Statutory and class surveys: who checks what
1The lesson in plain words
Statutory surveys check flag-state requirements; class surveys check society rules. One surveyor may do both, but the consequences differ.
Two systems, one ship
Statutory surveys check that the ship meets the conventions (SOLAS, Load Lines, MARPOL) for her flag. The flag issues the certificates or delegates the work to a recognized organization (RO) under the IMO RO Code. Class surveys check that she meets the rules of her classification society, which insurers, charterers and banks rely on. Most ROs are class societies, so one visit often covers both. The list of certificates and their survey windows is in The master's business (law).
Class survey types
A ship stays in class through annual surveys, an intermediate survey in place of the second or third annual, and a class renewal survey (special survey) every five years. Bottom surveys, tailshaft surveys and boiler surveys run on their own cycles. Machinery can be on continuous survey: each item is examined once within five years, spread over the period instead of all at renewal.
Findings
A defect the surveyor wants fixed by a set date becomes a condition of class (some societies call it a recommendation). If the date passes without repair or an agreed extension, the ship can be suspended from class. Most charter parties and insurance policies depend on class. Memoranda record information or continuing limitations; they are not dated repair requirements. Track open items, plan repairs and warn the office early if a date cannot be met.
IACS
The leading societies form IACS, the International Association of Classification Societies. Its Unified Requirements (URs) set common minimum rules, such as UR Z7 for hull surveys and Z10 for the enhanced surveys of tankers and bulk carriers. Its Unified Interpretations explain how members read IMO wording. You meet them as references in survey reports and class circulars.
Occasional surveys
Report damage, grounding, planned major repairs and conversions to class and the relevant flag or RO; they determine the occasional surveys required before further operation. Notify changes of owner or flag and obtain their instructions. SOLAS requires the master or owner to report an accident or defect affecting safety or a certificate to the flag or RO without delay. Notify class too when its requirements may be affected. Keep reports and instructions with the repair records.
2Key data
- Class renewal (special) survey
- Every 5 years
- Annual class survey window
- 3 months either side of the anniversary date
- Intermediate survey
- In place of the 2nd or 3rd annual survey
- Continuous survey
- Each item examined once within the 5-year cycle
3Key points
- 1
Statutory surveys serve the flag and the conventions; class surveys serve the society's rules.
- 2
An RO surveys for the flag under the RO Code; most ROs are class societies.
- 3
A condition of class has a due date; missing it risks suspension of class.
- 4
Report damage affecting safety or a certificate at once; class and flag or RO determine the surveys required.
4Frequent mistakes
Wrong: A condition of class can wait until the next annual survey.
Right: It has its own due date. Repair it or agree an extension with class before that date.
Wrong: Small damage repaired by the crew need not be reported to class.
Right: Damage that could affect class or a certificate must be reported. Class decides whether a survey is needed.
5Practice case & exam keys
Your bulk carrier touched bottom leaving a river berth. Soundings show no leak and the hull looks fine from inside. The charterer wants the ship to load at the next port tomorrow. What must the master do about class and flag?
Show the answer
Report the grounding to the company, class and flag or RO without delay. Obtain their instructions before continuing. Class will usually require an occasional survey, often an in-water inspection by divers. Record the event in the log, keep checking soundings in all bottom tanks and save the voyage data recorder (VDR) data. Keep reports and survey instructions with the repair records.
Exam keys
- Statutory vs class surveys; flag, RO and classification society.
- Class surveys: annual, intermediate, renewal, continuous, bottom and tailshaft.
- Condition of class, memoranda and suspension.
- Occasional surveys after damage; duty to report.
Finish this unit
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