types of surveys

•  Technical survey on the ship: It is an examination of marine vessels in order to assess and monitor their condition and the condition of any cargo on board, and usually includes the hull, machinery, navigational equipment, safety equipment, radio equipment, cargo, etc. …

• The survey is usually conducted by a survey accredited by the classification society (fully familiar with the ship’s design, plans, machinery and operational operations) on behalf of the flag state or the port state.

• The main objective of conducting the survey on the ship is to ensure the safety of the seafarers, as it is through the survey that the flag states ensure that the ships that hold their flag comply with the requirements related to the safety of ships and the working and living conditions on board.

Based on the age, type and area of operation of the ship, the Mare Marine Classification society (MMCS) conducts the following surveys :

• Initial Survey of the Ship

It is a comprehensive inspection of the condition of the vessel and includes an assessment of the structural integrity of the vessel, safety equipment and systems, and compliance with the SOLAS Convention. It is carried out before the ship is put into operation.

• Periodical Survey

Periodic inspection of the vessel to ensure that it is seaworthy and compliant with all regulations.

• Renewal Survey

It is usually conducted every five years. Its purpose is to ensure that the vessel is fit for its intended purpose and that it meets all applicable safety standards. The renewal Survey is according to the periodical Survey, but it leads to the issuance of a new certificate.

• Intermediate Survey

It is conducted within half the year of validity of the certificate. It includes visual inspections, measurements and testing as appropriate, of the hull, equipment, machinery and systems, its purpose is to ensure that the vessel remains in compliance with all applicable regulations and is safe to continue operating.

• Annual Survey

It is an inspection that is carried out once a year on the ship. Covers a wide range of items involved in a particular certification to ensure the fact that they have been maintained and remain fit for the service for which the vessel is designated.

•Additional (special) Survey

It is conducted after repair resulting from injury investigations or when any significant repairs or renovations have taken place.
Examples of it are:
1. Survey of the outside of the ship’s bottom
2. Propeller shaft inspection
3. Propeller connection inspection
4. Boiler inspection…
MMCS usually requires special survey for vessels over 20 years old, considered high risk, or with a history of accidents. During conducting the special survey, the surveyor conducts a thorough inspection of the ship. He may also interview the crew and review the ship’s maintenance records.