Vanuatu – Enhanced Safety Inspections

C25024 | 17 April 2025

Notice to: Ship Owners / Managers/ Operators / Surveyors:

The Vanuatu Maritime Administrator has issued Circular #016, advising that they have implemented a policy of Enhanced Safety Inspections for all vessels deemed high-risk, regardless of whether they have previously undergone any Flag Annual Safety Inspection or other prior assessments.

The determination of risk status is based on:

• The vessel’s most recent Port State Control (PSC) records, with particular emphasis on ISM-related deficiencies.
• The performance of previous Flag State Inspections (FSIs), taking into account recorded deficiencies and their seriousness in relation to regulatory compliance.

Points to Note:

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.

Act now

Ship Owners/ Managers/ Operators/ are to review the contents of Circular #016 and take necessary precautions to ensure their vessels meet the required standards.