- With reference to the classification of a vessel:
(a) list SIX items that would be inspected during a special hull survey;(3)
(b) describe how a continuous hull survey could be applied.(7)
(a) Six items inspected during a Special Hull Survey (3 marks)
During the Special Survey of Hull (normally every 5 years), the following are typically inspected:
- Shell plating – examined for wastage, cracking, deformation, or corrosion.
- Deck plating and deck fittings – including hatches, covers, and openings.
- Bulkheads – watertight and structural bulkheads examined internally and externally.
- Frames, girders, stringers, and stiffeners – checked for structural integrity.
- Ballast tanks, fuel oil tanks, and cargo tanks – internal inspection for corrosion, coating breakdown, pitting.
- Load line items – closing appliances, hatch covers, doors, scuppers, freeing ports.
(Any six correct examples earn full marks.)
(b) Application of a Continuous Hull Survey (7 marks)
- Instead of inspecting the entire hull during the 5-year Special Survey, the work is divided into sections.
- The classification society allocates a schedule for different areas of the hull, so that all parts are inspected over the 5-year survey cycle.
- Examples:
- One year → forward cargo tanks and forepeak examined.
- Second year → afterpeak tank, steering gear compartment, aft structure.
- Third year → midship cargo tanks and ballast tanks.
- Fourth year → deck structures, hatches, and shell plating amidships.
- Fifth year → remaining tanks/void spaces.
- By the end of the 5-year period, the entire hull structure has been examined to the same standard as if all were inspected at once.
- This avoids long delays in dry dock and allows surveys to be integrated into normal docking and maintenance schedules.
- Records are kept by the classification society to confirm compliance.