- CORE REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
Continuous Synopsis Record Under SOLAS
The handling of Continuous Synopsis Records is governed by SOLAS Chapter XI-1, Regulation 5, and further detailed in IMO Resolutions A.959(23) and MSC.198(80).
Under these provisions, each vessel must carry an up-to-date CSR file on board, reflecting all changes related to ownership, management, flag state, and operational responsibility.
For CSR purposes, the Company refers to the shipowner or any organization (including managers or bareboat charterers) that has assumed responsibility for the operation of the vessel in accordance with the International Safety Management (ISM) Code.
COMPLIANCE & INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS
No deletions CSR?
In the event that SKANReg does not receive a Deletion CSR from the previous flag within 1 month, SKANReg will issue a new CSR, bearing a number that is two higher than the last CSR issued by the previous Flag. This is to allow for missing Deletion CSR to complete the CSR File. There will be a remark made at the bottom of the first SKANReg CSR as follows:
“A Deletion CSR has not been received from the previous flag. Therefore, this CSR Number — is issued following on from CSR’s numbered — and —, issued by the previous flag. When the Deletion CSR is received by St. Kitts & Nevis International Ship Registry, they will be forwarded to the Company responsible for the vessel.”
If however, the Deletion CSR has been received then the first CSR issued by SKANReg will be sequentially numbered.
Previously traded in national waters?
For vessels that had not previously been engaged on international voyages but will undertake such upon registration with SKANReg that Company has to file an Application for CSR form (with applicable attachments) to SKANReg through the Maritime Registrar. CSR numbered one will be issued, at the time of provisional registration, with the following remark:
“Prior to registration with St. Kitts and Nevis the vessel had not been engaged on international voyages and had not been issued any CSR’s. Therefore this document is numbered ‘one’.”
Newbuildings
For new build vessels that Company has to file an Application for CSR form (with applicable attachments) to SKANReg through the Maritime Registrar. CSR Number 1 shall be prepared by SKANReg and issued by the Maritime Registrar upon delivery of the vessel for service.
Procedure for any amendment to the CSR for ships already registered with SKANREG
Whenever any change relating to the entries listed in the CSR of the ship has taken place, this change needs to be included in the CSR file. The Company is required to complete the “Amendments to a Continuous Synopsis Record (CSR)” and attach this to the CSR. A copy of the completed Amendment Form, signed by the Master confirming it has been put in the onboard ships file has to be forwarded without delay to St. Kitts & Nevis International Ship Registry.
Additionally, whenever an Amendment Form is attached to the ship’s current CSR document, details of the amendment have also to be entered in the Index of Amendments.
Issue of updated CSR documents by SKANREG
Following the receipt of an Amendment Form, SKANReg will promptly issue an updated sequentially numbered CSR and send it to the Company (via an appropriate Maritime Registrar, as necessary), retaining a copy in its copy of the vessel’s CSR File.
Actions by Masters when receiving a revised and updated CSR document
On receipt of a revised and updated CSR document, the Master should check its sequential number and review the document to ensure that it covers all relevant Amendment Forms attached to the previous CSR document.
In case this review establishes that there are outstanding amendments not reflected in the latest CSR document, the master should do the following:
Complete new Amendment Form(s) relating to each outstanding amendment and attach it to the latest CSR document;
- List the amendment(s) referred to above in the Index of Amendments attached to the latest CSR document; and
- forward copies of the Amendment Form(s) to SKANReg without delay.
In case of loss of, or damage to, a ship’s CSR file, the Company or Master should contact SKANReg in writing without delay and list the papers lost or damaged; SKANReg will subsequently provide relevant duplicates to the ship of the CSR documents and Amendment Forms that it holds, to replace such papers. Such duplicates will be marked accordingly.
Procedure for any amendment to the CSR for ships already registered with SKANREG
The Company/Manager must advise SKANReg to which Flag the ship is to be transferred. SKANReg will prepare a Deletion CSR to be sent with the Deletion Certificate to the Company for onward transmission to the new Company. SKANReg will forward to the new Flag a copy of the CSR file including the Deletion CSR.
Service provider registration process
Steps to Register
Review registration requirements
Download and review the applicable registration procedures and eligibility requirements relevant to the vessel type and intended registration.
Complete the required application forms
Prepare and complete the prescribed application forms together with all supporting documentation required for registration.
Submit documentation for review
Submit the completed application and supporting documents to the Comoros Maritime Administration, an authorized maritime registrar, or an approved service provider for assessment and approval.