11 Maintenance and examination procedures (regulation 2)

  11.1.1 The Convention allows owners the option of having containers examined at intervals specified in the Convention in accordance with an examination scheme prescribed or approved by the Administration concerned, as set out in regulation 2, paragraph 2, and hereinafter referred to as "PERIODIC EXAMINATION SCHEME"; or under a continuous examination programme approved by the Administration concerned, as set out in regulation 2, paragraph 3, and hereinafter referred to as "CONTINUOUS EXAMINATION PROGRAMME".

  11.1.2 Both procedures are intended to ensure that the containers are maintained to the required level of safety and both should be considered equal, provided the Administration is satisfied with the examination schemes submitted by the owner.

  11.1.3 The owner should be allowed the option of having part of his fleet covered by one examination procedure and the remaining part of his fleet covered by the other procedure, and provision should be made to allow an owner to change the procedure applicable to their containers.

  11.2.1 For containers under a periodic examination scheme

• 11.2.1.1 While Administrations may specify factors to be taken into account in a container examination scheme, it should not be necessary at this time to agree on a specific list of factors or minimum listing of parts of a container which should be included in an examination. However, each examination should include a detailed visual inspection for defects or other safety-related deficiencies or damage which will render the container unsafe.

• 11.2.1.2 It is accepted that a visual examination of the exterior of the container will normally be sufficient. However, an examination of the interior should also be performed if reasonably practicable (e.g. if the container is empty at the time). Furthermore, the underside of the container should be examined. This may be done either with the container supported on a skeletal chassis or, if the examiner considers it necessary, after the container has been lifted on to other supports.

• 11.2.1.3 The person performing the external examination should have the authority to require a more detailed examination of a container if the condition of the container appears to warrant such examination.

  11.2.2 For containers under a continuous examination programme

• 11.2.2.1 Under an approved continuous examination programme a container is subject to examinations and inspections during the course of normal operations. These are:

  • .1 thorough examinations, which are examinations conducted in connection with a major repair, refurbishment, or on-hire/offhire interchange; and

  • .2 routine operating inspections, which are frequent inspections performed with the object of detecting any damage or deterioration which might necessitate corrective action.

• 11.2.2.2 Thorough examinations should be carried out in accordance with the requirements of 11.2.1 and care should be taken to ensure that any damaged parts or components have been adequately and safely repaired or replaced. Although Administrations may specify factors to be taken into account during routine operating inspections, normally a visual inspection of the exterior and the underside should be sufficient.

 The examination of a container should be carried out by a person having such knowledge and experience of containers as will enable him to determine in accordance with 11.2.1 and 11.2.2 whether it has any defect which could place any person in danger.

  11.4.1 For containers under a periodic examination scheme

The use of decals should be allowed to indicate the date of the first examination and subsequent re-examination of a container examined at intervals specified in the Convention provided that:

• .1 the relevant date (month and year) is shown in internationally recognizable words or figures on the decals or on the plate itself;

• .2 the date of the first examination for new containers is shown by decals or otherwise on the plate itself as regulation 2.2 of annex I of the CSC requires; and

• .3 the decals are coloured In accordance with the year of examination as follows:

  	BROWN	1986	1992	1998
  	BLUE	1987	1993	1999
  	YELLOW	1988	1994	2000
  	RED	1989	1995	etc.
  	BLACK	1990	1996
  	GREEN	1991	1997

  11.4.2 For containers under a continuous examination programme

A container examined under an approved continuous examination programme should bear a decal showing the letters ACEP and the identification of the Administration which has granted the approval, in a similar manner to that stated in annex I, appendix 1, paragraph 1. This decal should be placed on or as close as practicable to the Safety Approval Plate.

  11.4.3 Use of decals

The use of decals for containers under a periodic examination scheme should remain optional and in no way derogate from the relevant provisions of the Convention to which reference is made above. The responsibility for developing and introducing a decal system should remain with the owners.