Circular to Clients on All Vessels: Enhanced Safety Inspections
Circular No. 0016
All Vessels: Incident Reporting & Strict Complaince
Date: March 27, 2025
Dear Clients,
Please be advised that the Vanuatu Maritime Administrator has implemented a policy requiring Enhanced Safety Inspections for all vessels it deems high-risk, regardless of whether they have previously undergone any Flag Annual Safety Inspection or other prior assessments.
The determination of risk status will be made solely by the Vanuatu Maritime Administrator, based on:
1. The vessel’s most recent Port State Control (PSC) records, with particular emphasis on ISM-related deficiencies. The number, severity, and nature of these deficiencies—especially those
indicating systemic failures in safety management—will be carefully evaluated.
2. The performance of previous Flag State Inspections (FSIs), taking into account recorded deficiencies and their seriousness in relation to regulatory compliance.
Any vessel classified as high-risk may be subject to immediate and intensified safety inspections before being permitted to continue operations under the Vanuatu flag. Owners, operators, and managers must be prepared for increased scrutiny and potential delays should their vessels be flagged as high-risk. Non-compliance with these mandatory inspections may be subject to severe administrative actions, including but not limited to:
- Detention of the vessel,
- Financial penalties,
- Unilateral deletion from the Vanuatu registry.
This enforcement measure underscores the Vanuatu Maritime Administrator’s unwavering commitment to safety, regulatory compliance, and upholding the highest operational standards
within the international shipping industry.
We strongly advise all stakeholders to fully comply with this circular and take necessary precautions to ensure their vessels meet the required standards.
For any questions or further clarification, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Saade Makhlouf
President and CEO
Vanuatu Logistics and Administrative Services Limited (VLAS)
Administrator of the Vanuatu International Shipping Registry (VISR)