CIRCULAR No 03

On August 22, 2017, the National Institute of Aquatic Spaces, through Administrative Provision No. 056, issued the regulations regarding basic mandatory safety equipment for national-flagged vessels not regulated by the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, SOLAS 1974 and its 1978 Protocol, as amended,

WHEREAS

Administrative Provision No. 056, in its Article 3, numeral 8, establishes that vessels and drilling units regulated therein must be equipped with a duly configured Aquatic Identification Transponder System (SIA or AIS), which automatically provides information to coastal stations and other vessels and aircraft equipped with appropriate devices; this information includes, among others, the ship’s identity, type, position, course, speed, and navigational status, as well as other data related to its safety.

WHEREAS

By means of Circular No. 011, the National Institute of Aquatic Spaces issued clarifications and specifications to the general public regarding the installation of the Automatic Identification System (AIS) contained in Administrative Provision No. 056,

WHEREAS

By means of Circular No. 006, dated April 25, 2019, the National Institute of Aquatic Spaces extended the deadline until December 31, 2019, for compliance with the provisions set forth in Article 3, numeral 8 of Administrative Provision No. 056,

WHEREAS

The National Institute of Aquatic Spaces, in the exercise of its powers as the Aquatic Authority and Administration, must serve as the guarantor for the implementation of maritime regulations aimed at safeguarding human life at sea and protecting the environment, in accordance with the law.

THIS OFFICE,

DECIDES

Extends the deadline until December 31, 2020, for the implementation of the requirements established in Article 3, numeral 8 of Administrative Provision No. 056, dated August 22, 2017, regarding the implementation of the Automatic Identification System (AIS).

The Aquatic Authority, through the General Management of the Merchant Marine and the Maritime Safety Management, shall ensure strict compliance with this Circular, maintaining the respective follow-up and control at a national level.

Notify the content of this Circular through all dissemination mechanisms.

In Caracas, on the 27th day of January 2020.