Continuous Synopsis Record (CSR)

The Continuous Synopsis Record (CSR) is a document that provides a comprehensive history of a ship’s registration and ownership. Key features include:

1. Ship’s particulars (name, IMO number, port of registry, flag state)

2. Date of registration with the current flag state

3. Name and address of the registered owner(s)

4. Name and address of the registered bareboat charterer(s), if applicable

5. Name of the company responsible for the ship’s management

This document is used to maintain a continuous record of a ship’s history, including changes in ownership, flag, and management. It is required under the SOLAS Convention and is intended to enhance maritime security by providing transparency in ship ownership and operation. The CSR is crucial for port state control inspections, as it allows authorities to quickly verify a ship’s identity and history. It is issued by the flag state and must be kept on board the ship at all times. Any changes to the information in the CSR must be reported to the flag state, which will then issue an updated document. The CSR is numbered sequentially, with each new version building upon the previous one. This ensures a complete and unbroken record of the ship’s history. Overall, the Continuous Synopsis Record plays a significant role in improving maritime security and transparency in the shipping industry by providing a clear trail of a ship’s registration and ownership history.