Convention readiness
A management framework for Hong Kong Convention requirements.
Certification support
ISO 30000 Ship Recycling Management
Current edition: ISO 30000:2009
The management system standard for ship recycling facilities. It sets requirements for recycling ships safely and in an environmentally sound way, and supports facilities working to meet the Hong Kong Convention and the EU Ship Recycling Regulation.
2025Convention in force
The Hong Kong Convention is in force
The Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships entered into force on 26 June 2025. Recycling facilities now need authorisation and documented plans that meet its requirements. An ISO 30000 system gives you the management framework to meet them and show it.
What the standard covers
What an ISO 30000 system manages
ISO 30000 requires a management system that controls the safety, health and environmental aspects of each recycling operation.
Facility management plan
How the facility operates and controls recycling activities.
Ship recycling plan
A plan for each ship, based on its inventory of hazardous materials.
Hazardous materials
Identification, removal, storage and disposal of hazardous materials.
Worker safety
Safe-for-entry and safe-for-hot-work conditions, PPE and training.
Environmental protection
Containment of pollutants, waste management and monitoring.
Emergency preparedness
Fire, spill and accident response at the facility.
Legal requirements
Authorisation and compliance with international and national rules.
Records and reporting
Documentation of each recycling operation for authorities and ship owners.
Why organisations implement it
What ISO 30000 delivers
Ship owner confidence
Evidence that buyers and ship owners increasingly require from yards.
Safer yards
Controlled hazardous work and fewer serious incidents.
Environmental control
Pollution prevention and waste handled to defined standards.
Market access
A step towards meeting EU Ship Recycling Regulation expectations.
Integrates with EHS
Works alongside ISO 14001 and ISO 45001.
How we work
Path to certification
One AEC methodology from first assessment to certificate, delivered by registered lead auditors.
- AssessGap assessment against ISO 30000, scope and roadmap
- DesignProcesses, risk register, policy and documented information
- ImplementProcesses embedded with coaching for process owners
- TrainAwareness for all staff and internal auditor development
- VerifyInternal audit, management review and mock certification audit
- Certify & sustainStage 1 and Stage 2 support, then surveillance readiness
Full implementation
We build the management system, plans and procedures from the ground up.
Typically 9 to 12 monthsGap remediation
We bring existing practice up to ISO 30000 and convention requirements.
Typically 6 to 9 monthsIntegration
We add ship recycling requirements to your ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 system.
Typically 4 to 6 months
Who certifies
Independent certification, chosen to fit your market
Your ISO 30000 certificate is issued by an independent certification body accredited by UKAS, DAkkS or an equivalent national accreditation body. AEC prepares you for that audit; the certification decision is theirs.
CB-neutral
We are not tied to one certification body and help you select one to suit your stakeholders and markets.
Audit-ready
Mock certification audit and closed corrective actions before Stage 1 and Stage 2.
No guarantees
We prepare you thoroughly and never promise an outcome only an independent auditor can decide.
Where it applies
ISO 30000 by industry
Shipping & ports · recycling yards and ship owners
Government · maritime authorities
Manufacturing · steel recovery and processing
Related standards
Questions
ISO 30000 FAQ
Does AEC issue the ISO 30000 certificate?
No. Certificates are issued by independent certification bodies accredited by a national accreditation body. AEC prepares your facility for that audit.
Does ISO 30000 certification authorise a yard under the Hong Kong Convention?
No. Authorisation is granted by the competent national authority. ISO 30000 provides a management system that helps you meet the convention's requirements and evidence them.
Is ISO 30000 relevant to ship owners?
Ship owners use it as one of the signals when choosing a recycling facility. The standard itself applies to recycling facilities.
Can ISO 30000 be combined with ISO 14001 and ISO 45001?
Yes. Many of its requirements overlap with environmental and safety management, so one integrated system is practical.
Start your ISO 30000 programme
Tell us your facility, capacity and current practices. We reply with a proposal covering gap assessment, implementation and certification support.
Certification decisions are made by independent, accredited certification bodies. AEC prepares organisations for certification and does not guarantee certification outcomes.