What is one purpose of the Ship Sanitation Control Certificate (SSCC)?

The purpose of the Ship Sanitation Control Certificate (SSCC) is fundamentally to certify that a ship has implemented adequate measures to prevent disease outbreaks. This certificate is crucial in maintaining the health and safety of both the crew and passengers on board by ensuring that public health standards are met. The SSCC is issued after an inspection that assesses various sanitation practices on the ship, such as water quality management, waste disposal, and vector control. This proactive certification process helps to minimize the risk of communicable diseases spreading, especially in environments where large numbers of people are in close quarters, much like those found on ships. Thus, the SSCC serves as both a validation of compliance with public health regulations and a reassurance to authorities and the public that the ship is safe from sanitation-related health risks.