HARMONIZED SYSTEM OF SHIP SURVEY AND CERTIFICATION

A harmonized system of survey and certification covering international shipping

regulations adopted by the International Maritime Organization entered into
force on 3 February 2000.

The system covers survey and certification requirements of the:

• International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), 1974,

• International Convention on Load Lines, (LL) 1966 and the International

Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973, as modified by
the Protocol of 1978 relating thereto (MARPOL 73/78),

• International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying

Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk (IBC Code),

• Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Dangerous

Chemicals in Bulk (BCH Code) and

• Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in
Bulk (IGC Code).

All these instruments require the issuing of certificates to show that requirements
have been met and this has to be done by means of a survey, which can involve
the ship being out of service for several days.

Aim: The harmonized system will alleviate the problems caused by survey dates
and intervals between surveys, which do not coincide, so that a ship should no
longer have to go into port or repair yard for a survey required by one convention
shortly after doing the same thing in connection with another instrument.

Main features of HSSC

The harmonized system provides

 a one-year standard interval between surveys, based on initial, annual,

intermediate, periodical and renewal surveys as appropriate,

 an anniversary date for a ship,

 a scheme for providing the necessary flexibility for the execution of each
survey with the provision that the renewal survey may be completed within

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three months before the expiry date of the existing certificate with no loss of
its period of validity;

 a maximum period of validity of five 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 three months to enable

a ship to complete its voyage (or one month for ships engaged on short
voyages);

 when an extension has been granted, the period of validity of the new
certificate is to start from the expiry date of the existing certificate before its
extension.

 The main changes to the SOLAS and Load Lines Conventions are that annual
inspections have been made mandatory for cargo ships and unscheduled
inspections have been discontinued. Other changes refer to survey intervals
and requirements.

Under the HSSC, there are seven types of survey:

a) Initial Survey.

b) Renewal Survey.

c) Periodical Survey.

d) Intermediate Survey.

e) Annual Survey.

f) Inspection of the Outside of the Ships Bottom.

g) Additional Survey.

Types of ship survey

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Initial survey - A complete inspection of all the items relating to the particular
certificate before the ship is put into service to ensure they are in a satisfactory
condition and fit for the service for which the ship is intended.

Periodical survey - Inspection of the items relating to the particular certificate

to ensure that they are in a satisfactory condition and fit for the service for which
the ship is intended.

This survey is applicable to the certificates, which were having an expiry of less
than 5years under the old system and is carried out at the time of expiry of the
certificate under the old system.

Renewal survey - As per periodical survey but leads to the issue of a new
certificate.

Intermediate survey - Inspection of specified items

Annual survey - General inspection of the items relating to the particular

certificate to ensure that they have been maintained and remain satisfactory for
the service for which the ship is intended.

Inspection of the Outside of the Ships Bottom – 2 inspections in a five year

period

Additional survey - Inspection, either general or partial according to the

circumstances, to be made after a repair resulting from casualty investigations or
whenever any important repairs or renewals are made.

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Description of the various types of surveys

Initial survey - Frequency & Scope

The initial survey should be held before the ship is put in service or when a new
instrument applies to an existing ship, and the appropriate certificate is issued for
the first time.

The initial survey should include a complete inspection of the structure, machinery
and equipment to ensure that the requirements relevant to the particular
certificate are complied with and that they are fit for the service for which the ship
is intended.

The initial survey should consist of:

➢ An examination of the plans, diagrams, specifications, calculations and

other technical documentation to verify that the structure, machinery and
equipment comply with the requirements relevant to the particular
certificate;

➢ An inspection of the structure, machinery and equipment to ensure that the

materials, scantlings, construction and arrangements, as appropriate, are
in accordance with the approved plans, diagrams, calculations,
specifications and other technical documentation and that the workmanship
and installation are in all respects satisfactory; and

➢ A check that all the certificates, record books, operating manuals and other
instructions and documentation specified in the requirements relevant to
the particular certificate have been placed on board the ship.

Annual surveys - Frequency & Scope

➢ The annual survey should be held within three months before or after each
anniversary date of the certificate.

➢ An annual survey should enable the Administration to verify that the

condition of the ship, its machinery and equipment is being maintained in
accordance with the relevant requirements.

In general, the scope of the annual survey should be as follows:

➢ It should consist of a certificate examination, a visual examination of a

sufficient extent of the ship and its equipment, and certain tests to confirm
that their condition is being properly maintained

➢ It should also include a visual examination to confirm that no unapproved

modifications have been made to the ship and its equipment;

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➢ The content of each annual survey is given in the respective guidelines. The
thoroughness and stringency of the survey should depend upon the
condition of the ship and its equipment; and

➢ Should any doubt arise as to the maintenance of the condition of the ship
or its equipment, further examination and testing should be conducted as
considered necessary.

Intermediate surveys - Frequency & Scope

The intermediate survey should be held within 3 months before or after the
second anniversary date or within 3 months before or after the third
anniversary date of the appropriate certificate and should take the place of one
of the annual surveys.

The intermediate survey should be an inspection of items relevant to the

particular certificate to ensure that they are in a satisfactory condition and are
fit for the service for which the ship is intended.

When specifying items of hull and machinery for detailed examination, due
account should be taken of any continuous survey schemes that may be applied
by classification societies.

Periodical surveys - Frequency & Scope

The periodical survey should be held within 3 months before or after the second
or third anniversary date in the case of the cargo ship safety equipment
certificate and should take the place of one of the annual surveys & within 3
months before or after each anniversary date in the case of the cargo ship
safety radio certificate.

The periodical survey should consist of an inspection/tests of the equipment to

ensure that requirements relevant to the particular certificate are complied
with and that they are in a satisfactory condition and are fit for the service for
which the ship is intended.

The periodical survey should also consist of a check that all the certificates,
record books, operating manuals and other instructions and documentation
specified in the requirements relevant to the particular certificate are on board
the ship.

Renewal surveys - Frequency & Scope

The renewal survey should be held before the appropriate certificate is

renewed.

The renewal survey should consist of an inspection/tests of the structure,

machinery and equipment to ensure that the requirements relevant to the

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particular certificate are complied with and that they are in a satisfactory
condition and fit for the service for which the ship is intended.

The renewal survey should also consist of a check that all the certificates,
record books, operating manuals and other instructions and documentation
specified in the requirements relevant to the particular certificate are on board
the ship.

Inspections of the outside of the ship's bottom of cargo ships -

Frequency & Scope

There should be a minimum of two inspections of the outside of the ship's

bottom during any 5-year period. One such inspection should be carried out on
or after the fourth annual survey in conjunction with the renewal of the Cargo
Ship Safety Construction Certificate or the Cargo Ship Safety Certificate.

Where the Cargo Ship Safety Construction Certificate or the Cargo Ship Safety
Certificate has been extended, this five-year period may be extended to
coincide with the validity of the certificate.

In all cases the interval between any two such inspections should not exceed
36 months.

The inspection of the outside of the ship's bottom and the survey of related
items should include an inspection to ensure that they are in a satisfactory
condition and fit for the service for which the ship is intended.

Inspections of the outside of the ship's bottom should normally be carried out
with the ship in a dry dock. However, consideration may be given to alternate
inspections being carried out with the ship afloat.

Special consideration should be given before ships of 15 years of age and over
other than bulk carriers and oil tankers are permitted to have such surveys
afloat. Inspection of the outside of the ship's bottom of bulk carriers and oil
tankers of 15 years of age and over should be carried out with the ship in dry
dock.

Inspections with the ship afloat should only be carried out when the conditions
are satisfactory and the proper equipment and suitably trained staff are
available.

Additional surveys

Whenever an accident occurs or a defect is discovered which affects the safety

or integrity or efficiency of the ship, the master or owner should immediately
report to the Administration responsible for issuing the certificate.

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The Administration should then initiate an investigation to determine whether

a survey, is necessary. This additional survey may be general or partial
according to the circumstances.

The survey should be such as to ensure that the repairs and any renewals have
been effectively made and that the ship and its equipment continue to be fit
for the service for which the ship is intended.

Completion of surveys

If a survey shows that the condition of the ship or its equipment is

unsatisfactory, the officer of the surveyor should be guided by the
requirements of the relevant regulation.

These instruments require that corrective action be taken immediately and the
Administration notified in due course. Where the corrective action has not been
undertaken, the relevant certificate should be withdrawn and the
Administration notified immediately.

If the ship is in the port of another Party, the appropriate authorities of the
port State should also be notified immediately.

If a load line survey shows the condition of the ship or its equipment is
unsatisfactory, the surveyor should be guided by the above.

Revalidation of certificates

A certificate becomes invalid if the periodical, intermediate or annual survey or

the inspection of the outside of the ship's bottom is not completed within the
periods specified in the relevant regulations.

The validity of the certificate should be restored by carrying out the appropriate
survey which should consist of the requirements of the survey that was not
carried out, but its thoroughness and stringency should have regard to the time
this survey was allowed to lapse.

The Administration concerned should then ascertain why the survey was
allowed to lapse and consider further action.

List of certificates required on board ship relating to harmonized system

of survey and certification (some depend on type of ship)

 Passenger Ship Safety Certificate, including Record of Equipment

 Cargo Ship Safety Construction Certificate

 Cargo Ship Safety Equipment Certificate, including Record of Equipment

 Cargo Ship Safety Radio Certificate, including Record of Equipment

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 Cargo Ship Safety Certificate, including Record of Equipment

 International Load Lines Certificate

 International Load Lines Exemption Certificate

 International Oil Pollution Prevention Certificate

 International Pollution Prevention Certificate for the Carriage of Noxious

Liquid Substances in Bulk

 International Certificate of Fitness for the Carriage of Dangerous Chemicals

in Bulk

 International Certificate of Fitness for the Carriage of Liquefied Gases in

Bulk

 Certificate of Fitness for the Carriage of Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk

Principle changes made to survey and certification requirements of

SOLAS 74/78 in implementing HSSC

 Unscheduled inspections are not included

 Annual surveys are mandatory for cargo ships

 Intervals between periodical surveys of equipments covered by SEC are

alternatively at the interval of 2 and 3 years instead of 2 years.

 Intermediate surveys are required for all ships under SCC (earlier only
tankers over 10 years required this survey).

 Inspection of outside of ship’s bottom are required for all cargo ships.

 Intermediate surveys for SCC are held within three months of either 2nd or
3rd anniversary dates.

 All cargo ships certificates may be issued for any period of validity to a
maximum of five years.

 There is a provision for combined cargo ship safety certificate,

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 Extension provision reduced from 5 months to 3months enable a ship to

complete her voyage.

 Extension of one month grace period is limited to ships engaged on short

voyages.

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The following checks should be conducted prior to load line survey:

(1) Check that all access openings at the ends of enclosed superstructures are in
good condition. All dogs, clamps and hinges should be free and greased. Gaskets
and other sealing arrangements should not show signs of perishing (cracked
rubbers). Ensure that doors can be opened from both sides. Ensure that door
labels such as ‘To be kept closed at sea’ are in place.

(2) Check all cargo hatches and accesses to holds for weather tightness. Securing
devices such as clamps, cleats and wedges are to be all in place, well greased and
adjusted to provide optimum sealing between the hatch cover and compression
bar on the coaming. Replace perished rubber seals as necessary. Hose test
hatches to verify weather tightness.

(3) Check the efficiency and securing of portable beams.

(4) For wooden hatches, ensure that the hatch boards are in good condition and
that the steel binding bands are well secured. A minimum of at least two tarpaulins
should be provided at each hatch which must be in good condition, waterproof and
of a strong approved material. Locking bars and side wedges must be in place and
be in good order.

(5) Inspect all machinery space openings on exposed decks.

(6) Check that manhole covers on the freeboard deck are capable of being made
watertight.

(7) Check that all ventilator openings are provided with efficient weathertight
closing appliances.

(8) All air pipes must be provided with permanently attached means of closing.

(9) Inspect cargo ports below the freeboard deck and ensure that they are
watertight.

(10) Ensure that all non-return valves on overboard discharges are effective.

(11) Side scuttles below the freeboard deck or to spaces within enclosed
superstructures must have efficient internal watertight deadlights. Inspect
deadlight rubber seals and securing arrangements.

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(12) Check all freeing ports, ensure shutters are not jammed, hinges are free and
that pins are of non-corroding type (gun metal).

(13) Check bulwarks and guardrails are in good condition.

(14) Rig life lines (if required) and ensure they are in good order.

(15) De-rust and repaint deck line, load line mark, load lines and draught marks.

On the day of the survey ensure that the International Load Line certificate and
associated documentation are available for inspection. Sufficient manpower should
be made available for the operation of hatch covers and the rigging of staging and
ladders to allow the surveyor to view the load line and draught marks. The ship’s
stability data book should also be on hand for inspection.

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The following checks should be conducted prior to safety construction

survey:

Before safety construction survey, followings to be checked

1. Structural strength of the vessel is good. No part of deck or hull is not badly
corroded.
2. Water tight doors are in good condition. Remote and local controls working
properly.
3. Bilge pumping and drainage arrangements are in good condition.
4. Electrical equipment and installation
5. Emergency sources of electrical power
6. Electric and electro hydraulic steering gears
7. Precaution against shock, fire and other hazards of electrical origin
8. Fire protection arrangements, fixed and portable fire fighting equipment are
well maintained and in good operational condition.
9. Boilers and machinery
10. Means of going astern
11. Shaft
12. Boiler feed system in good condition.
13. Steam pipe systems in good condition.
14. Air pressure systems are in good condition.
15. Cooling water systems are in good condition.
16. Fuel, lubricating and other oil systems are in good condition.
17. Means of communications are in good condition.
18. Steering gear
19. Anchor chain and cables
20. Means of escapes are well maintained and in good condition.
21. Means of stopping machinery
22. Shutting off fuel suction pipes
23. Closing of openings
24. For specialized tankers and UMS ships, additional items.

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ROLE OF CLASSIFICATION SOCIETIES IN SHIP BUILDING

Classification societies are organizations that establish and apply technical

standards in relation to the design, construction and survey of marine related
facilities including ships and offshore structures.

The role of classification societies is to classify ships according to the degree of

confidence that the ship deserves, and convey this information to anyone with an
interest through the Classification Societies’ Register Books.

Classification societies conduct surveys during the construction of all ships that
are to be classed by them to establish that the rules and regulations that they
have published are being followed. A ship that is found in compliance at the time
of the survey will be issued with a classification certificate.

SCOPE OF CLASSIFICATION

• A technical review of the design plans and related documents for a new vessel
to verify compliance with the applicable rules;

• Attendance during the construction of the vessel in the shipyard by the

classification society surveyors and at the relevant production facilities that
provide key components such as steel, engine, generators and castings, to verify
that the vessel is constructed in accordance with the classification rules;

• Upon satisfactory completion of the above, the shipowner’s request for the
issuance of a classification certificate will be considered by the relevant
classification society and, if deemed satisfactory, the assignment of class will be
approved and a certificate of classification issued;

• Once in service, the owner must submit the vessel to a clearly specified program
of periodical class surveys, carried out onboard the vessel, to verify that the ship
continues to meet the relevant rule conditions for the continuation of class.

CLASSIFICATION PROCESS FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION (SHIPBUILDING)

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These are the activities that are commonly carried out during the new construction
stage of shipbuilding:

1. Request for Classification – Contract between the classification society and

the shipyard is signed, which details the scope of work agreed upon and an
agreement that the shipyard would construct the ship to the Classification Rules
and Regulations, with the intention to class it upon delivery.

2. Plan Review – Drawings and documents submitted by the designer appointed

by the shipyard would be reviewed by the classification society’s plan approval
engineers.

3. Construction Survey – The NC surveyor will conduct a survey during the

whole period of the ship’s construction, to verify that it follows the approved
drawings, and also attend tests performed at the shipyard’s
facilities or onboard the vessel based on the approved ITP (Inspection and Test
Plan).

4. Attending Testing and Trial – Various tests are witnessed by the NC surveyor
(e.g. HT of pipes, leak tests, structural test of tanks, commissioning tests of
equipment and related disciplines). The NC surveyor would also attend the sea
trial.

5. Issuing of Certificate – Upon the satisfactory completion of surveys, BV will

issue classification certificates and also statutory certificates on behalf of the Flag
Administration (When authorised by the Flag Administration, a class surveyor will
also conduct statutory surveys such as SOLAS, MARPOL, LOADLINE, TONNAGE
AND ISM/ISPS).

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