What should a boarding officer check regarding safety certificates during an inspection?

During an inspection, a boarding officer must check if the safety certificates are valid and not expired because these certificates are crucial indicators of the vessel's compliance with safety standards and regulations. Valid certificates demonstrate that the vessel has undergone the necessary inspections and has met the required safety criteria, which helps ensure the safety of the crew and passengers onboard.

Ensuring that safety certificates are current and have not expired is essential in determining whether the vessel is operating within the legal framework and adhering to maritime safety provisions. An expired certificate could indicate that the vessel has not been evaluated for safety compliance recently, potentially putting everyone at risk.

While other considerations, such as the issuing authority or whether the certificates are prominently displayed, are also important in assessing compliance, the validity of the certificates directly impacts the safety of the vessel and its operations. The number of certificates onboard does not inherently indicate safety compliance; rather, it is the validity and current status of the specific certificates that matter most in ensuring adherence to safety regulations.