The Directorate General of Shipping, Mumbai, (DGS) on February 09, 2024, issued a notification related to the Use of Electronic Record Books Under MARPOL.
Electronic MARPOL Record Books are required to capture the same information as that recorded in paper Record Books according to MARPOL regulations.
Before installation on an Indian ship, any Electronic Record Keeping System must obtain type approval from Recognized Organizations as per DGS Order 6 of 2013 and the RO Agreement. This approval must ensure compliance with the technical and operational standards outlined in Resolution MEPC.312 (74): Guidelines for the Use of Electronic Record Books under MARPOL.
Following the installation of an electronic record system on an Indian ship, any Recognized Organization issuing relevant Statutory Certificates on behalf of the Government of India must validate the type approval certificate issued by the RO. The electronic record-keeping system must meet the technical and operational criteria specified in Resolution MEPC. 312 (74). Subsequently, a "Declaration of MARPOL Electronic Record Book" must be issued in the format provided in Resolution MEPC 312(74).
Instructions to Flag Administration Surveyors and Indian Ships:
During port state inspections in India, Indian Administration Surveyors may accept Electronic Record Books from foreign ships if accompanied by a "Declaration of MARPOL Electronic Record Book" issued by the Administration or RO on its behalf.
Indian ships should be aware that the use of electronic record books does not absolve ship-owners and masters of their responsibility to accurately maintain and present records during inspections as mandated by MARPOL. Therefore, if a ship cannot present the electronic record book or a declaration from an RO during a Port State Control inspection, the Port State Control officer may request to view an alternative verified copy of the records or a hard copy record book for verification.
[Notification No. 03 of 2024]
