ISO Standard to Boost Confidence in Ship Recycling Certification
An ISO standard for bodies providing audit and certification of ship recycling management systems (ISO 30003:2009, Ships and marine technology – Ship recycling management systems) will increase worker safety and environmental protection by facilitating independent recognition of good practice, according to a recent press release.
Requirements for bodies providing audit and certification of ship recycling management, aims to instill confidence that the certification process has been carried out in a competent, consistent and reliable manner. The document will facilitate the recognition of accredited certification bodies and the acceptance of their certifications on an international basis.
Capt. Charles Piersall, chair of ISO technical committee that developed the standard, ISO/TC 8, Ships and marine technology, commented: "The concern of potential environmental and human worker health and safety impact necessitates this independent certification because it provides confidence to the facility and its workers, environmentalists, the ship owner, governments, regulatory bodies and the general public that a ship recycling management system conforms to internationally harmonized requirements, is capable of consistently achieving its stated policy and objectives and is effectively implemented.
The document is targeted at third-party audit and certification bodies but can be of value to others involved in the assessment of management systems for the recycling of ships of all types and sizes, in both international and domestic trade.
ISO 30003:2009 will be useful for the shipping and ship recycling industries, shipyards, ship owners, maritime research institutes, universities for maritime technology, government ministries of shipping, navy, environment and labor, port authorities, classification societies and inspection agencies.
Currently, work is under way on the remaining standards of the series:
- Best practice for ship recycling facilities,
- Guidelines for selection of ship recyclers,
- Guidelines for implementing ISO 30000,
- Information control for hazardous materials in shipbuilding and ship operations,
- Guidelines on surveying ships for hazardous material and amount to be reported,
- Methods to remove asbestos in ships, and
- Yachts recycling.
ISO 30003:2009, Ships and marine technology – Ship recycling management systems – Requirements for bodies providing audit and certification of ship recycling management is available from ISO national member institutes (see the
complete list with contact details).