Annex - Survey Guidelines Under the Harmonized System of Survey and Certification (HSSC), 2019 - General
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Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - Resolutions - Assembly - IMO Resolution A.1140(31) - Survey Guidelines Under the Harmonized System of Survey and Certification (HSSC), 2019 – (Adopted on 4 December 2019) - Annex - Survey Guidelines Under the Harmonized System of Survey and Certification (HSSC), 2019 - General

Annex - Survey Guidelines Under the Harmonized System of Survey and Certification (HSSC), 2019 - General

(These Guidelines take into account relevant IMO mandatory instruments and amendments thereto entering into force before or on 31 December 2019)

1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 These Guidelines supersede the guidelines adopted by resolution A.1120(30), and take account of the harmonized system of survey and certification in the following instruments:
  • .1 International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974 (1974 SOLAS Convention, or SOLAS 74), as modified by the Protocol of 1988 relating thereto, as amended (SOLAS 74/88);

  • .2 International Convention on Load Lines, 1966 (1966 LL Convention, or LLC 66), as modified by the Protocol of 1988 relating thereto, as amended (LLC 66/88);

  • .3 International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973, as modified by the Protocol of 1978 relating thereto, and as further amended by the Protocol of 1997, as amended (MARPOL);

  • .4 International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships' Ballast Water and Sediments, 2004, as amended (BWM Convention));

  • .5 International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk, as amended (IBC Code);

  • .6 International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk, as amended (IGC Code);

  • .7 Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk, as amended (BCH Code); and

  • .8 International Code for Ships Operating in Polar Waters (Polar Code).

1.2 These Guidelines take into account the amendments to statutory instruments which entered into force before or on 31 December 2019 (see appendix 1), and contain the following:
  • .1 Survey Guidelines under the 1974 SOLAS Convention, as modified by the Protocol of 1988 relating thereto (annex 1);

  • .2 Survey Guidelines under the 1966 LL Convention, as modified by the Protocol of 1988 relating thereto (annex 2);

  • .3 Survey Guidelines under the MARPOL Convention (annex 3);

  • .4 Survey Guidelines under the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships' Ballast Water and Sediments, 2004 (annex 4); and

  • .5 Survey Guidelines under mandatory codes (annex 5).

 1.3 The harmonized system, a diagrammatic arrangement of which is given in appendix 2, provides for:
  • .1 a one-year standard interval between surveys, based on initial, annual, intermediate, periodical and renewal surveys, as appropriate, except for MARPOL Annex IV, which is based on initial and renewal surveys;

  • .2 a scheme providing the necessary flexibility to execute each survey, with provision for:
    • .1 completion of the renewal survey within three months before the expiry date of the existing certificate with no loss of its period of validity; and

    • .2 a "time window" of six months – from three months before to three months after the anniversary date of the certificate for annual, intermediate and periodical surveys;

  • .3 a maximum period of validity of five years for all cargo ship certificates;

  • .4 a maximum period of validity of 12 months for the Passenger Ship Safety Certificate;

  • .5 a system for the extension of certificates limited to three months, enabling a ship to complete its voyage, or one month for ships engaged on short voyages;

  • .6 when an extension has been granted, the period of validity of the new certificate starting from the expiry date of the existing certificate before its extension;

  • .7 a flexible system for inspection of the outside of the ship's bottom on the following conditions:
    • .1 a minimum of two inspections during any five-year period of validity of the Cargo Ship Safety Construction Certificate or the Cargo Ship Safety Certificate; and

    • .2 the interval between any two such inspections should not exceed 36 months;

  • .8 a Cargo Ship Safety Certificate under SOLAS 74/88, as an alternative to separate Cargo Ship Safety Construction, Cargo Ship Safety Equipment and Cargo Ship Safety Radio Certificates; and

  • .9 a flexible system concerning the frequency and the period of validity of certificates, subject to the minimum pattern of surveys being maintained.

1.4 In implementing the harmonized system, the following principal changes made to the survey and certification requirements of SOLAS 74/88 have been taken into account:
  • .1 unscheduled inspections are no longer included and annual surveys are mandatory for cargo ships;

  • .2 intervals between the periodical surveys of equipment covered by the Cargo Ship Safety Equipment Certificate are alternately two and three years instead of two years;

  • .3 intermediate surveys are required for all ships under the Cargo Ship Safety Construction Certificate;

  • .4 inspection of the outside of the ship's bottom is required for all cargo ships;

  • .5 intermediate surveys for the Cargo Ship Safety Construction Certificate are held within three months of either the second or third anniversary date;

  • .6 all cargo ship certificates may be issued for any period of validity up to and including five years;

  • .7 there is provision for a Cargo Ship Safety Certificate; and

  • .8 the extension provisions have been reduced from five months to three months to enable a ship to complete its voyage and the extension for one month for a period of grace is limited to ships engaged on short voyages.

1.5 With regard to LLC 66/88, the principal changes to the requirements for survey and certification are the introduction of similar extension provisions (see 1.4.8) and linking of the period of validity of the new certificate to the expiry date of the previous certificate (see 1.3.6).

1.6 With regard to MARPOL and the IBC, IGC and BCH Codes, the main changes are the linking of the period of validity of the new certificate to the expiry date of the previous certificate (see 1.3.6), the holding of the intermediate survey within three months of the second or third anniversary date and the introduction of the same extension provisions (see 1.4.8).

2 TYPES OF SURVEY

The types of survey used in the harmonized system are as follows:

(I) 2.1 An initial survey is a complete inspection before a ship is put into service of all the items relating to a particular certificate, to ensure that the relevant requirements are complied with and that these items are satisfactory for the service for which the ship is intended.
(P) 2.2 A periodical survey is an inspection of the items relating to the particular certificate to ensure that they are in a satisfactory condition and fit for the service for which the ship is intended.
(R) 2.3 A renewal survey is the same as a periodical survey but also leads to the issue of a new certificate.
(In) 2.4 An intermediate survey is an inspection of specified items relevant to the particular certificate to ensure that they are in a satisfactory condition and fit for the service for which the ship is intended.
(A) 2.5 An annual survey is a general inspection of the items relating to the particular certificate to ensure that they have been maintained and remain satisfactory for the service for which the ship is intended.
(B) 2.6 An inspection of the outside of the ship's bottom is an inspection of the underwater part of the ship and related items to ensure that they are in a satisfactory condition and fit for the service for which the ship is intended.
(Ad) 2.7 An additional survey is an inspection, either general or partial according to the circumstances, to be made after:
    .1 a repair resulting from investigations or whenever any important repairs or renewals are made; or,
    .2 change, replacement, or significant repair of the structure, equipment, systems, fittings, arrangements and material (BWM Convention regulation E-1.1.5).
  2.8 List of types of survey in conventions and codes
(I) 2.8.1 Initial surveys
 
  • SOLAS 74/88 regulations I/7(a)(i) and 7(b)(i)
    • regulations I/8(a)(i) and 8(b)(i)
    • regulations I/9(a)(i) and 9(b)(i)
    • regulations I/10(a)(i) and 10(b)(i)
  • LLC 66/88 article 14(1)(a)
  • MARPOL Annex I regulation 6.1.1
  • MARPOL Annex II regulation 8.1.1
  • MARPOL Annex IV regulation 4.1.1
  • MARPOL Annex VI regulation 5.1.1
  • BWM Convention regulation E-1.1.1
  • IBC Code regulation 1.5.2.1.1
  • IGC Code regulation 1.4.2.1
  • BCH Code regulation 1.6.2.1.1
(P) 2.8.2 Periodical surveys
 
  • SOLAS 74/88 regulations I/8(a)(iii) and 8(b)(ii)
    • regulations I/9(a)(iii) and 9(b)(ii)
(R) 2.8.3 Renewal surveys
 
  • SOLAS 74/88 regulations I/7(a)(ii) and 7(b)(ii)
    • regulations I/8(a)(ii) and 8(b)(ii)
    • regulations I/9(a)(ii) and 9(b)(ii)
    • regulations I/10(a)(ii) and 10(b)(ii)
 
  • LLC 66/88 article 14(1)(b)
  • MARPOL Annex I regulation 6.1.2
  • MARPOL Annex II regulation 8.1.2
  • MARPOL Annex IV regulation 4.1.2
  • MARPOL Annex VI regulation 5.1.2
  • BWM Convention regulation E-1.1.2
  • IBC Code regulation 1.5.2.1.2
  • IGC Code regulation 1.4.2.2
  • BCH Code regulation 1.6.2.1.2
(In) 2.8.4 Intermediate surveys
 
  • SOLAS 74/88 regulations I/10(a)(iii) and 10(b)(iii)
  • MARPOL Annex I regulation 6.1.3
  • MARPOL Annex II regulation 8.1.3
  • MARPOL Annex VI regulation 5.1.3
  • BWM Convention regulation E-1.1.3
  • IBC Code regulation 1.5.2.1.3
  • IGC Code regulation 1.4.2.3
  • BCH Code regulation 1.6.2.1.3
(A) 2.8.5 Annual surveys
 
  • SOLAS 74/88 regulations I/8(a)(iv), 8(b)(iii), and10(a)(iv) and 10(b)(iv)
  • LLC 66/88 article 14(1)(c)
  • MARPOL Annex I regulation 6.1.4
  • MARPOL Annex II regulation 8.1.4
  • MARPOL Annex VI regulation 5.1.4
  • BWM Convention regulation E-1.1.4
  • IBC Code regulation 1.5.2.1.4
  • IGC Code regulation 1.4.2.4
  • BCH Code regulation 1.6.2.1.4
(B) 2.8.6 Inspection of the outside of the ship's bottom
  SOLAS 74/88 regulations I/10(a)(v) and 10(b)(v)
(Ad) 2.8.7 Additional surveys
 
  • SOLAS 74/88 regulations I/7(a)(iii) and 7(b)(iii)
    • regulation I/8(a)(v)
    • regulation I/9(a)(iv)
    • regulation I/10(a)(vi)
 
  • MARPOL Annex I regulation 6.1.5
  • MARPOL Annex II regulation 8.1.5
  • MARPOL Annex IV regulation 4.1.3
  • MARPOL Annex VI regulation 5.1.5
  • BWM Convention regulation E-1.1.5
  • IBC Code regulation 1.5.2.1.5
  • IGC Code regulation 1.4.2.5
  • BCH Code regulation 1.6.2.1.5

3 APPLICATION AND ARRANGEMENT OF THE GUIDELINES

3.1 The Guidelines provide a general framework upon which Administrations will be able to base their arrangements for carrying out surveys. It is recognized that survey provisions contained in the Guidelines are not necessarily applicable to all types and sizes of ship.

3.2 While the Guidelines are intended to cover instruments listed in 1.1, they should be applied, as appropriate, to drilling rigs and other platforms covered by MARPOL Annex I regulation 39 and Annex VI regulation 5.

3.3 A description of the various types of survey is given in section 4 and, as shown on the contents page, this is followed by the detailed requirements for the various surveys for each of the certificates.

3.4 When appropriate, the detailed requirements for the various surveys contain a section that is applicable to all cargo ships followed by a section that only applies to specific ship types.

3.5 While the convention or code references are included, where possible, it should be noted that, in general, it has not been possible to indicate where there are differing requirements dependent upon the ship's year of build. Consequently, care should be taken in applying specific requirements, particularly where there have been amendments that are only applicable to ships built after a certain date.

3.6 Although also part of the requirements for the Cargo Ship Safety Construction Certificate, a separate section is provided for inspection of the outside of the ship's bottom.

3.7 SOLAS 74/88 regulation I/12(v) provides for a Cargo Ship Safety Certificate to be issued as an alternative to the Cargo Ship Safety Equipment Certificate, the Cargo Ship Safety Construction Certificate and the Cargo Ship Safety Radio Certificate. Consequently, the surveys for the issue and renewal of the Cargo Ship Safety Certificate should be in accordance with the certificates it replaces and, similarly, the annual and intermediate surveys should be the same as those required for the replaced certificates and the appropriate sections of the Cargo Ship Safety Certificate, endorsed accordingly.

3.8 On the left-hand side of each item to be surveyed may be found two or three letters in brackets, the first indicating the certificate to which the survey relates, as follows:
  • (E) for the Cargo Ship Safety Equipment Certificate;

  • (C) for the Cargo Ship Safety Construction Certificate;

  • (R) for the Cargo Ship Safety Radio Certificate;

  • (L) for the International Load Line Certificate;

  • (O) for the International Oil Pollution Prevention Certificate;

  • (N) for the International Pollution Prevention Certificate for Carriage of Noxious Liquid Substances in Bulk;

  • (S) for the International Sewage Pollution Prevention Certificate;

  • (A) for the International Air Pollution Prevention Certificate;

  • (D) for the International Certificate of Fitness for the Carriage of Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk or the Certificate of Fitness for the Carriage of Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk;

  • (G) for the International Certificate of Fitness for the Carriage of Liquefied Gases in Bulk;

  • (P) for the Passenger Ship Safety Certificate;

  • (W) for the Polar Ship Certificate;

  • (B) for the International Ballast Water Management Certificate;

  • and the second and third letters the type of survey, as follows:

  • (I) for the initial survey;

  • (A) for the annual survey;

  • (In) for the intermediate survey;

  • (P) for the periodical survey;

  • (R) for the renewal survey;

  • (B) for inspection of the outside of the ship's bottom;

  • (Ad) for an additional survey.

Accordingly, "(EI)", "(OIn)" and "(PR)", for example, indicate the initial survey for the Cargo Ship Safety Equipment Certificate, the intermediate survey for the International Oil Pollution Prevention Certificate and the renewal survey for the Passenger Ship Safety Certificate, respectively.

3.9 For the application of these Guidelines, the following guidance on terms used in the survey requirements is provided:
  • .1 "Examining", except where used in "examining the plans" or "examining the design", should be understood as an examination, using appropriate techniques, of the components, system or appliance in question for satisfactory provision, arrangement and condition and for any signs of defects, deterioration or damage. The extent of this examination shall be adapted by the surveyor considering the type of survey performed (e.g. initial, annual, renewal) and the actual maintenance condition of the ship and its equipment;

  • .2 "Testing" should be understood as a functional test of the system or appliance in question, to confirm its satisfactory operation and performance for its intended use.

3.10 The amplification of various terms and conditions is given in section 5.

4 DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIOUS TYPES OF SURVEY

(I) 4.1 Initial surveys

4.1.1 Frequency

The initial survey, as required by the relevant regulations (see 2.8.1), should be held before the ship is put in service, or when a new instrument applies to an existing ship, and the appropriate certificate is issued for the first time.

4.1.2 General

4.1.2.1 The initial survey should include a complete inspection, with tests when necessary, of the structure, machinery and equipment to ensure that the requirements relevant to the particular certificate are complied with and that the structure, machinery and equipment are fit for the service for which the ship is intended.

4.1.2.2 The initial survey should consist of:
  • .1 an examination of the plans, diagrams, specifications, calculations and other technical documentation to verify that the structure, machinery and equipment comply with the requirements relevant to the particular certificate;

  • .2 an inspection of the structure, machinery and equipment to ensure that the materials, scantlings, construction and arrangements, as appropriate, are in accordance with the approved plans, diagrams, specifications, calculations and other technical documentation and that the workmanship and installation are in all respects satisfactory; and

  • .3 a check that all the certificates, record books, operating manuals and other instructions and documentation specified in the requirements relevant to the particular certificate have been placed on board the ship.

4.1.3 Examination of plans and designs

An application for an initial survey should be accompanied by plans and designs referred to in sections 1, 2, 4 and 5 of annex 1 and in annexes 2, 3, 4 and 5, as appropriate, together with:

  • .1 the particulars of the ship;

  • .2 any exemptions sought; and

  • .3 any special conditions.

(A) 4.2 Annual surveys

4.2.1 Frequency

The annual survey, as required by the relevant regulations (see 2.8.5) and as shown diagrammatically in appendix 2, should be held within three months before or after each anniversary date of the certificate.

4.2.2 General

4.2.2.1 An annual survey should enable the Administration to verify that the condition of the ship, its machinery and equipment is being maintained in accordance with the relevant requirements.

4.2.2.2 In general, the scope of the annual survey should be as follows:
  • .1 it should consist of a certificate examination, a visual examination of a sufficient extent of the ship and its equipment, and certain tests to confirm that their condition is being properly maintained;

  • .2 it should also include a visual examination to confirm that no unapproved modifications have been made to the ship and its equipment;

  • .3 the content of each annual survey is given in the respective guidelines; the thoroughness and stringency of the survey should depend upon the condition of the ship and its equipment; and

  • .4 should any doubt arise as to the maintenance of the condition of the ship or its equipment, further examination and testing should be conducted as considered necessary.

4.2.3 Where an annual survey has not been carried out within the due dates, reference should be made to 5.6.

(In) 4.3 Intermediate surveys

4.3.1 Frequency

The intermediate survey, as required by the relevant regulations (see 2.8.4) and as shown diagrammatically in appendix 2, should be held within three months before or after the second anniversary date or within three months before or after the third anniversary date of the appropriate certificate and should take the place of one of the annual surveys.

4.3.2 General

4.3.2.1 The intermediate survey should be an inspection of items relevant to the particular certificate to ensure that they are in a satisfactory condition and are fit for the service for which the ship is intended.

4.3.2.2 When specifying items of hull and machinery for detailed examination, due account should be taken of any continuous survey schemes that may be applied by classification societies.

4.3.2.3 Where an intermediate survey has not been carried out within the due dates, reference should be made to 5.6.

(P) 4.4 Periodical surveys

4.4.1 Frequency

The periodical survey, as required by the relevant regulations (see 2.8.2) and as shown diagrammatically in appendix 2, should be held within three months before or after the second anniversary date or within three months before or after the third anniversary date in the case of the cargo ship safety equipment certificate and should take the place of one of the annual surveys; in the case of the cargo ship safety radio certificate, it should be held within three months before or after each anniversary date.

4.4.2 General

4.4.2.1 The periodical survey should consist of an inspection, with tests when necessary, of the equipment to ensure that requirements relevant to the particular certificate are complied with and that they are in a satisfactory condition and are fit for the service for which the ship is intended.

4.4.2.2 The periodical survey should also consist of a check that all the certificates, record books, operating manuals and other instructions and documentation specified in the requirements relevant to the particular certificate are on board the ship.

4.4.2.3 Where a periodical survey has not been carried out within the due dates, reference should be made to 5.6.

(R) 4.5 Renewal surveys

4.5.1 Frequency

The renewal survey, as required by the relevant regulations (see 2.8.3) and as shown diagrammatically in the appendix 2, should be held before the appropriate certificate is renewed.

The cargo ship safety construction renewal survey may be commenced at the fourth annual survey and may be progressed during the succeeding year with a view to completion by the fifth anniversary date. The survey items of the fourth annual survey should not be credited to the completion of the renewal survey.

4.5.2 General

4.5.2 1 The renewal survey should consist of an inspection, with tests when necessary, of the structure, machinery and equipment to ensure that the requirements relevant to the particular certificate are complied with and that they are in a satisfactory condition and are fit for the service for which the ship is intended.

4.5.2.2 The renewal survey should also consist of a check that all the certificates, record books, operating manuals and other instructions and documentation specified in the requirements relevant to the particular certificate are on board the ship.

4.5.2.3 Concurrent crediting to both intermediate and renewal safety construction surveys for surveys of spaces should not be acceptable.

(B) 4.6 Inspections of the outside of the ship's bottom of cargo ships

4.6.1 Frequency

There should be a minimum of two inspections of the outside of the ship's bottom during any five-year period (see 5.7), except where SOLAS 74/88 regulation I/14(e) or (f) is applicable. One such inspection should be carried out on or after the fourth annual survey in conjunction with the renewal of the Cargo Ship Safety Construction Certificate or the Cargo Ship Safety Certificate. Where the Cargo Ship Safety Construction Certificate or the Cargo Ship Safety Certificate has been extended under SOLAS 74/88 regulation I/14(e) or (f), this five-year period may be extended to coincide with the validity of the certificate. In all cases the interval between any two such inspections should not exceed 36 months.

4.6.2 General

4.6.2.1 The inspection of the outside of the ship's bottom and the survey of related items (see 5.1) should include an inspection to ensure that they are in a satisfactory condition and fit for the service for which the ship is intended.footnote

4.6.2.2 Inspections of the outside of the ship's bottom should normally be carried out with the ship in dry dock. However, consideration may be given to alternate inspections being carried out with the ship afloat. Special consideration should be given before ships of 15 years of age and over other than bulk carriers and oil tankers are permitted to have such surveys afloat. Inspection of the outside of the ship's bottom of bulk carriers and oil tankers of 15 years of age and over should be carried out with the ship in dry dock. Inspections with the ship afloat should only be carried out when the conditions are satisfactory and the proper equipment and suitably trained staff are available. For ships subject to enhanced survey, the provisions of paragraph 2.2.2footnote of the applicable part of annex A or B of the International Code on the Enhanced Programme of Inspections during Surveys of Bulk Carriers and Oil Tankers, 2011 (2011 ESP Code) adopted by resolution A.1049(27), as amended, should apply.

4.6.3 Where an inspection of the ship's bottom has not been carried out before the due dates, reference should be made to 5.6.

(Ad) 4.7 Additional surveys

4.7.1 Frequency

The additional survey, as required by the relevant regulations (see 2.8.7), should be held:
  • 1 when required after an investigation; or

  • 2 whenever any important repairs or renewals are made; or

    3 when ballast water management systems (BWMS) are retrofitted on an existing ship to which an International Ballast Water Management Certificate was previously issued.

4.7.2 General

Whenever an accident occurs to a ship or a defect is discovered which affects the safety or integrity of the ship or the efficiency or completeness of its equipment, the master or owner should make a report at the earliest opportunity to the Administration, the nominated surveyor or recognized organization responsible for issuing the relevant certificate. The Administration, the nominated surveyor or recognized organization responsible for issuing the relevant certificate should then initiate an investigation to determine whether a survey, as required by the regulations applicable to the particular certificate, is necessary. This additional survey, which may be general or partial according to the circumstances, should be such as to ensure that the repairs and any renewals have been effectively made and that the ship and its equipment continue to be fit for the service for which the ship is intended. In case of installations of BWMS on existing ships the survey shall be such as to ensure that this retrofit, replacement, or significant repair has been effectively made, so that the ship complies with the requirements of the BWM Convention.

4.8 Completion of surveys

4.8.1 If a survey shows that the condition of the ship or its equipment does not correspond substantially with the particulars of the certificate or is not fit to proceed to sea without danger to the ship, or persons on board, or without presenting unreasonable threat of harm to the environment, the officer of the Administration, nominated surveyor or recognized organization should be guided by the requirements of SOLAS 74/88 regulation I/6(c), MARPOL Annex I regulation 6.3.3, MARPOL Annex II regulation 8.2.5, MARPOL Annex IV regulation 4.5, MARPOL Annex VI regulation 5.3.3, IBC Code regulation 1.5.1.4, IGC Code regulation 1.4.1.4 and BCH Code regulation 1.6.1.3, or in the case of the BWM Convention the survey shows that the ship's ballast water management does not conform to the particulars of the Certificate required under regulations E-2 or E-3, or is such that the ship is not fit to proceed to sea without presenting a threat of harm to the environment, human health, property or resources, the surveyor should be guided by regulation E-1.6. These instruments require that corrective action be taken immediately and the Administration notified in due course. In cases where the corrective action has not been undertaken the relevant certificate should be withdrawn and the Administration notified immediately. If the ship is in the port of another Party, the appropriate authorities of the port State should also be notified immediately.

4.8.2 Although the Polar Code does not contain specific requirements, if the ship is trading in polar waters and a survey shows that the condition of the ship or its equipment does not correspond substantially with the particulars of the Polar Ship Certificate, or the ship is not fit to operate in polar waters without danger to the ship, or persons on board, or without presenting unreasonable threat of harm to the environment, the officer of the Administration, nominated surveyor or recognized organization should, nevertheless, be guided by 4.8.1. The validity of the Polar Ship Certificate does not affect the validity of other certificates.

4.8.3 Although LLC 66/88 does not contain specific requirements, if a load line survey shows that the condition of the ship or its equipment does not correspond substantially with the particulars of the certificate or is not fit to proceed to sea without danger to the ship, or persons on board, or without presenting unreasonable threat of harm to the environment, the officer of the Administration, nominated surveyor or recognized organization should, nevertheless, be guided by 4.8.1.

4.8.4 If a survey shows that the condition of the ship and its equipment correspond substantially with the particulars of the certificate, and the ship is fit to proceed to sea without danger to the ship, or persons on board, and without presenting unreasonable threat of harm to the environment, but deficiencies exist that cannot be rectified at the time of survey, the following guidance should be given:
  • .1 a condition should be issued, detailing any relevant requirements or conditions with assigned due date for the time needed to rectify the deficiencies, with relevant information being kept available on board; if and as required by the Administration, the relevant certificates should be issued with the appropriate expiry dates; and

  • .2 the Administration should be notified, as appropriate, according to the agreement with the nominated surveyor or the recognized organization.

5 AMPLIFICATION OF TERMS AND CONDITIONS

5.1 Definition of related items

Reference: SOLAS 74/88 regulation I/10(b)(v).

Related items mean those items which may only be inspected when the ship is in dry dock or undergoing an in-water examination of the outside of its bottom. For oil tankers, chemical tankers and gas carriers, this may mean that the ship has to be specially prepared by, for example, being cleaned and gas freed. Then the survey of items such as the internal examination of cargo tanks, as referred to in (CIn) 2.3.2 and (CIn) 2.3.3 in annex 1 may be undertaken at the same time.

5.2 Extending to five years a certificate issued for less than five years

References: SOLAS 74/88 regulation I/14(c), LLC 66/88 article 19(3), MARPOL Annex I regulation 10.3, MARPOL Annex II regulation 10.3, MARPOL Annex IV regulation 8.3, MARPOL Annex VI regulation 9.3, BWM Convention regulations E-5.5 and E-5.6, IBC Code regulation 1.5.6.3, IGC Code regulation 1.4.6.3, BCH Code regulation 1.6.6.3, and Polar Code part I-A /regulation 1.3.6.

Where a certificate has been issued for a period of less than five years, it is permissible under these regulations or article to extend the certificate so that its maximum period of validity is five years provided that the pattern of surveys for a certificate with a five-year period of validity is maintained (see appendix 2). This means that, for example, if a request is made to extend a two-year Cargo Ship Safety Equipment Certificate to five years, then a periodical and two further annual surveys, as detailed in SOLAS 74/88 regulation I/8, would be required. Also, for example, if it was intended to extend a four-year Cargo Ship Safety Construction Certificate to five years, an additional annual survey would be required, as detailed in SOLAS 74/88 regulation I/10. Where a certificate has been so extended, it is still permissible to also extend the certificate under SOLAS 74/88 regulations I/14(e) and (f), LLC 66/88 articles 19(5) and (6), MARPOL Annex I regulations 10.5 and 10.6, MARPOL Annex II regulations 10.5 and 10.6, MARPOL Annex IV regulations 8.5 and 8.6, MARPOL Annex VI regulations 9.5 and 9.6, BWM Convention regulation E-5.2.2, IBC Code regulations 1.5.6.5 and 1.5.6.6, IGC Code regulations 1.4.6.5 and 1.4.6.6, and BCH Code regulations 1.6.6.5 and 1.6.6.6, when no additional surveys would be required but, of course, the new certificate issued after the renewal survey would date from the five-year expiry of the existing certificate, in accordance with SOLAS 74/88 regulation I/14(b)(ii), LLC 66/88 article 19(2)(b), MARPOL Annex I regulation 10.2.2, MARPOL Annex II regulation 10.2.2, MARPOL Annex IV regulation 8.2.2, MARPOL Annex VI regulation 9.2.2, BWM Convention regulation E-5.3, IBC Code regulation 1.5.6.2.2, IGC Code regulation 1.4.6.2.2, BCH Code regulation 1.6.6.2.2 and Polar Code part I-A/regulation 1.3.6.

5.3 Extending the period between inspections of the outside of the ship's bottom

Reference: SOLAS 74/88 regulation I/10(a)(v).

This permits the period of five years in which two inspections of the ship's bottom are to be carried out to be extended when the Cargo Ship Safety Construction Certificate is extended under regulation I/14(e) and (f). However, no extension should be permitted on the period of 36 months between any two such inspections. If the first ship's bottom inspection is carried out between 24 and 27 months, the 36-month limitation may prevent the certificate being extended by the periods permitted in regulation I/14(e) and (f).

5.4 Definition of "short voyage"

References: SOLAS 74/88 regulation I/14(f), LLC 66/88 article 19(6), MARPOL Annex I regulation 10.6, MARPOL Annex II regulation 10.6, MARPOL Annex IV regulation 8.6, MARPOL Annex VI regulation 9.6, BWM Convention regulation E-5.3, IBC Code regulation 1.5.6.6, IGC Code regulation 1.4.6.6, BCH Code regulation 1.6.6.6 and Polar Code part I-A/ regulation 1.3.6.

For the purpose of these regulations or article, a "short voyage" means a voyage where neither the distance from the port in which the voyage begins to the final port of destination nor the return voyage exceeds 1,000 miles.

5.5 Application of "special circumstances"

References: SOLAS 74/88 regulation I/14(g), LLC 66/88 article 19(7), MARPOL Annex I regulation 10.7, MARPOL Annex II regulation 10.7, MARPOL Annex IV regulation 8.7, MARPOL Annex VI regulation 9.7, BWM Convention regulation E-5.7, IBC Code regulation 1.5.6.7, IGC Code regulation 1.4.6.7, BCH Code regulation 1.6.6.7 and Polar Code part I-A/ regulation 1.3.6.

The purpose of these regulations or article is to permit Administrations to waive the requirement that a certificate issued following a renewal survey that is completed after the expiry of the existing certificate should be dated from the expiry date of the existing certificate. The special circumstances when this could be permitted are where the ship has been laid up or has been out of service for a considerable period because of a major repair or modification. While the renewal survey would be as extensive as if the ship had continued in service, the Administration should consider whether additional surveys or examinations are required depending on how long the ship was out of service and the measures taken to protect the hull and machinery during this period. Where this regulation is invoked, it is reasonable to expect an examination of the outside of the ship's bottom to be held at the same time as the renewal survey when it would not be necessary to include any special requirements for cargo ships for the continued application of SOLAS 74/88 regulation I/10(a)(v).

5.6 Revalidation of certificates

References: SOLAS 74/88 regulation I/14(i)(i), LLC 66/88 article 19(9)(c), MARPOL Annex I regulation 10.9.1, MARPOL Annex II regulation 10.9.1, MARPOL Annex IV regulation 8.8.1, MARPOL Annex VI regulation 9.9.1, BWM Convention E-5.9.3, IBC Code regulation 1.5.6.9.1, IGC Code regulation 1.4.6.9.1, BCH Code regulation 1.6.6.9.1 and Polar Code part I-A/regulation 1.3.6.

A certificate ceases to be valid if the periodical, intermediate or annual survey, as appropriate, or the inspection of the outside of the ship's bottom is not completed within the periods specified in the relevant regulation or article. The validity of the certificate should be restored by carrying out the appropriate survey which, in such circumstances, should consist of the requirements of the survey that was not carried out, but its thoroughness and stringency should have regard to the time this survey was allowed to lapse. The Administration concerned should then ascertain why the survey was allowed to lapse and consider further action.

5.7 Meaning of "any five-year period"

Reference: SOLAS 74/88 regulation I/10(a)(v).

Any five-year period is the five-year period of validity of the Cargo Ship Safety Construction Certificate or the Cargo Ship Safety Certificate

5.8 Surveys required after transfer of the ship to the flag of another State

The certificates cease to be valid when a ship transfers to the flag of another State and it is required that the Government of the State to which the ship transfers should not issue new certificates until it is fully satisfied that the ship is being properly maintained and that there have been no unauthorized changes made to the structure, machinery and equipment. When so requested, the Government of the State whose flag the ship was formerly entitled to fly is obliged to forward, as soon as possible, to the new Administration copies of certificates carried by the ship before the transfer and, if available, copies of the relevant survey reports and records, such as record of safety equipment and conditions of assignment for load line. When fully satisfied by an inspection that the ship is being properly maintained and that there have been no unauthorized changes, in order to maintain the harmonization of the surveys the new Administration may give due recognition to initial and subsequent surveys carried out by, or on behalf of, the former Administration and issue new certificates having the same expiry date as the certificates that ceased to be valid because of the change of flag.

5.9 Recommended conditions for extending the period of validity of a certificate

5.9.1 In SOLAS 74/88 and other mandatory IMO instruments the following provision applies: If a ship at the time when a certificate expires is not in a port in which it is to be surveyed, the Administration may extend the period of validity of a certificate but this extension should be granted only for the purpose of allowing the ship to complete its voyage to the port in which it is to be surveyed, and then only in cases where it appears proper and reasonable to do so. No certificate should be extended for a period longer than three months, and a ship to which an extension is granted should not, on its arrival in the port in which is to be surveyed, be entitled by virtue of such extension to leave that port without having a new certificate.

5.9.2 If a ship is in a port where the required survey cannot be completed, and where the Convention allows the Administration to extend the certificate when it is proper and reasonable to do so, the Administration should be guided by the following:
  • .1 an additional survey, equivalent to at least the same scope of an annual survey required by the relevant certificate(s) should be carried out;

  • .2 the renewal survey should be carried out to the maximum extent possible;

  • .3 in cases where a dry-docking is required, but cannot be carried out, an underwater inspection of the ship's bottom should be carried out;

  • .4 in cases where an underwater inspection is not possible (e.g. poor water visibility, draught restrictions, excessive current, refusal by the port Authority), an internal inspection of the ship's bottom structure, to the maximum extent practicable, should be carried out;

  • .5 the ship should be allowed to sail directly to a named final agreed cargo discharge port and then directly to a named agreed port to complete the survey and/or dry-docking;

  • .6 the extension period should be for the minimum amount of time needed to complete the survey and/or dry-docking under the relevant certificate(s);

  • .7 the condition of the ship found by the surveys indicated above should be considered in determining the duration, distance and operational restrictions, if any, of the voyage needed to complete the survey and/or dry-docking; and

  • .8 the extension period of the relevant statutory certificate(s) should not exceed the period of validity of the certificate which may be issued to document compliance with the structural, mechanical and electrical requirements of the recognized classification society.

5.10 Inspection of the outside of a passenger ship's bottom

5.10.1 A minimum of two of the inspections of the outside of the ship's bottom during any five-year period should be conducted in dry dock. In all cases, the maximum interval between any two dry-dock bottom inspections should not exceed 36 months.

5.10.2 Where acceptable to the Administration, the minimum number of inspections in dry dock of the outside of the bottom of a passenger ship which is not a ro-ro passenger ship in any five-year period may be reduced from two to one.footnote In such cases the interval between consecutive inspections in dry dock should not exceed 60 months.

Note: The definition of "any five-year period" is the five-year period of validity of the International Load Line Certificate.

5.10.3 Inspections of the ship's bottom required for the renewal survey that are not conducted in dry dock may be carried out with the ship afloat. The bottom inspection, regardless of method, should be carried out within the allowable time window for the Passenger Ship Safety Certificate renewal survey (i.e. within the three-month time window before the expiry date of the certificate). Additionally, inspections of the outside of the ship's bottom conducted afloat should only be carried out when the conditions are satisfactory and the proper equipment and suitably qualified staff are available. Rudder bearing clearances specified in (PR) 5.2.2.1 need not be taken at the afloat inspections.

5.10.4 Special consideration should be given to ships 15 years of age or over before being permitted to credit inspections afloat.

5.10.5 If a survey in dry dock is not completed within the maximum intervals referred to above, the Passenger Ship Safety Certificate should cease to be valid until the survey in dry dock is completed.

5.11 Survey of radio installations

The survey of the radio installations, including those used in life-saving appliances, should always be carried out by a qualified radio surveyor who has necessary knowledge of the requirements of SOLAS 74, the International Telecommunication Union's Radio Regulations and the associated performance standards for radio equipment. The radio survey should be carried out using suitable test equipment capable of performing all the relevant measurements required by these Guidelines. On satisfactory completion of the survey, the radio surveyor should forward a report of the survey, which should also state the organization he or she represents, to the authorities responsible for the issue of the ship's Cargo Ship Safety Radio Certificate or Passenger Ship Safety Certificate.

5.12 Survey of the automatic identification system (AIS)

The survey of the automatic identification system should always be carried out by a qualified radio surveyor who has necessary knowledge of the requirements of SOLAS 74, the International Telecommunication Union's Radio Regulations and the associated performance standards for radio equipment. The survey of the automatic identification system should be carried out using suitable test equipment capable of performing all the relevant measurements required by and in accordance with the Guidelines on annual testing of the automatic identification system (AIS) (MSC.1/Circ.1252).

5.13 Surveys for ships intended to operate in polar watersfootnote

5.13.1 In accordance with SOLAS 74/88 regulations XIV/2.1 and 3.1, MARPOL Annex I regulation 47, MARPOL Annex II regulation 22, MARPOL Annex IV regulation 18 and MARPOL Annex V regulation 14, the Polar Code is a standalone instrument, providing requirements additional to SOLAS 74/88 and MARPOL for ships intended to operate in polar waters. The requirements of the Polar Code should be surveyed in the context of the surveys under SOLAS 74/88 and MARPOL, but do not form separate survey types.

5.13.2 For MARPOL Annexes I and II,footnote compliance with the Polar Code should be indicated on the International Oil Pollution Prevention Certificate and, where applicable, the International Pollution Prevention Certificate for the Carriage of Noxious Liquid Substances in Bulk. For SOLAS 74/88, the Polar Ship Certificate should be issued (Polar Code, paragraph 1.3) and endorsed for compliance with the Polar Code. The Polar Ship Certificate should be perceived as a certificate additional to SOLAS certificates for ships intended to operate in polar waters, and the validities of other certificates are not affected by it when a ship stays outside of polar areas.

5.13.3 Although there is no dedicated type of survey associated with the Polar Ship Certificate, the following types of survey are applicable in the Survey Guidelines in annex 5 and contain survey items specific to the Polar Ship Certificate:
  • .1 the initial survey would confirm the survey scopes of the items related to part I-A of the Polar Code with respect to the initial surveys of safety construction, safety equipment and safety radio of cargo ships or the initial survey of the Passenger Ship Safety Certificate;

  • .2 the annual survey would confirm the survey scopes of the items related to part I-A of the Polar Code with respect to the periodical safety radio survey and the annual safety construction and safety equipment surveys of cargo ships;

  • .3 the intermediate survey would confirm the survey scopes of the items related to part I-A of the Polar Code with respect to the intermediate safety construction survey of cargo ships;

  • .4 the periodical survey (second or third year of its validity) would confirm the survey scopes of the items related to part I-A of the Polar Code with respect to the periodical safety equipment survey of cargo ships; and

  • .5 the renewal survey would confirm the survey scopes of the items related to part I-A of the Polar Code with respect to the renewal surveys of safety construction, safety equipment and safety radio of cargo ships or the renewal survey of the Passenger Ship Safety Certificate.

5.13.4 For a Polar Ship Certificate issued to a cargo ship, the endorsements of the certificate for annual survey, intermediate survey and periodical survey would confirm the satisfactory completion of the survey scopes as stated respectively in subparagraphs 5.13.3.2 to 5.13.3.4.

5.13.5 For a Polar Ship Certificate issued to a passenger ship, only the endorsements in accordance with SOLAS 74/88 regulations I/14(d) and I/14(e) or I/14(f) are applicable.

5.13.6 After the relevant surveys under the related SOLAS certificates together with the survey items relevant to the Polar Code are carried out, the relevant SOLAS certificates should then be endorsed prior to the Polar Ship Certificate being issued/endorsed.

5.13.7 In the event that the Polar Ship Certificate has ceased to be valid or has expired for a period of time and other certificates remain valid, the Administration may require, as deemed appropriate, a survey which addresses only the survey items additional to the survey items under the related SOLAS certificates for reinstating the validity of the Polar Ship Certificate. The duration of the related SOLAS certificates should remain unchanged.


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