Vessels and Seafarers

Vessels and Seafarers

Published: 7. September 2006. Updated: 7. September 2006.

The Norwegian Maritime Directorate’s vessel areas consist of four units; the cargo ship department, passenger ship department, offshore department and Fishing vessel department.

Cargo ship department

This department tasks are linked to advising and sanctioning cargo ships required to hold certificates and documents concerning new ships, rebuilding of ships and the re-flagging of ships to Norway. The department verifies and hand out appropriate documents and offers operational and technical support to the business. The Cargo ship department also has the responsibility of revising the different class-categories and has the overall control of the business.

Passenger ship department

The passenger ship department is responsible for the certification of all Norwegian passenger ships. Among other things the department carry out the control of documents concerning new ships, rebuilding of ships and the re-flagging of ships to Norway. The necessary safety crew is set for Norwegian passenger ships. The department has specialist proficiency on areas concerning stability, rescue equipment and fire safety.

Offshore department

The offshore department certifies all movable objects operating under a Norwegian flag. The department carry out and follow up the application of “Letter of Compliance” to all foreign installations successfully documenting following Norwegian requirements. The department also assist the Norwegian petroleum safety authority on maritime issues on the supervision of the Norwegian shelf.

Fishing vessel department

The fishing vessel department controls all vessels with a length of 49 ft or more compelled to hold a certificate. Fishing vessels with a length less than 49 ft is controlled by the owners and the control performed by authorized workshops and consultants. The directorate revises the workshops and the consultant and carry out unannounced random checks of the vessels.

Seaman department

The department focuses on the seamen’s qualifications and their work – and living standard. The department maintain and revise the rules and regulations on subjects concerning seamen and undertake controls of the qualifications needed. The department also supervises the different maritime educations and the work – and living standards on board ships. This department makes sure that lawful working conditions are in place on board Norwegian ships. The department also works towards safer and better work environment on board vessels.