Section 5 Special Survey – Hull requirements

5.1.1 The survey is to be of sufficient extent to ensure that the hull and related equipment is in satisfactory condition and is fit for its intended purpose, subject to proper maintenance and operation and to Periodical Surveys being carried out as required by the Regulations.

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

5.1.3 A Docking Survey in accordance with the requirements of Vol 1, Pt 1, Ch 3, 4.2 Docking Surveys is to be carried out as part of the Special Survey.

5.1.4 For ships assigned the notation ‘laid-up’, an Underwater Examination (UWE) and general examination of hull and machinery are to be carried out in lieu of the normal Special Survey requirements.

5.2.1  The ship is to be prepared for survey in accordance with the requirements of Table 3.5.1 Survey preparation The preparation should be of sufficient extent to facilitate an examination to ascertain any excessive corrosion, erosion, deformation, fractures, damages and other structural deterioration.

5.2.2 Where, in accordance with Table 3.5.1 Survey preparation, the ship is opened out by removal of linings, etc. and defects are found, further opening out may be required in order that the Surveyor can confirm the full extent of the defects.

5.3.1 All spaces within the hull and superstructure including integral tanks are to be examined, see also Vol 1, Pt 1, Ch 3, 5.4 Examination and testing – Additional items for steel ships 5.4.1 for tank examinations on steel ships. Special attention is to be paid to any suspect areas, see Vol 1, Pt 1, Ch 3, 1.5 Definitions 1.5.5 and Table 3.5.1 Survey preparation

5.3.2  Double bottom, deep, ballast, peak and other tanks assigned also for the carriage of salt-water ballast, are to be tested with a head of liquid to the top of air pipes or to the top of hatches for ballast/cargo holds. Boundaries of fuel oil, lubricating oil and fresh water tanks are to be tested with a head of liquid to the maximum filling level of the tank. Tank testing of fuel oil, lubricating oil and fresh water tanks may be specially considered based upon a satisfactory external examination of the tank boundaries, and a confirmation from the Commanding Officer stating that the pressure testing has been carried out according to the requirements with satisfactory results.

5.3.3 Where repairs are effected to the hull or bulkheads, any integral tanks in way are to be tested to the Surveyor’s satisfaction on completion of these repairs.

5.3.4 All decks, masts and superstructures are to be examined.

5.3.5 Attention is to be given to the corners of openings and other discontinuities in the hull structure.

5.3.6 The anchors are to be examined, the chain cables are to be ranged and they are to be examined together with the chain locker (see Table 3.5.1 Survey preparation) and clench plate. If any length of chain cable is found to be reduced in mean diameter at its most worn part by 12 per cent or more from its nominal diameter, it is to be renewed. Cables are to be changed ‘end-for-end’. Anchor handling arrangements are to be examined.

5.3.7 Representative fastenings on the weatherdecks, e.g. for guardrails and spurnwaters, are to be tested to ascertain their soundness and may require to be drawn for examination at the discretion of the Surveyor.

5.3.8 When applicable, the Surveyor is to be satisfied as to the efficient condition of the means of escape from crew spaces, and spaces in which crew are normally employed.

5.3.9 The hand pumps, suctions, watertight doors, air and sounding pipes are to be examined. In addition, the Surveyor is to examine internally air pipe heads in accordance with the requirements of Table 3.5.3 Air pipe head internal examination requirements.

5.3.10 Ship side valves (i.e. sea connections, scuppers and sanitary discharges) are to be tested once reassembled.

5.4.1 The requirements for tank internal examination are given in Table 3.5.2 Tank internal examination requirements for steel ships.

5.4.2 In salt-water ballast spaces, integral sanitary tanks and bilges where the protective coating is found to be other than in GOOD condition as defined in Vol 1, Pt 1, Ch 3, 1.5 Definitions 1.5.10 and it has not been repaired, maintenance of class will be subject to the spaces in question being internally examined and gauged.

5.4.3 The protection of steelwork, other than as referred to in Vol 1, Pt 1, Ch 3, 5.4 Examination and testing – Additional items for steel ships 5.4.2 should be examined and made good where necessary on satisfactory completion of the survey. In areas where the inner surface of the bottom plating is covered with cement, asphalt or other composition, the removal of this covering may be dispensed with, provided that it is found sound and adhering satisfactorily to the steel.

5.4.4 Wood deck sheathing is to be examined and the caulking is to be tested and recaulked as necessary. If decay or rot is found, or the wood is excessively worn, the wood is to be renewed. Attention is to be given to the condition of the plating under wood deck sheathing or other deck covering. If it is found that such coverings are broken, or are not adhering closely to the plating, sections are to be removed as necessary to ascertain the condition of the plating, see also Vol 1, Pt 1, Ch 3, 1.2 Surveys for damage or alterations 1.2.1.

5.4.5 The structure in way of bimetallic connections, e.g. to aluminium alloy deck-houses, is to be examined and the efficiency of the insulation arrangements confirmed.

5.5.1 The bonded attachments of frames, floors, bulkheads, structural joinery, engine bearers, sterntubes, rudder tubes, and integral tank boundaries are to be examined.

5.5.2 The hull to deck joint, together with any joints between the deck and deck-houses or superstructures, is to be examined.

5.5.3 The structure in way of the bolted attachment of fittings including guardrail stanchions, capstan/windlass, shaft brackets, fendering, mooring bitts, etc is to be examined.