ACS ( Alternative Compliance Scheme )

The Alternative Compliance Scheme (ACS) streamlines the survey and certification process whilst maintaining standards and minimizing duplication of effort with classification societies. This scheme delegates all survey work to UK’s authorized classification societies other than :

        → ACS Inspection

        → Interactional Safety Management Audit

        → Interactional Ship and Port Security Audit

        → Maritime Labour Convention ( MLC ) 2006 inspection

Eligibility :

       o The Alternative Compliance Scheme is available to all UK registered vessels other than passenger ships, which trade internationally and to which the principal maritime conventions apply.

       o For a vessel to be eligible and to be considered, the following conditions shall apply :

                 a. The vessel has not been detained within the previous 36 months.

                 b. Not more than 5 deficiencies within the previous 12 months.

                 c. The vessel is classed with one of the Classification Societies authorized by the UK viz. ABS, BV, DNV, GL, LR, NKK and RINA

                 d. The owner shall permit access by the MCA to any or all records, files, reports, documents and certificates held or issued by the ACS classification society the vessel is classed with.

                 e. The owner or operator shall notify the MCA one-month in advance of all in water surveys or dry docking dates.