1. Before a ro-ro passenger ship or high-speed passenger craft starts to operate on a regular service covered by this Directive, the competent authorities of the Member States shall carry out a pre-commencement inspection, consisting of:
verification of the compliance with the requirements laid down in Annex I; and
an inspection, in accordance with Annex II, to satisfy themselves that the ro-ro passenger ship or high-speed craft fulfills the necessary requirements for safe operation of a regular service.
2. The pre-commencement inspection shall be carried out by an inspector.
3. When requested by a Member State, companies shall provide evidence of compliance with the requirements of Annex I in advance of but not earlier than 1 month before the pre-commencement inspection.