What does ITC mean in CERTIFICATIONS & DIPLOMAS

An International Tonnage Certificate (ITC) is an official document issued by a recognized organization that verifies the tonnage of a ship according to the International Convention on Tonnage Measurement of Ships, 1969. It provides information about the ship's volume and capacity, which is crucial for determining various fees and regulations related to vessel registration, port dues, and cargo handling.

ITCs are issued by authorized organizations recognized by the flag state of the ship. These organizations are typically classification societies or government agencies responsible for ship surveys and certification.

An ITC contains detailed information about the ship's tonnage, including:

• Net tonnage (NT): the volume of enclosed spaces on the ship used for cargo, stores, machinery, and crew accommodations
• Gross tonnage (GT): the total volume of all enclosed spaces on the ship
• Registered tonnage: the tonnage used for registration purposes, typically based on GT
• Under-deck tonnage: the volume of the ship below the tonnage deck
• Enclosed spaces: a list of all enclosed spaces on the ship and their respective volumes
• Tonnage mark: the marking on the ship's hull indicating its certified tonnage

An ITC is essential for:

• Determining the ship's capacity for cargo and passengers
• Calculating port dues, canal tolls, and other fees
• Meeting regulatory requirements for vessel registration and safety
• Ensuring compliance with international maritime conventions

The validity period of an ITC is typically 12 months. However, it may be extended for up to 30 months if the ship undergoes no significant changes affecting its tonnage.

If a ship's tonnage changes due to structural alterations or other modifications, a new ITC must be issued. This ensures that the ship's tonnage is accurately reflected for regulatory and fee-related purposes.