1.1 It has long been recognized that the only
way of ensuring that the condition of a ship’s structure is
maintained to conform with the applicable requirements is for all
its components to be surveyed on a regular basis throughout their
operational life. This will ensure that they are free from damage
such as cracks, buckling or deformation due to corrosion, overloading,
or contact damage and that thickness diminution is within established
limits. The provision of suitable means of access to the hull structure
for the purpose of carrying out overall and close-up surveys and inspections
is essential and such means should be considered and provided for
at the ship design stage.
1.2 Ships should be designed and built with due
consideration as to how they will be surveyed by flag State inspectors
and classification society surveyors during their in-service life
and how the crew will be able to monitor the condition of the ship.
Without adequate access, the structural condition of the ship can
deteriorate undetected and major structural failure can arise. A comprehensive
approach to design and maintenance is required to cover the whole
projected life of the ship.
1.3 In order to address this issue, the Organization
has developed these Technical provisions for means of access for inspections
(hereinafter called the "Technical provisions"), intended to facilitate
close-up inspections and thickness measurements of the ship’s
structure referred to in SOLAS regulation
II-1/3-6 on Access to and within spaces in, and forward of,
the cargo area of oil tankers and bulk carriers. The Technical provisions
do not apply to the cargo tanks of combined chemical/oil tankers complying
with the provisions of the IBC Code.
1.4 Permanent means of access which are designed
to be integral parts of the structure itself are preferred and Administrations
may allow reasonable deviations to facilitate such designs.