S.L. 234.57 Art. 5Exceptions to pre- commencement inspections. 3

(1) In the case of pre-commencement inspections, the competent authority may decide not to apply certain requirements or procedures in Annexes I and II of Directive (EU) 2017/2110 relevant to any annual flag State survey or inspection carried out within the previous six months, provided that relevant procedures and guidelines for surveys specified in HSSC or procedures designed to achieve the same goal have been followed.

(2) When a ro-ro passenger ship or high-speed passenger craft is to be engaged on a regular service, the competent authority may take into account inspections and surveys previously carried out in respect of that ro-ro passenger ship or high-speed passenger craft for operation on another regular service covered by these regulations. Provided that the competent authority is satisfied with those previous inspections and surveys and that they are relevant to the new operational conditions, the inspections provided for in regulation 4(1) do not need to be applied before the ro-ro passenger ship or high-speed passenger craft starts operating on the new regular service.

(3) Where, due to unforeseen circumstances, there is an urgent need for the rapid introduction of a replacement ro-ro passenger ship or high-speed passenger craft to ensure continuity of service, and sub-regulation (2) is not applicable, the competent authority may allow the ro-ro passenger ship or craft to start operating provided that:

(a) a visual inspection and document check raises no concerns that the ro-ro passenger ship or high-speed passenger craft does not fulfil the necessary requirements for safe operation; and

(b) the pre-commencement inspection provided for in regulation 4(1) is completed within one month.