tanks.
9.9.5
o
Cross-connections: there are

inadequate lines to divert potable water by valves or interchangeable pipe fittings to
other systems (e.g. connection
to firefighting system).
9.9.2
o
If a deck is the top of a potable

water tank, no access or opening to the tank is allowed via
the deck.
Remove any cross-connections between potable and non-potable water tanks and pipes.
Where removal of cross-connection is not

possible, approved backflow-prevention devices need to be installed.
101
9.9.6
o

documents reviewed

corrective actions
Sewage system components,

soil-waste drains or solid-waste
facilities are installed directly
above potable water tanks or
tank maintenance openings so
that there is a risk of contamina- Remove toilet or solid-waste facilities that are
tion by dirt or spillage.
located directly above potable water tanks or
Toilets and bathroom spaces maintenance openings.
extend over any part of a deck
that forms the top of a tank
used for potable water or wash
water.
9.9.7
o
Tank capacity does not ensure

an independent water supply
of at least 2 days without bu- Install potable water tanks of sufficient size.
nkering or production of new
water.
9.9.8
o
Construct potable water tanks so that they do

not share a common wall with the hull or other
Potable water tanks share a non-potable holding tanks. A cofferdam of at
common wall with the hull or least 45 cm should be between them.
other non-potable holding Install a conductivity sensor and monitoring systanks.
tem that triggers an alarm and automatic closing
of valves in case of contamination from salt water
or other liquids with high conductivity.
Install a maintenance opening that gives access
for cleaning, repair and inspection, preferably
located on the side of the tank(s).
9.9.9
o
Tanks do not have a maintenan- Maintenance openings at the top of a tank

ce opening for inspection.
need to have a coaming or curb that is raised at
least 1.25 cm above the top of the tank.
All access to potable water tanks need to be
kept tightly closed when not being used.
o
o
Store potable water only in tanks constructed for this purpose, and protect against any
contamination from outside or within the tank
(e.g. corrosion, or inappropriate or faulty tank
coating).
9.9.10
o
102
Potable water tanks not

constructed or coated for
potable water contact.
Use potable water tanks that are constructed

of metal or another suitable material safe for
contact with water.
Recommended
Code of
Areas
Required
Use potable water tanks and pipes that are

Tank coating is rendering water
constructed and coated with safe and durable
unfit for human consumption.
material.
Supply written documentation that tank coating is approved for potable water tanks and
that all manufacturers recommendations have
been followed, or take samples for chemical
analysis (or both).
9.9.11
o

documents reviewed
Tank ventilation or overflow (or

both) does not exist, is connected to non-potable water tanks,
or does not prevent entry of
contaminants or vectors.

corrective actions
Terminate the vent or overflow with the open
end pointing down, either inside the vessel
(above bilge level) or at least 45 cm above a
weather deck in a sheltered place.
Screen vents and overflow pipes with corrosionresistant mesh of mesh count 16 16 or finer.
Use vents or overflow that is at least the same diameter as the filling line.
Remove any direct connections between ducts
from potable water tanks and non-potable
liquid tanks.
9.9.12
o
9.9.13
o
Install a sufficient drain to allow complete

Tank not completely drainable, drainage of the tank.
or drain insufficient in diameter, Ensure the distance between the end-of-drain
location or construction.
line and the highest point of the bilge is more
than 45 cm.
Tank level indicators posing a

risk of contamination.
Do not use dip sticks or sounding lines for

sounding of tank levels.
Recommended
Code of
Areas
Required
o
o
Equip tanks with level indicators like watergauge glass, petcocks, enclosed float gauges
or water-operated pressure gauges.
9.9.14
o
No sample cocks installed at

the tanks.
Install heat-resistant sample cocks at each

tank to allow water-quality testing. The sample
cocks need to point downwards, and be
identified by numbers.
9.9.15
o
No regular cleaning of the

tanks has been performed, or
sediments have been found at
the bottom of the tank.
Inspect, clean, flush and disinfect the tank

every 6 months. Document the measure in the
logbook.
Perform post-repair disinfection.
9.9.16
o
After entering tanks for repairs

or maintenance, no cleaning
measures have been performed.
Enter tanks wearing only clean, single-use

overalls, clean rubber boots (used for this
purpose only), a face mask and rubber gloves
to reduce risk of contamination.
9.10 Potable water pumps

Potable water pumps used
for liquids other than potable
water.
9.10.1
o
Pumps not able to establish a

permanent positive pressure in
the system.
No standby pump available for
emergencies.
Do not use potable water pumps for any liquid

other than potable water.
Install potable water pumps that are approved

for this purpose.
Install a potable water pressure tank if no

permanent pressure is available in the distribution system.
Equip the system with an emergency pump that

always allows access to drinking-water.
103
9.10.2
o

documents reviewed

corrective actions
Hand pumps not installed in a

Install hand pumps in a way that prevents
way that prevents contaminacontamination.
tion of the potable water.
Recommended
Code of
Areas
Required
9.11 Potable water-pressure tank
9.11.1
o
Potable water-pressure tank Install an independent compressor.

(hydrophor tank) cross-connected to non-potable water systems with a compressed air line Install a press-on valve with a liquid trap of suiwithout using an appropriate table size in the supply line.
fail-safe device.
9.11.2
o
Label tank with specifications and manufactuManufacturers

maintenance rers information.
instructions missing or not res- Perform regular maintenance according to
pected.
manufacturers instructions (e.g. cleaning and
disinfection).
9.11.3
o
No sampling cock installed at

the water-pressure tank.
Install a suitable sampling cock at the waterpressure tank to take water samples for
analysis.
9.12 Calorifier and hot-water system
9.12.1
o
9.12.2
o
Install larger calorifier to support all people on

Size of the calorifier is inappro- board sufficiently.
priate (based on the calculated
Install smaller calorifier or install a decentralized
hot-water consumption).
hot-water supply to avoid unnecessary complications (suitable for smaller boats).
Calorifier or hot-water pipings Install components that do not harm the water
material is not suitable and is quality.
making water unfit for human
consumption (e.g. due to corrosion or leaching of chemicals). Install thermal insulation around the calorifier.
Calorifier not insulated.
Install maintenance opening, if possible.

9.12.3
o
No maintenance opening, or a Renew calorifier.

lack of maintenance knowledge.
Clean, decalcificate and disinfect the calorifier.
Set temperature in the calorifier outlet to 65 C.
9.12.4
o
104
Temperatures in an inappro- Set temperature in the return line (circulation

priate range or thermometers systems only) above 55 C.
missing.
Equip calorifiers with thermometers to check
temperatures in the outflow, boiler and return
lines.
o
o
9.12.5
o
9.12.6
o

documents reviewed

corrective actions
Run the hot-water circulation pump permaHot-water circulation pumps nently to avoid stagnation and cooling down of
not permanently running or not the water in the piping.
approved for drinking-water
Use only pumps that are approved for drinkingsystems.
water.
Hot and cold water piping laid
side-by-side without thermal
insulation.
Recommended
Code of
Areas
Required
o
o
Insulate cold-water and hot-water piping to

avoid growth of microorganisms (e.g. Legionella).
9.13 Plumbing
9.13.1
o
Replace all pipes, fittings and joints that are

Piping made of inappropriate
lead or cadmium lined, or otherwise not appromaterial (e.g. lead- or cadmiumpriate for potable water contact, with adequate
lined pipes).
piping.
9.13.2
o
Piping not clearly identified as

potable water piping (e.g. it Paint all potable water piping with colour code
does not have blue stripes
according to ISO 14726.
every 5 m along the pipe).
Remove dead legs, and unnecessary taps and

faucets.
9.13.3
o
9.13.4
o
Piping contains unnecessary dead

legs where water stagnates.
Potable water piping is passing through or connected to

sewage tanks, sewage piping
or other tanks containing nonpotable liquids.
Regularly flush dead legs according to a

flushing schedule.
Remove direct connections between potable

water and non-potable water systems.
o
Install air gaps or other appropriate backflow
prevention to avoid cross-contamination.
Rearrange piping wherever potable water lines

Potable water piping is leading are leading through non-potable liquids (e.g.
through the bilge.
bilge).
9.13.5
o
Backflow preventers missing

where potable water system
is connected to non-potable
water systems under pressure.
Most important connections to
check are:
supply lines to swimming
pools, whirlpools, hot tubs,
bathtubs, showers and similar
facilities;
photography laboratory developing machines;
beauty- and barber-shop rinse
hoses;
garbage grinders;
Install appropriate backflow prevention.

Choose type of backflow prevention (e.g.
air gap, vacuum breaker) according to the
particular risk.
105

documents reviewed

corrective actions
9.13.5
o
hospital and laundry equipment;

air-conditioning
expansion
tanks;
boiler-feed water tanks;
fire systems;
toilets and bidets;
freshwater or saltwater ballast
systems;
bilge or other wastewater locations;
international shore connection.
9.13.6
o
Backflow preventers not adequately maintained; no inspections or testings have been performed or documented.
9.13.7
o
Materials used in the piping

Use only materials that are heat resistant up to
systems not heat resistant up
90 C so that thermal disinfection can be done.
to 90 C.
Recommended
Code of
Areas
Required
Perform testing of installed backflow-prevention devices at least once per year. Record the
results so that the testing logs can be shown to
the ships inspector.
9.14 Taps, faucets and showerheads
9.14.1
o
Do not use terminal filters regularly without

Faucet filters or other types of maintenance and renewal.
terminal filters are used to improve water quality, but not re- Ensure that used filter devices meet the criteplaced or maintained regularly. ria of the national health administration or the
local health authority.
Label potable water outlets with the words

Potable water.
Label non-potable water outlets with the words

Unfit for human consumption or use!
9.14.2
o
Water outlets not labelle
9.14.3
o
Fixtures and fittings corroded

of salt water and saline atmosphere; they
or dirty (or both).
9.14.4
o
Showerheads or aerators (or rheads.

both) dirty or otherwise in poor
Replace aerators and showerheads that are
condition.
Ensure that fixtures and fittings are made of

a material resistant to the corrosive effects
should have rounded internal corners to facilitate cleaning.

Clean and disinfect aerators and showe-
o
o
in poor condition.
Increase hot-water temperature in the calorifier to avoid growth of Legionella.

9.14.5
o
Perform a hot-water flush (i.e. all taps and
Hot-water temperature at any

showerheads turned on consecutively at a temtap below 50 C.
perature of 70 C for more than 3 minutes).
Sample the water to assess the risk of Legionella contamination.

106
9.14.6
o

documents reviewed

corrective actions
Insulate the cold-water system, and avoid any

exposure to excessive heat or other potable
Cold-water temperature at any water components.
tap above 25 C.
Sample the water to assess the risk of Legionella contamination.
Recommended
Code of
Areas
Required
9.15 Hand-washing facilities

9.15.1
o
Washbasin or other places wheDeliver potable water to all washbasins, bathre water for human consumptubs, showers and other places where water is
tion is offered does not have
used for human consumption.
potable water.
9.16 Drinking-water fountains
9.16.1
o
Water-jet orifices not slanted

or orifice not protected by Protect orifice with a cover.
cover.
Increase flow to avoid mouth contact with
Insufficient flow to ensure the fountain.
the mouth does not come in
Clean and disinfect the whole fountain (incontact with the fountain.
cluding inner parts).
Flow of stream cannot be
controlled by user.
Disconnect the drinking-water fountain from
the potable water system while cleaning and
Evidence of mould or slime
disinfecting, then reconnect.
build-up.
o
o
o
9.17 Water-service containers
9.17.1
o
Coolers that permit direct

contact between ice, water
and coolers (in which water
Do not use these devices.
bottles are inserted neck
downwards into the cooling
chamber) are used.
9.18 Ice machines
9.18.1
o
Non-potable water used to Do not make ice for human consumption

make ice cubes or other ice from non-potable water.
for drinking purposes.
Ice machine or ice-bin interior Clean and disinfect ice machine.
dirty or poorly maintained.
9. 19 Criteria for taking water samples (only some possible reasons)

9.19.1
o
Water has been produced in Test for microorganism contamination (esunsafe water bodies (e.g. ri- pecially E. coli, coliforms, enterocci, HPC,
vers, lakes, anchorage).
C. perfringens).
9.19.2
o
Water has been bunkered Test for microorganism contamination (esfrom unsafe sources (e.g. pecially E. coli, coliforms, enterocci, HPC, C.
using dirty hoses).
perfringens, P. aeruginosa).
107

documents reviewed

corrective actions
9.19.3
o
No halogen or chlorine residue Test for microorganism contamination (espemeasured when testing.
cially E. coli, coliforms, enterocci, HPC).
9.19.4
o
Potable water installation does Sample for microorganism and chemical contanot meet the international or mination based on risk stratification and nationational technical standards.
nal health regulations.
9.19.5
o
Water temperatures out of

Test for microorganism contamination (esperange (cold water >25 C or hot
cially Legionella spp.).
water <50 C).
9.19.6
o
Stagnant water found, or poorly

maintained aerators and showe- Test for microorganism contamination (esperheads (especially in medical cially P. aeruginosa, HPC).
areas).
9.19.7
o
Chemical odour or taste.
Test for chemical contamination (e.g. tank coating, fuel).
9.19.8
o
Coloured water.
Test for chemical contamination (e.g. pipe corrosion).
108
Recommended
Code of
Areas
Required
Area 10 Sewage
Introduction
Large amounts of wastewater can accumulate on ships, depending on the number of people
on board, type of ship and duration of voyage. This wastewater can be separated into grey
water (wash water, shower, etc.) and black water. Sewage and black water are often used
interchangeably.
According to the internationally accepted definition in the IMO International Convention for
the Prevention of Pollution from Ships 1973 (modified by the protocol of 1978 relating thereto
[MARPOL 73/78]), sewage is defined as:
drainage and other wastes from any form of toilets, urinals and WC flushing system;
drainage from medical premises (e.g. dispensary, sickbay) via washbasins, wash tubs and
scuppers located in such premises;
drainage from spaces containing living animals (e.g. livestock carriers); or
other wastewaters (e.g. grey water from showers) when mixed with the drainages defined
above.
Sewage is one type of wastewater, and is a major actual or potential source of potable water
pollution with infectious agents. Pollution can also come from many chemical characteristics,
including high concentrations of ammonium, nitrate and phosphorus; high conductivity
(due to high dissolved solids); and high alkalinity, with pH typically ranging between 7 and 8.
Trihalomethanes are also likely to be present as a result of past disinfection.
Main risks
Unsafe management and disposal of sewage can readily lead to adverse health consequences.
Black water may harbour many different harmful substances, such as chemicals, pharmaceuticals
and biological agents. It is well known that pathogenic amoebae, bacteria, viruses, worms, fungi
and parasites survive in untreated black water. The main risk is disease spread by contaminated
and insufficiently treated sewage that has been discharged into the surrounding water. Crosscontamination of potable water, accidents (e.g. leakage or overflow) and acquired infections
during maintenance work are some of the additional health risks.
The most common method of treating sewage is to flush sewage from toilets through a piping
system into a holding tank where it is comminuted, decanted and broken down by naturally
occurring bacteria in an aerobic process. It is then disinfected before it is discharged into the
open sea. It is important to consider that an excessive use of cleaners and disinfectant in the
sewage system may destroy the natural bacteria in the treatment plant. The aerobic process
needs oxygen; therefore, aerators blow air into the biological compartment. Toxic gases can be
produced during this process.

The IMOs International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships 1973 (modified
by the protocol of 1978 relating thereto [MARPOL 73/78]), Annex IV: Prevention of pollution by
sewage from ships, entered into force on 27 September 2003. It was revised on 1 April 2004 and
the revision entered into force on 1 August 2005.
Since September 2008, MARPOL 73/78 Annex IV and the Marine Environment Protection
Committees (MEPCs) amendment MEPC.115(51) state that all ships engaged in international
109
voyages and of a size >400 gross tonnage, or certified to carry >15 persons, need to be equipped
with at least one of the following sewage systems:
sewage holding tank with sufficient capacity and visual level indicator;
sewage comminuting and disinfecting system, including storage tank;
sewage treatment plant that is approved according to MEPC.2(VI), Recommendation on
international effluent standards and guidelines for performance tests for sewage treatment
plants.
Passenger ships deal with large amounts of wastewater and are often operating in protected
areas. Therefore, onboard cruise ship treatment plants often use the principles of membrane
filtration or reverse osmosis (or both).
In MARPOL 73/78 Annex IV, different regulations concerning handling of sewage are defined.
IMOs MEPC has defined additional amendments with more detailed information:
MEPC.2(VI), Actual criteria for testing of sewage treatment plants;
MEPC.115(51), Revision of the regulations in MARPOL Annex IV;
MEPC.157(55), Standards for the rate of discharge of untreated sewage;
MEPC.159(55), Criteria for sewage treatment plants built after January 2010
Document review
Technical drawings of sewage system.
IMO International Sewage Pollution Prevention (ISPP) certificate.
International Safety Management (ISM) manual.
Sewage management plan (if available).
Maintenance instructions of sewage treatment plant (if installed).
References
IMO, International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships 1973. (modified by the
protocol of 1978 relating thereto [MARPOL 73/78]).
ISO 14726-2:2008. Ships and marine technologyIdentification colours for the content of piping
systemsPart 2: Additional colours for different media and/or functions. Geneva, ISO, 2009.
WHO (2011). Guide to ship sanitation, 3rd ed. Geneva, WHO.
110

documents reviewed

corrective actions
Recommended
Code of
Areas
Required
10.1 Document review

10.1.1
o
ISPP certificate is more than 5

years old, does not exist, or is
issued in neither English nor
French.
Conduct renewal survey of the whole sewage

system and obtain a new ISPP certificate. Inform the competent authority (e.g. Port State
Control).
10.1.2
o
Regulations for familiarization

Incorporate instructions for operation and
of the sewage treatment plant
maintenance of the sewage system into ISM
operation for ship personnel do
manual.
not exist.
10.1.3
o
No technical drawings available.
Prepare technical drawings for the next inspection.
10.1.4
o
No operation and maintenance Provide maintenance instructions for the next

instruction manual available.
inspection.
10.1.5
o
Sewage not included in the

Develop a waste management plan that incluwaste management plan, or no
des procedures for the handling of sewage.
waste management plan exists.
10.2 Sewage from the galley or pantries
10.2.1
o
10.2.2
o
10.2.3
o
Install sufficient backflow prevention (e.g. air

Sink drain (for food preparation gaps).
or dishwashing) directly connected to the wastewater system.
Install signs that advise strict cleaning of the
sink before any food is prepared there.
Drain pipes of ice machines,

dishwashing machines or food
refuse grinders directly connected to wastewater system, and
not equipped with appropriate
backflow prevention.
No grease interceptors installed between galley wastewater

system and sewage system; or
grease interceptors are overflowing, dirty or otherwise insufficiently maintained.

gaps) at dishwashing machine.

gaps) at ice machines.
Install air gaps or mechanical backflow preventers at garbage grinders and food-waste
systems.
Install grease interceptors between the galley

wastewater system and the sewage system.
Clean grease interceptors regularly and dispose of collected grease.
111

documents reviewed

corrective actions
Recommended
Code of
Areas
Required
10.3 Sewage from medical areas
10.3.1
o
Technical drawing or physical

inspection of the sewage system
shows that liquids from medical Change the construction so that all sewage
areas (e.g. drains, showers, ba- from medical areas goes into the sewage systhtubs, washing bowls, toilets) tem.
are not drained into the sewage
system.
10.4 Sewage from public and common bathrooms, hand-wash stations and toilets
10.4.1
o
Insufficient deck drains connected Install sufficient deck drainage that is connecto the sewage system.
ted to the sewage system.
10.4.2
o
Sewage and bathwater are Clean and unclog the drains and pipes.
clogged, or there is visible or
Install piping of adequate size.
reported backflow.
10.4.3
o
Toilet or flushing system not

Repair toilet or flushing system (or both).
working properly.
10.4.4
o
Technical drawing or physical

inspection of the sewage sysClose affected bathroom(s) or toilet(s). Discontem shows that bathrooms or
nect all piping (sewage and potable water) clotoilets are located on a deck
se to main pipes to avoid harmful stagnation.
that forms the top of potable
water tanks.
10.5.1
o
Cargo-hold drainage or refrigeConnect these drains to a common drainage

rated cargo spaces are directly
system that is separate from any sewage sysconnected to the sewage system.
tem.
o
o
o
o
10.5 Cargo holds

o
10.6 Animal excrement

10.6.1
o
Install suitable drainage to avoid any pooling or

No drains of sufficient size spilling of animal excrement.
installed and connected to a
holding tank or a treatment Install a holding tank with the appropriate capacity to store sewage until ship can safely dissystem.
charge the sewage.
10.7.1
o
Colour coding missing at the Suitable colour coding has to be painted onto
piping (e.g. in blackblueblack the piping at least every 5 m (e.g. blackblue
black according to ISO 14726:2008).
every 5 m).
10.7.2
o
Pipes not well maintained; they Clean and maintain the piping.
are clogged, of inadequate size Repair leakage immediately.
or leaking
Install piping of adequate size.
10.7.3
o
Cross-connections to other
systems containing liquid are Remove all cross-connections.
found, or sewage pipes are
leading through potable water Remove all piping in the tanks that do not
tanks or are connected to pota- contain potable water.
ble water piping.
o
o
10.7 Piping system
112
o
o
o
o
o
10.7.4
o

corrective actions
Drain lines carrying sewage and

grey water are passing directly
over:
galleys, buffets or bars;
Change piping arrangement; drain lines should
food preparation or serving
not pass over critical areas.
areas;
food equipment or utensil
washing areas;
food storage areas.
Recommended

documents reviewed
Required
Code of
Areas
10.8 Sewage holding tank

(mandatory for all ships >400 tons gross tonnage or with 15 persons on board)
10.8.1
o
Install sewage holding tank in isolated position

(cofferdam and coaming), and of sufficient size
No sewage holding tank availaand material. Equip with a level indicator, high
ble.
level alert, cleaning access and an overflow
system.
Place a sign on the tank and label with the
words Sewage-holding tank.
10.8.2
Identification and capacity

Tank is not identified, or the Label tank clearly with the correct tank capacity in m.
tank capacity:
is unlabelled;
Install holding tank with sufficient capacity (at
is insufficient;
least 114 liter per person per day, or according
does not correspond to the to the Helsinki Commission [HELCOM] RecomISPP certificate
mendation 10/11).
Renew ISPP certificate. Inform the authorized
authority (e.g. Port State Control).
Leakage and overflow
Tank not in an isolated position (no cofferdam) or sharing
a common wall with potable
water tanks.
Install coaming around tank to avoid spread

of spillage.
Tank has no visual level indica- Install a high-level alert.

tor, or no high-level alert instalClean and disinfect the contaminated area.
led (or both).
Install tank with sufficient capacity (if the
Evidence found for leakage or reason for overflow is insufficient tank capaoverflow (e.g. the holding tank city).
or surrounding area is dirty).
Repair leaks.
10.8.4
o
o
Install tank in an isolated position that does

not share a common wall with potable water
tanks. Surround tank with a cofferdam.
Tank not secured against over- Install easily visible level indicator on the
outside of the tank.
flow or leakage by coaming.
10.8.3
Install a vent on the tank.

No or inadequate ventilation of
Lead emissions to the outside of the ship,
the tanks.
away from any air intakes.
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
113

corrective actions
Recommended

documents reviewed
Required
Code of
Areas
10.9 Comminuting and disinfection plant (if installed)
10.9.1
o
10.9.2
o
Comminuting and disinfection

system has no type approval, is
more than 5 years old, or is not
displaying the test results of the
sample taken after disinfection,
or the ISPP certificate is not
available.
Identification and capacity:

Plant not identifiable.
Tank capacity:
is not labelled;
is insufficient to hold comminuted and disinfected sewage
while the ship is less than 3 nautical miles away from nearest
land; or
does not correspond to the
ISPP certificate.
Install type-approved system.
Renew ISPP certificate. Inform authorized

authority.
Take samples to determine the efficiency of

the disinfection unit.
Install an additional holding tank to store

disinfected and comminuted effluent of the
treatment plant.
Make tank clearly identifiable with sign, and

label with the words Comminuting and disinfection plant.
Label tank clearly with the correct tank capacity in m.
10.9.3
o
Not enough disinfectant to Store enough disinfectant to operate the

operate the system during the treatment system for at least two complete
next voyage.
voyages.
10.9.4
o
Train technical staff in the operation and mainShip personnel have insufficient tenance of the sewage system.
knowledge about operation
and maintenance of the commi- Train staff in the operation and maintenance
nuting and disinfection plant.
of the sewage system according to the ISM
manual.
10.10 Sewage treatment plant (if installed)
10.10.1
o
Sewage treatment plant has

no type approval, is more than Install type-approved system.
5 years old or is not displaying
test results, or the ISPP certifi- Inform authorized authority to renew the ISPP
certificate.
cate is not available.
Turn on sewage treatment plant.
10.10.2
o
114
o
o
o
Store all sewage in a suitable holding tank, or

discharge sewage to an official port reception
Treatment plant in inoperable facility.
condition or bypassed.
Repair or maintain sewage treatment plant

before discharging treated sewage into waterbodies or the open sea.
10.10.3
Treatment plant appears to be

in an unsatisfactory condition;
for example:
it is switched off or bypassed;
the aerators for the biological
compartment are not working;
there is too much sludge in
the compartments;
there is no disinfectant
available;
the treated effluent shows
visible pieces;
there is a strong, conspicuous
smell or explicit colour (note:
a slightly brown or yellow
colour is harmless);
the drain valve for the biofilter or settling tank is open or
broken.

corrective actions
Turn on sewage treatment plant; treat all

sewage before discharge.
Perform maintenance works according to

manufacturers instructions to obtain required
effluent standard.
Do not discharge effluent closer than 12 nautical miles to the coastline until all problems
are fixed.
Repair the aerators.
Refill with suitable disinfectant according to

manufacturers instructions.
Take samples for microorganism analysis

according to MEPC regulation.
Remove excess sludge from the tanks and

discharge it to an official port reception facility.
Clean, inspect and repair the tanks according

to the manufacturers instructions, when required (e.g. every 6 months).
10.10.4
No sampling point available or

it is not suitable for sampling.
Install metal sampling point at treated effluent

outlet.
10.10.5
Install a vent on the tank.

No or inadequate ventilation of
Direct emissions to the outside of the ship,
the tanks.
away from any air intakes.
Recommended

documents reviewed
Required
Code of
Areas
o
o
o
10.11 Discharge
10.11.1
o
Untreated sewage has been

discharged into the port basin, Stop discharging immediately and report the
the river or another protected incident to the port authority
area.
10.11.2
o
Overboard valve open or broClose or repair valve immediately.

ken.
10.11.3
o
Pipes that may discharge

untreated sewage, residues
from sewage treatment and
Close all pipe valves immediately.
sewage from holding tanks directly into the port basin are not
closed.
10.11.4
o
Excess sludge from tanks or

treatment plants is not appro- Store excess sludge in appropriate tanks until
priately stored for eventual dis- eventual discharge to port-reception facilities
posal to land-based facilities or or open sea.
open sea.
115
10.11.5
MARPOL 73/78 discharge

rules not known, or national
discharge rules for the actual
port or surrounding waters not
known.
Train appropriate personnel in MARPOL 73/78

regulations or national port regulations, and
implement these procedures into the ISM
manual.
10.11.6
Pipeline suitable for the

discharge of sewage to a
reception facility is missing; the
discharge shore connection
does not meet requirements of
MARPOL 73/78 Annex IV; or a
quick-closing coupling is used
but has not been agreed to by
the administration.
Recommended

corrective actions
Required

documents reviewed
Code of
Areas
Install suitable pipeline to allow sanitary discharge of sewage to port reception facilities.
Install discharge connections with standard

flange(s) according to MARPOL 73/78 Annex
IV.
10.12 Discharge hoses
10.12.1
o
10.12.2
o
Sewage discharge hoses not

available; hoses not made of
durable, impervious material
with a smooth interior surface;
or not labelled as sewage discharge hoses.
Order suitable sewage discharge hoses, made

of durable, impervious material, with a smooth
interior surface.
Label sewage discharge hoses with the words

For waste discharge only to avoid accidental
cross-contamination.
Clean, flush and disinfect sewage discharge

Hoses are in dirty condition; hoses after each use.
they appear not to be cleaned
Store sewage discharge hoses at a dedicaand disinfected.
ted place, labelled with the words Waste
Hoses are not stored in a desi- discharge hose.
gnated convenient place, or are Clean and disinfect the storage place.
stored together with potable
Do not store any potable water hose or equipwater equipment.
ment together with sewage discharge hoses.
o
o
o
10.13 Bilge
Discharge the bilge water to a port-reception
facility. Clean the bilge.
10.13.1
o
10.13.2
o
116
Sewage, rodent excrement,

food particles, putrescible mat- Check all parts of the sewage system for leater or toxic substances found in kage and overflow.
the bilge.
Perform deratting measures if rodent excrement is found.
Collect grey water in the holding tank, lead
it into the disinfection compartment of the
Grey water regularly discharged
sewage treatment plant or discharge it overinto the bilge.
board according to local and international
regulations.
o
o
o
Area 11 Ballast water

Introduction
Studies carried out in several countries have demonstrated that many species of bacteria, plants
and animals are able to survive as stowaways in the ballast water and sediments carried by
ships, even over long ocean voyages. Discharge of the ballast water and sediments in port waters can result in the establishment of harmful aquatic organisms and pathogenic agents that
may pose a threat to human life, the environment and ecosystem balance.
Ships transporting large amounts of cargo (e.g. bulk ships or container ships) need to control
their balance during cargo operations. Therefore, large amounts of ballast water are pumped
into or out of the ship. For example, if a ship arrives in a port with empty cargo holds, the ship
is in ballast, which means that several hundred tonnes of ballast water are in the ballast-water
tanks in order to stabilise the ship while crossing the ocean. During loading operations, the
ballast water has to be pumped into the port basin to keep the ship stable.

The IMOs International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships Ballast Water
and Sediments was adopted on 13 February 2004. The convention entered into force 12 months
after ratification by 30 states, representing 35% of the worlds merchant-shipping tonnage (Article 18, Entry into force).
The specific requirements for ballast-water management are contained in Regulation B-3, Ballast water management for ships:
Ships constructed before 2009 with a ballast-water capacity of between 1,500 and 5,000 m3
must conduct ballast-water management that at least meet the ballast-water exchange standards or the ballast-water performance standards until 2014, after which it shall at least meet
the ballast-water performance standard.
Ships constructed before 2009 with a ballast water capacity of <1,500 m3 or >5,000 m3 must
conduct ballast-water management that at least meets the ballast-water exchange standards
or the ballast-water performance standards until 2016, after which time it shall at least meet
the ballast-water performance standard.
Ships constructed in or after 2009 with a ballast-water capacity of < 5,000 /m3 must conduct
ballast-water management that at least meets the ballast-water performance standard.
Ships constructed in or after 2009, but before 2012, with a ballast-water capacity of 5,000 /m3
shall conduct ballast-water management that at least meets the standard described in regulation D-1 or D-2 until 2016, and at least the ballast-water performance standard after 2016.
Ships constructed in or after 2012 with a ballast-water capacity of 5,000 /m3 shall conduct ballast-water management that at least meets the ballast-water performance standard.
Specific indicators for the ballast-water exchange standard and ballast-water performance standard are found in Annex D, Standards for ballast-water management, of the IMO International
Convention for the Control and Management of Ships Ballast Water and Sediments, and are
described below.
Regulation D-1, Ballast water exchange standard:
Ships performing ballast-water exchange shall do so with an efficiency of 95% volumetric exchange of ballast water. For ships exchanging ballast water by the pumping-through method,
117
three times the volume of each ballast water tank must be pumped through to meet the described standard. Pumping through less than three times the volume may be accepted, provided
the ship can demonstrate that at least 95% volumetric exchange is met.
Regulation D-2, Ballast water performance standard:
Ships conducting ballast-water management shall discharge:
<10 viable organisms/m3 50 m in dimension;
<10 viable organisms/ml <50 m in dimension and 10 m in dimension.
Also, discharge of the indicator microbes shall not exceed the specified concentrations.
The indicator microbes, as a human health standard, include, but are not limited to:
toxicogenic Vibrio cholerae (O1 and O139) with <1 colony forming unit (cfu)/100 ml or <1 cfu/g
(wet weight) of zooplankton samples;
Escherichia coli <250 cfu/100 ml; and
intestinal enterococci <100 cfu/100 ml.
Ballast-water management systems must be approved by the administration and accord with
the IMO guidelines (Regulation D-3, Approval requirements for ballast water management systems). These include systems that make use of chemicals or biocides; make use of organisms or
biological mechanisms; or alter the chemical or physical characteristics of the ballast water.
IMO guidelines for uniform implementation of the ballast water management convention:
Guidelines for sediments reception facilities (G1)
Guidelines for ballast water sampling (G2)
Guidelines for ballast water management equivalent compliance (G3)
Guidelines for ballast water management and development of ballast water
management plans (G4)
Guidelines for ballast water reception facilities (G5)
Guidelines for ballast water exchange (G6)
Guidelines for risk assessment under Regulation A-4 (G7)
Guidelines for approval of ballast water management systems (G8)
Procedure for approval of BWM systems that make use of active substances (G9)
Guidelines for approval and oversight of prototype ballast water treatment technology programmes (G10)
Guidelines for ballast water exchange design and construction standards (G11)
Guidelines on design and construction to facilitate sediment control on ships (G12)
Guidelines for additional measures regarding ballast water management including emergency
situations (G13)
Guidelines on designation of areas for ballast water exchange (G14)
Main risks
The problem of invasive species is largely due to the expanded trade and traffic volume over the
past few decades. The effects in many areas of the world have been devastating. Quantitative
data show that the rate of bio-invasions is increasing at an alarming rate, sometimes exponentially, and new areas are being invaded all the time. Seaborne trade continues to increase, and
the problem may not yet have reached its peak.
Specific examples include the introduction of the European zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) into the Great Lakes between Canada and the United States, resulting in billions of dollars
being spent on pollution control and cleaning the underwater structures and water pipes; and
the introduction of the American comb jelly (Mnemiopsis leidyi) to the Black and Azov seas,
causing the near extinction of anchovy and sprat fisheries.
There are also public health risks; some cholera epidemics appear to be directly associated with
ballast water in South America, the Gulf of Mexico and other areas.
118
Sampling
The standards of the IMO Guidelines MEPC 58/23 Annex 3, Draft guidelines for ballast water
sampling (G2), can be used as a major reference for sampling ballast water, if necessary, for the
assessment of existing public health risks.
The objectives of these guidelines are to provide the States Parties authorities, including Port
State Control officers, with practical and technical guidance on ballast-water sampling and analysis for the purpose of determining whether the ship has complied with the ballast water management convention according to article 9, Inspection of ships, and with Regulations D-1 or
D-2.
For this purpose, samples should be taken from the discharge line, as near to the point of discharge as practicable, during ballast-water discharge, whenever possible. In cases where the
ballast system design does not enable sampling from the discharge line, other sampling arrangements may be necessary. Sampling via maintenance openings, sounding pipes or air pipes is
not the preferred approach for assessing compliance with Regulation D-2.
Any sampling protocol for compliance testing under the ballast water management
convention should observe the following principles to help ensure consistency of approach
between parties and to provide certainty to the shipping industry:
The sampling protocol should be in line with these guidelines.
The sampling protocol should result in samples that are representative of the whole discharge
of ballast water from any single tank or any combination of tanks being discharged.
The sampling protocol should consider the potential for a suspended sediment load in the
discharge to affect sample results.
The sampling protocol should provide for samples to be taken at appropriate discharge
points.
The quantity and quality of samples taken should be sufficient to demonstrate whether the
ballast water being discharged meets the relevant standard.
Sampling should be undertaken in a safe and practical manner.
Samples should be a manageable size.
Samples should be taken, sealed and stored to ensure that they can be used to test for compliance with the convention.
Samples should be fully analysed within the test methods holding-time limits by an accredited
laboratory.
Samples should be transported, handled and stored with consideration of the chain of custody.
Before testing for compliance with Regulation D-2, it is recommended that, as a first step, a
representative sample of ballast-water discharge be taken to establish whether a ship is potentially compliant or non-compliant. Such a test could help the State Party identify immediate
mitigation measures, within its existing powers, to avoid any additional impact from a possible
non-compliant ballast-water discharge from the ship.
In emergency or epidemic situations, port states may use alternative sampling methods that
may need to be introduced at short notice. Ships entering ports under their jurisdiction need to
be told about these sampling methods. In such situations, they may not necessarily notify WHO,
but such notification could be beneficial for other parties.
119
Document review
Constructional drawings of ballast-water reporting system.
IMOs ballast water reporting form.
International safety management manual.
Maintenance instructions for ballast-water treatment plant.
References
IMO (2007), International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships Ballast
Water and Sediments.
Resolution MEPC. 152(55) Guidelines for sediments reception facilities (G1). London, IMO,
2005.
Resolution MEPC.123(53) Guidelines for ballast water management equivalent compliance
(G3). London, IMO, 2005.
Resolution MEPC.124(53) Guidelines for ballast water exchange (G6). London, IMO, 2005.
Resolution MEPC.127(53) Guidelines for ballast water management and development of
ballast water management plans (G4). London, IMO, 2005.
Resolution MEPC.140(54) Guidelines for approval and oversight of prototype ballast water
treatment technology programmes (G10). London, IMO, 2006.
Resolution MEPC.149(55) Guidelines for ballast water exchange design and construction
standards (G11). London, IMO, 2006.
Resolution MEPC.150(55) Guidelines on design and construction to facilitate sediment
control on ships (G12). London, IMO, 2006.
Resolution MEPC.151(55) Guidelines on designation of areas for ballast water exchange
Resolution MEPC.153(55) Guidelines for ballast water reception facilities (G5). London,
IMO, 2006.
Resolution MEPC.161(56) Guidelines for additional measures regarding ballast water
management including emergency situations (G13). London, IMO, 2007.
Resolution MEPC.162(56) Guidelines for risk assessment under Regulation A-4 of the BWM
Convention (G7). London, IMO, 2007.
Resolution MEPC.169(57) Procedure for approval of ballast water management systems that
make use of active substances. London, IMO, 2008.
Resolution MEPC.173(58) Guidelines for ballast water sampling (G2). London, IMO, 2008.
Resolution MEPC.174(58) Guidelines for approval of ballast water management systems
Resolution MEPC.175(58) Information reporting on type approved ballast water management
systems. London, IMO, 2008.
Resolution MEPC.188(60) Installation of ballast water management systems on new ships
in accordance with the application dates contained in the Ballast Water Management
Convention (BWM Convention). London, IMO, 2010.
McCarthy SA, Khambaty FM (1994). International dissemination of epidemic Vibrio cholerae
by cargo ship ballast and other non-potable waters. Applications in Environmental
Microbiology, 60:25972601.
120

corrective actions
Recommended

documents reviewed
Required
Code of
Areas
11.1 Management
11.1.1
o
IMO ballast-water
book not available.
record
11.1.2
o
Ballast-water
management lines.
plan (BWMP) not available.
Implement all procedures as defined in the
Provide a complete ballast-water record book.
Develop the BWMP according to IMO guide-
o
o
BWMP.
11.1.3
o
Ballast-water treatment plants

Provide technical information on the ballastinstalled but no technical inwater treatment for next inspection.
formation available.
11.2 Ballast-water exchange and treatment
11.2.1
o
11.2.2
o
Close all discharge valves immediately.

No ballast-water exchange in
the open sea has been perfor- Notify the proper authority (e.g. harbour
med, no onboard treatment police or Port State Control).
system is available or no onboard treatment is performed. Discharge, if necessary, under the supervision
of the proper authority.
Salinity test indicates that water Inform the proper authority to collect samples
has not been exchanged in the for assessing the risk of harmful aquatic orgaopen sea.
nisms and pathogens in the water.
o
o
o
o
Close discharge lines and valves.

11.2.3
o
Treatment plant not approved Discharge, if necessary, under supervision of

the proper authority.
by IMO.
Notify proper authority (e.g. the harbour
police or Port State Control).
o
o
11.3 Discharge
11.3.1
o
Untreated or unexchanged
Stop discharge operation immediately and
ballast water has been or is disnotify proper authority (e.g. the harbour police
charged into the port basin, the
or Port State Control).
river or another protected area.
121
Area 12 Cargo holds

Introduction
Factors contributing to onboard public health risks include the design, construction, management and operation of the cargo holds. Some public health risks can be carried from one
country to another via contaminated or infested cargo loaded into holds, onboard contamination or vector infestation of cargo, and inadequate or insufficient onboard preventive and
control measures.
Holds should be empty for inspection. According to IMO Resolution A.864(20) and the Manual
on loading and unloading of solid bulk cargoes for terminal representatives (BLU Code), 2008
edition, special precautions should be taken before entering enclosed spaces aboard ships.
There could be a risk of an unsafe atmosphere in ships holds, particularly where the cargo has
been fumigated in passage, and/or has oxygen-depleting characteristics, or flammable or toxic
vapours. Hold inspections should be carried out as soon as unloading of a hold is completed
and it is safe to enter.

IMO Recommendations for entering enclosed spaces aboard ships [resolution A.864(20)]
3 Assessment
3.2 The procedures to be followed for testing the atmosphere in the space and for entry should
be decided on the basis of the preliminary assessment. These will depend on whether the risk
assessment shows that:
1. there is minimal risk to the health or life of personnel entering the space;
2. there is no immediate risk to health or life, but a risk could arise during the course of work
in the space; and
3. a risk to health or life is identified.
Where the preliminary assessment indicates minimal risk to health or life, or potential for risk to
arise during the course of work in the space, the precautions described in 4, 5, 6 and 7 should
be followed as appropriate.
Where the preliminary assessment identifies risk to life or health, and if entry is necessary, the
additional precautions specified in section 8 should also be followed.
9.5 Fumigation
When a ship is fumigated, the detailed recommendations contained in the recommended use
of pesticides in ships should be followed. Spaces adjacent to fumigated spaced should be treated as if fumigated.
IMO I267:2008, Manual on loading and unloading of solid bulk cargoes for terminal representatives (BLU Code), 2008 edition
This manual comprises regulations to prevent pollution from household garbage and other
solid waste. The annex defines the different types of waste that are to be regarded as garbage,
the distance from land where they are allowed to be discharged and in what way.
International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships 1973 (modified by the
protocol of 1978 relating thereto [MARPOL 73/78])
According to this convention, the following types of waste are regarded as garbage from cargo
holds: dunnage, broken pallets, lashings, ropes and covers.
122
IMO SOLAS XII/6.5.1Protection of cargo holds from loading/discharge equipment and SOLAS XII/6.5.3Failure of cargo hold structural
members and panels
Main risks
Main public health risks on board include the design, construction, management and operation of the cargo holds. Some public health risks can be
carried from one country to another via contaminated or infested cargo loaded into holds, onboard contamination or vector infestation of cargo, and
inadequate or insufficient onboard preventive and control measures.
Document review
Management plans.
Operational procedures.
Confined-space entry procedures and records.
Lock-out and tag-out procedures.
Material Safety Data Sheets.
Construction drawings (including drainage).
Ventilation system drawings.
Vector control records.
Cleaning schedule.
References
IMO, International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), Regulation XII/6.5.1. London, IMO, 1974.
IMO, I267:2008 Manual on loading and unloading of solid bulk cargoes for
terminal representatives. London, IMO, 2008.
IMO, Recommendations for entering enclosed spaces aboard ships. London, IMO, 1997.
123

corrective actions
Recommended

documents reviewed
Required
Code of
Areas
12.1 Operational procedures

12.1.1
o
Absent or ineffective operational procedures for controlling

public health risks according to
the characteristics and forms of
cargo on board.
Lay out operational procedures to proactively

control public health risks to staff, travellers
and communities that could be affected by
ships and cargoes arriving in port.
Develop appropriate management plans.
12.2 Construction, design and layout

12.2.1
o
Construction, design and layout Perform measures to correct construction,

predispose to probable failure design and layout to make them suitable for
of public health risk controls.
intended purpose.
12.2.2
o
Perform disinfection, disinsection or deratting

Ingress of contaminated mate- if contamination is evident.
rials, liquids, gases, foreign maSeparate cargo suspected or showing signs of
terial or vectors found.
contamination or deterioration.
o
o
o

12.3.1
o
12.3.2
o
Construction materials and design do not facilitate cleaning,

and/or construction design aids
harbouring of vectors.
Correct design deficiencies, and reconstruct

using materials that facilitate cleaning and
decontamination.
Discard or isolate contaminated items.
Evidence of vectors and/or re- Perform immediate disinfection, disinsection

servoirs found.
or deratting.
o
o
o
12.4 Equipment for controlling environmental conditions

12.4.1
o
Absent, inadequate or ineffective

Correct equipment deficiencies and write
equipment necessary for controlprocedures to ensure effective operational
ling environmental conditions acpractices.
cording to type of cargo.
12.5.1
o
Drains not independent of each Correct deficiencies and ensure that drains are
other and of all other drainage independent of each other and of all other draisystems.
nage systems.
12.5.2
o
Drains connected to a drain

Separate drain from any drainage system
that receives human sewage or
carrying human or medical waste.
medical waste.
12.5.3
o
Drain lines do not discharge to Drain lines to discharge to open drain wells
open drain wells.
with an air gap.
12.5 Drainage
12.6 Ventilation
12.6.1
o
Install separate ducts for ventilation, air-condiService outlet of the cold-air or tioning and heating systems.
hot-air system (or both) serves
Separate the service outlets for each compartmore than one compartment.
ment.
12.6.2
o
Vector-proof the ducts extending from the

weather deck directly to the cargo holds, enEvidence of vectors and/or re- gine room and boiler rooms, with no horizontal
extensions, at either end.
servoirs found.
Perform immediate disinfection, disinsection or
deratting.
124
o
o
Area 13 Other systems and areas

Introduction
There are other systems and areas that also present health concerns. Vectors pose a major risk
to the health of passengers and crew members. On board, mosquitoes, rats, mice, cockroaches,
flies, lice and rat fleas are all capable of transmitting disease. Also, rodents are well established
at port areas and are considered vectors for many diseases, such as plague, murine typhus,
salmonellosis, trichinosis, leptospirosis and rat-bite fever. Monitoring and control of vectors and
reservoirs is necessary to maintain health on ships.
Standing water caused by heavy rainfall or overflow can act as breeding sites for mosquitoes.
This can then increase the potential for exposure to vector-borne diseases such as dengue fever,
malaria and West Nile fever.
Washing machines and laundry facilities are indispensible to ships, according to C92 Accommodation of Crews Convention (Revised) 1949. This document contains detailed minimum standards for the location, construction, arrangement and equipment of such facilities, including
sanitary facilities.
Drainage from laundries is categorized as grey water, under Annex V of the International
Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships 1973 (modified by the protocol of 1978
relating thereto [MARPOL 73/78]). Under the previous Garbage Pollution Prevention Regulations, liquefied galley wastes were not considered to be waste, and there were therefore no
restrictions on their discharge as long as they did not contain a pollutant as described in the
MARPOL 73/78 regulations. Although grey water generally poses less harm than, for example,
black water, grey water can on occasion contain some harmful constituents, such as detergent
residues and chlorine from bleach in laundry discharges.

International Health Regulations (IHR) (2005)
Article 24, Conveyance operators:
States Parties shall take practicable measures consistent with these regulations to ensure that
conveyance operators:
(a) comply with the health measures recommended by WHO and adopted by the State Party;
(b) inform travellers of the health measures recommended by WHO and adopted by the State
Party for application on board; and
(c) permanently keep conveyances for which they are responsible free from sources of infection
or contamination, including vectors and reservoirs. The application of measures to control sources of infection or contamination may be required if evidence is found.
Annex 1B, To provide as far as practicable a programme and trained personnel for the control
of vectors and reservoirs in and near points of entry.
Annex 5, Specific measures for vector-borne diseases.
ILO Maritime Labour Convention 2006
Regulation 3.1, Accommodation and recreational facilities.
Standard A3.1, Accommodation and recreational facilities.
13. Appropriately situated and furnished laundry facilities shall be available.
125
Regulation 3.1, Accommodation and recreational facilities

Guideline B3.1.7, Sanitary accommodation
4. The laundry facilities provided for seafarers use should include:
(a) washing machines;
(b) drying machines or adequately heated and ventilated drying rooms; and
(c) irons and ironing boards or their equivalent.
ILO C92 Accommodation of Crews Convention (Revised) 1949
Article 13:
12. In all ships, facilities for washing and drying clothes shall be provided on a scale appropriate
to the size of the crew and the normal duration of the voyage.
13. The facilities for washing clothes shall include suitable sinks, which may be installed in wash
rooms, if separate laundry accommodation is not reasonably practicable, with an adequate
supply of cold fresh water and hot fresh water or means of heating water.
14. The facilities for drying clothes shall be provided in a compartment separate from sleeping
rooms and mess rooms, adequately ventilated and heated and equipped with lines or other
fittings for hanging clothes.
Main risks
Many diseases are transmitted to humans via vectors such as rats, mosquitoes, mice,
cockroaches, flies, lice and rat fleas. If not properly controlled, these vectors could board ships,
and then breed and be carried overseas. This would represent serious health risks to the crew
and passengers. Moreover, persons and vectors on board can, in turn, spread disease to ports
in other countries.
For example, standing water on board the ship or on its lifeboats provide a habitat for
mosquitoes to lay eggs. Adult mosquitoes will emerge from the standing water, and these adults
will lay additional eggs during their life-cycle. If standing water persists for long periods, or is
replenished by repeated heavy rain or overflow, increased mosquito production may continue
for several weeks or months. If not effectively controlled, mosquitoes could be carried by ship
and spread infectious disease via international travel.
Other risks include exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials through
contaminated objects that were improperly handled during housekeeping; for instance,
the housekeeping staff contact contaminated laundry because they were not wearing
appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). Finally, the presence of hazardous
chemicals used in the laundry process, dust from clothes and powder detergents, and poor
ventilation of the workplace all present health risks.
Document review
Integrated vector management plan.
References
Anselmo M et al. (1996). Port malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum: a case report. Le
Infezioni in Medicina, 4:4547.
Delmont J et al. (1994). Harbour-acquired Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Lancet, 344:330331.
126
Delmont J et al. (1995). Apropos of 2 cases of severe malaria contracted in the port of
Marseille. Bulletin de la Societe de Pathologie Exotique, 88:170173.
Draganescu N et al. (1977). Epidemic outbreak caused by West Nile virus in the crew of
a Romanian cargo ship passing the Suez Canal and the Red Sea on route to Yokohama.
Virologie, 28:259262.
Fijan S, Sostar-Turk S, Cencic A (2005). Implementing hygiene monitoring systems in hospital
laundries in order to reduce microbial contamination of hospital textiles. Journal of Hospital
Infection, 61(1):3038.
Peleman R et al. (2000). Indigenous malaria in a suburb of Ghent, Belgium. Journal of Travel
Medicine, 7:4849.
Raju N, Poljak I, Troselj-Vukic B (2000). Malaria, a travel health problem in the maritime
community. Journal of Travel Medicine, 7:309313.
Rubin L, Nunberg D, Rishpon S (2005). Malaria in a seaport worker in Haifa. Journal of Travel
Medicine, 12:350352.
Schultz MG et al. (1967). An outbreak of malaria on shipboard. American Journal of Tropical
Medicine and Hygiene, 16:576579.
Shoda M et al. (2001). Malaria infections in crews of Japanese ships. International Maritime
Health, 52:918.
127

corrective actions
Recommended

documents reviewed
Required
Code of
Areas
13.1 Overall vector management system

Place rodent-proof guard to prevent rodents
from boarding ships via the mooring lines.
13.1.1
o
No rat-proof guard.
13.1.2
o
No integrated vector manageDevelop an integrated vector management plan.

ment plan.
13.1.3
o
Conduct routine surveillance on vectors and

No vector control inspection re- reservoirs; for example, deploy and check
cords and logs available (inclu- rodent traps and other devices.
ding pesticide application).
Develop vector control inspection records and
logs, including pesticide application logs.
o
o
o
o
13.2 Standing water
13.2.1
o
Evidence of standing water in

different areas of the ships open
spaces (e.g. lifeboat covers, bilges, scuppers, awnings, gutters, Implement operational procedures to control
air-treatment plants) that can public health risks to crew and passengers,
and communities that could be affected by
hold insect larvae.
ships and cargoes arriving in ports.
Evidence of depressions or
culverts that can collect standing water.
13.2.2
o
Evidence of live vectors or their

Eliminate standing water and apply vector
larvae in standing water inside
control measures.
lifeboats.
13.3.1
o
Construction materials and de- Redesign and reconstruct materials so that they
sign make cleaning difficult.
facilitate cleaning and decontamination.
13.3.2
o
Ensure soil and waste drainage system is of adeImproper installation of soil and
quate dimensions, and constructed to minimize
waste drainage systems.
the risk of obstruction and facilitate cleaning.
13.3.3
o
Doors and windows not conduCorrect door and window design.

cive for proper ventilation.
13.3.4
o
Reconstruct floors using durable material that

Floors not conducive for cleais easily cleaned and impervious to dampness,
ning.
and properly drains.
13.4.1
o
Evidence of housekeeping crew Ensure that the housekeeping crew members take
members cleaning cabins of ill precautions, including using disposable PPE that is
passengers or crew while not changed after cleaning each ill persons cabin.
wearing PPE.
13.4.2
o
Insufficient supply of deter- Supply housekeeping and laundry with sufficient

gents.
quantity of washing powder or similar products.
13.4.3
o
Evidence of leaks, overflow or Maintain drainage system so that it does not

cross-connection in the drai- leak or back up.
nage system.
13.4.4
o
Evidence of housekeeping
crew members using the same
wiping cloth to clean cabins of
ill passengers or crew, as well
as cabins of well passengers or
crew; or to first clean cabins of
ill passengers and crew.
13.3 Construction of washing machines and laundry
13.4 Housekeeping cleaning and maintenance
128
o
o
Change wiping cloth following cleaning of cabins

of ill passengers and crew.
Clean cabins of well passengers and crew before

ill passengers and crew.
Annex 1 Model Ship Sanitation Control Exemption Certificate/
Annex 3
Model Ship Sanitation Control Exemption Certificate/Ship Sanitation Control Certificate
Ship Sanitation Control Certificate, Annex 3 of International Health

Regulations (2005)
129
130
Evidence found
Sample
results
Documents reviewed
Indicate when the areas listed are not applicable by marking N/A.
Other areas inspected
Medicines
Operation
Equipment and
medical devices
Medical facilities
Operation
Equipment
Swimming pools/spas
Disposal
Treatment
Holding
Waste
Distribution
Storage
Source
Water
Service
Preparation
Storage
Source
Food
Areas/facilities/systems
inspected
Control measures
applied
Re-inspection Comments regarding

date
conditions found
Attachment to model Ship Sanitation Control Exemption Certificate/Ship Sanitation Control Certificate
Annex 2 Algorithm for issuance of ship sanitation certificates,

handling of re-inspections and affected conveyances
Ship is arriving. Port informed by

Maritime Declaration of Health
(IHR Article 37), directly by the ship or by other
communication
What is the motivation?
SCENARIO 1
SCENARIO 2
SCENARIO 3
Ship requests a new

certificate
Re-inspection or
unannounced
inspection
Signs or symptoms
of a possible public
health risk reported
131
SCENARIO 1:
Ship requests a new certificate

IHR Article 39
Competent authority
is able to perform
an inspection?
No
Yes
Issue Extension
to existing SSC
for max. 30 days by
using extension-stamp
on existing SSC
if applicable
Full inspection of all areas

shall be performed
based on WHO
recommendations
Evidences for
public health risks found
on board?
No
Issue SSCEC
Yes
Clinical
signs or symptoms
for a public health risk or
no valid certificate?
Yes
Go to Scenario 3
No
Control
measures can be
successfully accomplished
in the port?
Yes
Issue SSCC
and attach notes about
measures and results
No
Issue SSCC or Extension

and attach detailed notes
about evidences and
required control measures
(e.g. local report or
evidence report form- annex 7)
132
Inform next port about

evidence and required
control measures
SCENARIO 2:
Re-inspection or unannounced
inspection
Is ship holding
extension
ssc requesting a new
certificate?
Yes
Go to Scenario 1
No
Noted or new
evidences for public health
risks existing?
No
Stamp existing SSC

and attach notes to
document satisfactory
condition of
re-inspected areas
Yes
Clinical
signs or symptoms for
a public health risk
Yes
Go to Scenario 3
No
Control
measures can be
accomplished?
Yes
Stamp existing SSC

and attach addendum
with a list of all performed
measures
No
Stamp SSC and attach

detailed notes about
evidences and required
control measures
(e.g. local report or
evidence report form- annex 7)
Inform next port about

evidence and required
control measures
133
SCENARIO 3:
Signs or symptoms of a possible

public health risk reported
IHR Article 27
Are there clinical

signs or symptoms and
facts or evidencesof a public
health risk on
board?
No
Ship shall be considered

as not affected
Yes
Competent authority may

assist ship to organize
further help, if applicable
Competent authority
shall consider ship as
affected conveyance
Conduct risk
assessment whether it
should be reported to IHR
National Focal
Point?
Yes
Report to IHR National

Focal Point
No
Stamp existing SSC

and attach notes with
evidences found and
control measures required
and inform next port
No
Disinfect, decontaminate,
disinsect or derat if
appropriate and secure an
adequate level of control of
the public health risk.
Authority
is able to carry out control
measures and obtain
good results?
Yes
Consider ship as not affected.

Attach detailed note
evidences found and control
measures applied
in the existing SSC or issue a
new SSCC (if requested and
full inspection was performed)
134
Re-inspection and
control measures
at the next port
Annex 3 Sequence of inspection areas

This annex proposes a sequence of inspection areas to be implemented in the ships
procedures manual. It follows the rationale that clean areas should be inspected first,
followed by technical areas. This sequence enables the inspectors to avoid cross-contamination.
In some critical areas like galleys, inspectors should demonstrate good hygiene practice by wearing clean disposable clothing (e.g. aprons, gloves, hair covering).
Table A3.1
Proposed sequence of inspection areas
Region
Inside
accommodation
Inside
engine room
Outside
Area
Rationale
Quarters
Start at the top of the accommodation
Galley, pantry and service

areas
Potentially more clean than

pantry
Pantry
Potentially more clean than

stores
Stores
Close to galley and pantry
Child-care facilities
Usually more dirty than food

areas
Medical facilities
After food areas to avoid

cross-contamination
Swimming pools, spas and

saunas
Sometimes inside, sometimes on deck
Other areas and systems
Washing, laundry usually

cleaner than waste
Waste (solid and medical)
Most dirty area in accommodation, sometimes on deck
Engine room
Overview
Potable water
Most parts in the engine

room
Sewage
Most parts in the engine

room
Ballast tanks
Access from the engine

room, through the pipe duct,
from open deck or cargo
compartments
Cargo holds
Outside
Standing water
On deck
135
Annex 4 Personal protective equipment for inspectors and crew

The following table is a list of personal protective equipment (PPE) that should be
available to ship staff and inspectors. For inspectors, the table indicates if they should
wear the PPE during a normal inspection, or during an outbreak investigation.
Table A4.1
Personal protective equipment available to crew and inspectors
Personal protective
equipment item
Inspector during normal

inspection
Safety helmet
Hair net
Safety goggles or face

shield
Ear protection
Face mask
X
Rubber examination gloves
Kitchen apron
Watertight apron
Disposable overalls
X
X
Signal vest or signal jacket
Inflatable life vest
Safety shoes with non-slip

and anti-sparkle soles
Insect repellent in some

areas
136
X (FFP3 standard)
Working gloves (e.g. leather gloves)
Hand disinfection liquid
Inspector in case of
outbreak investigation
Annex 5 Technical equipment useful to perform a ship inspection

The following table lists technical equipment that could be available to ship inspectors
to help them inspect ships. It also indicates if the inspectors should use the equipment
during a normal inspection, or if it is more suitable for use during an outbreak
investigation.
Table A5.1
Technical equipment useful for ship inspectors
Technical equipment
Flashlight (ideally
explosion proof)
Inspector during
Inspector
normal inspection in case of
outbreak
investigation
X
Function
Explosion-proof design can

be useful in some areas.
Calibrated food-probe
thermometer (contact or
infrared)
To measure food temperatures. Infrared thermometers are useful to avoid

direct contact.
Vermin indicator spray
To cast out cockroaches

from sealed spaces.
White cloth
To find vermin (e.g. fleas).
Double-faced adhesive tape
To detect crawling insects.
Seals and stamps
To authenticate certificates.
Pens, clipboard and notepad
To facilitate paperwork.
Dictionary
To facilitate communication
between ship operator and
inspector.
Screwdriver kit
To open devices for inspection where necessary.
First-aid kit
For personal safety.
Can be useful to print certificates or define line lists

directly from a database or
other software.
Laptop and mobile printer
Foldable ruler or
measuring tape
Smoke pen or other

smoke-generating devices
To test exhaust hoods and

ventilation systems.
Ultraviolet (UV) flashlight
To detect urine contamination by human and rodents.
To measure the size of air

gaps, other dimensions and
so on.
137
Continuation of the annex 5
Technical equipment
Inspector during
Inspector
normal inspection in case of
outbreak
investigation
Function
Water-testing kit that

includes:
pH meter
thermometer
conductivity sensor
chlorine-testing kit
hardness-testing kit
turbidity-testing kit
To estimate risk of possible

contamination of the onboard potable water system
and to be able to survey
disinfection measures.
Water sampling kit that

includes:
gripper and hex wrench
gas burner
ethanol spray (70%)
disposable paper towels.
To take water samples at a

high enough quality to be
analysed.
Sterile glass bottles containing sodium thiosulfate
For microbiological water

analysis.
Protein-detecting swab
To check appropriate
cleaning of surfaces (e.g. in
galley).
Sample containers for:
stool and urine samples

blood samples
swabs
food samples
Camera (ideally digital)
To collect samples of
different possible sources of
contamination (e.g. water,
food, human, surfaces, equipment).
To capture evidence.
Due to safety reasons and to facilitate entering onto the ship, the equipment on this list should be
stored in a backpack or other suitable portable container(s).
138
Annex 6 Model documents for ship inspection

This section provides a list of documents that need to be available during a ship
inspection. This list should be sent by the issuing authorities before the ship arrives at
the port to facilitate preparation for the ship inspection.
Table A6.1
List of model certificates and documents required for ship sanitation
inspections
Category
A
IHR-related
documents
B
Other documents,
as listed on the
IMO Convention
on Facilitation of
International Maritime Traffic 1965
(as amended,
2006 edition), might be requested
for assessment of
public health risks
Name
Note
Maritime Declaration of
Health
IHR Annex 8
Ship sanitation control

certificate
IHR Annex 3
Ship sanitation control

exemption certificate
Extension of the ship
sanitation certificate
International Certificate of
Vaccination or Prophylaxis
IHR Annex 6
General declaration
http://www.imo.org/Facilitation/mainframe.asp?topic_id=396
Cargo declaration
Ships Stores Declaration
Crew list
Passenger list
Dangerous goods manifest http://www.imo.org/Facilitation/mainframe.asp?topic_id=396

International Sewage Pollution Prevention Certificate
Garbage management
plan
Every ship that is 400 gross tonnage and every ship that is
certified to carry >15 persons shall carry a garbage management plan, which the crew must follow: http://www.imo.org/
Facilitation/mainframe.asp?topic_id=396
Garbage record book
Same as above http://www.imo.org/Facilitation/mainframe.

asp?topic_id=396
Crews effects declaration
Document required
In the absence of such a document, the postal objects (numunder the Universal Postal ber and weight) must be shown on the cargo declaration
Convention (for mail)
Others
C
Other
management
plans concerning
onboard hygiene
Water safety plan (or water

management plan)
Potable water analysis
report
Waste management plan
Management plan for
food safety (including
food temperature record)
139
Continuation of the annex 6
Category
Name
Note
C
Management plan for
Other
vector control
management
Medical log
plans concerning
onboard hygiene
IMO ballast water
reporting form
Ballast Water Management Certificate
Ballast-water record
book
Other
140
http://www.imo.org/about/conventions/listofconventions/
pages/international-convention-for-the-control-and-management-of-ships'-ballast-water-and-sediments-(bwm).aspx
http://www.imo.org/about/conventions/listofconventions/
pages/international-convention-for-the-control-and-management-of-ships'-ballast-water-and-sediments-(bwm).aspx
Annex 7 Evidence Report Form

Table A7.1 is a sample of an Evidence Report Form. This form lists the evidence found,
samples and documents reviewed, and control measures or corrective actions to be
performed after a ship inspection, and supports the ship sanitation certificate (SSC).
When attached to the SSC, each page of this attachment needs to be signed, stamped
and dated by the issuing authority. If this form is used as an attachment to a preexisting SSC, this attachment must be noted in the SSC (e.g. by using a stamp).
Table A7.1
Sample Evidence Report Form
Evidence Report Form
This form supports the ship sanitation certificate (SSC), and provides a list of evidence found and control measures to be performed.
When attached to the SSC, each page of this attachment needs to be signed, stamped and dated by the competent authority. If this
document is used as an attachment to a pre-existing SSC, this attachment must be noted in the SSC (e.g. by using a stamp).
Ships name and IMO no. or registration:
Name and signature of responsible onboard ship officer :
Name of issuing authority:
Actual inspection date (dd/mm/yyyy):
Date of referred SSC (dd/mm/yyyy):
SSC issued in the port of:
Indicate areas that have not been inspected:

o Quarters
o Galley, pantry, service area
o Stores
o Child-care facilities
o Medical care facilities
o Swimming pools/spas
o Solid and medical waste
o Engine room
o Potable water
o Sewage
o Ballast water
o Cargo holds
o yes
o No
Evidence found
(brief description according to
WHO checklist; draw a line under
each item of evidence to ensure
items are clearly separated)
Name of issuing inspector:
Measure to be applied
Signature of issuing inspector:
Required
Evidence code
Detected heath events on board
Stamp of issuing authority:
Recommended
o Other (e.g. laundry and washing machine)

Measure
successfully
performed (stamp
and signature
of re-inspecting
authority)
Page...........................................
of...........................................
IMO, International Maritime Organization; SSC, ship sanitation certificate; WHO, World Health Organization.
141
Annex 8 Instructions for completing the Evidence Report Form

1. At the top of the form, the following information should be documented:
ship name and International Marine Organization (IMO) or registration number
name and signature of the responsible ship officer
name of issuing authority
date of actual inspection
date of the ship sanitation certificate (SSC) that the Evidence Report Form refers to
port where the SSC was issued.
2. The areas that have not been inspected are indicated by the checklist.
3. Further information in the form:
1st column, Evidence code
Code of evidence as described in the

checklist
2nd column, Evidence found
Brief description of the evidence found

based on the checklist
3rd column, Measures to be applied
Description of the control measure(s) that

should be applied (use simple words as in
checklist)
4th column, Required
Note an X here if the measure should be a

requirement
5th column, Recommended
Note an X here if the measure should be a

recommendation
6th column, Measures successfully performed
This column is reserved for the re-inspecting authority. Only successfully performed
measures should be stamped and signed
by the re-inspecting issuing authority. If no
stamp or signature is applied, the success
of the measure should be verified in a new
inspection. To differentiate between each
piece of evidence and the corresponding
measures, horizontal lines should be drawn
to separate different evidence.
At the bottom of each page of the form, the name and signature of the inspecting officer, the
stamp of the issuing authority, the page number and any comments should be noted.
142
References and resources

CAC (Codex Alimentarius Commission) (2003)., Recommended international code of practice
general principles of food hygiene (incorporates Hazard Analysis and Critical Control point
[HACCP] system and guidelines for its application), CAC/RCP 1-1969, Rev. 4-2003. Rome, CAC.
CAC (Codex Alimentarius Commission) (2004).Code of hygienic practice for milk and milk
products, CAC/RCP 57. Rome, CAC.
CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). Vessel Sanitation Program. National Center
for Environmental Health. Atlanta, CDC
(http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/vsp).
Helsinki Commission (1990). HELCOM Recommendation 11/10: Guidelines for capacity
calculation of sewage system on board passenger ships. Helsinki, Helsinki Commission.
ILO (International Labour Organization) (2006). Maritime Labour Convention 2006. Geneva, ILO.
IMO (International Maritime Organization) (1978). Annex IV: Prevention of pollution by sewage
from ships and corresponding resolutions MEPC.2(VI) and MEPC.115(51). In: International
Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships 1973 (amended 1978) (MARPOL 73/78).
London, IMO.
IMO (International Maritime Organization) (1978). Annex V: Prevention of pollution by garbage
from ships. In: International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships 1973
(amended 1978) (MARPOL 73/78). London, IMO.
IMO (International Maritime Organization) (1982). Medical first aid guide for use in accidents
involving dangerous goods (MFAG). London, IMO.
IMO (International Maritime Organization) (1995). Emergency, occupational safety, medical
care and survival functions. In: International Convention on Standards, Certification and
Watchkeeping for Seafarers 1978 (amended 1995). London, IMO.
IMO (International Maritime Organization) (1996). Resolution MEPC.70(38) Guidelines for the
development of garbage management plans. London, IMO.
IMO (International Maritime Organization) (1997). Resolution A.868(20) Guidelines for the control
and management of ships ballast water to minimize the transfer of harmful aquatic organisms
and pathogens. London, IMO.
IMO (International Maritime Organization) (1997). Resolution MEPC.76(40) Standard
specification for shipboard incinerators. London, IMO.
IMO (International Maritime Organization) (2000). Guidelines for ensuring the adequacy of port
waste reception facilities. London, IMO.
IMO (International Maritime Organization) (2004). International Convention for the Control and
Management of Ships Ballast Water and Sediments. London, IMO.
IMO (International Maritime Organization) (2006). Annex 5: Certificates and documents required
to be carried on board ships. In: Convention on Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic 1965
(2006 ed.). London, IMO.
IMO (International Maritime Organization) (2008). Guidelines for the uniform implementation of
the BWM convention. London, IMO.
143
ISO (International Organization of Standardization) (2002). ISO 15748-1:2002 Ships and marine
technologypotable water supply on ships and marine structures. Geneva, ISO.
ISO (International Organization of Standardization) (2006). ISO 19458:2006 Water quality
sampling for microbiological analysis. Geneva, ISO.
ISO (International Organization of Standardization) (2008). ISO 14726:2008 Ships and marine
technologyidentification colours for the content of piping systems. Geneva, ISO.
ISO (International Organization of Standardization), IEC (International Electrotechnical
Commission) (2005). ISO/IEC 17025:2005 General requirements for the competence of testing
and calibration laboratories. Geneva, ISO/IEC.
WHO (World Health Organization) (1999). Safe management of wastes from health-care
activities. Geneva, WHO.
WHO (World Health Organization) (2007). International medical guide for ships, 3rd ed. Geneva,
WHO.
WHO (World Health Organization) (2008). Guidelines for drinking-water quality. Geneva, WHO.
WHO (World Health Organization) (2011). Guide to ship sanitation, 3rd ed. Geneva, WHO.
144
This Handbook for Inspection of Ships and

Issuance of Ship Sanitation Certificates provides
guidance for preparing and performing ship
inspection, completing the certificates and
applying public health measures within the
framework of International Health Regulations
(2005). It is intended to be used as reference
material for port health officers, regulators, ship
operators and other competent authorities in
charge of implementing the health measures
onboard ships.

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What is the purpose of this handbook?

What is the purpose of this handbook?

What areas does this handbook provide guidance on?

What areas does this handbook provide guidance on?

Handbook for Inspection of

Ships and Issuance of

International Health Regulations (2005)

Handbook for Inspection of

Handbook for Inspection of

WHO Library Cataloguing-in-Publication Data

(NLM classification: WA 810)

World Health Organization 2011

PART A: INSPECTION SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

PART B CHECKLISTS FOR SHIP INSPECTION

Annex 3, Model Ship Sanitation Control Exemption Certificate/Ship Sanitation

Jenny Kremastinou, National School of Public Health, Athens, Greece

Potable water tanks

ballast-water management plan

Codex Alimentarius Commission

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

food safety plan

Guidelines for drinking-water quality (World Health Organization)

hazard analysis critical control point

heterotrophic plate count

International Health Regulations

International Labour Organization

International medical guide for ships (International Labour Organiza-

International Maritime Organization

International Safety Management manual

International Organization of Standardization

ISPP certificate International Sewage Pollution Prevention certificate

Marine Environment Protection Committee

personal protective equipment

ship sanitation certificate

Ship Sanitation Control Certificate

Ship Sanitation Control Exemption Certificate

World Health Organization

Part A: Inspection system requirements

1. Overview of legal and policy framework

Part A: Inspection system requirements

2. Roles and responsibilities

Part A: Inspection system requirements

2.1 Role of Competent Authority

Part A: Inspection system requirements

2.2 Role of conveyance operators

Part A: Inspection system requirements

2.3 Role of inspecting officers

3. Pre-inspection planning and administrative arrangements for

Before establishing an inspection programme, the inspection procedures and the

Part A: Inspection system requirements

3.1 General preparation and administrative arrangements for inspection

Part A: Inspection system requirements

Establish a system for collecting the agreed inspection fees.

3.2 Planning for on-site inspection

4. Measures and operational procedures for ship inspection and

Part A: Inspection system requirements

4.1 Documentation review

Part A: Inspection system requirements

4.2 Inspection process

3. Pre-inspection planning and administrative arrangements for

4. Measures and operational procedures for ship inspection and