What is the survey and certification process under the Hong Kong Convention?

flowchart LR
  A["Initial survey: IHM Part I verified"] --> B["ICIHM (regulation 11), up to five years"]
  B --> C["Renewal and additional surveys"]
  C --> D["Final survey: complete IHM, Ship Recycling Plan (regulation 9), authorised facility (DASR, regulation 16)"]
  D --> E["IRRC, up to three months"]
  E --> F["Recycling"]

• Convention: adopted 15 May 2009, in force 26 June 2025; two chains: the ship’s IHM and certificates, the facility’s plan and authorisation.
• IHM (regulation 5): Part I structure and equipment, maintained through life; Parts II wastes and III stores before recycling; verified by the Administration or its RO.
• Surveys (regulation 10): initial, renewal not exceeding five years, additional after a change or repair, and the final survey before recycling (complete IHM, Ship Recycling Plan, authorised facility).
• Certificates: the ICIHM (regulation 11), not more than five years; the International Ready for Recycling Certificate (IRRC) after the final survey, not more than three months, tied to the plan and facility.
• Facility side: a ship-specific Ship Recycling Plan (regulation 9) and the Document of Authorization to Conduct Ship Recycling (DASR, regulation 16, with a site inspection); IRRC and DASR both needed.
• As Chief Engineer: IHM Part I kept true as machinery-space items change; India: Recycling of Ships Act 2019, DGMA as competent authority.