Emergency Contact Captain Hari Subramaniam: What steps should a prudent shipowner take when bringing their vessels back into service after a long period of layup? Home Latest updates News Captain Hari Subramaniam: What steps should a prudent shipowner take when bringing their vessels back into service after a long period of layup? 12 Jan 2017 Download Sign up for alerts What steps should a prudent shipowner take when bringing their vessels back into service after a long period of layup? Layup reactivation is crucial given that the vessel may have been out of service for a number of months and hence the Club has a survey requirement when it comes to layup reactivations (Rule 35). The extent of re-commissioning work would depend on whether the vessel was under hot or cold layup, the length of time the vessel was laid up and the extent of maintenance carried out during the laid up period. There are many steps to be considered when preparing to re-commission the vessel after a layup. The following is a non-exhaustive guide for layup reactivations. The Class/Flag/Company procedures must be consulted prior to commencement of trading. In the event of a prolonged layup, due consideration must be given for the vessel to undergo sea trials, as appropriate, for a proper assessment of the vessel and its equipment. Manning Even where the vessel was on reduced manning for the period of the layup, with the permission of the Flag administration, it is imperative that prior to reactivation the vessel is adequately manned by competent and experienced crew. This may not apply to vessels which are certified manned. Survey and certification In the event that the laid up status was endorsed by Flag and/or Class when the vessel went into lay-up, the intention of reactivation must be conveyed to them in advance. Any inspections required by Flag and/or Class for putting the vessel back into active service must be undertaken. It would be prudent to notify the local p