Approval of Ship Structural Access Manuals (SSAM)
LISCR – Approval of Ship Structural Access Manuals (SSAM)
Publication Date: 02 October 2026
This Newsletter informs shipowners, operators and Masters about the issuance of Marine Notice SAF-010 by the Liberia Maritime Authority. The notice provides guidance on the development and approval of Ship Structural Access Manuals (SSAM) to meet the requirements of SOLAS Regulation II-1/3-6, as amended.
Supersedes: Marine Notice SAF-010, dated 05/26.
Scope and Purpose of Marine Notice SAF-010
Marine Notice SAF-010 addresses the development and approval of Ship Structural Access Manuals (SSAM) in accordance with SOLAS Regulation II-1/3-6, as amended.
The guidance is intended for vessel owners, operators and managers responsible for ensuring that the required structural access arrangements and supporting documentation are properly addressed.
The revised notice includes changes to Section 1.2(i) and Appendix II, as outlined below.
Revision to Section 1.2(i) – Permanent Means of Access
Section 1.2(i) has been revised to clarify the inspection interval for permanent means of access (PMA) to cargo oil tanks, further to the guidance provided in MSC.1/Circ.1572/Rev.2.
Inspection interval
The revised section clarifies the inspection interval applicable to permanent means of access (PMA) to cargo oil tanks.
Availability of inspection records
Records are to be readily available to persons using the means of access.
Records attached to the SSAM
A copy of the inspection records is to be attached to the SSAM, even where the inspection records are maintained within the vessel's Planned Maintenance System (PMS).
Interpretation included in the SSAM
A copy of the relevant interpretation is also to be included in the Ship Structural Access Manual.
Update to Appendix II – Latest Checklist
Revised Appendix II
Appendix II of Marine Notice SAF-010 has been updated to incorporate the latest checklist.
Shipowners, operators and managers should refer to the revised Appendix II when preparing, reviewing or updating the relevant SSAM documentation.
Considerations for Shipowners and Operators
In view of the revisions to Marine Notice SAF-010, attention should be given to the following documentation and onboard arrangements:
Review the existing Ship Structural Access Manual against the revised requirements of Marine Notice SAF-010.
Check that the inspection interval for permanent means of access to cargo oil tanks is addressed in accordance with the revised Section 1.2(i) and MSC.1/Circ.1572/Rev.2.
Ensure that relevant inspection records are readily accessible to personnel using the permanent means of access.
Verify that copies of the inspection records and the relevant interpretation are included in the SSAM, even where records are also maintained in the vessel's PMS.
Refer to the updated Appendix II checklist when reviewing the SSAM.
Official Regulatory Reference
Liberia Maritime Authority Approval of Ship Structural Access Manuals (SSAM)
Issuing Authority: Liberia Maritime Authority.
Marine Notice: SAF-010.
The full text of Marine Notice SAF-010, including the revised guidance and updated Appendix II checklist, is available through the document link below.
Download Marine Notice SAF-010 – Ship Structural Access Manuals (PDF)