6 Surveys and Certifications (Class and Statutory)

Statutory
1) What are
the type of
surveys

2) What is
statutory
survey
3) How the
certificates
are issued
4) A vessel
sails from
Colombo to
Galle. What
are the
certificates
she must
carry
5) What is
harmonized
survey

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

Class
initial
Class renewal
Annual
intermediate
IWS
Docking
Additional(Damage repair)
CSM

Statutory
1.initial
2. Annual Surveys
2. Intermediate Surveys
3. Special Surveys
4. Bottom surveys
5. Damage and repair surveys
6. periodical survey

It is a compulsory survey required by the law of the state whose flag the ship is entitled to fly
1. After the surveyor is satisfied with the conditions he will notify the administration
2. administration will issue the certificate or administration will give the authorization to the class surveyor
to issue the certificate on behalf of the administration
She must carry the certificates required by the administration as per the merchant shipping act 51 of 1971
1. Passenger ship safety certificate
2. International load line certificate
3. Cargo ship safety equipment certificate
4. Cargo ship safety construction certificate
5. Cargo ship safety radio certificate
HSSC is intended to alleviate the difficulties and extra expense for ship owners and operators who,
under the survey provisions of the SOLAS, MARPOL and LOADLINE Conventions, had to put their ships
out of service at different times for different surveys.
is a mandatory system, but may be implemented on individual ships on different dates.
was originally adopted by IMO in 1988 at an International Conference on the Harmonized System of
Survey and Certification. The Conference adopted Protocols to the SOLAS and Load Lines Conventions
to introduce the HSSC. MARPOL 73/78 was amended in 1990 to introduce the HSSC, with a proviso that
the amendments would enter into force at the same time as the entry into force date of the 1988
SOLAS Protocol and the 1988 Load Lines Protocol.
A one-year standard interval between surveys, based on initial, annual, intermediate, periodical
and renewal surveys, as appropriate.

 A scheme for providing the necessary flexibility for the execution of each survey with the provision that:
the renewal survey may be completed within 3 months before the expiry date of the existing certificate
with no loss of its period of validity
there is a time window of 6 months, from 3 months before to 3 months after the anniversary date of
the certificate for annual, intermediate and periodical surveys.
A maximum period of validity of 5 years for all certificates for cargo ships.
A maximum period of validity of 12 months for the Passenger Ship Safety Certificate.
A system for the extension of certificates limited to 3 months to enable a ship to complete its
voyage, or one month for ships engaged on short voyages
The period of validity of the new certificate starting from the expiry of the existing certificate before its
extension, when an extension has been granted.
A flexible system for the inspection of the outside of the ships bottom on the following conditions:
1. a minimum of two inspections during any 5-year period
2. the interval between any two such inspections may not exceed 36 months.
A provision for a Cargo Ship Safety Certificate under SOLAS 74/88, as an alternative to
separate Cargo Ship Safety Construction, Cargo Ship Safety Equipment and Cargo Ship Safety
Radio Certificates.
A flexible system concerning the frequency and the period of validity of certificates provided that
the minimum pattern of surveys is maintained.
* IMO Resolution A.746(18), adopted in 1993, contains Survey Guidelines Under The Harmonised System of
Survey and Certification.
* The principal changes to the survey and certification requirements of SOLAS 74/88 resulting from
implementation of the HSSC are as follows:
1. Unscheduled inspections are no longer included and annual surveys are mandatory for cargo ships.
2. Intervals between periodical surveys of equipment covered by the Cargo Ship Safety Equipment Certificate
are alternatively at intervals of two and three years instead of two years.
3. Intermediate surveys are required for all ships under the Cargo Ship Safety Construction Certificate.
4. Inspections of the outside of the ships bottom are required for all cargo ships.
5. Intermediate surveys for the Cargo Ship Safety Construction Certificate are held within 3 months of either
the second or third anniversary date.
6. All cargo ship certificates may be issued for any period of validity up to 5 years.
7. There is a provision for a Cargo Ship Safety Certificate.
8. The extension provisions have been reduced from 5 months to 3 months to enable a ship to complete its
voyage and the extension for one month for a period of grace is limited to ships engaged on short voyages.
* With regard to the International Load Line Certificate 66/88, the principal changes to the requirements for
survey and certification are the introduction of similar extension provisions as in the previous paragraph and
linking of the period of validity of the new certificate to the expiry date of the previous certificate.
* With MARPOL 73/78/90 (IOPPC and INLSC) and the IBC Code 83/90 (COF), the IGC Code 83/90 and the BCH
Code 85/90 (COFs), the main changes are the linking of the period of validity of the new certificate to the
expiry date of the previous certificate, the holding of the intermediate survey within 3 months of either the
second or third

anniversary date and the introduction of the same extension provisions as for other certificates66.
65 Paragraph 15.4 of IMO Resolution A.746(18) defines short voyage in this context as a voyage where
neither the distance from the port in which
the voyage begins and the final port of destination nor the return voyage exceeds 1,000 miles.
66 Under the pre-harmonisation regulations, a COF could not be extended.
212

6. What is the
enhance
survey
system

1993 by
IMO

7. What are the

surveys to be
carried out on
general cargo
ships

Enhance survey system introduced by IMO in 1993 in order to improve the conditions of tankers and
bulk carriers Subjected to annual, intermediate and renewal
it is the system of surveys required for bulk carriers and tankers as per the SOLAS Ch XI/2 in order to
enhance the conditions
Enhanced surveys do not replace other surveys; the term refers to the enhancement of the periodical
surveys
SOLAS chapter XI-1 introduced four special measures to enhance maritime safety, one of which is a
programme of enhanced surveys for bulk carriers and oil tankers.
Regulation XI/2 (Enhanced surveys) provides that bulk carriers as defined in regulation IX/1.6 67 and oil
tankers as defined in regulation II-1/2.1268 will be subject to an enhanced programme of inspections in
accordance with the guidelines (see below) adopted by the IMO Assembly by resolution A.744(18), as
may be amended.
MARPOL 73/78 regulation I/13G provides that crude oil tankers of 20,000dwt and above and product
carriers of 30,000dwt and above will be subject to the enhanced programme of inspections, the scope
and frequency of which will at least comply with IMO guidelines.
The IMO Guidelines are divided into two annexes:
Tankers Annex B
Annex A Bulk carriers
In respect of tankers, the Guidelines
In respect of bulk carriers, the
should apply to all oil tankers of 500gt
Guidelines should apply to surveys of
and above (Annex B, 1.1.1). The
hull structure and piping systems in way
Guidelines should apply to surveys of
of cargo holds, cofferdams, pipe tunnels,
hull structure and piping systems in way void spaces within the cargo length area
of cargo tanks, pump-rooms, cofferdams, and all ballast tanks.
pipe tunnels, void spaces within the
cargo area and all ballast tanks
The Guidelines contain the extent of examination, thickness measurements and tank testing.
The survey should be extended when substantial corrosion and/or structural defects are found and
include additional close-up survey when necessary
Less than 5 years
5-10 years old
10-15 years
More than 15 years

8. What are the

benefits of HSSC

9. How do you
prepare the
vessel for
surveys in
general
In what
circumstance the
load line
exemption
certificate will be
issued
What are the
inspections done
during annual
survey for the
load line
certificate

1988 amendments to SOLAS aiming standardize the period of validity and the intervals between surveys for
nine main convention certificates was implemented following are the advantages
flexibility of survey schedules
reduced survey time and paperwork
reduced cost for ship owner
no unnecessary delay in the operating pattern for the ship every certificate will be subjected to an
annual ,intermediate or periodical survey each year window period is granted for 3 months plus or
minus
validity period (except passenger ship safety certificate and STP) for all certificates is 5 years
Down loading the quarterly reports from the class website and get ready for the survey
As per the survey requirement maintenance and inspection should be arranged at least 3 months prior
to the survey
Any faults should be rectified before the survey
General cleanliness and the appearance should be in good order
All documentation and records should be readily available for the inspection of the surveyor
1. vessel not engaged in international voyages
2. vessel engaged in only single international voyage Eg: delivery voyage

3.

Initial survey before the ship is put into service, which must include a complete inspection of its
structure and equipment as required by the Regulations, to ensure that the arrangements, materials
and scantlings comply fully with the requirements of the Regulations
4. Renewal survey at intervals not exceeding 5 years, which is to ensure that the arrangements,
materials and scantlings comply fully with the requirements of the Regulations
5. Annual survey within 3 months either way of each annual anniversary date of the Load Line
Certificate, to ensure that no alterations have been made to the hull or superstructures which would
affect the basis on which the position of the load line had been assigned and that the fittings and
appliances for the protection of openings, the guard rails, the freeing ports and the means of access to
crews quarters are maintained in an effective condition
An initial
survey will
generally
include:

a complete and thorough examination of the ships

structure, both internally and externally
an examination of all fittings and appliances for the
protection of openings giving access to spaces below the
freeboard and superstructure decks, the guard rails, the
freeing ports and means of access to the crews quarters
an examination of the stability and, where applicable,
loading and ballasting information which is required to be
supplied to the master of the ship

the determination of all necessary data required for the

computation of the freeboard
The surveyor will carry out any tests as he considers
necessary to ascertain the above.

Annual survey
will generally
include

What are the

conventions
legislated by the
Sri Lankan
government
Can a Colombo
dock yard build a
ship and put in
international
trade
What is the
special survey on
12 year old
tanker
PSC inspection is
due. What are
your

Items given particular attention in the annual survey

include:
Hatchways
openings in the ships side below the freeboard deck and
in the sides and ends of enclosed superstructures
machinery casings, companionways and deckhouses
freeing port shutters;
ventilators and air pipes
special fittings for ships marked with timber load lines
any departures from recorded conditions of assignment
positions of load line marks and deck line
The owner and master must ensure that after any of
the above surveys has been completed, no material
alteration is made to the ship, its structure and
equipment, without the approval of the Assigning
Authority (regulation 8(2)).

Yes it can. It should be under the supervision of the IACS and to be complied with the construction rules of
IACS

Oil tankers over 15 yrs of age are required to have their bottom surveys carried out in drydock (IMO Res A.744
(18)Rev 2000). If the vessel is less than 15 years of age and has undergone an in-water survey instead
Following items of general importance to be in order before the inspection
Items related to the conditions of assignment of load lines:

consideration
with regard to
this

What is the
process of issuing
a statutory
(trading)
certificates
Explain IOPP
certificate briefly

weather tight (or watertight as the case may be) integrity of exposed decks
hatches and closing appliances
weather tight closures to openings in superstructures
freeing arrangements
side outlets
ventilators and air pipes
Stability information
Other items related to the safety of life at sea:
life saving appliances
fire fighting appliances
general structural conditions (i.e. hull, deck, hatch covers, etc.)
main machinery and electrical installations
navigational equipment including radio installations.
Items related to the prevention of pollution from ships:
means for the control of discharge of oil and oily mixtures e.g. oily water
separating or filtering equipment or other equivalent means (tank(s) for retaining oil, oily mixtures, oil
residues)
means for the disposal of oil, oily mixtures or oil residues
presence of oil in the engine room bilges
means for the collection, storage and disposal of garbage.
In the case of deficiencies which are considered hazardous to safety, health or the environment the port State
control officer will take such action, which may include detention as may be necessary, having regard to the
factors mentioned in 3.2.1 of this Annex, to ensure that the deficiency is rectified or that the ship, if allowed to
proceed to another port, does not present a clear hazard to safety, health or the environment.
Since most of the flag administrations do not have the experienced surveys for the purpose of
surveying the delegate this task to the approved recognized body to survey the vessel and issue the
certificates of behalf of them.
Always surveys are done in accordance with the flag state rules and regulations
Oil tanker of 150 gross tons and above and other ship of 400 gross tons and above that engage in
voyages to ports or off-shore terminals under the jurisdiction of parties to MARPOL 73/78 must have on
board a valid International Oil Pollution Prevention (IOPP) Certificate.
The Supplement to the IOPP Certificate is a part of the IOPP Certificate and must remain attached to
that Certificate. If the Supplement to the Certificate is changed, a new IOPP Certificate will be required.
The IOPP Certificate for each inspected or uninspected ship is valid for a maximum period of 5 years
from the date of issue, except as follows:
(1) A Certificate ceases to be valid if significant alterations have taken place in the construction, equipment,
fittings, or arrangements required by the pollution prevention requirements of parts 155 or 157 of this chapter
without the approval of the COTP or the OCMI.

(2) A Certificate ceases to be valid if intermediate surveys as required by 151.17 of this part are not carried
out.
(3) A Certificate issued to a ship ceases to be valid upon transfer of the ship to the flag of another country.

Classification societies
What is the
purpose of
classification

What are the

functions of a
class society

What are the

class society you
are going to
select and why
How do you go
about surveys if
the class surveys
are not existing
in the world
What is a
classification
society

1. to safeguards the interests of ship owner, underwriters and maintain the shipping industry smooth
2. Classification of ships is not a mandatory requirement but without which a ship cannot gain following
insurance
ship cannot find cargo without insurance
acceptance of ship for mortgage
3. additionally classification gives good technical back up and higher market value
1. function of a classification society is to compile(provide) construction rules based on experience and
research , to supervise construction , material and workmanship for new ships and installations
2. classification societies to carry out following types of surveys
ship building survey and re survey
cargo damage ,casualties and accidents
salvage or ship losses surveys on underwriters and insurers interests
perform statutory surveys on behalf of administration as required
3. valuation of ships
4. setting technical standards for ships
5. regularly publish survey status of classed ships
Any class society who is a member of IACS due to following advantages
1. more reputed , well recognized and good attraction for ship owners
2. easier to get insurance coverage with lesser premiums
3. high reliability and agents are available world wide
4. more experts and technical assistance available
if class surveyor are not existing , flag state administration should appoint their surveyors for this
purpose in the worldwide
surveying and issuing of certificates are comes under the primary obligation of flag state
It is an organization by whom the following can be accomplished
compile construction rules
supervise construction of ships ,materials and workmanship
carry surveys regarding : ship building , cargo , salvage or losses
perform statutory surveys on behalf of administration as required
valuation of ships setting technical standards for ships
regularly publish survey status of classed ships

What is the
difference
between IACS
member and non
IACS member

Non-IACS societies

What is IACS and

who are
members of the
IACS

An international classification society may be defined as an independent, non-governmental,

non-profit distributing organization which develops and updates adequate published rules, regulations
and standards for the safe design, construction and periodical maintenance of ships which are capable
of trading internationally, and implements them on a worldwide basis using its own exclusive staff.
Over 50 organisations in the world claim to be classification societies, but few of them fit the definition.
(Many of these organisations fail to meet the criteria in the
definition, e.g. by employing the services of non-exclusive surveyors.)

Who is the latest

member of IACS

More than 50 organisations claim to class ships but most are not IACS members and can not realistically
be called classification societies. Many of them are not international in character, being little more than
national ship registers which hope to attract shipping (including sub-standard shipping) from other flags.
There is no uniformity of rules, or of application of rules, as there is with the IACS member societies.

Name

Abbr

Dat
Head office
e

IAC EMS
S
A

Lloyd's Register of Shipping

LR

176
London
0

Bureau Veritas

BV

182
Paris
8

Registro Italiano Navale

RINA

186
Genova
1

American Bureau of Shipping

ABS

186
Houston
2

Det Norske Veritas

DNV

186
Oslo
4

Germanischer Lloyd

GL

186
Hamburg
7

Nippon Kaiji Kyokai

NKK

189
Tokyo
9

Russian Maritime Register of

Shipping
(
)

RS

191 Sankt
3
Petersburg

[6]

What is the latest

Asia Classification Society

ACS

198
Tehran
0

Hellenic Register of Shipping

HR

191
Piraeus
9

x[7]

Polish Register of Shipping

PRS

193
Gdask
6

x[8]

Croatian Register of Shipping

CRS

194
Split
9

China Classification Society

CCS

195
Beijing
6

China Corporation Register of

Shipping

CR

195
Taipei
1

Korean Register of Shipping

KR

196
Daejeon
0

Biro Klasifikasi Indonesia

BKI

196
Jakarta
4

Registo Internacional Naval[9]

RINAV 197
Lisbon
E
3

Indian Register of Shipping

IRS

197
Mumbai
5

Brazilian Register of Shipping

RBNA

198
Rio de Janeiro 2

International Register of Shipping

IROS

199
Miami
3

Iranian Classification Society

ICS

200
Tehran
7

Ships Classification Malaysia

SCM

199
Shah Alam
4

International Naval Surveys Bureau

INSB

197
Piraeus
7

Internatonal Navel Surveys Bureau (INSB)

x[11] -

[10]

classification
society came
under the roof of
IACS
How the
classification
society is defined

What are the

requirements to
become IACS
member

What is the
certificate of
class

What are the

surveys required
by the

A classification society is a non-governmental , independantorganization and non frofit making in the

shipping industry, often referred to as 'Class'.
It establishes and maintains standards for the construction and classification of ships and offshore
structures; supervises that construction is according to these standards; and carries out regular surveys
of ships in service to ensure the compliance with these standards.
To avoid liability, they explicitly take no responsibility for the safety, fitness for purpose, or
seaworthiness of the ship.[1][2]
Full Members of IACS
minimum, 30 years experience as
a classification society with their
own Classification Rules
a classed fleet of not less than
1500 ocean-going vessels of over
100gt with an aggregate total of
not less than 8 million gross
tonnage
professional staff of at least 150
exclusive surveyors and 100
technical specialists

Associate Members of IACS

minimum, 15 years experience as
a classification society with their
own Classification Rules
a classed fleet of not less than 750
ocean-going vessels of over 100gt
with an aggregate total of not less
than 2 million gross tonnage
staff of at least 75 exclusive
surveyors and 50 technical
specialists

must hold associate membership for the period of 25 years

during this period particular classification society should maintain IACS standards
A Certificate of Class is a document issued by a classification society certifying the structural and
mechanical fitness of a ship for a particular use or service in accordance with the rules and regulations lay
down and made public by that society.
A valid Certificate of Class may be a requirement of:
a Hull and Machinery insurer, for a ship being insured
a P&I club, for an entered ship
a cargo insurer, for the carrying ship
the flag State Administration, for ship registration purposes
a port authority or customs administration, for port clearance purposes.

Survey type
Initial class survey
Class Renewal survey

period
Before the ship put in to service
5 yrs from the date of issue the certificate. In case

classification
societies

Annual class survey

Intermediate survey
IWS
Inspection of outside of
bottom
(docking survey)
Additional surveys
(Enhanced)
Complete survey of
machinery

What is parallel
classification
What is second
classification
What are the
classification
societies
approved by the
Sri Lankan
administration
If a vessel
classified with
non IACS
member, how do
they carry out
surveys in a port
there is no agent
What is the
interim certificate
of class

of some certificates it is one year

Annually within 3 months of the anniversary
date
6 months from the mid point of validity period
In lieu of dry docking if permitted by the rules
If vessel is more than 15 yrs must inspect 2 yr
interval. If high resistance paint applied extend to
21/2 yrs
In case of damage repairs etc.
Carried out in 5 years (20 percent yearly)

Vessel classified with non IACS member and for particular reason appoint IACS member for survey
purposes.
IACS member cannot issue certificate but may endorse on the certficate
Vessel classified with IACS member as well as with non IACS member
1. GL
2. DNV
3. LR

1. On behalf of non IACS member an IACS member carry out the survey as per the standards of non IACS
member.
2. IACS member then endorse the certificate or send the survey report to the non IACS member and non
member then issue a certificate.
3. this process is known as parallel classification
Class surveyors of Lloyds Register of Shipping do not issue Certificates of Class, but endorse
them on completion of annual and other surveys. On completion of all survey work at a particular
port (including any statutory surveys carried out), and provided that in his opinion the ship is in a
fit and efficient condition,
a class surveyor will generally issue the master with an Interim Certificate of Class, which
permits the vessel to proceed on her voyage.
The surveyor will send his survey report and recommendations to the Committee of Lloyds
Register, which in due course will amend the ships latest survey details in the class Register
Book and may issue a Certificate of Class, which may be referred to as a Certificate of Class
Maintenance.

 Interim certificates of class contain the surveyors recommendations for continuance of

class, but in all cases are subject to confirmation by the societys Committee (see D02d.4).
The surveyors statement on a Lloyds Register Interim Certificate of Class states: I have
carried out the surveys detailed below. All recommendations made by me have been dealt with
to my satisfaction. I am recommending to the Committee of Lloyds Register of Shipping that
class be maintained with new records as follows.
What is the
condition of class

When a class will

be suspended

When the class

will be withdrawn

What do they do
after suspension
of the class

Where a class surveyor considers that continuance of a ship in class should depend on certain
requirements being fulfilled by the shipowner, e.g. the repair at the next dry-docking of certain specified
damage, or the inspection or testing of certain specified equipment, or the witnessing of the first
loading of a cargo on a new ship, he will list these on the Interim Certificate of Class as Conditions of
Class Now Imposed.
When imposed conditions of class, as listed on an Interim Certificate of Class, have been met to the
satisfaction of a class surveyor (e.g. at the next dry-docking or annual survey), these are listed on the
next Interim Certificate of Class issued as Conditions of Class Deleted.
If conditions of class are not complied with, class is liable to be suspended or withdrawn by the society.
* An example of conditions of class imposed is shown below.
CONDITIONS OF CLASS NOW IMPOSED DUE
NO. 4 HOLD DB HOPPER SIDE PLATING FRMS 47 & 49 PORT SIDE TEMPORARILY REPAIRED 03/02. PERMANENT
07/03
REPAIRS TO BE EFFECTED BY NEXT DRY DOCKING.
BOTTOM SHELL FRAMES 54, 55 AND 56 PORTSIDE WASTED AND THINNED AT CONNECTION WITH TANK TOP,
11/02
TO BE PART CROPPED AND RENEWED.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
1.
2.
3.

when a vessel proceed to sea with lesser free board than assigned
not complying with the class rules
owner fail to request after having detected defects that effecting the class
when repairs and alterations carried out without attendance of the class surveyor
class will be automatically suspended when the surveys are not done in time
Owners request
suspended more than 6 months
ship is reported loss
ship is trading out of the declaration
in the case of a CTL
inform owners ,administration and underwriters
delete from the registry
covey the information to the database