Marine Advisory: 17/2020 - Guidance on Exception of Goal Based Standard (GBS) Requirements for Newly Constructed Vessels suffering delays due to COVID-19

SUBJECT: Guidance on Exception of Goal Based Standard (GBS) Requirements for Newly Constructed Vessels suffering delays due to COVID-19

Dear Shipowners/Operators/Shipyards/ Recognized Organizations:

The purpose of this Marine Advisory is to provide guidance for the implementation requirements of Goal Based Standards (GBS) on vessels delivered after 01 July, 2020.

Shipowners and Operators who are, or may be, experiencing difficulties in vessel deliveries beyond their control caused by the global COVID-19 Pandemic may be in situations in which their vessel deliveries extend into the timeframe when GBS requirements would enter into force.

The Liberian Administration will give due consideration to the proposed unified interpretation of SOLAS regulation II-1/3-10 concerning the term ‘Unforeseen delay in delivery of Ship’ in Circular Letter No.4204/Add.7 published by the IMO Secretariat on 3 April 2020 for Liberian flagged newbuilding and under construction vessels; and accept the ship as being delivered before 1 July 2020. Based on 'Expected date of delivery' these ships qualify as being 'ships as being delivered before 1 July 2020'.

It is required that ships accepted as being delivered before 1 July 2020 shall be communicated to the IMO GISIS:

https://gisis.imo.org/Public/SURCERT/ExemptionsEquivalents.aspx?Id=6195&Action=View

In order to consider this arrangement, This Administration requests that the application for such exemptions be made with the shipyard in agreement, and that the shipowner is required to provide:

1. Applicable provisions of shipbuilding contract indicating keel laid date and date fixed for delivery before 1 July 2020;
2. Attestation from Shipyard that they faced difficulties as a result of non-availability of shipyard workers, surveyors, service engineers and equipment supply; ; or attestation from shipowner/operator that they are facing difficulties in securing seafarers necessary for the delivery of the ship;
3. Statement from the ship’s class society that the ship was designed to meet all international regulations that were applicable for the planned delivery prior 1 July 2020; and

1. Statement from the ship’s class society that the ship is currently under survey for delivery after 1 July 2020 and that, except for SOLAS II-I/3-10, the ship is in compliance with all applicable international regulations.

If you have additional questions or concerns, please contact the Regulations and Standards Division at: RegsAndStandards@liscr.com.

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