Section 3 Intermediate Surveys - Hull and machinery requirements
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Clasifications Register Rules and Regulations - Rules and Regulations for the Classification of Ships, July 2022 - Part 1 Regulations - Chapter 3 Periodical Survey Regulations - Section 3 Intermediate Surveys - Hull and machinery requirements

Section 3 Intermediate Surveys - Hull and machinery requirements

Parent topic: Chapter 3 Periodical Survey Regulations

3.1 General

3.1.1 Intermediate Surveys are to be held concurrently with statutory annual or other relevant statutory surveys wherever practicable.

3.2 Review of documentation on board

3.2.1 Prior to survey, the Surveyor is to examine the completeness of the documentation onboard as detailed in Pt 1, Ch 3, 1.10 Documentation, and its contents as a basis for the survey.

3.2.2 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 Surveyor is to examine the information held in the Goal Based Standard (GBS) Ship Construction File (SCF) stored on board the ship. On completion of the survey, in the case of any major event, including, but not limited to, substantial repair, conversion or any modification to the ship structure, the Surveyor is to verify that the information stored on board of the ship has been updated, and is to verify any addition and/or renewal of materials used for the construction of the hull structure are documented within the GBS SCF list of materials.

3.2.3 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, for the GBS SCF Supplement Ashore, the Surveyor is to verify the information stored in the Archive Centre by examining the list of information included in the Supplement Ashore. In addition, the Surveyor is to confirm that the service contract with the Archive Centre remains valid. In the case of any major event, including, but not limited to, substantial repair, conversion or modification to the ship’s structure, the Surveyor is to verify that the information stored in the Archive Centre has been updated by examining the list of updated information included in the Supplement Ashore.

3.3 Intermediate Surveys

3.3.1 The requirements of Pt 1, Ch 3, 2 Annual Surveys - Hull and machinery requirements are to be complied with so far as applicable.

3.3.2 A general examination of salt water ballast tanks is to be carried out as required by Pt 1, Ch 3, 3.3 Intermediate Surveys 3.3.6 and Pt 1, Ch 3, 3.3 Intermediate Surveys 3.3.7. For ships other than oil tankers and chemical tankers, if such examinations reveal no visible structural defects then the examination may be limited to a verification that the protective coating remains in GOOD or FAIR condition as defined in Pt 1, Ch 3, 1.5 Definitions.

3.3.3 In application of Pt 1, Ch 3, 3.3 Intermediate Surveys 3.3.11, Pt 1, Ch 3, 3.3 Intermediate Surveys 3.3.13 and Pt 1, Ch 3, 3.3 Intermediate Surveys 3.3.15 respectively for oil tankers (including ore/oil and ore/bulk/oil ships), chemical tankers and bulk carriers over 15 years of age a survey in dry-dock is to be a part of the Intermediate Survey. The overall and close-up surveys and thickness measurements, as applicable, of the lower portions of cargo tanks/holds and water ballast tanks are to be surveyed in accordance with the applicable requirements for Intermediate Surveys, if not already surveyed.

3.3.4 For oil tankers (including ore/oil and ore/bulk/oil ships) and chemical tankers, the condition of the corrosion prevention system identified during the Survey may result in the salt-water ballast tanks being subject to further examination at Annual Surveys, in accordance with Pt 1, Ch 3, 2.2 Annual Surveys 2.2.32.

3.3.5 For salt-water ballast tanks on those ships not listed in Pt 1, Ch 3, 3.3 Intermediate Surveys 3.3.4, the condition of the corrosion prevention system identified during the Survey may result in the tanks being subject to further examination at Annual Surveys, in accordance with Pt 1, Ch 3, 2.2 Annual Surveys 2.2.32. For double bottom ballast tanks, the examination at Annual Surveys will be at the discretion of the Surveyor.

3.3.6 For ships over 5 years of age and up to 10 years of age, representative salt-water ballast tanks are to be examined. In addition to this, the following requirements are applicable:

  1. For general dry cargo ships, an Overall Survey of representative salt-water ballast tanks, as selected by the Surveyor is to be carried out.

  2. For bulk carriers, an Overall Survey of representative salt-water ballast tanks, as selected by the Surveyor is to be carried out. The selected tanks are to include the fore peak tank, aft peak tank and a number of other tanks, taking into account the total number and type of ballast tanks.

  3. For single hull oil tankers (including ore/oil and ore/bulk/oil ships), an examination of all salt-water ballast tanks is to be carried out. Where considered necessary by the Surveyor, thickness measurement and testing are to be carried out to ensure the structural integrity remains effective.

  4. For double hull oil tankers and chemical tankers, an Overall Survey of representative salt-water ballast tanks, as selected by the Surveyor is to be carried out. If the survey reveals no visible defects, the examination may be limited to a verification that the hard protective coating remains in GOOD condition, as defined in Pt 1, Ch 3, 1.5 Definitions.

  5. Where a hard protective coating is found to be in POOR condition, as defined in Pt 1, Ch 3, 1.5 Definitions, where a soft or semi-hard coating has been applied, where a protective coating was not applied from the time of construction or other defects are found, the survey is to be extended to other ballast tanks of the same type.

3.3.7 For all ships over 10 years of age, the following are required:

  1. All salt-water ballast tanks are to be examined.

  2. The anchors are to be partially lowered and raised using the windlass.

3.3.8 The Surveyor is to carry out an examination and thickness measurement of structure identified at the previous Special Survey as having substantial corrosion, see also 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 and Pt 1, Ch 3, 8 Special Survey - Chemical Tankers - Hull requirements. In addition, for double hull oil tankers built in accordance with the IACS Common Structural Rules (CSR), the identified substantial corrosion areas are required to be examined and additional thickness measurements are to be carried out in accordance with Table 3.7.11 Thickness measurement - Double hull oil tankers - Bottom, inner bottom and hopper structure with substantial corrosion to Table 3.7.15 Thickness measurement - Double hull oil tankers - Transverse watertight and swash bulkhead structure in cargo tanks with substantial corrosion.

3.3.9 For all ships, the electrical generating sets are to be examined under working conditions to verify compliance with Pt 6, Ch 2, 2.2 Number and rating of generators and converting equipment.

3.3.10 In addition to the foregoing, in the case of all oil tankers (including ore/oil and ore/bulk/oil ships) the following are to be dealt with where applicable:

  1. An examination of cargo, crude oil washing, bunker, ballast, steam and vent piping on the weather decks, as well as vent masts and headers. If upon examination there is any doubt as to the condition of the piping, the piping may be required to be pressure tested, gauged, or both.

  2. A general examination within the zones and spaces deemed as hazardous, such as cargo pump rooms and spaces adjacent to and zones above cargo tanks, for defective and non-certified safe-type electrical equipment, improperly installed, defective and dead-end wiring. An electrical insulation resistance test of the circuits terminating in, or passing through, the hazardous zones and spaces is to be carried out. If the ship is not in a gas free condition the results of previously recorded test readings may be accepted.

3.3.11 For oil tankers (including ore/oil and ore/bulk/oil ships), in addition to Pt 1, Ch 3, 3.3 Intermediate Surveys 3.3.10, the following are required for ships over 10 years of age:

  1. A survey to the same extent as the previous Special Survey (applicable only to ESP surveys, see Pt 1, Ch 3, 7.1 General 7.1.2).

  2. Pressure testing of cargo and ballast tanks and the requirements for the longitudinal strength evaluation (see Pt 1, Ch 3, 7.7 Thickness measurement 7.7.3) are to be carried out if deemed necessary by the attending Surveyor.

3.3.12 For chemical tankers, in addition to the applicable requirements of Pt 1, Ch 3, 3.3 Intermediate Surveys 3.3.1 to Pt 1, Ch 3, 3.3 Intermediate Surveys 3.3.9 the following are to be dealt with where applicable:

  1. Examination of vent line drainage arrangements.

  2. Verification that the cargo heating/cooling system is in good condition.

  3. Verification that the ship's cargo hoses are approved and in good condition.

  4. Verification that where applicable, pipelines and independent cargo tanks are electrically bonded to the hull.

  5. An examination of cargo, cargo washing, bunker, ballast, steam and vent piping on the weather decks, as well as vent masts and headers. If upon examination there is any doubt as to the condition of the piping, the piping may require to be pressure tested, gauged or both.

  6. A General Examination within the zones and spaces deemed as hazardous, such as cargo pump rooms and spaces adjacent to and zones above cargo tanks, for defective and non-certified safe-type electrical equipment, improperly installed, defective and dead-end wiring. An electrical insulation resistance test of the circuits terminating in, or passing through, the hazardous zones and spaces is to be carried out. If the ship is not in a gas free condition the results of previously recorded test readings may be accepted.

3.3.13 For chemical tankers, in addition to Pt 1, Ch 3, 3.3 Intermediate Surveys 3.3.12, the following are required for ships over 10 years of age:

  1. A survey to the same extent as the previous Special Survey (applicable only to ESP surveys, see Pt 1, Ch 3, 8.1 General 8.1.2).

  2. Pressure testing of cargo and ballast tanks is to be carried out if deemed necessary by the attending Surveyor.

3.3.14 For bulk carriers, in addition to the applicable requirements of Pt 1, Ch 3, 3.3 Intermediate Surveys 3.3.1 to Pt 1, Ch 3, 3.3 Intermediate Surveys 3.3.9, the following are to be dealt with on ships over five years of age:

  1. Overall Survey, Close-up Survey and thickness measurements of cargo holds in accordance with Table 3.3.1 Bulk carriers - Intermediate Surveys.

  2. 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

    2. corrugated transverse watertight hold bulkheads under IACS UR S18.

    Where the gauged thickness is within the range t net + 0,5 mm and t net + 1,0 mm, a coating (applied in accordance with coating manufacturer’s requirements) or annual gauging may be adopted as an alternative to steel renewal. See Pt 1, Ch 3, 5.6 Thickness measurement 5.6.7 and Pt 1, Ch 3, 6.7 Thickness measurement 6.7.5.

  3. For bulk carriers built in accordance with the IACS Common Structural Rules (CSR), the areas identified with substantial corrosion in cargo holds and ballast tanks may be either:

    1. protected by coating applied in accordance with the coating manufacturer’s requirements and examined at Annual Surveys to confirm the coating in way is still in GOOD condition, or alternatively;

    2. subject to thickness measurement at Annual Surveys.

3.3.15 For bulk carriers, in addition to the applicable requirements of Pt 1, Ch 3, 3.3 Intermediate Surveys 3.3.1 to Pt 1, Ch 3, 3.3 Intermediate Surveys 3.3.9, the following is required for ships over 10 years of age:

  1. A survey to the same extent as the previous special Survey (applicable to ESP surveys, see Pt 1, Ch 3, 6.1 General 6.1.2).

  2. Pressure testing of all tanks and the internal examination of fuel oil tanks are to be carried out if deemed necessary by the Surveyor.

3.3.16 For ships over 10 years old of age (other than dry cargo ships, general dry cargo ships, ships assigned ESP Notation and ships for liquefied gases), in addition to the applicable requirements of Pt 1, Ch 3, 3.3 Intermediate Surveys 3.3.1 to Pt 1, Ch 3, 3.3 Intermediate Surveys 3.3.8, an Overall Survey of selected cargo spaces is to be carried out.

3.3.17 For dry cargo ships over 15 years old (other than bulk carriers and general dry cargo ships), in addition to the applicable requirements of Pt 1, Ch 3, 3.3 Intermediate Surveys 3.3.1 to Pt 1, Ch 3, 3.3 Intermediate Surveys 3.3.8, an Overall Survey of selected cargo holds is to be carried out.

3.3.18 For general dry cargo ships, in addition to the applicable requirements of Pt 1, Ch 3, 3.3 Intermediate Surveys 3.3.1 to Pt 1, Ch 3, 3.3 Intermediate Surveys 3.3.9, the following is required for ships over 5 years of age:

  • An overall survey of one forward and one after cargo hold and their associated ‘tween deck spaces.

3.3.19 For general dry cargo ships, in addition to the applicable requirements of Pt 1, Ch 3, 3.3 Intermediate Surveys 3.3.1, the following are required for ships over 10 years of age:

  1. An overall survey of all cargo holds and ‘tween deck spaces.

  2. Where considered necessary by the Surveyor, thickness measurement is to be carried out. If the results of thickness measurement indicate substantial corrosion, the extent of thickness measurement is to be in accordance with Table 3.5.6 Thickness measurement - Additional requirements in way of structure identified with substantial corrosion in Section 5. The survey will not be considered complete until these additional thickness measurements have been carried out. Steel renewal requirements have been separately determined according to date of contract for construction for cargo hold hatch covers and coamings under IACS UR S21A. Where the gauged thickness is within the range t net + 0,5 mm and t net + 1,0 mm, a coating (applied in accordance with coating manufacturer’s requirements) or annual gauging may be adopted as an alternative to steel renewal. See Pt 1, Ch 3, 5.6 Thickness measurement 5.6.7.

3.3.20 For general dry cargo ships, in addition to the applicable requirements of Pt 1, Ch 3, 3.3 Intermediate Surveys 3.3.1, the following are required for ships over 15 years of age:

  1. A survey to the same extent as the previous special Survey (applicable only to surveys of the hull structure and piping systems in way of the cargo holds, cofferdams, pipe tunnels and void spaces within the cargo area and all salt water ballast tanks).

  2. Tank testing, survey of automatic air pipe heads and internal examination of fuel oil, lubricating oil and fresh water tanks are to be carried out if deemed necessary by the Surveyor.

3.3.21 For ship-borne barges, where Intermediate Surveys are permitted as an alternative to Annual Surveys and Bottom Surveys, all the hatch covers are to be hose tested at every survey. The external surfaces of the barges are to be surveyed at these surveys.

3.3.22 For liquefied gas ships, see Pt 1, Ch 3, 9 Ships for liquefied gases.

3.3.23 For a fuel installation using gases or other low-flashpoint fuels see also Pt 1, Ch 3, 23.3 Intermediate Surveys.

Table 3.3.1 Bulk carriers - Intermediate Surveys

Ships between 5 and 10 years old Ships between 10 and 15 years old Ships greater than 15 years old
  1. Overall Survey of all cargo holds, see Notes 1, 2, 3 and 4
  2. Close-up Survey to establish the condition of at least 25 per cent of the cargo hold side shell frames including their upper and lower end attachments, adjacent shell plating and the transverse bulkheads in the forward cargo hold and one other selected cargo hold on single skin ships, see Notes 1, 3 and 4.
A survey to the same extent as the previous Special Survey (applicable only to ESP surveys, see Pt 1, Ch 3, 6.1 General 6.1.2), see Note 3. A survey to the same extent as the previous Special Survey (applicable only to ESP surveys, see Pt 1, Ch 3, 6.1 General 6.1.2), see Note 3.

Note The requirements in this Table apply to both single skin and double skin ships, unless stated otherwise.

Note 1. For single skin ships, where considered necessary by the Surveyor as a result of the Overall and Close-up Survey, the Survey is to be extended to include a Close-up Survey of all of the side shell frames and adjacent shell plating of that cargo hold, as well as a Close-up Survey of sufficient extent of all remaining cargo holds.

Note 2. For double skin ships, where considered necessary by the Surveyor as a result of the Overall Survey, the Survey is to be extended to include a Close-up Survey of those areas of structure in cargo holds selected by the Surveyor.

Note 3. Thickness measurement is to be carried out of sufficient extent to determine the level of corrosion of those areas subject to Close-up Survey. If the results of thickness measurement indicate substantial corrosion, the extent of thickness measurement is to be in accordance with Section 6, Table 3.6.5 Thickness measurement - Single skin bulk carriers - Shell plating and stiffening, with substantial corrosion to Table 3.6.10 Thickness measurement - Double skin bulk carriers - Double side space structure (including wing void spaces of ore carriers), with substantial corrosion, as applicable. The survey will not be considered complete until these additional thickness measurements have been carried out.

Note 4. For ships between 5 and 10 years old where hard protective coatings in cargo holds are found to be in GOOD condition, as defined in Pt 1, Ch 3, 1.5 Definitions, the extent of Close-up Survey and thickness measurement may be specially considered but not dispensed with in its entirety. Prior to any coating or recoating of cargo holds, scantlings are to be confirmed by thickness measurement with the Surveyor in attendance.

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