What is the RO Code, and what does it require of recognized organizations and flag States?
Short answer
| Part | Status | Content |
|---|---|---|
| 1 General | mandatory | purpose and scope |
| 2 Recognition and authorization | mandatory | criteria for the RO: quality system, competent staff, research, independence, the functions it may perform |
| 3 Oversight | recommendatory | the flag State’s oversight programme: verification, monitoring, auditing |
| Appendices 1 to 3 | — | staff training, survey and certification modules, the RO agreement |
- RO Code: the Code for Recognized Organizations (MSC.349(92), MEPC.237(65), 2013), mandatory under SOLAS XI-1/1 and MARPOL: the minimum criteria for a body doing statutory survey and certification for a flag.
- Recognition versus authorization: recognition means the flag finds the organization meets the criteria; authorization delegates specific statutory functions by a written agreement (appendix 3).
- Parts 1 and 2 (mandatory): purpose and scope; RO criteria: organization, resources, a documented quality system, competent staff, research, independence from commercial pressure, the functions it may perform.
- Part 3 (recommendatory): the flag’s oversight programme (verification, monitoring, auditing); appendices on staff training (1), survey modules (2) and the RO agreement (3).
- Limits: the RO acts only within its written authorization and cannot impose requirements beyond the conventions; the flag reserves registration documents, exemptions and detention decisions; dovetails with III Code Part 2.
- As Chief Engineer: the statutory surveyor is DGMA’s RO under this Code: competent, independent, with certificates that carry weight and an authority with boundaries.
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.