For how long are legal records maintained on board a vessel?

Legal records on board a vessel are maintained for a period of three years. This duration aligns with various maritime regulations and standards that govern the documentation and record-keeping practices necessary for operational integrity and legal compliance. Maintaining these records for three years ensures that the vessel can provide relevant documentation if required for inspections, audits, or in case of legal disputes. This period balances the need for accountability and the practicalities of storage and management of such records.

Other durations may not provide sufficient time to meet regulatory and legal standards for inspections and potential legal proceedings, which typically consider activities and compliance issues that can arise and be reviewed over a three-year span.