As a continuation of my previous post with regard to the class survey which can be found on this link, today we will explain about Annual Surveys – Machinery Requirements.
Surveyor in dry dock
Annual Surveys are supposed to take place at the same time as statutory annual surveys or other relevant statutory surveys whenever it is possible to do so. During the Annual Surveys, the surveyor is responsible for conducting an inspection of the ship and its machinery, to the extent that this is required and possible, in order to reach a conclusion regarding the general condition of both.
The annual survey must include:
An examination for the purpose of ensuring, as far as practicable, that the hull, hatch covers, hatch coamings, closing appliances, equipment and related piping are maintained in a satisfactory condition.
Examination of weather decks, ship side plating above the waterline, hatch cover and coamings.
Examination of watertight penetrations as far as practicable.
Examination of the weld connection between air pipes, ventilators and deck plating.
External examination of all air pipe heads installed on exposed decks.
Examination of flame screens on air pipes to all bunker tanks.
Examination of ventilators including closing devices, if any.
The surveyor is to be satisfied regarding the efficient condition of:
exposed casings, skylights, flush deck scuttles, deckhouses and companionways, superstructure bulkheads, side, bow and stern doors, side scuttles and deadlights, chutes and other openings, together with all closing appliances.
scuppers and sanitary discharges (so far as practicable); valves on discharge lines (so far as practicable) and their controls; guard rails and bulwarks; freeing ports, gangways and life-lines; fittings and appliances for timber deck cargoes.
bilge level detection and alarm systems on ships assigned a UMS notation.
The surveyor is to confirm that, where required, an approved loading instrument together with its operation manual are available on board and is to be satisfied regarding the freeboard marks on the ship’s side.
Surveyor checking vessel load line
The anchoring and mooring equipment is to be examined and the watertight doors in watertight bulkheads, their indicators and alarms, are to be examined and tested (locally and remotely), together with an examination of watertight bulkhead penetrations, so far as practicable.
The surveyor is to examine and test in operation all main and auxiliary steering arrangements including their associated equipment and control systems, and verify that log book entries have been made in accordance with statutory requirements where applicable.
Example of surveyor checking vessel machinery
The surveyor is to generally inspect the machinery and boiler spaces, with particular attention being given to the propulsion system, auxiliary machinery and to the existence of any fire and explosion hazards. Emergency escape routes are to be checked to ensure that they are free of obstruction.
The means of communication between the navigating bridge and the machinery control positions, as well as the bridge and the alternative steering position, if fitted, are to be tested.
The bilge pumping systems for each watertight compartment, including bilge wells, extended spindles, self-closing drain cocks, valves fitted with rod gearing or other remote operation, pumps and level alarms, where fitted, are to be examined and operated as far as practicable and all confirmed to be satisfactory. Any hand pumps provided are to be included.
Piping systems containing fuel oil, lubricating oil or other flammable liquids are to be generally examined and operated as far as practicable, with particular attention being paid to tightness, fire precaution arrangements, flexible hoses and sounding arrangements. The surveyor is to be satisfied regarding the condition of non-metallic joints in piping systems which penetrate the hull, where both the penetration and the non-metallic joint are below the deepest load waterline.
The main propulsion, essential auxiliary and emergency generators including safety arrangements, controls and foundations are to be generally examined. Surveyors are to confirm that Periodical Surveys of engines have been carried out as required by the Rules and that safety devices have been tested.
The boilers, other pressure vessels and their appurtenances, including foundations, controls, high pressure and waste steam piping and insulation and gauges, are to be generally examined. Surveyors should confirm that Periodical Surveys of boilers and other pressure vessels have been carried out as required by the Rules.
For boilers, the safety devices are to be tested, and the safety valves are to be operated using the relieving devices. For exhaust gas heated economisers/boilers, the safety valves are to be tested at sea by the Chief Engineer and details recorded in the log book.
