RS authorized by Transport Ministry to survey organizations to conduct SOLAS container weight verification

The Russian Transport Ministry has delegated authority to Russian Maritime Register of Shipping (RS) as the sole legitimate organization in Russia that as of July 1, 2016 will commence survey for certification of organizations engaged in SOLAS Container Weight Verification to international requirements. On April 29, 2016 the Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation and RS signed a supplementary agreement, the Ministry told IAA PortNews.

The RS has the authority, in particular, to conduct surveys of 'verifiers', organizations using Method 1 of weighing loaded containers according the IMO resolution MSC.380 (94) and IMO Circular MSC.1 / Circ.1475.

In addition, RS is authorized to conduct surveys the shippers using Method 2 to determine the gross weight of containers in accordance with IMO Resolution MSC.380 (94) and IMO Circular MSC.1 / Circ.1475.

The SOLAS container weight verification requirement will become legally effective on July 1, 2016. After that date, it would be a violation of SOLAS to load a packed container onto a vessel without verification.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has amended the Safety of Life at Sea Convention (SOLAS) to require, as a condition for loading a packed container onto a ship for export, that the container has a verified weight. This requirement will become legally effective on July 1, 2016. After that date, it would be a violation of SOLAS to load a packed container onto a vessel if the vessel operator and marine terminal operator do not have a verified container weight. Empty containers will not have to be weight verified.