The Nanjing Maritime Safety Administration has recently intensified a special rectification campaign targeting shipping companies' management of vessel violations. Focused on holding companies accountable for their primary safety production responsibilities, the authority conducted a comprehensive inspection of all shipping firms within its jurisdiction.
In response to persistent issues such as prioritizing operations over safety, ineffective safety management systems, and weak shore-based oversight, the Nanjing Maritime Safety Administration took decisive action. It legally revoked the Document of Compliance (DOC) certificates of four shipping companies, employing strong measures to enforce corporate safety responsibilities.
Typical Case Analysis: What Critical Flaws Lead to Certificate Revocation?
Case 1: Paralysis of the Safety Management System Leading to Direct Certificate Revocation
A shipping company was found during its annual audit to have a completely ineffective safety management system, with several major deficiencies. The company's primary responsible person failed to fulfill obligations for hazard inspection, as the general manager only conducted a single onboard inspection in February, far below the required monthly standard. Shore-based personnel did not monitor vessel voyages or manage navigational risks, violating protocols for voyage risk control. Additionally, the company lacked a full-time technical manager after the previous one resigned, leaving vessel maintenance and equipment safety unmanaged, contravening legal requirements for adequate staffing of nautical and technical personnel.
Outcome: As the management system no longer ensured safety and pollution prevention, the Nanjing Maritime Safety Administration legally canceled the company's Document of Compliance.
Case 2: Failure to Fill Key Positions Despite Repeated Warnings
During the special rectification, unannounced inspections revealed that two companies lacked full-time nautical and technical managers, a direct violation of regulations. After being ordered to rectify the issue within a set timeframe, follow-up inspections showed no compliance. The authority then legally revoked the administrative permits and withdrew the Document of Compliance certificates.
Case 3: Proactive Compliance as a Sustainable Solution
Another company, facing difficulties with shore-based duty and system management, proactively sought help from the maritime authority. The Nanjing Maritime Safety Administration provided guidance on optimizing the company's structure. By integrating resources through a parent group, the company voluntarily applied to cancel the Document of Compliance for its Nanjing branch, transferring fleet management to the group. This resolved the issue and addressed operational weaknesses.
Key Regulatory Highlights
Regulations mandate that vessel management operators must employ sufficient full-time nautical and technical managers with appropriate qualifications and experience. According to Article 46 of the rules on safety management system certification, if a company or vessel no longer meets requirements after obtaining a Document of Compliance, it must be ordered to rectify within a deadline. Failure to comply or meet standards after correction results in the revocation of the administrative permit. Article 47 states that upon discovering major non-conformities during an audit, the certification body must withdraw the Document of Compliance or safety certificate; if the company resists, the certificate is canceled.
Safety Management Suggestions for Shipping Companies
Companies should immediately conduct self-assessments focusing on four core areas: primary responsibility fulfillment, shore-based duty, personnel allocation, and voyage evaluation. They need to establish a problem list and ensure continuous resolution. The primary responsible person must prioritize safety over profits, lead hazard inspections, and invest in safety measures. It is crucial to strictly implement regulatory requirements, adequately staff shore-based positions, and enhance vessel monitoring, weather warnings, and voyage assessments to ensure full control from departure to arrival.
Conclusion
Shipping company safety management is a critical factor in water traffic safety. The Nanjing Maritime Safety Administration will continue the special rectification, combining strict supervision, legal education, and quality services, maintaining a zero-tolerance approach to violations.
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