Web Alert: Problems with ship sanitation certificates (SSCC/SSCEC) in Brazil

The club has been advised by the local correspondents in Brazil (Representacoes Proinde Ltda.) that there has been an increase in vessels facing problems with Brazilian port health authorities in respect of ship sanitation certificates (SSCC/SSCEC).
 
As the ship sanitation certificate is valid for six months, its renewal must be scheduled and planned with sufficient time in advance of its expiration date. If it is not, the ship may face delays, extra costs, expenses and loss of hire.
 
It is recommended that the renewal of a ship sanitation certificate is scheduled at least forty days before the expiry date and no less than twenty days for the vessels on a regular line, so as to ensure that the vessel reaches an IHR authorised port within local health authority’s working hours and with sufficient time available during the call to undergo sanitary inspection and health control measures, if required.
 
Members are recommended to consult the attached WHO IHR ‘list of authorized ports’ when renewing the ship sanitation certificates. In Brazil, ANVISA issues and extends SSCs in all major ports for a fixed public tariff that is payable through the official banking system – no cash payment is to be made directly to the health inspectors.