2.1 Responsibility for performing periodical inspection
of the hull structure of bulk carriers in accordance with the Enhanced
Survey Programme (ESP) rests with the flag Administration or recognized
organization.
2.2 It is important to recognize, however, that
severe structural damage may occur to bulk carriers due to loading/unloading
operations. Such damage may occur instantly, and may, in severe cases,
endanger the ship's safety unless rectified rapidly. Furthermore,
minor cracks, which have been undetectable at a given ESP survey,
may develop into serious defects prior to the next ESP survey.
2.3 In view of this, it is recommended that terminal
operators and members of the ship's crew themselves regularly inspect
the cargo holds, hatch covers and ballast tanks with a view to detecting
damage and defects. ESP documentation should be used as guidance on
specific parts of the structure needing particular attention in individual
ships.
2.4 From a safety point of view it is desirable
that inspections of cargo holds by the ship's crew or terminal operators
of cargo holds are conducted before all loading and after all unloading
operations, but practical limitations will have to be taken into account.
2.5 To maximize the effect of such inspections
by ships' crews or terminal personnel, an appropriate log of such
inspections should be kept on board. For inspections performed by
the ship's crew, it is recommended that the form "Owner's Inspection
Report" incorporated in Resolution A.744(18) on
ESP, be used for this purpose, and made available for surveyors from
the flag Administration or recognized organization. This report will
also assist the shipowner in developing the survey programme, in co-operation
with the flag Administration or recognized organization, which is
required by SOLAS.