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1. Regulation 10, Chapter-1, Part B
of SOLAS 1974 as modified by 1988 protocol to SOLAS 1974 requires a
minimum of two inspections of the outside of the ships' bottom during any
period of five years, except where regulation 14 (e) or (f) is applicable.
In all cases the interval between any two such inspections shall not
exceed 36 months.
2. IMO resolution no. A-744(18) (Enhanced Survey Programme for Bulk
Carriers and Tankers), as amended, provides underwater survey for bulk
carriers and tankers with the ship in afloat condition, in lieu of
intermediate dry docking (i.e., alternate inspection of the ship's bottom
not conducted in conjunction with the SAFCON renewal survey), provided a
suitable painting scheme which can last for 5 years is applied to under
water hull area and there being no requirement of repairs in the hull that
require dry docking of the vessel. For other types of vessels, such
dispensation has to be granted by the Directorate in accordance with Rule
73(2) of M.S. (Cargo Ship Construction and Survey) Rules, 1991.
3. Keeping in view of the
aforementioned rule provisions, the competent authority has decided
following procedure in respect of underwater survey in lieu of
intermediate dry docking:-
(a) For Oil Tankers and Bulk Carriers below 15 years of age, IRS, upon
receipt of a request from owners, may
carryout In-Water Survey in
lieu of intermediate dry
docking. On satisfactory completion of
surveys, IRS may endorse the
Statutory Certificates for completion
of Intermediate Dry Docking.
Thereafter, IRS shall forward a detailed
report regarding the condition
of the vessel and the survey findings
along with their recommendation
for acceptance of in-water survey in
lieu of intermediate dry
docking, to the Directorate, for ex-post-facto
approval.
(b) For all other types of vessels other than bulk carriers and
tankers,
which are below 15 years of
age, the present system of granting prior
approval by the Directorate
shall continue.
(c) Owners of all vessels below 15 years of age may, at their
discretion, obtain In-Water
Survey (IWS) notation for their vessels
from IRS in order that their
requests for grant of such
permissions could be processed expeditiously.
4. Ship-owners may kindly note that for ships of 15 years of age and
over, inspection of the out side of the ship's bottom should be carried
out with the ship in dry dock.
This issue with the approval of Chief
Surveyor with the Govt. of India.
Sd/-
(Suresh Kumar)
Dy Chief Ship Surveyor |
