Section 3 Intermediate Survey – Hull requirements
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Clasifications Register Rules and Regulations - Rules and Regulations for the Classification of Inland Waterways Ships, July 2022 - Part 1 Regulations - Chapter 3 Periodical Survey Regulations - Section 3 Intermediate Survey – Hull requirements

Section 3 Intermediate Survey – Hull requirements

3.1 Preparation

3.1.1 The ship is to be brought into light condition for internal and external examination afloat.

3.1.2 The following ships are to be examined in dry-dock or on a slipway:

  1. Ships which are riveted below the light waterline.

  2. Ships over 20 years old.

In the case of ships over 20 years old and not riveted below the light waterline this requirement may be waived if following an internal examination the Surveyor is satisfied as to the efficient condition of the underwater part of the shell.

3.1.3 When the ship is in dry dock or on a slipway, it is to be at a sufficient height above the dock floor or the ground for examination of shell plating, sternframe, rudder(s), etc. If necessary proper staging is to be erected for this examination. On side slipways it may be required to remove cradles for examination of the bottom plating. Each rudder is to be lifted for examination of pintles if considered necessary by the Surveyor.

3.1.4 The decks, hatchways with beams and covers are to be cleared for examination.

3.1.5 The steering gear and auxiliary steering gear are to be prepared for examination and testing.

3.1.6 Tankers of Type G, C and N, see Pt 4, Ch 4 General Requirements For Tankers Carrying Dangerous Liquids in Bulk, when submitted for the survey required by Pt 1, Ch 2, 3.5 Existing ships – Periodical Surveys 3.5.7, are to be thoroughly cleared of gas.

3.1.7 Stream anchor, when provided, is to be prepared for examination and testing.

3.2 Examination and testing

3.2.1 The requirements of Pt 1, Ch 3, 2 Annual Survey – Hull requirements and Pt 1, Ch 3, 10.1 Annual Surveys are to be complied with so far as applicable.

3.2.2 The Surveyor is to examine the ship afloat in light condition internally and externally, for so far as necessary in order to satisfy himself as to the efficient condition of the hull structure.

3.2.3 Should examination afloat give rise to doubts as to the condition of the underwater structure or of tanks and cofferdam spaces, it may be necessary for the Surveyor to require the ship to be dry-docked or placed on a slipway for a more detailed inspection.

3.2.4 When the ship is placed in dry dock or on a slipway, the Surveyor is to examine the shell plating, the sternframe, rudder(s), etc. and attention is to be given to those underwater parts of the ship particularly liable to deterioration due to excessive corrosion or to damage by contact with other vessels, quay walls or from causes such as chafing, touching or lying on the ground and to any undue unfairness of bottom plating, especially in transversely framed ships.

3.2.5 The Surveyor is to be satisfied as to the efficient condition of the following, where applicable:

  1. Hatchways with beams and covers, deck houses and companionways together with any closing appliances.

  2. Scuppers and sanitary discharges so far as practicable.

  3. Bulwarks and guard rails.
  4. Wheelhouse elevation arrangements.

3.2.6 The Surveyor is to examine the steering arrangements. The various parts of the auxiliary steering gear are to be assembled to ascertain that the gear is in good and workable condition. Auxiliary steering gear of the mechanically driven type is to be examined and tested to demonstrate that, if the power for the main steering gear fails, the auxiliary gear can be put into operation immediately.

3.2.7 Where rod and chain steering gear is fitted, attention is to be paid to all parts of rod and chain gears. All pins are to be examined and the chain in the vicinity of the blocks is to be cleaned and examined for wear and tear. Any length of chain so worn that its mean diameter at its most worn part is reduced by 12 per cent or more from its Rule diameter, is to be renewed. All replacements of chains are to be subjected, at a recognised Proving Establishment, to the proof tests required for short link cables by Ch 10 Equipment for Mooring and Anchoring of the Rules for the Manufacture, Testing and Certification of Materials, July 2022, and the certificates are to be produced. It is recommended that, in addition, a breaking test be applied to these chains.

3.2.8 It is recommended that repaired chains be tested by the repairers and a certificate to that effect produced.

3.2.9 The Surveyor is to examine and test bow rudder installations when they are an essential part of the steering arrangement. Opening up the gear may be required if deemed necessary by the Surveyor in view of the condition or the testing of the gear.

3.2.10 When chain cables are ranged, the anchors and cables are to be examined by the Surveyor.

3.2.11 The Surveyor is to satisfy himself as to the efficient condition of the fire protection, detection and extinguishing arrangements so far as applicable.

3.2.12 On tankers of Type G, C and N Closed and N open with flame screens, see Pt 4, Ch 4 General Requirements For Tankers Carrying Dangerous Liquids in Bulk, Pt 4, Ch 5 Tankers of Type G and Pt 4, Ch 6 Tankers of Types C and N, pump-rooms, cargo, bunker and vent piping systems on deck and in pumprooms, pressure/vacuum valves and flame arresters and the electrical installation are also to be inspected, including verification of:

  1. The efficiency of any safe type equipment fitted.

  2. The insulation resistance.

  3. Tests are to be carried out to demonstrate the effectiveness of earth bonding straps, where fitted.

Inert gas installations are to be examined in accordance with Pt 1, Ch 3, 16 Inert gas systems.


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