International health

• International Health Regulations 2005
• Ship sanitation inspections

See also:

• Water sampling on ships

International Health Regulations 2005

Under International Health Regulations seagoing vessels must receive a ship sanitation inspection at least every six months. This inspection includes a food safety element, an assessment of infectious disease controls, an assessment of the ship's pest free status, sanitation and waste disposal facilities. Welfare provisions for crews are also considered during an inspection.

A ship sanitation control, exemption or if applicable, extension certificate can be issued.

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Ship sanitation inspections

This service is based:

• on availability of officers
• safe access arrangements are in place
• requests made within three working days of when the inspection is due and payment is
• received within 24 hours before inspection
• fees are based on the Association of Port Health Authorities (APHA)
• an additional charge may be applicable if there is a cancellation or additional service is required.
• vessels located within the Adur District Council area of Shoreham Port within Gates 4 to 10 (we can't issue certificates if the vessel is berthed in the Birghton & Hove City Council part of Shoreham Port)

Please note - the inspection will be cancelled if:

• wind (including gusts) exceed Beaufort wind scale of 5
• heavy rainfall at Shoreham Harbour
• the agent has failed to arrive within 15 minutes of the arranged time or has cancelled, the inspection fee is refunded minus the additional charge for the officer preparation time for the inspection
• safe access arrangements have not been fulfilled, the inspection fee is refunded minus the additional charge for the officer preparation time for the inspection

For details of the charges please see:

• Environmental Health Fees & Charges 2025/26 - Adur & Worthing Councils (123KB)

How to apply for a ship sanitation inspection;

• After clicking the link below you will need to register in order to submit your enquiry.
• Once registered please click on 'Requests' - then select 'Food Hygiene Enquiry'
• Please provide details of the name of the vessel, tonnage and time period at the Shoreham Port and gate details for inspection.

Request your ship sanitation inspection

Once we have confirmed that an officer is available, please make payment via our online portal above.

Select 'Requests' and select from the following:

• the appropriate tonnage for ship sanitation certificate
• the appropriate vessels capacity for ship sanitation
• extension of ship sanitation certificate

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