Conventionsmeans the conventions, with the Protocols and amendments thereto, making the use of the III Code mandatory, and the related codes of mandatory status, in their up-to-date versions;
flag State inspectionmeans an inspection not leading to certification, conducted to verify that the actual condition of the ship and its crew is in conformity with the certificates that it carries.’
flag State inspectormeans: who may carry out flag State inspections, and who fulfils the qualification and independence requirements laid down in Article 8(1);
flag State surveyormeans a public sector employee, working exclusively for and duly authorised by the competent authority of a Member State, responsible for or performing surveys, verifications and audits of ships and companies covered by the relevant international mandatory instruments and fulfilling the independence requirement laid down in Article 8(1);
other personnel who assist in the performance of surveysmeans persons duly authorised by the administration of the Member State or by a recognised organisation acting on its behalf, who may assist flag State surveyors when carrying out surveys, as specified by the administration, and who fulfil the communication, qualification and independence requirements laid down in Article 8(1);
shipmeans a ship or craft to which one or more Conventions apply, flying the flag of a Member State and in respect of which a certificate is required;’