INTERTANKO Guide to the Vetting Process - 15th Edition

This guide compiles the latest advice and requirements from energy departments, Port State authorities and INTERTANKO members, to assist with understanding ship inspections and the vetting process, and to help readers comply with vetting requirements.

It contains:

• A general introduction to Port State Control (PSC) and Regional MoUs
• detailed information on specific MoUs
• an overview of the detention appeal and review process
• a guide to vetting inspections
• specific vetting company requirements.

Appendices also provide details of IMO requirements, key INTERTANKO and OCIMF-SIRE documents and sample Report of Inspection forms.

Foreword

The tanker shipping industry is widely recognised for its ability to provide economic and efficient long-distance transportation of energy, while at the same time enjoying the lowest environmental footprint in the transport segment on a per-tonne basis.
The industry has come a long way since the first transportation of oil in bulk in 1869 - back then it was carried below deck and within iron tanks - today's global tanker fleet boasts in excess of 600 million DWT capacity. Although the hazards associated with the bulk transportation of oil and gas have remained similar over the years, the risks have been drastically reduced - however, the challenges our industry faces have increased exponentially.

The tanker industry must, and does, act proactively and effectively in mitigating the applicable risks and ensuring high-impact incidents do not occur. The industry is unique in this respect in that all stakeholders are united and aligned with a common goal of ZERO incidents. Ship operators through to charterers, terminal operators and receivers, despite being in a very competitive market, have this as a common goal and core mission objective.

A common Goal Zero has resulted in unified efforts in the improvement of safety onboard vessels. INTERTANKO, OCIMF and CDI have worked effectively in the field of risk management to produce best practice guidance and recommendations to the industry. Shipping companies must, however, effectively demonstrate such risk management as part of their company quality and safety management systems that will make them prudent and safe business partners. Vetting is the process that energy companies, terminals and charterers use to manage risk when assessing a vessel. A successful "vetting" is, therefore, a vessel?s "ticket to trade".

Vetting has progressed and matured from a process concentrating predominantly with the verification of vessel?s equipment and systems to the review of effective safety management systems - and more recently, in the assessment of soft skills and the human element. With the launch of OCIMF?s SIRE 2.0 in September 2024 there is a heightened emphasis on the effect of the human element on managing risks.

The future is decarbonisation of the shipping industry, with ambitious greenhouse gas reductions targets driving technological developments. These will introduce additional challenges with the use of new fuels and technologies and the vetting process will need to adapt to assess effective management of these potential risks.
Our industry has also faced significant challenges with the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic impacting our seafarers globally and influencing the industry in all aspects, including effective risk management. The resilience of our seafarers has ensured minimum impact on the safety of operations. Flexibility in vetting has also assisted in minimising the impact on the vetting process.

INTERTANKO plays a vital role in guiding ship operators in the vetting process by ensuring up-to-date information from stakeholders is readily available to the Membership. The Vetting Committee plays a fundamental role in monitoring the industry, analysing developments and trends, and offering the necessary tools in acquiring a successful "vetting" of their vessels.

This Guide to the Vetting Process, compiled with the assistance and support of the vetting departments of energy companies and INTERTANKO Members, brings together the up-to-date requirements of these stakeholders.

As Chair of the Vetting Committee, it is with great pride that I present this guide, which, through the hard efforts of the Committee, INTERTANKO staff and the contribution of the energy companies' vetting departments, has become the industry benchmark for all information related to tanker vetting. It is completed and supported by the "Seafarers' Practical Guide to SIRE 2.0 Inspections" - a 'must have' guide for ships' staff.

I would like to express my deepest appreciation to INTERTANKO's Vetting Committee and Secretariat for their contribution in the production and update of this publication.

Stefanos K. Stylianos
Minerva Marine Inc. / Minerva Gas Inc.
Chairman, INTERTANKO Vetting Committee

Foreword

Guide to Port State Control and Regional MoUs

Introduction, Scope and Background to PSC

Port State Control Inspections

Professional Qualifications and Conduct of PSCOs

Deficiencies and Detentions

General Guide for Masters

A Guide for Masters - US Coast Guard Visits

Guidance for Companies

Selection of Ships for Port State Control

Guide to Port State Control and Regional MoUs

Port State Control - Abuja MoU

Port State Control - Black Sea MoU

Port State Control - Caribbean MoU

Port State Control - Indian Ocean MoU

Port State Control - Mediterranean MoU

Port State Control - Paris MoU

Port State Control - Riyadh MoU

Port State Control - Tokyo MoU

Port State Control - Vina del Mar

Port State Control Inspections in Australia

Port State Control Inspections in China

Port State Control Inspections in the United Kingdom

Port State Control Inspection in the USA

Code of Good Practice for Port State Control Officers

Detention Appeal and Review Procedures

Abuja Detention Review Panel Procedures

Australian Detention Review Panel Procedures

Black Sea Detention Review Panel Procedures

China Detention Review Panel Procedures

Indian Ocean MoU Independent Detention Review Panel

Mediterranean MoU Review Panel/Appeal Procedures

Paris MoU Detention Review Procedure

Tokyo MoU Detention Review Panel Procedures

United Kingdom Detention Review Procedures

Viña Del Mar MoU Detention Review Panel Procedures

Generic appeal letter for USCG interventions

Guide to Vetting Inspections

A Guide to Ship Inspections

INTERTANKO (the International Association of Independent Tanker Owners) is a trade association that has served as the voice for independent tanker owners since 1970, representing the interests of its Members at national, regional and international levels.

The organisation champions an industry dedicated to support global energy networks by delivering safe, efficient and environmentally sound transport services.

INTERTANKO actively works on a wide range of operational, technical, legal and commercial issues affecting tanker owners and operators around the world. It draws on regular and direct contact with its Members and other industry stakeholders to develop and disseminate information and best practice, essential to the tanker industry.

https://www.intertanko.com/About-Us/