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Ship Sanitation and Inspections

Information about checking vessels, water sampling and how to apply for ship sanitation inspections


Checking Vessels

When a vessel enters the port having undertaken an international voyage, or when a Maritime Declaration of Health, or a request for Free Pratique has been submitted to us, we may carry out an inspection to enforce the provisions of the Public Health (Ships) Regulations 1979 as amended, to protect public health. We will ensure that vessels:

  • Are free from rodents or insects
  • Have kitchen and living conditions which are safe and hygienic
  • Have a safe water supply

We'll also ask questions about:

  • Any illness or death aboard the vessel
  • Controls in place to minimise the risk of infection spread

Water Sampling

Vessels are required to have had a water test carried out and a certificate issued within the preceding 12 months before a ship sanitation (exemption) control certificate is issued. If a water test has not been carried out, or you are unable to provide a copy of the laboratory report, then a further test will be required.

Due to limited sampling resources and laboratory location, we are unable to carry out routine or proactive water sampling for vessels at the port. We may, with sufficient notice (at least five working days), be able to arrange water sampling, but you must call or email us first.  Our water sampling will cover both potable water and a legionella water sample, and is priced at only £197.08 plus VAT.  Ship's agents can also access the services of a relevant laboratory or water sampling organisation to undertake the test. Details of the required tests are in the International Health Regulations.


Ship Sanitation Inspections

On request, and with prior notice we can inspect any vessel (whether it undertakes international voyages or not) to issue a Ship Sanitation Certificates. Although only required for vessels undertaking international voyages many vessel operators like to have a certificate as it demonstrates compliance with the International Health Regulations 2005 and can be used to inform intending customers of the operator's vessel's standards.

We can, with sufficient notice, also undertake an inspection of a vessel to determine if a control measure which has been required by a previous Port Health Authority has been applied, and if so, sign off the control.

Notice required for a Ship Sanitation Inspection

We recognise the importance and value of inspections to vessel operators and to the wider shipping and logistics industry and we will try wherever possible to meet your request.

Ideally five working days notice is required for a Ship Sanitation Certificate inspection.

If you require an inspection within the five-day period then it is essential that you contact us by email to determine if an inspection can be carried out. If we cannot meet your request then we can consider issuing an extension to an existing (unexpired) ship sanitation certificate issued within the last six months.

Ship Sanitation inspections are normally carried out between Monday and Friday excluding any bank or public holiday. In exceptional circumstances, and subject to payment of an additional fee, we can undertake inspections (or issue an extension to an existing certificate) at weekends or on bank or public holidays, but an additional fee will be charged. It is essential that you email us on envhealth@fenland.gov.uk to ascertain if this service is available on your chosen date.

Access To Vessels

Our Port health Officers will require safe access to and within the vessel. This means that you must provide the following:

  • A properly fixed gangway leading from the quay to the deck of the vessel (ideally direct to the deck through a gated access point and not rested or secured to a handrail). A vertical ladder or access nets are not acceptable.
  • If the vessel does not have a direct access to deck level, for instance the gangway is on the handrail, then the gangway must be properly secured to the vessel and a means of reaching the deck such as a properly constructed ladder, provided.
  • All gangways must be fitted with at least one (and preferably two) parallel handrails along the entire length of both sides of the gangway. These may be rope fitted so as to be taut and secure.
  • The gangway must be stepped and/or slip resistant (as appropriate to the tide and incline of the gangway).
  • The gangway must have a net fitted beneath the entire length of the gangway.
  • A member of the crew or agent's team must be available to transport any equipment required by the Port Health Officer to the vessel from the quayside.
  • Access to the vessel must not require officers to pass beneath or in the vicinity of loading or unloading operations.
  • The vessel operator must supply suitable torches for inspection in dark areas, including, where required, any Intrinsically Safe Torches (sometimes referred to as ATEX or Zone 0 torches) for port health officer use.
  • In all cases the Port Health Officer will make a decision if access is safe. If, in the opinion of the Port Health Officer, safe access is not possible then a ship sanitation inspection will not be carried out (but you will still be changed). Where possible we will issue an extension to any existing unexpired certificate.

Fees

The cost will depend on the gross tonnage or passenger capacity of the vessel. This is the fee for an initial inspection or for a re-inspection of vessels to determine if control measures have been applied.

Gross Tonnage Cost

Gross TonnageFee
Up to 1,000 gross tonnage£140.00
1,001 to 3,000 gross tonnage£190.00
3,001 to 10,000 gross tonnage£280.00
10,001 to 20,000 gross tonnage£365.00
20,001 to 30,000 gross tonnage£465.00
Over 30,000 gross tonnage£535.00

 

Passenger Capacity

Number of PersonsFee
Vessels with 50-1,000 persons£535.00
Vessels with over 1,000 persons£915.00

 

Other Fees

TypeFee
Extensions£110.00
Additional fee for Saturday inspection£216.00
Additional fee for inspection on a Sunday, Bank Holiday or Public Holiday£324.00

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