Accreditation and certification of IHM experts (individuals or companies) and testing laboratories
General
The ship owner is responsible for the IHM Part I preparation of vessels in operation and may draw upon assistance from a hazmat expert. The hazmat expert can either be an individual from a third-party hazmat expert company or an employee of the ship owner who has received the proper training.
The hazmat experts prepare the IHM by taking samples and making visual checks on board based on the collected ship specific information.
The IHM experts involved in the IHM process should have appropriate training, qualifications, knowledge and experience to perform their respective duties. Requirements stated in para. 4.3 of "EMSA's best practice guidance on the inventory of hazardous materials" should be followed.
Such an expert or expert party should not be the same as the person or organization authorized by the Administration to approve the Inventory.
INSB Class shall accept the IHM preparation to be carried out by qualified HazMat experts and expert companies approved by any IACS Society or the flag Administration.
IHM expert company
IHM expert company is an entity employing or contracting individual IHM experts to conduct any relevant work or task in relation to the IHM process for the purpose of compiling or updating IHM. The IHM expert company should use a documented management system and should work on suitable standards, covering the relevant activities of the company.
IHM expert company should be contracted by either the shipyard or by the shipowner.
Anyone using an IHM expert company for compiling or updating an IHM is responsible to confirm that the IHM expert company is duly capable to implement quality processes and procedures.
With regard to accreditation and certification of IHM expert company refer to para. 4.2 of "EMSA's best practice guidance on the inventory of hazardous materials".
Individual IHM expert
Individual IHM expert is a person who has the appropriate training, qualifications and knowledge to conduct hazardous materials related surveys for the development and maintenance of an IHM.
Individual IHM expert should be contracted by either the shipyard or by the shipowner.
Anyone using an individual IHM expert for compiling or updating an IHM is responsible to confirm that the IHM expert is competent to carry out the work required.
With regard to accreditation and certification of individual IHM expert refer to para. 4.2 of "EMSA's best practice guidance on the inventory of hazardous materials".
Accredited laboratory
Accredited laboratory is a laboratory accredited in accordance with ISO 17025 or an equivalent standard for the purpose of conducting specific tests for hazardous materials included in the Hong Kong Convention and the Regulation and capable of providing a written report that can be relied upon by all parties.
For specific detailed requirements for accredited laboratories refer to "EMSA's best practice guidance on the inventory of hazardous materials".
In order to be acceptable for providing services laboratory should provide sufficient proof of accreditation.