Article 8 Validity, acceptance and recognition of certificates

The Document of Compliance shall remain valid for up to five years from the date of its issue. The Safety Management Certificate shall remain valid for up to five years from the date of its issue.

In cases of renewal of the Document of Compliance and the Safety Management Certificate, the relevant provisions of Part B of the ISM Code shall apply.

Member States shall accept Documents of Compliance, Interim Documents of Compliance, Safety Management Certificates and Interim Safety Management Certificates issued by the administration of any other Member State or on behalf of this administration by a recognised organisation.

Member States shall accept Documents of Compliance, Interim Documents of Compliance, Safety Management Certificates and Interim Safety Management Certificates issued by, or on behalf of, the administrations of third countries.

However, for ships engaged on a regular shipping service, compliance with the ISM Code by the Documents of Compliance, Interim Documents of Compliance, Safety Management Certificates and Interim Safety Management Certificates issued on behalf of administrations of third countries shall be verified, by any appropriate means, by or on behalf of the Member State(s) concerned, unless they were issued by the administration of a Member State or by a recognised organisation.