The classification society has started ope[ds_preview]rational trials for ClassNK e-Certificate, a comprehensive system to provide ships’ class certificates and statutory certificates issued on behalf of flag states in electronic format. The system has been developed referring to a concept implemented by the Liberian flag.
The use of electronic certificates is expected to bring about significant benefits for shipping companies by reducing the administrative burden of sending traditional paper certificates and managing them onboard, in addition to making it easier to retrieve data on the certificates.
As ClassNK explained, the e-certificate system has been developed referring to the progress and concept implemented by the Liberian flag who have already been issuing electronic certificates worldwide. The new system provides class certificates and various statutory certificates in electronic format developed in line with the updated Guidelines for the Use of Electronic Certificates (FAL.5/Circ.39/Rev.2) which was issued by the IMO in April. As well as enabling the transmission and receiving of electronic data offshore, ClassNK e-Certificate allows users to verify the authenticity of certificates online to ensure data has not been manipulated or falsified.
LISCR and ClassNK bring attention of stakeholders to e-certifcation
Currently ClassNK is testing system functions such as the offshore transmission and receiving of data and website access for the verification of electronic certificates, it was said. The trials for the ships in operation are being carried out in cooperation with Japanese shipping companies, under the authorization and in mutual cooperation with the Liberian Flag Administration, the Liberian International Ship & Corporate registry, LLC (LISCR).
»Bringing the use of electronic certificates to the attention of stakeholders such as port authorities, Port State Control and major inspectors should be one of the challenges in order to facilitate its wide-scale adoption. With the support of LISCR and cooperating companies, ClassNK will work towards the development of a highly-secure and trusted system for stakeholders and the wider use and acceptance of electronic certificates to ensure their faster adoption in the industry«, the classification society said.
