Section 4 Core Requirements

4.1.1 The Owner/Operator is to submit the proposed RBI Plan containing details of the code/standard that they propose to apply to the unit to LR for approval. The RBI Plan shall demonstrate that the Owner/Operator has adequately considered:

• Compilation of sufficient qualitative and quantitative data to develop the RBI plan.
• Identification of critical elements
• Risk bands
• Mitigation measures
• Audit techniques
• Management structure.

4.2.1 The approved RBI Plan shall detail the survey regime for the specific unit in conjunction with the following surveys.

1. Annual Survey: Annual Surveys are to be held on all units within three months, before or after each anniversary of the completion, commissioning or Special Survey. At Annual Survey, the Surveyor is to examine the unit and machinery, by nonintrusive survey, in order to be satisfied as to their general condition.
2. Tanks will be credited on the basis of the approved and maintained RBI Plan which may include acceptance of tanks based on inspection of others which are agreed (with LR) as representative. The use of such “representative tanks” should be fully justified within the RBI plan:
   • For tank entry, where intervals in excess of the usual Class periodic intervals are proposed the justifications with supporting reports are to be submitted for review by LR. This review will encompass, but not be limited to, coatings, environment, fatigue hot spots, design calculations and operational philosophy.
   • Void spaces will be considered subject to corrosion mechanisms, unless suitably inerted and protected by a demonstrable control system. Where void spaces are demonstrability protected the RBI Plan may define a less intrusive approach. In instances where a void space undergoes a change of use the RBI Plan is to be reassessed for these spaces taking into account the change of use, this applies even where the change of use is temporary or a one off occurrence (For example a void space changing use to a sea water ballast space will then be considered a sea water ballast tank).
   • For conventional oil-based hydrocarbon tanks where intervals in excess of the usual Class periodic interval are proposed the justifications backed up by the supporting reports are to be submitted for review by LR. This is to cover but not be limited to: coatings, environment, fatigue hot spots, chemical composition of hydrocarbons/cargo.
   • For LNG/LPG tanks the manufacturer may propose the inspection interval for approval.
3. Machinery The approved RBI Plan will demonstrate the rationale proposed for machinery inspections which may include reference to manufacturer recommendations.
4. Offshore In Water Surveys (OIWS) In-Water surveys may be conducted by LR-Approved Service Providers and in the presence of an LR Surveyor. The Owner/Operator is to propose the In-Water inspection regime within the RBI Plan submitted to LR for approval.
5. Special Survey: Special Survey will be credited five yearly on the basis of the approved RBI Plan being adhered to.