IMO Numbers And Unique Numbers For Registered Owners And Companies
Shipping Notice: CISN 09/2004
Published 6th October 2004, 11:27am
To: Registered Owners, Owners, Operators and Masters of Merchant Ships Over 100 GT and Private and Commercially Operated Yachts Over 100 GT and to Companies Holding ISM Document of Compliance (DOC) Certificates
This Notice describes:
IMO Numbers - which are already issued to the majority of seagoing vessels over 100 GT and the process for obtaining them; and
Unique Numbers – for Registered Owners and Companies holding a Document of Compliance (DOC) Certificate – which is an existing scheme currently under consideration by IMO for wider application.
Background to IMO Numbers
IMO numbers are 7-digit numbers that uniquely identify a ship or yacht throughout its life, particularly on Statutory Certification. 1
The application of this number has increased significance because of the forthcoming introduction of the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS Code) that has been implemented by way of an Amendment to SOLAS.
The ISPS Code requires the visible display of the IMO number on, and in, the vessel not later than the first scheduled dry-docking after 1 July 2004.
This requirement applies to all passenger ships of 100 gross tons and upwards, and to all cargo ships (which includes commercially operated yachts) of 300 gross tons and upwards.
The US Coastguard has indicated that all vessels of 100 GT and above visiting US waters should display an IMO Number for identification purposes.
The full requirements regarding IMO Numbers are detailed in SOLAS Chapter XI-1, Regulations 4 and 5; and in essence these require the display of the IMO Number in letters at least 20cm high on the vessel’s sides or stern (cargo ship requirement) or on a horizontal surface (passenger ship requirement); and internally in differing places according to ship type, in the format “IMO xxxxxxx”
The CISR will shortly publish more detailed information about this.
All vessels over 100 GT are therefore recommended to obtain an IMO Number.
Failure to have an IMO Number, or failure to display it correctly, or to use it in Statutory Certification is liable to lead to increased scrutiny by shore authorities and delay or detention.
Obtaining an IMO Number
The number is usually assigned on or before delivery of a newly built vessel and is typically obtained by the Classification Society. However an application for an IMO Number can be made by any bone fide interest such as the Owner or Shipyard at any time.
LR-Fairplay administers the scheme and an application can be made by downloading the form from their website at www.lrfairplay.com under the heading for IMO Number. The form should be completed and faxed as detailed on the form.
Background to Unique Numbers for Registered Owners and Companies
For some time another identification system has operated alongside the IMO Number scheme. Unique Company Numbers have been allocated and maintained on the same database for vessels over 100 GT and this has included both Registered Owners and Companies holding Documents of Compliance (DOC) under the ISM Code.
The Number stays with the Owner or Company, unless “frozen” when one company takes over another. The Number is cross-referenced against vessels on the database.
There are perceived benefits to a more comprehensive and structured application of this scheme, particularly in the maritime security context.
Several large Flag Administrations have therefore submitted a proposal to IMO regarding Unique Numbers that will be considered shortly. It is anticipated that this proposal will eventually be adopted and the numbering scheme will be applied to Registered Owners and DOC Companies for vessels over 100 GT.
It is recommended therefore that Registered Owners and DOC Companies apply for their Unique Number.
Obtaining a Unique Number for Registered owners and companies
This scheme is intended to be operated by Flag Administrations, or Shipping Registries, in conjunction with LR-Fairplay. In other words, there is no mechanism for Registered Owners or DOC Companies to apply directly to LR-Fairplay for a Unique Number.
Application should be made to the Cayman Islands Shipping Registry for the Unique Company Number. The attached form for this purpose can be downloaded, completed and then faxed to the CISR, George Town.
1. Refer to the IMO ship identification number scheme adopted by the Organization by resolution A. 600(15).
For further information contact: Corporate Communications