Surveys & Inspections

  1. Home
  2. /
  3. Domestic Vessel Services
  4. /
  5. Surveys & Inspections

Survey Procedure

  1. Once the application process is complete ADOMS will apply the applicable Code and conduct an initial survey against the requirements.
  2. Once found to comply the craft can be issued with an appropriate safety certificate and licence.
  3. The craft will be assigned an ADOMS license number or registered call sign which must be prominently displayed along with the licence decal sticker.  Read more

ADOMS initial survey

  1. The safety and firefighting equipment requirements are based on the type and length of the craft, total number of persons onboard, operating area and conditions of operation in terms of the type of activity.
  2. Assessment for maximum numbers is based on (fixed seating area/stability criteria).
  3. A general survey of vessel condition, plus fittings will be carried out.

Pre-Survey Considerations

  1. All safety and firefighting equipment on board must be in good working order, readily available in case of emergency, and maintained in accordance with any manufacturer’s instructions.
  2. The owner (or authorized representative) is required to provide stability information if applicable, details of the latest drydocking surveys, machinery service, modifications and any other vetting information deemed necessary.
  3. ADOMS will monitor and coordinate the correction of deficiencies.
  4. There is scope for accepting and applying exemptions or equivalencies to existing safety and firefighting equipment all of which are assessed during an initial survey.

ADOMS Survey scheduling

  1. An ADOMS surveyor will arrange for an initial survey to be carried out.
  2. The date and time for a survey/inspection must be agreed upon between the owner/operator/representative and an ADOMS surveyor. Either party can, within a reasonable time request to re-schedule or cancel the booking.
  3. If the attending ADOMS surveyor is not able to get safe or reasonable access to the vessel and/or the owner/operator/representative is not present at the agreed date and time, or cancels the booking without reasonable cause, then a re-survey/inspection fee will be charged.
  4. The onus is on the owner/operator/representative to ensure that annual inspections/self-certification are carried out.

Pleasure Craft Requirements

  1. The Code of Safety for Small Pleasure Craft (SCC CODE 2017) applies to vessels operating for recreational purposes (i.e. not carrying cargo or passengers for reward on any voyage or excursion). Read more
  2. Pleasure craft and all Jet skis operating only in Antigua and Barbuda waters are issued a Safety Certificate and Licence valid for no more than five years, subject to annual self-certification, and in addition a licence decal valid for one year.
  3. A Safety Certificate and Licence is required whilst operating only in Antigua and Barbuda waters where operators must have evidence of competence.
  4. Pleasure vessels registered and going on international voyages are only required to have a valid Certificate of Registry which is comparable to the vessel’s passport. However, at the discretion of the Administration, current and valid class and statutory certificates and a current list of firefighting and life-saving appliances are required.

Commercial vessels

  1. The Code of Safety for Small Commercial Vessel (SCV CODE) applies to vessels operating commercially (i.e. carrying cargo or passengers for reward on any voyage or excursion). Read more 
  2. All commercial vessels operating only in Antigua and Barbuda waters are issued a Safety Certificate and Licence valid for no more than five years subject to annual inspections by an ADOMS surveyor and in addition a licence decal valid for one year.
  3. Owners/operators wishing to operate commercially on international voyages must have applicable safety certification and a valid Certificate of Registry.