(A) 4 Guidelines for the Surveys for the International Air Pollution Prevention Certificate and the NOx Technical Code
Clasification Society 2024 - Version 9.40
Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - Resolutions - Assembly - IMO Resolution A.1053(27) – Survey Guidelines Under the Harmonized System of Survey and Certification (HSSC), 2011 – (Adopted on 30 November 2011)Amended by resolution A.1076(28) – (Adopted on 4 December 2013) - Annex - Survey Guidelines Under the Harmonized System of Survey and Certification (HSSC), 2011 - Annex 3 - Survey Guidelines Under the MARPOL Convention - (A) 4 Guidelines for the Surveys for the International Air Pollution Prevention Certificate and the NOx Technical Code

(A) 4 Guidelines for the Surveys for the International Air Pollution Prevention Certificate and the NOx Technical Code

(AI) 4.1 Initial surveys – see part "General", section 4.1

  (AI) 4.1.1 For air pollution prevention the examination of plans and designs should consist of:

  • (AI) 4.1.1.1 examining the arrangements for systems using ozone-depleting substances (MARPOL Annex VI reg.12);

  • (AI) 4.1.1.2 examining the arrangements for NOx emission control, if applicable (MARPOL Annex VI reg.13);

  • (AI) 4.1.1.3 examining the arrangements for SOx and particulate matter control, if applicable (MARPOL Annex VI reg.14);

  • (AI) 4.1.1.4 examining the arrangements for vapour collection systems, if applicable (MARPOL Annex VI reg.15 and MSC/Circ.585);

  • (AI) 4.1.1.5 examining the arrangements for shipboard incinerators, if applicable (MARPOL Annex VI reg.16).

  (AI) 4.1.2 For air pollution prevention the survey should consist of:

  • (AI) 4.1.2.1 Ozone-depleting substances (MARPOL Annex VI reg.12):

    • (AI) 4.1.2.1.1 confirming, if applicable, the satisfactory installation and operation of systems using ozone depleting substances;

  • (AI) 4.1.2.1.2 confirming that no installation or equipment containing ozone depleting substances has been installed after 19 May 2005, other than hydro-chlorofluorocarbons (MARPOL Annex VI reg.12.3.1);

  • (AI) 4.1.2.1.3 confirming that no installation or equipment containing hydro-chlorofluorocarbons are fitted after 1 January 2020 (MARPOL Annex VI reg.12.3.2);

  • (AI) 4.1.2.2 Nitrogen oxide emissions from marine diesel engines (MARPOL Annex VI reg.13):

    • (AI) 4.1.2.2.1 confirming that all marine diesel engines which are required to be certified are pre-certified in accordance with section 2.2 of the NOx Technical Code to the required Tier and installed in accordance with the approved duty cycle.

      • (AI) 4.1.2.2.1.1 If engine parameter check method is used:

        • (AI) 4.1.2.2.1.1.1 an onboard verification survey in accordance with section 6.2 of the NOx Technical Code;

      • (AI) 4.1.2.2.1.2 If the simplified method is used:

        • (AI) 4.1.2.2.1.2.1 an onboard verification survey in accordance with section 6.3 of the NOx Technical Code;

      • (AI) 4.1.2.2.1.3 If direct measurement and monitoring method is used (for existing ships only):

        • (AI) 4.1.2.2.1.3.1 an onboard verification survey, in accordance with section 6.4 of the NOx Technical Code;

      • (AI) 4.1.2.2.1.4 For marine diesel engines of an output more than 5,000 kW and a per cylinder displacement at or above 90 litres/cylinder installed on ships constructed between 1 January 1990 and 31 December 1999, check whether:

        • .1 an approved method exists;

        • .2 an approved method is not commercially available; or

        • .3 that an approved method is installed and where this is the case, that there is an approved method file,

        • .4 or that the engine has been certified, confirming that it operates within the limits set forth for Tier I, Tier II or Tier III (MARPOL Annex VI, reg. 13.7.3);

        and apply the verification procedures as given in the approved method file;

  • (AI) 4.1.2.3 Sulphur Oxides and Particulate Matter (MARPOL Annex VI reg.14):

    • (AI) 4.1.2.3.1 confirming, if appropriate, that:

      • .1 satisfactory arrangements are in place for using compliant fuel as required; or

      • .2 satisfactory installation and operation of the fuel switching arrangements are in place when tanks are provided for different grades of fuel, and that a written procedure showing how the fuel oil changeover is done, is available; or

      • .3 satisfactory installation and operation of the exhaust gas cleaning system or other technological methods are examined, (regulation 4 of Annex VI);

  • (AI) 4.1.2.4 Volatile Organic Compounds (MARPOL Annex VI reg.15) (if applicable):

    • (AI) 4.1.2.4.1 confirming the satisfactory installation of the vapour collection piping;

    • (AI) 4.1.2.4.2 confirming the satisfactory installation and operation of the means provided to eliminate the collection of condensation in the system, such as drains in low points of the line end;

    • (AI) 4.1.2.4.3 confirming the satisfactory installation and operation of the isolation valves at the vapour manifolds;

    • (AI) 4.1.2.4.4 confirming that the ends of each line are properly identified as vapour collection lines;

    • (AI) 4.1.2.4.5 confirming that the vapour collection flanges are in accordance with the IMO guidelines and industrial standards;

  • (AI) 4.1.2.5 Shipboard Incinerators (MARPOL Annex VI reg.16) (installed on or after 1 January 2000):

    • (AI) 4.1.2.5.1 confirming the satisfactory installation and operation of each incinerator;

    • (AI) 4.1.2.5.2 confirming that the manufacturer's name, incinerator model number/type and capacity in heat units per hour is permanently marked on the incinerator.

  (AI) 4.1.3 For air pollution prevention the check that certificates and other relevant documentation have been placed on board should consist of:

  • (AI) 4.1.3.1 the provision of (AA) 4.2.2.2 as applicable except (AA) 4.2.2.2.14.

  (AI) 4.1.4 For air pollution prevention the completion of the initial survey should consist of:

  • (AI) 4.1.4.1 after satisfactory survey, issuing the International Air Pollution Prevention Certificate.

(AA) 4.2 Annual surveys – see "General", section 4.2

  (AA) 4.2.1 For air pollution prevention the examination of current certificates and other records should consist of:

  • (AA) 4.2.1.1 checking the validity, as appropriate, of the Cargo Ship Safety Equipment Certificate, the Cargo Ship Safety Radio Certificate and the Cargo Ship Safety Construction Certificate or the Cargo Ship Safety Certificate;

  • (AA) 4.2.1.2 checking the validity of the Safety Management Certificate (SMC) and that a copy of the Document of Compliance (DOC) is on board, where applicable;

  • (AA) 4.2.1.3 checking the validity of the International Load Line Certificate or International Load Line Exemption Certificate;

  • (AA) 4.2.1.4 checking the validity of the International Oil Pollution Prevention Certificate;

  • (AA) 4.2.1.4bis checking, when appropriate, the validity of the International Pollution Prevention Certificate for the Carriage of Noxious Liquid Substances in Bulk;

  • (AA) 4.2.1.4ter checking, when appropriate, the validity of the International Sewage Pollution Prevention Certificate;

  • (AA) 4.2.1.4quad confirming, when appropriate, the validity of the International Energy Efficiency Certificate (MARPOL Annex VI, regs. 6.4 and 6.5)

  • (AA) 4.2.1.5 checking the certificates of class, if the ship is classed with a classification society;

  • (AA) 4.2.1.6 checking, when appropriate, the validity of 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;

  • (AA) 4.2.1.7 checking that the ship's complement complies with the Minimum Safe Manning Document (SOLAS 74/88, regulation V/13(b));

  • (AA) 4.2.1.8 checking that the master, officers and ratings are certificated as required by the STCW Convention;

  • (AA) 4.2.1.9 checking whether any new equipment has been fitted and, if so, confirming that it has been approved before installation and that any changes are reflected in the appropriate certificate.

  (AA) 4.2.2 For air pollution prevention the annual survey should consist of the following:

  • (AA) 4.2.2.1 General:

    • (AA) 4.2.2.1.1 confirm that no changes have been made or any new equipment installed which would affect the validity of the certificate;

  • (AA) 4.2.2.2 Documentation:

    • (AA) 4.2.2.2.1 confirm that there is an Ozone Depleting Substances Record Book, if applicable (MARPOL Annex VI reg.12.6);

    • (AA) 4.2.2.2.2 confirm that there are Engine International Air Pollution Prevention (EIAPP) Certificates for each marine diesel engine, required to be certified, as described in chapter 2.1 of the NOx Technical Code;

    • (AA) 4.2.2.2.3 confirm that there is on board an approved Technical File for each marine diesel engine required to be certified;

    • (AA) 4.2.2.2.4 confirm that there is a record book of engine parameters for each marine diesel engine required to be certified in the case where the engine parameter check method is used as a means of onboard NOx verification (NOx Technical Code para. 6.2.3);

    • (AA) 4.2.2.2.5 confirm that there is an approved onboard monitoring manual for each marine diesel engine required to be certified in the case where the direct measurement and monitoring method is to be used as a means of onboard NOx verification (NOx Technical Code para. 6.4.17.1);

    • (AA) 4.2.2.2.6 confirm that there are written procedures covering fuel change over, where applicable;

    • (AA) 4.2.2.2.7 confirm that there is a record of fuel changeover, where applicable, and that this record should take the form of a log-book as prescribed by the Administration (MARPOL Annex VI reg.14.6)footnote;

    • (AA) 4.2.2.2.8 confirm that there is for each Exhaust Gas Cleaning System (EGCS)-SOx either a SOx Emission Control Area (SECAfootnote) Compliance Certificate for the EGCS-SOx, or an Onboard Monitoring Manual (OMM) as appropriate, plus in either cases a SECA Compliance Plan (regulation 4 of Annex VI) or approved documentation in respect of other technological means of achieving compliance;

    • (AA) 4.2.2.2.9 confirm that there is a VOC Management Plan, if required (MARPOL Annex VI reg.15.6);

    • (AA) 4.2.2.2.10 confirm that there is a transfer procedure, if required, for the VOC collection system;

    • (AA) 4.2.2.2.11 confirm that there is, if required, an IMO Type Approval Certificate for each incinerator on board (MARPOL Annex VI reg.16.6.1);

    • (AA) 4.2.2.2.12 confirm that there is an instruction manual for each incinerator if required (MARPOL Annex VI reg.16.7);

    • (AA) 4.2.2.2.13 confirm that records documenting training of the crew in operating each incinerator, if required;

    • (AA) 4.2.2.2.14 confirm that there are the required bunker delivery notes on board and the required fuel oil samples are kept under the ships control (MARPOL Annex VI reg.18) or other relevant documentation;

  • (AA) 4.2.2.3 Systems containing ozone-depleting substances, if fitted:

    • (AA) 4.2.2.3.1 confirm that no new installation or equipment containing ozone depleting substances except those covered by (AA) 4.2.2.3.2 have been fitted to the ship after 19 May 2005 (MARPOL Annex VI reg.12.3.1);

    • (AA) 4.2.2.3.2 confirm that no installations containing hydro-chlorofluocarbons have been fitted after 1 January 2020 (MARPOL Annex VI reg.12.3.2);

    • (AA) 4.2.2.3.3 examine externally any installation or equipment as far as practicable to ensure satisfactory maintenance and that there are no emissions of ozone-depleting substances;

    • (AA) 4.2.2.3.4 confirm through documentary evidence that there has been no deliberate emission of ozone-depleting substance;

  • (AA) 4.2.2.4 Nitrogen oxide emissions from each diesel marine diesel engine:

    • (AA) 4.2.2.4.1 confirm that each marine diesel engine has been operated as required in accordance with its applicable NOx emission limit(s);

    • (AA) 4.2.2.4.2 confirm that no marine diesel engine been subject to major conversion in the intervening period;

    • (AA) 4.2.2.4.3 if engine parameter check method is used:

      • (AA) 4.2.2.4.3.1 review engine documentation contained in the Technical File and the record book of engine parameters to check, as far as practicable, engine rating, duty and limitation/restrictions as given in the Technical File;

      • (AA) 4.2.2.4.3.2 confirm that the engine has not undergone any modifications or adjustments outside the options and ranges permitted in the Technical File since the last survey;

      • (AA) 4.2.2.4.3.3 conduct survey as detailed in the Technical File;

    • (AA) 4.2.2.4.4 if the simplified method is used:

      • (AA) 4.2.2.4.4.1 review engine documentation contained in the Technical File;

      • (AA) 4.2.2.4.4.2 confirm that the test procedure is acceptable to the Administration;

      • (AA) 4.2.2.4.4.3 confirm that the analysers, engine performance sensors, ambient condition measurement equipment, span check gases and other test equipment are the correct type and have been calibrated in accordance with the NOx Technical Code;

      • (AA) 4.2.2.4.4.4 confirm that the correct test cycle, as defined in the engine's Technical File, is used for this onboard confirmation test measurements;

      • (AA) 4.2.2.4.4.5 ensure that a fuel sample is taken during the test and submitted for analysis;

      • (AA) 4.2.2.4.4.6 witness the test and confirm that a copy of the test report has been submitted for approval on completion of the test;

    • (AA) 4.2.2.4.5 if the direct measurement and monitoring method is used:

      • (AA) 4.2.2.4.5.1 review the Technical File and the onboard monitoring manual that the arrangements are as approved;

      • (AA) 4.2.2.4.5.2 the procedures to be checked in the direct monitoring and measure method and the data obtained as given in the approved onboard monitoring manual should be followed (NOx Technical Code para.6.4.16.1);

    • (AA) 4.2.2.4.6 for a marine diesel engine with an output of more than 5,000 kW and a per cylinder displacement at or above 90 litres/cylinder installed on ships constructed between 1 January 1990 and 31 December 1999, check whether:

      • .1 an approved method exists;

      • .2 an approved method is not commercially available; or

      • .3 that an approved method is installed and where this is the case, that there is an approved method file,

      and apply the verification procedures as given in the approved method file;

      • .4 or that the engine has been certified, confirming that it operates within the limits set forth for Tier I, Tier II or Tier III (MARPOL Annex VI, reg. 13.7.3);

  • (AA) 4.2.2.5 Sulphur Oxides and Particulate Matter:

    confirming, if appropriate, that:

    • .1 satisfactory arrangements are in place for using compliant fuel as required; or

    • .2 satisfactory installation and operation of the fuel switching arrangements are in place when tanks are provided for different grades of fuel, including records of the changeover to and from low sulphur fuel during transit through an emission control area established for SOx and particulate matter control; or

    • .3 satisfactory installation and operation of the exhaust gas cleaning system or other technological methods are examined, (MARPOL Annex VI reg.4);

  • (AA) 4.2.2.6 Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs):

    • (AA) 4.2.2.6.1 confirm that the vapour collect system, if required, is maintained in accordance with its approved arrangement;

    • (AA) 4.2.2.6.2 for ships carrying crude oil, confirm the VOC management plan has been implemented as appropriate;

  • (AA) 4.2.2.7 Incineration:

    • (AA) 4.2.2.7.1 confirm that prohibited materials have not been incinerated;

    • (AA) 4.2.2.7.2 confirm that shipboard incineration of sewage sludge or sludge oil in boilers or marine power plants is not undertaken while the ship is inside ports, harbours or estuaries;

  • (AA) 4.2.2.8 Incinerators (installed on or after 1 January 2000):

    • (AA) 4.2.2.8.1 confirm that operators have been trained as required;

    • (AA) 4.2.2.8.2 confirm from an external examination that each incinerator is in a generally satisfactory condition and free from leaks of gas or smoke;

    • (AA) 4.2.2.8.3 confirm that combustion chamber outlet temperatures have been maintained as required;

    • (AA) 4.2.2.8.4 confirm that each incinerator is maintained according to its approved arrangement.

  (AA) 4.2.3 Fuel Oil Quality:

  • (AA) 4.2.3.1 confirm that Bunker Delivery Notes as required conform to the requirements of MARPOL Annex VI, Appendix V;

  • (AA) 4.2.3.2 confirm that MARPOL samples as required are retained on board and labels duly completed or otherwise retained under the ship's control;

  • (AA) 4.2.3.3 confirm that documentation in lieu of that required by (AA) 4.2.3.1 or 4.2.3.2 is available on board.

  (AA) 4.2.4 For air pollution prevention the completion of the annual survey should consist of:

  • (AA) 4.2.4.1 after a satisfactory survey, endorsing the International Air Pollution Prevention certificate;

  • (AA) 4.2.4.2 if a survey shows that the condition of the ship or its equipment is unsatisfactory – see "General", section 4.8.

(Ain) 4.3 Intermediate surveys – see "General", section 4.3

  (Ain) 4.3.1 For air pollution prevention the examination of current certificates and other records should consist of:

  (Ain) 4.3.2 For air pollution prevention the intermediate survey should consist of:

  (Ain) 4.3.3 For air pollution prevention the completion of the intermediate survey should consist of:

  • (Ain) 4.3.3.1 after a satisfactory survey, endorsing the International Air Pollution Prevention Certificate;

  • (Ain) 4.3.3.2 if a survey shows that the condition of the ship or its equipment is unsatisfactory see "General", section 4.8.

(AR) 4.4 Renewal surveys – see "General", section 4.5

  (AR) 4.4.1 For air pollution prevention the examination of current certificates and other records should consist of:

  • (AR) 4.4.1.1 the provisions of (AA) 4.2.1 except the validity of the International Air Pollution Prevention Certificate.

  (AR) 4.4.2 For air pollution prevention the renewal survey should consist of:

  • (AR) 4.4.2.1 the provisions of (AA) 4.2.2;

  • (AR) 4.4.2.2 for each incinerator the renewal survey should consist of;

    • (AR) 4.4.2.2.1 confirming, if necessary by simulated test or equivalent, the satisfactory operation of the alarms and safety devices.

  (AR) 4.4.3 For air pollution prevention the completion of the renewal survey should consist of:

  • (AR) 4.4.3.1 after satisfactory survey the International Air Pollution prevention Certificate should be issued.


Copyright 2022 Clasifications Register Group Limited, International Maritime Organization, International Labour Organization or Maritime and Coastguard Agency. All rights reserved. Clasifications Register Group Limited, its affiliates and subsidiaries and their respective officers, employees or agents are, individually and collectively, referred to in this clause as 'Clasifications Register'. Clasifications Register assumes no responsibility and shall not be liable to any person for any loss, damage or expense caused by reliance on the information or advice in this document or howsoever provided, unless that person has signed a contract with the relevant Clasifications Register entity for the provision of this information or advice and in that case any responsibility or liability is exclusively on the terms and conditions set out in that contract.