Section 5(12) in The Merchant Shipping (Management for the Safe Operation of Ships) Rules, 2000
(12)The period of validity of a Safety Management Certificate shall be five years, subject to minimum of one intermediate verification confirming effective functioning of the Safety Management System, and that any modifications carried out since the previous verification comply with the requirements of the International Safety Code .Provided that the frequency of the intermediate verification may be increased in certain cases, particularly during the initial period of operation of the Safety Management System or due to the nature of non-conformities:Provided further that where one intermediate verification has been carried out, the second intermediate verification shall take place between the second year and the third year.
