The following certificates must be carried by merchant ships:

1. Certificate of Registration.
2. International Tonnage Certificate (this gives the gross and net tonnage).
3. Passenger and Safety Certificate (if a ship carries more than 12 passengers). This gives the number of passengers the ship is registered to carry and also covers the safety aspects such as life boats, life rafts, life jackets, radios and operators.
4. Cargo Ship Safety Construction Certificate. (this covers the hull, machinery and equipment of a vessel).
5. Cargo Ship Safety Equipment Certificate (this covers lifesaving and fire fighting equipment).
6. Cargo Ship Safety Radio Telegraphy/Telephony Certificate (this covers the radio equipment and operators).
7. International Loadline Certificate (this covers the loading of the ship).
8. A De-ratting Certificate (this covers health aspects).