Why does the ICIHM carry the word International, and how long are most statutory certificates valid?
Short answer
| Certificate | Validity |
|---|---|
| ICIHM | not exceeding five years (Hong Kong Convention regulation 14) |
| Most statutory certificates (SOLAS I/14) | maximum five years on the harmonised survey cycle |
| EIAPP | the life of the engine |
| International Ready for Recycling Certificate | not exceeding 3 months |
| Minimum Safe Manning Document | no five-year expiry |
- ICIHM: the International Certificate on Inventory of Hazardous Materials, Hong Kong Convention regulation 11, issued after survey of the IHM (regulation 5).
- Why International: issued under an international convention and recognised by all Contracting Parties and port States (regulation 12 lets another Party survey and issue it), like the IOPP and IAPP.
- Validity (regulation 14): not exceeding five years; ceases if the ship or Part I no longer corresponds, surveys are missed or the flag changes.
- Most certificates (SOLAS I/14): maximum five years on the harmonised survey system: Safety Construction, Equipment and Radio, IOPP, IAPP, Load Line, ISSC, MLC.
- Exceptions: EIAPP for the life of the engine; Ready for Recycling Certificate not exceeding 3 months; Minimum Safe Manning Document without a five-year expiry; DOC annual and SMC intermediate verifications.
- As Chief Engineer: I keep IHM Part I current as equipment changes (India: Recycling of Ships Act 2019; EU regulation 1257/2013 in parallel).
Full answer
The full answer explains each point step by step, with the regulations and figures behind it and the discussion from other candidates. It is in the MEO Class I section of the Marine One forum, open to members enrolled for the MEO Class I exam.