Section 19.3 Classification Society Surveys (Annual, Intermediate, Special)

Classification Societies (Class) are non-governmental organizations that establish and maintain technical standards for the construction and operation of ships and offshore structures. They conduct surveys to verify that ships are built and maintained in accordance with these standards (Class Rules) and often also act as Recognized Organizations (ROs) on behalf of Flag Administrations to carry out statutory surveys and issue statutory certificates. For a ship to be “in Class,” it must meet these requirements. Maintaining Class is essential for insurance, financing, and trading eligibility.

1. Purpose of Classification Surveys:

Verify Structural Integrity and Seaworthiness: To ensure the ship’s hull, machinery, and essential equipment are in a condition that meets Class Rules, ensuring the vessel is structurally sound and capable of safe operation.

Maintain Class Status: Successful completion of periodic surveys is necessary to maintain the ship’s classification. Loss of Class can have severe commercial consequences.

Statutory Compliance (as RO): When acting as an RO, Class surveyors also verify compliance with international conventions (SOLAS, MARPOL, Load Lines, etc.) on behalf of the Flag State, leading to the issuance or endorsement of statutory certificates.

2. The Survey Cycle and Types of Surveys: Ships are subject to a cycle of surveys to maintain their classification. The main surveys for a bulk carrier include:

Initial Survey (Class Entry Survey): Conducted when a ship is first built or when it transfers Class. This is a comprehensive survey to ensure the ship meets all relevant Class Rules and statutory requirements.

Annual Surveys:

Purpose: To provide a general examination of the hull, machinery, and equipment to confirm they are being properly maintained and remain in satisfactory condition.

Timing: Conducted within a window of three months before or after each anniversary date of the initial or last renewal survey.

Scope: Includes a general visual inspection of the hull, weather decks, hatch covers, coamings, selected ballast tanks (especially for ESP vessels), machinery, fire-fighting equipment, and life-saving appliances. Operational tests of certain equipment may be required. Statutory items covered by the Class as an RO will also be checked.

Intermediate Surveys:

Purpose: A more in-depth survey than the annual survey, intended to ensure that the ship remains in a satisfactory condition between special surveys.

Timing: Takes place between the second and third annual survey (i.e., within the 3rd year of the 5-year cycle).

Scope: Includes all items of an annual survey plus more extensive examinations and thickness measurements of hull structures, especially in cargo holds and ballast tanks (particularly for ESP bulk carriers). Testing of piping systems, examination of sea valves, and more detailed checks of machinery and safety equipment are also conducted.

Special Survey (Renewal Survey):

Purpose: The most comprehensive survey, conducted to renew the ship’s classification certificate for another five-year period. It involves a thorough examination of the ship’s structure, machinery, and equipment to ensure it meets all applicable Class Rules and is fit for its intended service.

Timing: Conducted every five years.

Scope: Extremely detailed. Includes extensive thickness measurements of hull structures, close-up surveys of tanks and holds, pressure testing of tanks, overhaul and testing of machinery (main engine, auxiliary engines, boilers, steering gear), examination of tailshaft and propeller (often requiring dry-docking), and comprehensive testing of all safety and pollution prevention equipment.

Dry-Docking Survey: Usually coincides with the Special Survey (or an Intermediate Survey) and involves inspection of the underwater hull, rudder, propeller, sea chests, and hull openings.

Continuous Survey System (CSS):

Some owners opt for a CSS for machinery (CSM) or hull (CSH, less common for bulk carriers). Under CSS, specific items are surveyed on a rolling basis throughout the 5-year cycle, rather than concentrating all examinations at the Special Survey. This can help spread out maintenance and survey workload.

Occasional Surveys (Damage/Repair Surveys):

Conducted after a ship has sustained damage (e.g., from collision, grounding, heavy weather, machinery breakdown) or when repairs or modifications are carried out that may affect Class.

Purpose: To assess the extent of damage, approve repair procedures, and verify that repairs are carried out to Class standards, ensuring the ship is restored to a safe and seaworthy condition.

Surveys for Specific Notations: If a ship has special Class notations (e.g., for specific cargoes, ice class), additional surveys may be required to verify compliance with those specific rules.

3. Enhanced Survey Programme (ESP) for Bulk Carriers and Oil Tankers: Due to historical concerns about the structural integrity of bulk carriers (and oil tankers), the IMO adopted the ESP (SOLAS Ch.XI-1, Reg.2), which is implemented through Class Rules.

Applicability: Mandatory for bulk carriers of 500 GT and over.

Requirements: ESP mandates more stringent and detailed survey requirements, particularly for hull structures, including:

Increased scope of close-up surveys and thickness measurements.

Specific attention to “suspect areas” known to be prone to corrosion or cracking (e.g., cargo hold frames, brackets, transverse bulkheads, ballast tank structures, hatch coamings and covers).

Detailed survey planning, including a Survey Plan document prepared by the owner and approved by Class.

Enhanced documentation and reporting, including a Condition Evaluation Report.

Requirements for access arrangements (e.g., staging, rafts) to facilitate close-up surveys.

4. The Survey Process:

Notification and Planning: The shipowner/operator is responsible for notifying Class and arranging for surveys within the due dates. For major surveys like Special Surveys or ESP surveys, detailed planning in conjunction with the Class surveyor is essential.

Preparation by Ship’s Crew:

Ensure all relevant documentation (certificates, previous survey reports, maintenance records, Survey Plan for ESP) is available.

Prepare compartments for inspection (e.g., clean, gas-free for entry, provide safe access, lighting).

Have relevant personnel (e.g., Chief Officer for hull, Chief Engineer for machinery) available to accompany the surveyor.

Ensure equipment is ready for operational testing.

Surveyor’s Attendance: The Class surveyor will conduct the survey according to Class Rules and applicable statutory requirements.

Identifying Deficiencies/Repairs: If deficiencies are found or repairs are necessary, the surveyor will issue a report (often called a “Condition of Class” or “Recommendation”).

Condition of Class (CoC): A deficiency that must be rectified by a specific date to maintain Class. Failure to do so can lead to suspension or withdrawal of Class.

Recommendation/Memorandum: A note about an item that needs attention or monitoring but does not immediately affect Class.

Rectification and Clearance: Repairs must be carried out to the satisfaction of the surveyor. Once rectified, the CoC will be cleared.

Issuance/Endorsement of Certificates: Upon satisfactory completion of surveys, Class will issue or endorse the relevant Class and statutory certificates.

5. Preparing for Classification Surveys:

Proactive Maintenance: A robust Planned Maintenance System (PMS) is the best preparation. Addressing potential issues before they become deficiencies saves time and money.

Knowledge of Survey Requirements: The Master and senior officers should be familiar with the scope of upcoming surveys, especially ESP requirements for bulk carriers.

Pre-Survey Inspections: Conduct thorough internal inspections before the surveyor arrives to identify and rectify any obvious issues.

Safe Access: Ensure safe access is provided for all areas to be surveyed. This is a critical safety aspect and a common cause of survey delays.

Cooperation: Maintain a cooperative and professional relationship with the Class surveyor. Provide all necessary assistance.

Documentation: Keep accurate and up-to-date records of maintenance, repairs, and previous surveys.

Classification Society surveys are fundamental to ensuring the ongoing safety and structural integrity of a bulk carrier. A diligent approach to these surveys by the Master and crew is essential for maintaining the vessel’s Class, its trading eligibility, and, most importantly, its safety.