Exemptions and dispensations from certain requirements may be granted to a Latvian flag ship only by the Maritime Safety Inspectorate of the Maritime Administration of Latvia.
If the ship is under the technical supervision of a recognised organisation, the shipowner or the shipping company shall, in general, first approach the recognised organisation to assess the legality of the potential exemption, the possible restrictions on the operation of the ship and the possible validity of the exemption. Upon receipt of a positive opinion from the recognised organisation, the owner shall apply to the Maritime Safety Inspectorate, setting out the circumstances for the exemption or exemption, together with the opinion of the recognised organisation.
If the ship is under the technical supervision of a Maritime Safety Inspectorate, the owner shall apply to the Maritime Safety Inspectorate, setting out the circumstances for obtaining an exemption or dispensation.
The decision and the conditions for granting or refusing the exemption or dispensation is taken by the Maritime Safety Inspectorate. Each case is considered on its own merits, with the primary consideration being the adequate provision of maritime safety and environmental protection.
The certificate of exemption shall be issued either by the Maritime Safety Authority or by a recognised organisation as authorised by the Maritime Safety Authority. In certain cases, the Administration may require that the validity of the associated conventional certificate be limited to the validity of the exemption certificate.
