CHIEF ENGINEER Unit 12 Classification Q1

Classification Society Surveys are comprehensive inspections conducted by independent organizations, known as Classification Societies, to assess whether a ship or offshore structure meets the required technical and safety standards. These societies develop and maintain rules and regulations concerning ship design, construction, equipment, and maintenance.  

1. Classification Societies – Recognised Organisations – European Maritime Safety Agency

2. Classification Societies – EMSA – European Maritime Safety Agency

Purpose of Classification Society Surveys:

• Ensure Compliance: The primary aim is to verify that the vessel or structure adheres to the Classification Society’s rules, as well as relevant international conventions like SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) and MARPOL (Prevention of Pollution from Ships).   1. Advanced Certificate in Class Surveyor – International Maritime Academy www.internationalmaritimeacademy.eu
• Maintain Safety Standards: Surveys help ensure that ships are built and maintained to high safety and environmental protection standards, reducing the risk of accidents, pollution, and loss of life.   1. Classification of ships in service – Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore marine-offshore.bureauveritas.com
• Provide Assurance: A ship with a valid class certificate from a recognized Classification Society provides assurance to stakeholders like insurers, charterers, and financial institutions about its technical condition and seaworthiness.

Types of Classification Society Surveys:

• Initial Survey: Conducted on a newbuilding or a ship entering the class for the first time. It’s a comprehensive inspection to assess compliance with rules and assign a class notation.   1. MARINE ENGINEERING KNOWLEDGE BY RAJAN – CLASSIFICATION AND SURVEY – Google Sites sites.google.com2. Class Surveys – Capt.S.S.Chaudhari captsschaudhari.com
• Periodical Surveys: These are regular surveys, usually conducted at specific intervals (e.g., every five years) to ensure the ship remains in class and complies with the rules.   1. Classification of ships in service – Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore marine-offshore.bureauveritas.com
• Renewal Surveys: Occur at the end of a ship’s class period (typically 5 years) to renew its classification and certificate of class.   1. Do you know the various types of survey onboard? – SAFETY4SEA safety4sea.com
• Intermediate Surveys: Conducted between periodical surveys to check specific aspects of the ship, such as hull thickness measurements or machinery inspections.   1. Classification surveys – Ask a Question rs-class.org
• Annual Surveys: Yearly inspections to verify the overall condition and maintenance of the ship.   1. Classification surveys – Ask a Question rs-class.org
• Special Surveys: Can be requested in specific situations like damage repairs, modifications, or changes in the ship’s operational profile.

Scope of Classification Society Surveys:

• Hull & Structure: Includes thorough inspections of the hull, bulkheads, decks, and other structural elements to assess their condition and strength.   1. MARINE ENGINEERING KNOWLEDGE BY RAJAN – CLASSIFICATION AND SURVEY – Google Sites sites.google.com
• Machinery & Systems: Involves inspection and testing of the main and auxiliary machinery, electrical systems, piping, and other essential equipment.   1. MARINE ENGINEERING KNOWLEDGE BY RAJAN – CLASSIFICATION AND SURVEY – Google Sites sites.google.com
• Safety Equipment: Verification of lifesaving appliances, firefighting systems, navigation equipment, and other safety-related installations.   1. China Classification Society www.ccs.org.cn

Surveyors’ Role:

• Expertise: Classification society surveyors are highly qualified and experienced professionals with technical expertise in various aspects of ship design, construction, and operation.   1. Class Surveyor – Lloyd’s Maritime Institute www.lloydmaritime.com
• Independence: They act independently and impartially, ensuring that the vessel meets the required standards without any bias or influence.
• Reporting: Upon completion of a survey, surveyors issue a report detailing their findings and any recommendations for corrective actions.

Conclusion:

Classification Society Surveys play a pivotal role in upholding maritime safety and environmental protection standards. They provide an independent and expert assessment of a ship’s condition and compliance with relevant regulations, offering reassurance to all stakeholders about its seaworthiness and operational safety.

In the context of maritime and shipping, specifically concerning the International Convention on Load Lines, an Annual Survey is a yearly inspection conducted by a Classification Society surveyor to verify that a ship maintains its condition of class and continues to comply with the applicable rules and regulations.

Purpose of Annual Surveys:

• Maintaining Class: Classification Societies assign a class notation to ships that meet their technical and safety standards. Annual surveys ensure that the ship continues to meet these standards throughout its operational life.   1. 5 Classification Society Terms You Need to Understand Now – MySeaTime www.myseatime.com
• Verifying Compliance: The surveys check that the vessel adheres to various international conventions and regulations, including those related to load lines, safety equipment, machinery, and pollution prevention.   1. A Guide to Ship Surveys and Inspections – VLS Environmental Solutions www.vlses.com
• Identifying Defects and Deficiencies: Surveyors assess the condition of the ship’s hull, machinery, equipment, and safety systems, identifying any defects or deficiencies that require attention.
• Recommending Corrective Actions: Based on their findings, surveyors may issue recommendations for repairs, maintenance, or upgrades to ensure the ship’s continued compliance and seaworthiness.

Scope of Annual Surveys:

The scope of an annual survey can vary depending on the ship’s type, age, and operational profile. However, it generally includes:

• Hull Inspection: Examining the hull’s external and internal structure, checking for corrosion, cracks, deformation, or any other damage that could compromise its integrity.
• Machinery and Systems: Inspecting and testing the main and auxiliary machinery, electrical systems, piping, and other essential equipment to ensure their proper functioning and safety.
• Safety Equipment: Verifying the availability, condition, and proper functioning of life-saving appliances, firefighting equipment, navigation aids, and other safety-related installations.   1. A Guide to Ship Surveys and Inspections – VLS Environmental Solutions www.vlses.com
• Load Line Markings: Inspecting the load line markings to confirm they are clear, accurate, and comply with the regulations.
• Documentation Review: Examining the ship’s certificates, records, and documentation to verify compliance with various regulations and class requirements.

Importance of Annual Surveys:

• Safety: Annual surveys help maintain a high level of safety by ensuring that ships are in good condition and comply with relevant safety standards.
• Seaworthiness: They provide assurance to stakeholders like insurers, charterers, and port authorities that the ship is seaworthy and fit for its intended purpose.
• Compliance: Annual surveys help ship owners and operators demonstrate compliance with international conventions and avoid potential penalties or detentions.
• Preventive Maintenance: By identifying potential issues early on, annual surveys encourage preventive maintenance and help avoid costly breakdowns or major repairs.

In summary, Annual Surveys are crucial for maintaining the safety, seaworthiness, and regulatory compliance of ships. They are an integral part of the ship classification process and contribute to the overall well-being of the maritime industry.

A Docking Survey is a comprehensive inspection and examination of a vessel’s underwater portions and other areas that are normally inaccessible while the ship is afloat. It’s carried out when the vessel is placed in a dry dock or, in some cases, using in-water survey techniques.

1. Dry Docking – Bottom Survey – International Register of Shipping (INTLREG)

Purpose of Docking Surveys:

• Assess Hull Condition: The primary goal is to evaluate the condition of the ship’s hull, including its structure, plating, coatings, and underwater appendages (like propellers, rudders, sea chests). This helps identify any corrosion, damage, or deterioration that could compromise the ship’s structural integrity or watertightness.   1. Dry Docking – Bottom Survey – International Register of Shipping (INTLREG) intlreg.org
• Maintain Class Compliance: Docking surveys are mandated by classification societies to ensure that the vessel remains compliant with their rules and standards for safe operation.   1. Dry Docking – Bottom Survey – International Register of Shipping (INTLREG) intlreg.org
• Facilitate Maintenance and Repairs: The survey provides an opportunity to carry out necessary maintenance, repairs, or modifications to the underwater parts of the ship that are otherwise inaccessible.   1. Dry Docking – Bottom Survey – International Register of Shipping (INTLREG) intlreg.org
• Renew Certificates: In many cases, a successful docking survey is a prerequisite for renewing various certificates, such as the Load Line Certificate or the Safety Construction Certificate, ensuring the vessel’s continued seaworthiness and compliance with international regulations.

Key Elements of a Docking Survey:

• Visual Inspection: Surveyors visually inspect the entire underwater portion of the hull, looking for signs of corrosion, damage, fouling, or any other anomalies.
• Thickness Measurements: Ultrasonic thickness measurements are taken at critical points on the hull plating to assess its thickness and remaining strength. This helps determine if any areas require repairs or renewals.   1. Ultrasonic Thickness Measurement of Ships | PDF | Water Transport – Scribd www.scribd.com2. Ultrasonic thickness measurement (UTM) – Intertek www.intertek.com
• Examination of Sea Valves and Other Underwater Fittings: Sea valves, through-hull fittings, and other underwater appendages are checked for proper operation, tightness, and corrosion.
• Propeller and Rudder Inspection: The propeller and rudder are examined for damage, wear, and any signs of cavitation or erosion.
• Anodes Inspection: Sacrificial anodes, which protect the hull from corrosion, are checked and replaced if necessary.   1. INSPECTION AFTER DOCKING THE SHIP IN DRYDOCK – DieselShip dieselship.com
• Internal Tank Inspections: Depending on the survey scope, internal tanks like ballast tanks or cargo holds may also be inspected for corrosion or structural issues.   1. 46 CFR § 91.40-3 – Drydock examination, internal structural examination, cargo tank internal examination, and underwater survey intervals. – Law.Cornell.Edu www.law.cornell.edu

Frequency:

The frequency of docking surveys is typically determined by the classification society’s rules and the vessel’s age and type. Generally, most ships are required to undergo a docking survey at least once every five years.

Importance:

Docking surveys are crucial for maintaining the safety and integrity of ships. They ensure that vessels are structurally sound, watertight, and compliant with regulations, thereby reducing the risk of accidents, pollution, and loss of life at sea.

A Special Survey is a comprehensive and in-depth inspection of a ship conducted by a classification society surveyor at specific intervals, typically every 5 years. Its purpose is to ensure that the vessel remains in compliance with the classification society’s rules and applicable international conventions like SOLAS and MARPOL, even after years of operation and wear and tear.  

1. Periodical hull surveys – Wärtsilä

2. Classification surveys – Ask a Question

Key Objectives:

• Renewal of Class: The primary aim is to renew the ship’s class notation, certifying that it continues to meet the required technical and safety standards for continued operation.   1. Classification surveys – Ask a Question rs-class.org
• Thorough Assessment: It involves a more extensive inspection compared to annual or intermediate surveys, covering various aspects of the ship’s structure, machinery, and equipment.   1. ABS Special Survey – Applied Technical Services atslab.com
• Identifying Age-Related Deterioration: The focus is on detecting any signs of wear, corrosion, fatigue, or other deterioration that may have occurred over time and could compromise the vessel’s safety and integrity.   1. ABS Special Survey – Applied Technical Services atslab.com
• Ensuring Compliance: The survey ensures that the ship remains compliant with all relevant regulations and that any modifications or repairs made since the last survey meet the required standards.   1. Classification surveys – Ask a Question rs-class.org

Scope of Special Surveys:

• Hull & Structure: Involves detailed examination of the hull, bulkheads, decks, and other structural elements, often including thickness measurements and non-destructive testing to assess their condition and remaining strength.   1. ABS Special Survey – Applied Technical Services atslab.com
• Machinery & Systems: Comprehensive inspection and testing of the main and auxiliary machinery, electrical systems, piping, and other essential equipment to ensure their continued safe and efficient operation.   1. MARINE ENGINEERING KNOWLEDGE BY RAJAN – CLASSIFICATION AND SURVEY – Google Sites sites.google.com
• Safety Equipment: Thorough checks of all safety-related installations, including life-saving appliances, firefighting systems, navigation equipment, and emergency systems.
• Documentation Review: Examination of the ship’s certificates, records, and other documentation to verify compliance with regulations and class requirements.

Specific Requirements:

• Dry-Docking: A special survey usually requires the vessel to be dry-docked so that the underwater portions of the hull and other submerged equipment can be thoroughly inspected.   1. What are the regulations around Dry Docking? A Guide for Ship Owners – Shipnet blog.shipnet.no
• Opening Up: Certain machinery and equipment may need to be opened up for internal inspection and assessment.
• Testing and Trials: Various tests and trials might be conducted to evaluate the performance and functionality of critical systems and equipment.

Importance of Special Surveys:

• Maintaining Safety and Seaworthiness: Special surveys help identify and address potential weaknesses or deterioration in the ship’s structure and systems, ensuring that it remains safe and seaworthy.   1. ABS Special Survey – Applied Technical Services atslab.com
• Prolonging Ship’s Life: By addressing maintenance and repair needs proactively, special surveys can extend the operational life of the vessel.   1. ABS Special Survey – Applied Technical Services atslab.com
• Regulatory Compliance: They ensure that the ship continues to meet the stringent safety and environmental standards required by international conventions and classification societies.
• Maintaining Insurability: A valid class certificate, renewed after a successful special survey, is typically required for insurance coverage.

In conclusion, Special Surveys are crucial for maintaining the safety, integrity, and regulatory compliance of ships throughout their operational life. They provide a comprehensive assessment of the vessel’s condition and enable timely interventions to address any issues, ensuring that it continues to operate safely and efficiently.