Section 6 Special Survey of tankers – Hull requirements

6.1.1 The requirements of Pt 1, Ch 3, 4 Special Survey – Hull requirements and Pt 1, Ch 3, 5 Special Survey of ships over 15 years old – Hull requirements are to be complied with as applicable.

6.1.2 The survey is to include the inspection of pump-rooms, cargo, bunker and vent piping systems on deck and in pump-rooms, and also pressure/vacuum valves and flame arresters.

6.2.1 Attention is to be given to the inside of the bottom plating in order to ensure that there is no excessive pitting of the plating. When extensive pitting is found, care is to be taken to preserve the longitudinal and local strength of the bottom by the requisite renewals or repairs.

6.2.2 When bottom plating and bulkheads in way of strums of cargo suction pipes cannot be properly visually examined, the strums are to be removed for access.

6.2.3 The condition of internal coatings, if applied, is to be examined.

6.3.1 All cargo tanks are to be tested by filling the tanks with water to the top of the hatch coaming. Cofferdams and cargo tanks of tankers of Type G, C and N, 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, are to be pressure tested with water to the top of the hatch coaming at odd-numbered Special Surveys (first, third, fifth and so forth). At even-numbered Special Surveys (second, fourth, sixth and so forth) the tanks are to be pressure tested in accordance with the requirements of Table 1.7.2 Testing requirements in Pt 3, Ch 1, 7.3 Acceptance testing on completion.

6.3.2 Tanks may be tested when the ship is afloat, provided that the internal examination of the bottom is also carried out afloat.

6.3.3 Where extensive repairs have been effected to the shell plating or bulkheads, the tanks are to be tested to the Surveyor’s satisfaction.

6.4.1 The requirements of Pt 1, Ch 3, 4.3 Thickness measurements are to be complied with at Special Surveys.