Ship Sanitation Control & Exemption Certificates

10 May 2017 / United States

The USCG has received multiple inquiries from vessel owners and operators on how to obtain a Ship Sanitation Control Certificate (SSCC) and/or a Ship Sanitation Control Exemption Certificate (SSCEC).

These certificates, required by International Health Regulations (IHR) 2005, replaced the “Deratting” Certificates required under IHR 1969 and may be required by certain “Competent Authorities” (i.e. Foreign Port Authorities) for arriving ships (as defined in IHR Article 1; Definitions 1.1).

The intent of this MSIB is to clarify the U.S. policy on vessel inspections and issuance of certificates as it pertains to IHR 2005.

The following guidance is provided:

  • The “Competent Authority” for IHR 2005 in the U.S. is the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Division of Global Migration and Quarantine (DGMQ).
  • While CDC DGMQ reserves the right to inspect ships and issue SSCC/SSCEC’s, these certificates are currently not required for commercial ships arriving at U.S. ports.
  • Port authorities, public agencies, and private organizations are prohibited from issuing or requiring SSCC/ SSCEC’s for ships at U.S. ports.
  • Per agreement with CDC DGMQ, the U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Navy have been authorized to conduct inspections and issue SSCC/SSCEC’s (CG-5100B) to ships of their respective services (e.g. U.S. Coast Guard Cutters), as well as vessels of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
  • For cruise ships, as defined in 42 CFR 71.21, the CDC may issue SSCCs/SSCECs upon request during Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) inspections. Please contact VSP ([email protected]) with questions about sanitation inspections on cruise ships.
  • Currently, ships cannot obtain a SSCC/SSCEC in the U.S., but may obtain a certificate at these ports outside of the U.S. Vessel operators are encouraged to contact the port prior to arrival to ensure a competent authority will be able to inspect the ship and provide the certificate.
  • U.S. ships arriving at foreign ports are reminded to provide any public health information requested by the competent authorities and to facilitate their related public health activities.
    - If required by the competent authority, ship operators must provide: (i) a valid SSC and (ii) a Maritime Declaration of Health.
  • U.S. flag ship owners and operators are encouraged to become familiar with applicable U.S. and foreign port of entry requirements including illness and death reporting.
  • Specific questions regarding IHR 2005 requirements should be directed to CDC DGMQ Maritime Activity at [email protected].

(For information about operations in the USA contact GAC USA at [email protected])

Source: US Coast Guard (USCG) Marine Safety Information Bulletin No.005-17 dated 5 May 2017

If quoting any content from Hot Port News, please cite GAC Hot Port News as the source.

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