3.1 The Administration or its RO should be satisfied
that conditions for survey are sufficient to complete the survey satisfactorily.
Points to consider may include those below, and classification society
requirements should also support this aim.
3.2.1 The IWS should be carried out by a diving
company that is approved by the Administration or its RO, and in accordance
with an approved plan.
3.2.2 Diving companies providing services on behalf
of the owner of a ship or a mobile offshore unit (such as measurements,
tests, surveys or maintenance of safety systems and equipment), the
results of which are used by the surveyors in making decisions affecting
certification, should be subject to approval by the Administration
or its RO.
3.2.3 Diving companies should undergo an approval
process, including training, and should be certified at intervals
not exceeding five years, and may be subject to intermediate audit.
3.2.4. The in-water survey should be performed
to the satisfaction of the attending Administration or RO surveyor
who is properly trained and authorized to conduct such surveys. Training
and qualification of the attending authorized surveyor from an RO
should be in accordance with the quality system requirements of the
RO and resolution A.739(18), as
verified by periodic audit.
3.3 The in-water survey should be carried out
at an agreed geographical location with the ship at a suitable draught
in an area that has been demonstrated to have sheltered waters and
with weak tidal streams and currents. The weather at the time of the
survey should be conducive to a safe and effective IWS.
3.4 Surveys of the underwater body should be carried
out in sufficiently clear and calm waters. In general, for example,
a significant portion of the propeller or rudder should be clearly
observed from a single view. Visibility and water conditions should
be suitable to provide sufficient evidence to be able to draw a conclusion
that the hull inspection requirements have been met and the hull is
in satisfactory condition.
3.5 The surveyor should be satisfied that the
hull marking and mapping as well as the method of pictorial presentation
are satisfactory. To facilitate an efficient survey it is recommended
that the underwater hull and fittings are permanently and clearly
marked externally (including tank boundaries).
3.6 Sufficient information to the satisfaction
of the attending surveyor, including specific plans to facilitate
the survey, should be available on board in order to ensure a full
assessment and survey.
3.7 Unless accessible from outside with the aid
of the ship's trim and/or heel, underwater parts should be surveyed
and/or relevant maintenance work should be carried out with assistance
by a diver to the satisfaction of the attending surveyor. The survey
should include CCTV monitoring of the IWS, together with electronic
video and still picture (if required and where appropriate) recording
of the ship's hull, appendages, sea-chests and other elements of the
survey. There should be good two-way communication between the diver
and the personnel at the surface, including the surveyor.
3.8 The hull below the waterline should be sufficiently
clean to the satisfaction of the surveyor and diver so as to be able
to ascertain the physical condition of the hull and coating.
3.9 Interior sections of the hull plating should
be made available for inspection to the same extent as if the ship
were in dry-dock.