Continuous Examination Programme Template

Continuous examination programme template

Template for use by applicants

Last updated23 February 2018

Instructions for applicants

If you would like to apply for an approved continuous examination programme (ACEP) for convention containers you need to develop a continuous examination programme.

The continuous examination programme must be in accordance with the international convention for safe containers (CSC) 1972. This template will help you to develop the continuous examination programme that meets the requirements of the convention. Provide as much information as you can so that we get a good understanding of how you manage the process.

You will need to sign and date your continuous examination programmedeclaring that only containers approved under the CSC are included. Submit your continuous examination programme to Maritime New Zealand along with your application for an ACEP.

Maritime Rules Part 24D

Maritime Rules Part 24D: Carriage of cargoes – convention containers, implements the requirements of the International Convention for Safe Containers 1972. It prescribes requirements for the manufacture and testing of containers and the requirements for the maintenance, examination and marking of approved convention containers.

Note
This cover page is guidance only. Delete it before submitting your continuous examination programme to Maritime New Zealand.

This continuous examination programme for convention containers is owned by:

Full name of applicant (person or legal entity applying to have a continuous examination programme approved)
Eg Smith and Thomson Surveying Limited

1.Contact information

Give the details of the contact person within your organisation responsible for the continuous examination programme and an alternative contact person.

1.1Main contact person responsible for the continuous examination programme

Name /
Given name(s) /
Surname
Contact address /
Email address /
Contact numbers /
Day time phone /
After hours phone

Mobile phone /
Fax

1.2Alternative contact person

Name /
Given name(s) /
Surname
Contact address /
Email address /
Contact numbers /
Day time phone /
After hours phone

Mobile phone /
Fax

2.Company information

2.1Business operations

Provide a brief description of the company’s business operations in relation to the examination of convention containers.

2.2Type and quantity of containers

Provide a brief description of the type and quantity of containers to be subject to the programme. For example, dry containers, open top containers, flat rack containers, or refrigerated containers.

2.3Company head office contact information

Company name /
Physical address /
Postal address /
Email address /
Website address /
Contact numbers /
Phone number /
Fax number

2.4Organisation chart

Provide a basic organisation chart of information detailing the responsibilities of key persons or positions associated with the programme.

3.Examination process

3.1Method scope and criteria to be used during examinations

Appendix 2 of Maritime Rules Part 24D sets out what the examination of a container must include.

The examination must:

(a)consist of a detailed examination of the exterior and underside of the container and, if reasonably practicable, a similar examination of the interior.

(b)take into account the particular characteristics of the type of container and the materials of construction

(c)include a detailed visual inspection for all defects that could place any person in danger and of all load-bearing components

(d)take place only when:

• sufficient time is available
• the container is cleaned and prepared to the extent required by the inspection
• a means of lifting and supporting the container are provided, to the extent required by the inspector, to ensure that the whole of the underside is accessible and
• safe means of access and egress, sufficient lighting and all other facilities necessary to allow the examination to be carried out safely and effectively, are provided.

An inspector undertaking an examination of a container may require the use of any test (in accordance with Annex II of the Convention) or method of non-destructive testing, which the inspector considers appropriate.

Examination methods

Provide details on the way in which a container will be examined.

Be specific about how the container will be accessed for inspection and what safety measures will be put in place for the inspector.

Examination scope

Provide details on what is in scope and what is out of scope for the examination.

For example, the refrigeration unit may be out of scope for the inspection of the container as this needs to be carried out by a refrigeration specialist.

Pass or fail criteria

Provide details of what pass or fail criteria are used for container examinations, repair and maintenance.

Be specific about what will pass or fail. For example, if a container shows signs of rust, how much rust (what depth or coverage) is acceptable? If there is a crack in the container, how long or deep does it need to be to trigger an examination? Consider incremental damage. For example, if a container has two minor dents in it, it’s okay, but if a third dent occurs, the container needs to be examined.

Containers which fail inspection

Provide details on the process for repairing and re-examining containers which fail inspection.

3.2Frequency of examinations

The convention states that there is a maximum of 30 months between inspections.

Describe the procedures to ensure that the maximum time allowed between examinations is not exceeded.

Identify events that trigger a container examination. Include a maximum time allowed between container examinations.

Provide a list of events that would lead to an immediate examination of the container. For example, it has been on board a vessel that was on fire, it was dropped during transfer, or the shipper has reported damage to the container. Maritime Rules Part 24D.13(5) provides other examples such as after a major repair or refurbishment or during on-hire/off-hire interchange.

3.3Qualifications of personnel to carry out examinations

Maritime Rules Part 24D.23 requires the people inspecting containers to hold a recognition as an inspector issued by the Director of Maritime New Zealand.

Explain how you ensure that your inspectors hold an appropriate recognition.

3.4System of keeping records and documents

The convention sets out specific information that must be captured by the continuous examination programme.

Explain how you record the following:

• the owner’s unique serial number of the container
• the date on which the examination was carried out
• identification of the competent person who carried out the examination
• the name and location of the organization where the examination was carried out
• the results of the examination.

You may choose to capture this information on a spreadsheet. Provide a sample page showing the relevant information.

3.5System for recording and updating identification numbers

Unique identifiers

Describe how individual containers are uniquely identified and how this identifier is allocated.

This information may be recorded in a spreadsheet. If so, provide a sample page showing the relevant information.

Marking of containers

Describe the procedure for marking containers that are new to New Zealand and existing containers with an identification that shows that the container was examined under an ACEP. Include the procedure for the restoration of damaged or lost ACEP markings.

3.6Methods and systems for maintenance criteria

Explain the methods and systems used to maintain owned containers. Include the criteria used to identify when maintenance is required.

3.7Provisions for maintaining leased containers

Explain how leased containers will be maintained if different than those used for owned containers.

3.8Conditions and procedures for adding containers into an already approved programme

Describe the procedures for adding, removing and updating containers in the programme.

4.Compliance with CSC

4.1Approval certificates

Provide evidence of approval for any container included in the programme. This can include copies of approval certificates or photos of Safety Approval Plates.

Attach a sample of this evidence. This could be a scanned copy of a certificate or a photograph of the safety approval plate.

4.2Declaration

I/We ______declare that:

1. only containers approved under the Convention for Safe Containers, 1972, are included in the continuous examination programme and
2. I/we will implement the approved programme and maintain the safety of containers as prescribed by the Convention.

______

Signed Date

Part 24D ACEPPage 1 of 13