Section 1 General

1.1.1 The requirements of this Chapter are applicable to the Periodical Surveys set out in Pt 1, Ch 2, 3.5 Existing ships – Periodical Surveys. Except as amended at the discretion of the Committee, the periods between such surveys are as follows:

1. Annual Surveys, as required by Pt 1, Ch 2, 3.5 Existing ships – Periodical Surveys 3.5.1.

2. Intermediate Surveys, as required by Pt 1, Ch 2, 3.5 Existing ships – Periodical Surveys 3.5.2.

3. Bottom Surveys, as required by Pt 1, Ch 2, 3.5 Existing ships – Periodical Surveys 3.5.3 and Pt 1, Ch 2, 3.5 Existing ships – Periodical Surveys 3.5.4.

4. When ships classed 100A1 shipborne barge are subjected to Intermediate Surveys, those surveys become due 30 months after the previous Special Survey, see Pt 1, Ch 2, 3.5 Existing ships – Periodical Surveys 3.5.7.

5. Special Surveys at five-yearly intervals, see Pt 1, Ch 2, 3.5 Existing ships – Periodical Surveys 3.5.9. For alternative arrangements, see also Pt 1, Ch 2, 3.5 Existing ships – Periodical Surveys 3.5.10, Pt 1, Ch 2, 3.5 Existing ships – Periodical Surveys 3.5.11, Pt 1, Ch 2, 3.5 Existing ships – Periodical Surveys 3.5.12 and Pt 1, Ch 2, 3.5 Existing ships – Periodical Surveys 3.5.14.

6. Complete Surveys of machinery at five-yearly intervals, see Pt 1, Ch 2, 3.5 Existing ships – Periodical Surveys 3.5.18.

1.1.2 For ships assigned the notation ‘laid-up’, in order to maintain the ship in class a general examination of the hull and machinery is to be carried out in lieu of the Annual Survey and an Underwater Examination (UWE) is to be carried out in lieu of the Special Survey, see Pt 1, Ch 3, 2.1 General 2.1.5, Pt 1, Ch 3, 5.1 General 5.1.6 and Pt 1, Ch 3, 11.1 Annual, Intermediate and Bottom Surveys 11.1.2.

1.1.3 When it has been agreed that the complete survey of the hull and machinery may be carried out on the Continuous Survey basis, all compartments of the hull and all items of machinery are to be opened for survey in rotation to ensure that the interval between consecutive examinations of each part will not exceed five years, see Pt 1, Ch 2, 3.5 Existing ships – Periodical Surveys 3.5.14 and Pt 1, Ch 2, 3.5 Existing ships – Periodical Surveys 3.5.21.

1.1.4 For the frequency of surveys of boilers, steam pipes, screwshafts, tube shafts, propellers and inert gas systems, see Pt 1, Ch 3, 15 Boilers to Pt 1, Ch 3, 18 Inert gas systems.

1.1.5 For the requirements for surveys of refrigerated cargo installations, see Pt 6, Ch 3 Refrigerated Cargo Installations.

1.1.6 In general, the periodical survey requirements contained in Pt 1, Ch 3 Periodical Survey Regulations also apply to ships built in accordance with the IACS Common Structural Rules for Bulk Carriers and Oil Tankers (CSR). Where a requirement does not apply to CSR ships, or where a specific requirement applies only to CSR ships, this will be clearly stated.

1.1.7 For ships which are classed as 100AT Moored Liquefied gas carrier for service at (place), 100AT Moored Liquefied gas tanker for service at (place), 100AT Moored Liquefied gas storage unit for service at (place), 100AT Moored Oil Storage Unit for service at (place) or as 100AT Moored Oil Storage Tanker for service at (place), the frequency of the surveys will be considered on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the Classification Committee.

1.2.1 At any time when a ship is undergoing alterations or damage repairs, any exposed parts of the structure normally difficult to access are to be specially examined, e.g. if any part of the main or auxiliary machinery, including boilers, insulation or fittings, is removed for any reason, the steel structure in way is to be carefully examined by the Surveyor, or when cement in the bottom or covering on decks is removed, the plating in way is to be examined before the cement or covering is relaid.

1.3.1 In the event that Lloyd’s Register (hereinafter referred to as LR) has cause to believe that its Rules and Regulations are not being complied with, LR reserves the right to perform unscheduled surveys of the hull and machinery as well as the applicable statutory requirements whether or not the appropriate statutory certificate has been issued by LR.

1.3.2 In the event of significant damage or defect affecting any ship, LR reserves the right to perform unscheduled surveys of the hull or machinery of other similar ships classed by LR and deemed to be vulnerable.

1.4.1 Surveys are to be held by LR when so appointed, or by the Exclusive Surveyors to a National Administration or by an IACS Member when so authorised by the National Authority, or, in the case of Cargo Ship Safety Radio Certificates or Safety Management Certificates, by any organisation authorised by the National Authority. In the case of dual classed ships, Convention Certificates may be issued by the other Society with which the ship is classed provided this is recognised in a formal Dual Class Agreement with LR and provided the other Society is also authorised by the National Authority.

1.5.1 An Oil Tanker is a sea going self-propelled ship which is constructed generally with integral tanks and is intended primarily to carry oil in bulk and includes ship types such as combination carriers (ore/oil and ore/bulk/oil ships, etc.). Where referred to in this Chapter, it shall also include double hull oil tankers as well as tankers with alternative structural arrangements, e.g. mid-deck designs, except where specified. Single hull oil tankers and combination carriers are not covered by the IACS Common Structural Rules (CSR).

1.5.2 A Double Hull Oil Tanker is a sea going self-propelled ship which is constructed primarily for the carriage of oil in bulk, where the cargo tanks are protected by a double hull extending for the entire length of the cargo area, consisting of double side and double bottom spaces for the carriage of salt-water ballast.

1.5.3 A Bulk Carrier is a sea going self-propelled ship which is constructed generally with single deck, double bottom, topside tanks and hopper side tanks and with single side skin construction in the cargo length area, and is intended primarily to carry dry cargo in bulk and includes ship types such as ore carriers. Where referred to in this Chapter, it shall also include double skin bulk carriers and self-unloading bulk carriers except where specified.

1.5.4 A Self-Unloading Bulk Carrier is a sea going self-propelled ship which is constructed generally with single deck, double bottom, topside tanks and hopper side tanks and with single side skin or double side skin construction in the cargo length area, and is intended to carry and self-unload dry cargoes in bulk.

1.5.5 A Double Skin Bulk Carrier is a sea going self-propelled ship which is constructed generally with single deck, double bottom, topside tanks and hopper side tanks and with double side skin construction in the cargo length area (regardless of the width of the wing space) and is intended primarily to carry dry cargo in bulk and includes such types as ore carriers.

1.5.6 An Ore Carrier is a sea going self-propelled ship which is constructed generally with single deck, two longitudinal bulkheads and a double bottom throughout the cargo length area and intended primarily to carry ore cargoes in the centre holds only. Ore carriers are not covered by the IACS Common Structural Rules (CSR).

1.5.7 A Chemical Tanker is a sea going self-propelled ship constructed generally with integral tanks and being single or double hull construction, or having alternative structural arrangements, used primarily for the carriage in bulk of any liquid product listed in Chapter 17 Summary of minimum requirements of the IBC Code - International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Dangerous Chemicals in BulkAmended by Resolution MEPC.225(64) .

1.5.8 A Gas Carrier or Gas Tanker is a cargo ship constructed or adapted and used for the carriage in bulk of any liquefied gas or other products of flammable nature listed in Chapter 19 of the International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk.

1.5.9 A Moored Liquefied gas carrier or Moored Liquefied gas tanker is a Gas Carrier or Gas Tankerthat is operated as a storage vessel at a fixed location, defined in the class notation, with the LMC notation either maintained or suspended. The character figure T will be assigned.

1.5.10 A Moored Liquefied gas storage unit is a Gas Carrier or Gas Tanker that is operated as a storage vessel at a fixed location, defined in the class notation, with the LMC notation withdrawn and the main propulsion machinery uncoupled and immobilised. The character figure T will be assigned.

1.5.11 A Moored Oil Storage Unit is an Oil Tanker or Double Hull Oil Tanker that is operated as a storage vessel at a fixed location, defined in the class notation, with the LMC notation withdrawn and the main propulsion machinery uncoupled and immobilised. The character figure T will be assigned.

1.5.12 A Moored Oil Storage Tanker is an Oil Tanker or Double Hull Oil Tanker that is operated as a storage vessel at a fixed location, defined in the class notation, with the LMC notation either maintained or suspended. The character figure T will be assigned.

1.5.13 A Ballast Tank is a tank which is used primarily for the carriage of salt-water ballast. For bulk carriers, a space which is used for both cargo and salt-water ballast will be treated as a salt-water ballast tank when substantial corrosion has been found in that space. For double skin bulk carriers, the double side tank is to be considered as a separate tank even if it is connected to either the topside or hopper side tank. For oil tankers and chemical tankers, a combined tank which is used for both cargo and salt-water ballast as a routine part of the ship's operation will be treated as a ballast tank. A cargo tank which in exceptional cases may carry salt-water water ballast during severe weather conditions and is not designated as a combined cargo/ballast tank will be treated as a cargo tank.

1.5.14  Spaces are separate compartments such as holds, tanks, cofferdams and void spaces bounding cargo holds, decks and the outer hull.

1.5.15  Enclosed space. An enclosed space is any place of an enclosed nature where there is a risk of death or serious injury from hazardous substances or dangerous conditions. Examples include, but are not limited to: boilers, pressure vessels, cargo spaces (cargo holds or cargo tanks), cargo space stairways, ballast tanks, double bottoms, double hull spaces, fuel oil tanks, lube oil tanks, sewage-tanks, pump-rooms, compressor rooms, cofferdams, void spaces, duct keels, inter-barrier spaces, engine crankcases, excavations and pits.

1.5.16 An Overall Survey is a survey intended to report on the overall condition of the hull structure and to determine the extent of additional Close-up Surveys.

1.5.17 A Close-up Survey is a survey where the details of structural components are within the close visual inspection range of the Surveyor, i.e. normally within reach of hand.

1.5.18 A Remote Inspection Technique (RIT) is a means of survey that enables examination of ship structure without the need for direct physical access of the Surveyor.

1.5.19 A Transverse Section includes all longitudinal members such as plating, longitudinals and girders at the deck, side, bottom, inner bottom, inner side, hopper side, top wing side and longitudinal bulkhead, where fitted. For transversely framed ships, a transverse section includes adjacent frames and their end connections in way of transverse sections.

1.5.20  Representative Spaces are those which are expected to reflect the condition of other spaces of similar type and service and with similar corrosion prevention systems. When selecting representative spaces, account is to be taken of the service and repair history on board and identifiable Critical Structural Areas.

1.5.21  Critical Structural Areas are locations which have been identified from calculations to require monitoring or from the service history of the subject ship or from similar ships or sister ships, if applicable, to be sensitive to cracking, buckling or corrosion which would impair the structural integrity of the ship.

1.5.22  Substantial Corrosion is wastage of individual plates and stiffeners in excess of 75 per cent of allowable margins, but within acceptable limits. For ships built in accordance with the IACS Common Structural Rules (CSR), substantial corrosion is an extent of corrosion such that the assessment of the corrosion pattern indicates a gauged (or measured) thickness between t _ren + 0,5 mm and t _ren. Renewal thickness, t _ren,is the minimum allowable thickness, in mm, below which renewal of the structural members is to be carried out.

1.5.23 Steel renewal requirements have been separately determined according to date of contract for construction for:

1. cargo hold hatch covers and coamings under IACS UR S21 and UR S21A; and

2. bulk carriers’ corrugated transverse watertight cargo hold bulkheads under IACS UR S18. See Pt 1, Ch 3, 5.6 Thickness measurement, Pt 1, Ch 3, 6.7 Thickness measurement and Pt 1, Ch 3, 7.7 Thickness measurement.

In these cases, the net thickness, t _net, is the minimum net thickness of the structural member, excluding any corrosion addition, and is defined in Pt 4, Ch 7, 12.1 General 12.1.2 for Hatch Covers and Pt 4, Ch 7, 10.4 Vertically corrugated transverse watertight bulkheads – Application and definitions 10.4.10 for Transverse Bulkheads.

1.5.24  A Corrosion Prevention System is normally considered a full hard protective coating. This is usually to be an epoxy coating or equivalent. Other systems with the exception of soft and semi-hard coatings, may be considered acceptable as alternatives provided they are applied and properly maintained in compliance with the manufacturer’s specification.

1.5.25 For the application of requirements outlined in Sections Pt 1, Ch 3, 2 Annual Surveys - Hull and machinery requirements, Pt 1, Ch 3, 3 Intermediate Surveys - Hull and machinery requirements, Pt 1, Ch 3, 4 Bottom Surveys – In Dry-Dock and In-Water - Hull and machinery requirements and Pt 1, Ch 3, 5 Special Survey - General - Hull requirements, a general dry cargo ship is a self-propelled ship of 500 gross tonnes or above, constructed generally with a ‘tween deck and intended to carry solid cargoes, other than:

• bulk carriers;
• ships dedicated to the carriage of containers;
• roll on-roll off ships;
• refrigerated cargo ships;
• dedicated wood chip carriers;
• dedicated cement carriers;
• livestock carriers;
• dock/deck cargo ships;
• general dry cargo ships of double side-skin construction, with double side-skin extending for the entire length of the cargo area, and for the entire height of the cargo hold to the upper deck.

For general dry cargo ships with hybrid cargo hold arrangements, e.g. with some cargo holds of single-side skin and others of double-side skin, the relevant survey requirements for general dry cargo ships are to be applied only to structure in way of the single-side skin cargo hold region.

1.5.26  Coating Condition is defined as follows:

These are further clarified as follows, in order to achieve a unified assessment of coating conditions, see Table 3.1.1 Assessment of coating conditions:

Further information on coating assessment can be found in the LR document Thickness Measurement and Close-Up Survey Guidance.

1.5.27  Pitting Corrosion. Pitting corrosion is defined as scattered corrosion spots/areas with local material reductions which are greater than the general corrosion in the surrounding area. Further information on pitting intensity can be found in the LR document Thickness Measurement and Close-Up Survey Guidance.

1.5.28  Edge Corrosion. Edge corrosion is defined as local corrosion at the free edges of plates, stiffeners, primary support members and around openings. An example of edge corrosion can be found in the LR document Thickness Measurement and Close-Up Survey Guidance.

1.5.29  Grooving Corrosion. Grooving corrosion is typically local material loss adjacent to weld joints along abutting stiffeners and at stiffener or plate butts or seams. An example of groove corrosion can be found in the LR document Thickness Measurement and Close-Up Survey Guidance.

1.5.30 A Prompt and Thorough Repair is a permanent repair completed at the time of survey to the satisfaction of the Surveyor, therein removing the need for the imposition of any associated condition of class or recommendation.

1.5.31 Bulk carriers with hybrid cargo hold arrangements are to have single skin cargo holds surveyed in accordance with the requirements for single skin bulk carriers and the double skin cargo holds surveyed in accordance with the requirements for double skin bulk carriers.

1.5.32  Special consideration or specially considered (in connection with close-up surveys and thickness measurements) means sufficient close-up inspection and thickness measurements are to be taken to confirm the actual average condition of the structure under the coating.

1.5.33  Air pipe heads installed on the exposed decks are those extending above the freeboard deck or superstructure decks.

1.5.34 The Cargo Area or Cargo Length Area is that part of the ship which contains all cargo holds and adjacent areas including fuel tanks, cofferdams, ballast tanks and void spaces. For oil tankers and chemical tankers, the Cargo Area is that part of the ship which contains cargo tanks, slop tanks and cargo/ballast pump-rooms, cofferdams, ballast tanks and void spaces adjacent to cargo tanks and also deck areas throughout the entire length and breadth of the part of the ship over the above mentioned spaces.

1.5.35 A fuel installation using gases or other low-flashpoint fuels comprises the following: fuel bunkering, fuel storage, fuel processing and fuel delivery to gas fuelled consumers. The scope of such a fuel installation extends from the bunker manifold to the consumer and includes any re-liquefaction plant and compressors that are fitted to manage boil off. These installations may be on board any ship type referred to in this Chapter except gas carriers as defined in Pt 1, Ch 3, 1.5 Definitions 1.5.8.

1.6.1 In order to enable the attending Surveyor(s) to carry out surveys, provisions for safe access and for surveys are to be agreed between the Owner and LR. Attention is drawn to the applicable recommendations in the IACS PR37 and/or IMO Recommendations For Entering Enclosed Spaces Aboard Ships, Resolution A.1050(27).

1.6.2 Means are to be provided to enable the Surveyor to examine the structure in a safe and practical way. Where the provisions of safety and required access are determined by the Surveyor not to be adequate, then the survey of the space(s) involved is not to proceed.

1.6.3 Spaces are to be made safe for access and survey and are to be sufficiently cleaned, illuminated and ventilated.

1.6.4 In preparation for survey, thickness measurements and to allow for a thorough examination, cleaning is to include removal from surfaces of all loose accumulated corrosion scale. Spaces are to be sufficiently clean and free from water, scale, dirt, and oil residues, etc. to reveal corrosion, deformation, fractures, damages or other structural deterioration, as well as the condition of the protective coating. However, those areas of structure whose renewal has already been decided by the Owner need only be cleaned and descaled to the extent necessary to determine the limits of renewed areas.

1.6.5 Where soft or semi-hard coatings have been applied, safe access is to be provided for the Surveyor to verify the effectiveness of the coating and to carry out an assessment of the conditions of internal structures which may include spot removal of the coating. When safe access cannot be provided, the soft or semi-hard coating is to be removed.

1.6.6 Prior to entering an enclosed space, it is to be verified by a competent person using a calibrated multi gas meter that the atmosphere in that space is free from hazardous gas and contains sufficient oxygen.

1.6.7 Emergency equipment and personnel are to be available in case of an emergency or rescue operation.

1.6.8 Information on procedures, equipment-operating instructions and safety checklists is to be available.

1.6.9 During the survey, ventilation is to be ensured and periodic testing is to be carried out as necessary to verify that the atmosphere remains safe for access.

1.6.10 For surveys, including close-up survey where applicable, in cargo spaces and ballast tanks, one or more of the following means of access is to be provided:

1. Permanent staging and passages through structures.

2. Temporary staging and passages through structures.

3. Hydraulic arm vehicles such as conventional cherry pickers, lifts and movable platforms.

4. Portable ladders, see Note.

5. Boats or rafts.

6. Other equivalent means.

1.6.11 For close-up surveys of the cargo hold shell frames of single skin bulk carriers with a deadweight less than 100,000 tonnes, one or more of the following means of access is to be provided:

1. Permanent staging and passages through structures.

2. Temporary staging and passages through structures.

3. Portable ladder restricted to not more than 5 m in length may be accepted for surveys of the lower section of a shell frame including bracket.

4. Hydraulic arm vehicles such as conventional cherry pickers, lifts and movable platforms.

5. Boats or rafts, provided the structural capacity of the hold is sufficient to withstand static loads at all levels of water.

6. Other equivalent means.

1.6.12 For close-up surveys of the cargo hold shell frames of single skin bulk carriers with a deadweight equal to or greater than 100,000 tonnes, the use of portable ladders is not accepted and one or more of the following means of access is to be provided:

1. At Annual Surveys, Intermediate Surveys held before the ship is 10 years old and Special Survey I:

   1. Permanent staging and passages through structures.

   2. Temporary staging and passages through structures.

   3. Hydraulic arm vehicles such as conventional cherry pickers, lifts and movable platforms.

   4. Boats or rafts, provided the structural capacity of the hold is sufficient to withstand static loads at all levels of water.

   5. Other equivalent means.

2. At Special Survey II and all subsequent Intermediate Surveys and Special surveys:

   1. Either permanent or temporary staging and passage through structures for close-up survey of at least the upper part of hold frames.

   2. Hydraulic arm vehicles such as conventional cherry pickers for surveys of lower and middle part of shell frames as alternative to staging.

   3. Lifts and movable platforms.

   4. Boats or rafts, provided the structural capacity of the hold is sufficient to withstand static loads at all levels of water.

   5. Other equivalent means.

3. Notwithstanding the above requirements, the following apply:

   1. At Annual Survey, for access to perform the close-up survey of the lower region of cargo hold shell frames, the use of a portable ladder fitted with a mechanical device to secure the upper end of the ladder is acceptable.
   2. The use of hydraulic arm vehicles such as conventional cherry pickers may be accepted by the attending Surveyor for the close-up survey of the upper part of side shell frames or other structures in all cases where the maximum working height is not more than 17 m.

1.6.13 For surveys of the hull structure/s conducted by use of a RIT, one or more of the following means for access, acceptable to the Surveyor, is to be provided:

1.6.14 Survey at sea or anchorage may be undertaken when the Surveyor is fully satisfied with the necessary assistance from the personnel onboard and provided the foregoing preparations for survey, as applicable, have been met. In addition, the following conditions and limitations are to be applied:

1. A communication system is to be arranged between the survey party in the tank and the responsible officer on deck. This system must include the personnel in charge of ballast pump handling if boats or rafts are to be used.

2. Surveys of tanks by means of boats or rafts are to be agreed with the attending Surveyor, who is to take into account the safety arrangements provided, including weather forecasting and ship response under foreseeable sea conditions and provide the expected rise of water within the tank does not exceed 0,25 m.

   Where it has been agreed to use boats or rafts when carrying out close-up survey, the following conditions are to be observed:

   1. Only rough duty, inflatable rafts or boats, having satisfactory residual buoyancy and stability even if one chamber is ruptured, are to be used.

   2. The boat or raft is to be tethered to the access ladder and an additional person is to be stationed down the access ladder with a clear view of the boat or raft.

   3. Appropriate lifejackets are to be available for all participants.

   4. The surface of water in the tank is to be calm and the water level stationary. On no account is the level of the water to be rising while the boat or raft is in use.

   5. The tank or space must contain clean ballast water only. Even a thin sheen of oil on the water is not acceptable.

   6. At no time is the water level to be allowed to be within 1 m of the deepest under deck web face flat so that the survey team is not isolated from a direct escape route to the tank hatch. Filling to levels above the deck transverses is only to be contemplated if a deck access manhole is fitted and open in the bay being examined, so that an escape route for the survey party is available at all times. Other effective means of escape to the deck may be considered.

   7. If the tanks (or spaces) are connected by a common venting system, or Inert Gas system, the tank in which the boat or raft is to be used is to be isolated to prevent a transfer of gas from other tanks (or spaces).

3. Rafts or boats may be permitted for the survey of the under deck areas of tanks or spaces, if the depth of the under deck web plating is 1,5 m or less. If the depth of the under deck web plating is greater than 1,5 m, then rafts or boats may be permitted only when the coating of the under deck structure is in GOOD condition and there is no evidence of wastage or if a permanent means of access is provided in each bay to allow safe entry and exit. A permanent means of access is considered to mean:

   1. Access direct from the deck via a vertical ladder and a small platform fitted approximately 2 m below the deck in each bay or,

   2. Access to deck from a longitudinal permanent platform having ladders to the deck at each end of the tank. The platform shall be arranged over the full length of the tank and level with, or above, the maximum water level needed for rafting of the under deck structure. For this purpose, the ullage corresponding to the maximum water level is to be assumed not more than 3 m from the deck plate measured at the midspan of deck transverses and at the mid point of the tank's length.

   If neither of the above conditions are met, then staging or another equivalent means is to be provided for the survey of the under deck areas.

1.6.15 Rescue and emergency response equipment: if breathing apparatus and/or other equipment is used as ‘rescue and emergency response equipment’, it is recommended that the equipment be suitable for the configuration of the space being surveyed.

1.6.16 For ships assigned the notation ESP, the Owner is to respond to a Survey Planning Questionnaire and to prepare a Survey Programme, see Pt 1, Ch 3, 6.3 Planning for survey, Pt 1, Ch 3, 7.3 Planning for survey and Pt 1, Ch 3, 8.3 Planning for survey. In such cases, the following requirements are applicable:

1. The Survey Planning Questionnaire is to be submitted to LR prior to the preparation of a Survey Programme. The response to the Questionnaire is to include information on access provisions for close-up Surveys and thickness measurements; cargo history; the results of inspections carried out by the Owner; a list of reports of Port State Control Inspection containing hull structural deficiencies; a list of Safety Management System non-conformities related to hull maintenance and details of the thickness measurement company.

2. The Survey Programme is to be submitted prior to the commencement of any part of the Intermediate Survey on ships over 10 years of age and Special Survey. This is to be in a written format and submitted to LR at least six months in advance of the survey. The Survey Programme at Intermediate Survey may consist of the Survey Programme agreed for the previous Special Survey supplemented by the Executive Hull Summary of that Special Survey and later relevant survey reports. The survey will not commence until a Survey Programme has been agreed.

3. The Survey Programme is to be worked out taking into account any amendments to the survey requirements implemented after the previous Special Survey.

4. Further information on the Survey Planning Questionnaire and Survey Programme can be found in the ESP guidance booklets that have been prepared by LR and are available on the Class Direct website.

5. Prior to the commencement of any part of the Intermediate Survey and Special Survey, a survey planning meeting is to be held between the attending Surveyor(s), the Owner's representative in attendance, the thickness measurement company operator representative (as applicable) and the Master of the ship or an appropriately qualified representative appointed by the Master or Owner for the purpose of ascertaining that all the arrangements envisaged in the Survey Programme are in place, so as to ensure the safe and efficient conduct of the survey to be carried out. The following is an indicative list of items that are to be addressed in the meeting:

   1. Schedule of the ship (i.e. the voyage, docking and undocking manoeuvres, periods alongside, cargo and ballast operations, etc.).

   2. Provisions and arrangements for thickness measurements (i.e. access, cleaning/de-scaling, illumination, ventilation, personal safety).

   3. Extent of the thickness measurements.

   4. Permissible diminution levels.

   5. Extent of close-up survey and thickness measurement considering the coating condition and suspect areas/areas of substantial corrosion.

   6. Execution of thickness measurements.

   7. Taking representative readings in general and where uneven corrosion/pitting is found.

   8. Mapping of areas of substantial corrosion.

   9. Communication between attending surveyor(s), the thickness measurement company operator(s) and Owner's representative(s) concerning findings.

6. Proper preparation and close co-operation between the attending Surveyor(s) and the Owner's representative on board prior to and during the survey are an essential part in the safe and efficient conduct of the survey. During the survey on board safety meetings are to be held regularly.

1.8.1 This Section is applicable to the thickness measurement of the hull structure where required by Sections Pt 1, Ch 3, 2 Annual Surveys - Hull and machinery requirements, Pt 1, Ch 3, 3 Intermediate Surveys - Hull and machinery requirements, Pt 1, Ch 3, 5 Special Survey - General - Hull requirements, Pt 1, Ch 3, 6 Special Survey - Bulk carriers - Hull requirements, Pt 1, Ch 3, 7 Special Survey - Oil tankers (including ore/oil ships and ore/bulk/oil ships) - Hull requirements, Pt 1, Ch 3, 8 Special Survey - Chemical Tankers - Hull requirements and Pt 1, Ch 3, 9 Ships for liquefied gases.

1.8.2 Prior to the commencement of the Intermediate Survey and Special Survey, a meeting is to be held between the attending Surveyor(s), the Owner’s representative in attendance, the thickness measurement company representative and the Master of the ship or an appropriately qualified representative appointed by the Master or Owner, so as to ensure the safe and efficient conduct of the survey and thickness measurements to be carried out.

1.8.3 Thickness measurements are normally to be taken by means of ultrasonic test equipment and are to be carried out by a firm approved in accordance with LR’s Approval for Thickness Measurement of Hull Structure. For non-ESP ships less than 500 gross tons and all fishing vessels, a suitably qualified exclusive Surveyor (where available) may carry out thickness measurements. On all other occasions, an approved firm is to carry out the thickness measurements.

1.8.4 The Surveyor may require to measure the thickness of the material in any portion of the structure where signs of wastage are evident or wastage is normally found. Any parts of the structure which are found defective or excessively reduced in scantlings are to be made good by materials of the approved scantlings and quality. Attention is to be given to the structure in way of discontinuities. If a corrosion control CC special features notation, as defined in the Register Book, is assigned, then surfaces are to be re-coated as necessary.

1.8.5 Thickness measurements are to be witnessed by the Surveyor. This requires the Surveyor to be on board, while the measurements are carried out, to the extent necessary to control the process. This also applies to thickness measurements carried out while the ship is at sea.

1.8.6 The Surveyor may extend the scope of thickness measurement if deemed necessary.

1.8.7 Where it is required as part of the survey to carry out thickness measurements for the structural areas subject to Close-up Survey, then these measurements are to be carried out simultaneously with the Close-up Survey.

1.8.8 Thickness measurements are to be taken in the forward and aft areas of all plates. Where plates cross ballast/cargo tank boundaries separate measurements for the area of plating in way of each type of tank are to be reported. In all cases the measurements are to represent the average of multiple measurements taken on each plate and/or stiffener. Where measured plates are renewed, the thicknesses of adjacent plates in the same strake are to be reported.

1.8.9 The acceptance criteria for thickness measurements are according to the LR document Thickness Measurement and Close-Up Survey Guidance.

1.8.10 A report is to be prepared by the approved firm or Surveyor carrying out the thickness measurements. The report is to give the location of measurement, the thickness measured as well as the corresponding original thickness. The report is to give the date when measurement was carried out, the type of measuring equipment, names of personnel and their qualifications and is to be signed by the operator.

1.8.11 The thickness measurement report is to be verified and signed by the Surveyor and countersigned by an authorising Surveyor.

1.8.12 In all cases the extent of the thickness measurements is to be sufficient to represent the actual average condition.

1.9.1 Any damage in association with wastage over the allowable limit (including buckling, grooving, detachment or fracture), or extensive areas of wastage over the allowable limits, which affects or, in the opinion of the Surveyor, will affect the ship's structural, watertight or weathertight integrity, is to be promptly and thoroughly repaired. Areas to be considered include, (where fitted):

• side shell frames, their end attachments and adjacent shell plating;
• deck structure and deck plating;
• bottom structure and bottom plating;
• side structure and side plating;
• inner bottom structure and inner bottom plating;
• inner side structure and inner side plating;
• watertight or oiltight bulkheads;
• hatch covers and hatch coamings;
• the weld connection between air pipes and deck plating;
• air pipe heads installed on the exposed decks;
• ventilators, including closing devices.

For locations where adequate repair facilities are not available, consideration may be given to allow the ship to proceed directly to a repair facility. This may require discharging the cargo and/or temporary repairs for the intended voyage.

1.9.2 Additionally, when a survey results in the identification of structural defects or corrosion, either of which, in the opinion of the Surveyor, will impair the ship's fitness for continued service, remedial measures are to be implemented before the ship continues in service.

1.9.3 Where the damage found on structure mentioned in Pt 1, Ch 3, 1.9 Repairs 1.9.1 is isolated and of a localised nature which does not affect the ship's structural integrity (as, for example, a localised, isolated and very minor hole in a cross-deck strip), consideration may be given by the Surveyor to allow an appropriate temporary repair to restore watertight or weathertight integrity after careful evaluation of the surrounding structure and impose an associated Condition of Class with a specific short-term time limit in order to complete the repair and retain classification.

1.10.1 For oil tankers and bulk carriers, the Owner is to obtain, supply and maintain documentation on board as follows:

1. A survey file comprising reports of structural surveys, thickness measurement and executive hull summary in accordance with the 2011 ESP Code – International Code on the Enhanced Programme of Inspections During Surveys of Bulk Carriers and Oil Tankers, 2011 – Resolution A.1049(27).
2. Supporting documentation consisting of:
   1. Main structural plans of cargo holds and ballast tanks (for ships built in accordance with the IACS Common Structural Rules (CSR), these plans are to include for each structural element, both the as-built and the renewal thickness. Any thickness for voluntary addition is also to be clearly indicated on the plans. The midship section plan to be supplied on board the ship is to include the minimum allowable hull girder sectional properties for the hold transverse section in all cargo holds).
   2. Previous repair history.
   3. Cargo and ballast history.
   4. Records of inspections by ship’s personnel with reference to structural deterioration in general, leakages in bulkheads and piping and the condition of the corrosion prevention systems, if any.
   5. Any other information that may help to identify critical structural areas and/or suspect areas requiring inspection.
   6. Survey Programme as required by Pt 1, Ch 3, 6.3 Planning for survey and Pt 1, Ch 3, 7.3 Planning for survey.

1.10.2 In addition to the above, for CSR oil tankers and CSR bulk carriers subject to SOLAS - International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea Chapter II-1 - Construction - Structure, subdivision and stability, machinery and electrical installations Part A-1 - Structure of ships Regulation 3-10 – Goal-based ship construction standards for bulk carriers and oil tankers, a Goal Based Standard (GBS) Ship Construction File (SCF) is to be provided in accordance with the requirements of Pt 4, Ch 7, 1.6 Information required for CSR bulk carriers 1.6.4 and Pt 4, Ch 9, 1.6 Information required for CSR Double Hull Oil Tankers 1.6.4. Certain important GBS SCF information must be retained aboard the ship. The remainder may be kept ashore as a ‘GBS SCF’ Supplement Ashore in an on-shore Archive Centre.

1.10.3 For CSR oil tankers and CSR bulk carriers subject to SOLAS - International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea Chapter II-1 - Construction - Structure, subdivision and stability, machinery and electrical installations Part A-1 - Structure of ships Regulation 3-10 – Goal-based ship construction standards for bulk carriers and oil tankers, the Owner is to arrange the updating of the SCF throughout the ship’s life information contained in the GBS SCF throughout the ship’s life at any major event, including, but not limited to, substantial repair, conversion or modification to the ship structure. Documented procedures for updating the GBS SCF are to be included within the Safety Management System.

1.10.4 The applicable documentation is to be kept on board for the lifetime of the ship and is to be readily available for the Surveyor.