Accredited persons' duties

An accredited person under 1919 Subpart C is primarily responsible for inspecting vessels' cargo gear and issuing a certificate that the gear is safe for use.

• This duty includes performing the required inspection or examination and completing whatever documentation the standard and the port or employer require.
• For full procedural and recordkeeping details, consult 1919 Subpart C.

No — under 1919 Subpart C an accredited person must not certify cargo gear that they determine to be unsafe or defective.

• The accredited person should document the unsafe condition and withhold certification until necessary repairs or corrective actions are completed and reinspection confirms safety.
• Refer to 1919 Subpart C for the standard's expectations about duties and certification.

When an accredited person finds a defect, they must record the defect, notify the vessel operator or owner, and withhold certification until the defect is corrected and the gear is reexamined.

• Accurate documentation and prompt notification are part of the accredited person's duties under 1919 Subpart C.
• After repair, the accredited person should reinspect the gear before issuing any certificate.

An accredited person is expected to prepare and maintain inspection records and certificates that document the condition of the cargo gear and the results of the inspection as part of their duties under 1919 Subpart C.

• Records should include the date of inspection, the identity of the gear inspected, findings, and the accredited person's certification decision.
• Check 1919 Subpart C and any local port requirements for specific retention periods and form requirements.

Yes — an accredited person should use manufacturer recommendations and accepted industry practices as part of the competent inspection process when certifying cargo gear under 1919 Subpart C.

• These sources help determine whether gear is in safe working condition and whether repairs or testing are adequate.
• Where the standard or port authority provides specific test methods or intervals, those take precedence; see 1919 Subpart C for details.

The accredited person is responsible for notifying the ship operator or employer about required repairs discovered during an inspection as part of their duties under 1919 Subpart C.

• Notification should be timely and documented so corrective actions can be scheduled and verified.
• The accredited person should also document any recommendations or limitations on use until repairs are completed.

Yes — an accredited person should reinspect cargo gear after repairs and before issuing or reissuing a certificate under 1919 Subpart C.

• Reinspection verifies that corrective work was properly done and that the gear meets safety requirements.
• Keep documentation of the reinspection and the basis for issuing the certificate.

An accredited person may limit certification to reflect actual conditions and safe usage limits when appropriate under 1919 Subpart C.

• Any limitation must be clearly documented on the certificate and communicated to the vessel operator.
• The accredited person should base such limitations on inspection findings, manufacturer guidance, and accepted testing practices.

If an accredited person disagrees with a vessel operator about gear safety, the accredited person must document their findings and withhold certification until the issue is resolved, per duties under 1919 Subpart C.

• The accredited person should communicate the specific deficiencies in writing and recommend corrective steps.
• If necessary, involve the port authority, employer safety representative, or other competent authority to resolve the dispute.

Accredited persons are expected to act impartially and avoid conflicts of interest so their certification accurately reflects gear safety under 1919 Subpart C.

• Independence supports public confidence in the certificate and protects worker safety.
• If there are applicable port or accreditation-body rules on conflicts of interest, the accredited person must follow those in addition to 1919 Subpart C.

An accredited person must be qualified in accordance with whatever accreditation or qualification criteria apply to their role when certifying cargo gear under 1919 Subpart C.

• Qualifications typically include training, demonstrated experience, and recognition by an appropriate accreditation body or authority.
• Check the applicable accreditation program and 1919 Subpart C for specific qualification requirements.

An accredited person should record any limitations or conditions clearly on the certificate itself and in accompanying inspection records as required by 1919 Subpart C.

• The documentation should specify the nature of the limitation, the affected equipment, and any operational restrictions.
• Clear documentation helps owners, operators, and inspectors understand safe use conditions.

An accredited person is responsible for following the inspection schedule, monitoring requirements, or follow-up actions specified by the standard or by local port rules when issuing a certificate under 1919 Subpart C.

• This may include periodic reinspection or special checks after heavy use or unusual events; consult the standard and local requirements for specifics.
• Maintain records of any follow-up inspections and findings.

A certificate should state the accredited person's determination that the gear has been inspected and whether it is safe for use; include the date of inspection, identity of the gear, any limitations, and the accredited person's identification, consistent with duties under 1919 Subpart C.

• The exact format may be set by the port or accreditation authority, so use any required forms and keep a copy in the accredited person's records.
• Clear, complete certificates protect workers and help enforce compliance.