1.5 Surveys
Clasification Society 2024 - Version 9.40
Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - Circulars - Maritime Safety Committee - MSC/Circular.981 – Guidelines for the Design, Construction and Operation of Passenger Submersible Craft – (29 January 2001)Amended by MSC/Circ.1125 - Annex - Guidelines for the Design, Construction and Operation of Passenger Submersible Craft - Chapter 1 - General - 1.5 Surveys

1.5 Surveys

  1.5.1 Each passenger submersible craft should be subject to the surveys specified below:

  • 1.5.1.1 An initial survey before the Certificate required in section 1.6.2 is issued for the first time. This survey should include a complete and thorough examination of the passenger submersible craft, equipment, fittings, arrangements and materials and should be such as to ensure full compliance with the applicable provisions of the Guidelines.

  • 1.5.1.2 An annual survey to ensure that the passenger submersible craft, fittings, arrangements and equipment remain in compliance with the applicable provisions of the Guidelines and are in good working order. Such survey should be endorsed on the Certificate issued under the provisions of section 1.6.2. An annual survey should include a test dive to the rated depth.

  • 1.5.1.3 A dry-docking survey at intervals specified by the Administration, but not exceeding three years, which should be a complete and thorough examination of the passenger submersible craft, equipment, fittings, arrangements and materials and should ensure full compliance with the applicable provisions of the Guidelines. Additional dry-docking(s) may be required at the discretion of the Administration subject to accessibility of underwater components during annual surveys.

  • 1.5.1.4 Annual surveys are to be performed within three months either way of the anniversary date of the previous dry-docking survey or the original certificate date if dry-docking surveys have not yet been performed.

  • 1.5.1.5 Dry-docking surveys are to be completed within three months prior to the due date to avoid changing the due date. When dry-docking surveys are commenced more than three months prior to the due date, the survey is to be completed within three months of initiation of the survey. At the operator’s option, when such additional dry-docking surveys are carried out, the due date of the next dry-docking survey may be modified accordingly.

  1.5.2 An inspection, either general or partial, according to the circumstances, should be made every time a defect is discovered or an accident occurs which affects the safety and certification of the passenger submersible craft. The inspection should ensure that the repairs or alterations carried out have been done effectively and are in all respects in full compliance with the applicable provisions of the Guidelines.

  1.5.3 Surveys and inspections should be carried out by officers of the Administration. The Administration may, however, entrust the surveys either to surveyors nominated for the purpose or to organizations recognized by it. In every case the Administration concerned should fully guarantee the completeness and efficiency of the surveys.

  1.5.4 After any survey or inspection under this section has been completed no change that affects its safety and certification should be made to the passenger submersible craft without the agreement of the Administration, or any person or organization duly authorized by it, except for the purpose of repair or maintenance. The management of passenger submersible craft operations should comply with the International Safety Management (ISM) Code footnote.


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