BEING DESIROUS that all States apply a single and uniform system of survey and certification to all types of ships entitled to fly their flags,
RECOGNIZING the need for the change-over from the existing system of survey and certification to the harmonized system in a uniform manner,
RECALLING resolution A.718(17) on Early implementation of the harmonized system of survey and certification, which encourages States to introduce the harmonized system of survey and certification prior-to the entry into force of the 1988 SOLAS and Load Line Protocols,
BEING CONVINCED that the harmonized system of survey and certification is at least equivalent to the system prescribed in the existing SOLAS and Load Line Conventions,
BELIEVING that the implementation of a single and uniform system of survey and certification could best be achieved through the introduction of the harmonized system of survey and certification also by States which are not Parties to the 1988 SOLAS and Load Line Protocols, as equivalent to the existing system,
BELIEVING ALSO that the global and uniform implementation of the harmonized system of survey and certification by all States could avoid possible problems or confusion in contributing to the determination of the duration and validity of certificates issued,
HAVING CONSIDERED the recommendation made by the Maritime Safety Committee at its seventy-first session and the Marine Environment Protection Committee at its forty-third session,
1. INVITES States to introduce the harmonized system of survey and certification in the manner as provided for in Annex 1 ;
2. AGREES that States which are Contracting Governments to the 1974 SOLAS Convention and the 1966 Load Line Convention but not Parties to the 1988 SOLAS and Load Line Protocols may:
1) implement the harmonized system of survey and certification as from 3 February 2000; and
2) issue certificates in the form prescribed by the 1988 SOLAS and Load Line Protocols as modified in accordance with Annex 2;
3. INVITES port States, whether or not they are Parties to the 1988 SOLAS and Load Line Protocols, to accept the certificates issued in accordance with paragraph 1 above as equivalent to the certificates issued under the SOLAS and Load Line Convention or Protocols in force for those States;
4. REQUESTS Governments that implement the harmonized system of survey and certification in accordance with the provisions of this resolution to inform the Secretary-General of their action and of the date when it will take effect;
5. REQUESTS ALSO that the Secretary-General keep Member Governments informed of those Governments that are introducing the harmonized system of survey and certification in accordance with the provisions of this resolution;
6. URGES States which have not yet become Party to the 1988 SOLAS and Load Line Protocols to do so as soon as possible.
