Circular 5/05: Japan Compulsory Insurance Requirements on Non-Tank Vessels

Outline

• This circular is of urgent importance to Members operating non-tank vessels of 100 gross tons or more calling at Japanese ports.

• Members unable to carry on board an original Certificate of Entry for the 2005 policy year by the 1st March deadline are provided with an alternative method for compliance with this law.

• The deadline and other requirements for reporting the status of insurance to the Japanese authorities remain unchanged.

TO THE MEMBERS

JAPAN COMPULSORY INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS ON NON-TANK VESSELS

As previously advised in the Association's circular 

In response to comments from International Group clubs that it is practically impossible for the original Certificates of Entry to be on board by 1st March, as the policy year starts at 20th February, the Japan Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MLIT) has granted a two month grace period (from 20th February to 20th April).

During this period, non-tank vessels trading to Japan will satisfy the compulsory insurance requirements if they have on board an original copy of the Certificate of Entry for the expired policy year AND a faxed copy or photocopy (including a printed pdf copy) of the Certificate of Entry or the Confirmation of Renewal for the new policy year. From 20th April 2005, an original copy of the Certificate of Entry for the new policy year must be carried on board.

With regard to the requirements on reporting, these remain as previously advised. Hence a report must be made on the status of insurance from 1st March 2005 (both for non-tank vessels and CLC tankers). The MLIT has posed details about the reporting procedure on its website at the following address: 

MLIT has indicated that details on the period of grace would be given to the relevant port authorities, but no public announcement would be made on this matter.

ref: 20/04), the amended Japanese Law on Liability for Oil Pollution Damage will take effect from 1st March 2005, by which date all ocean-going non-tanker vessels of 100 gross tons or more must comply with the requirements of compulsory insurance when calling at a Japanese port. www.mlit.go.jp/english/maritime/insurance_portal3eng.htm).