Section 1 General

1.1.1 The requirements of this Chapter are applicable to the Periodical Surveys set out in Pt 1, Ch 2, 4.5 Existing linkspans - Periodical Surveys. Except as amended at the discretion of the Committee, the periods between such surveys are as follows:

1. Annual Surveys, as required by Pt 1, Ch 2, 4.5 Existing linkspans - Periodical Surveys 4.5.2.

2. Docking and In-water Surveys as required by Pt 1, Ch 2, 4.5 Existing linkspans - Periodical Surveys 4.5.3.

3. Intermediate Surveys as required by Pt 1, Ch 2, 4.5 Existing linkspans - Periodical Surveys 4.5.4.

4. Special Surveys at five-yearly intervals, see Pt 1, Ch 2, 4.5 Existing linkspans - Periodical Surveys 4.5.8.

5. Complete Surveys of machinery at five-yearly intervals, see Pt 1, Ch 2, 4.5 Existing linkspans - Periodical Surveys 4.5.12.

1.2.1 At any time when a linkspan is undergoing alterations or damage repairs, any exposed parts of the structure normally difficult to access are to be specially examined, e.g. if any part of the auxiliary machinery, insulation or fittings, is removed for any reason, the steel structure in way is to be carefully examined by the Surveyor, or when cement based screed in the bottom or covering on decks and/or ramps is removed, the plating in way is to be examined before the cement or covering is re-laid.

1.3.1 In the event that LR has cause to believe that its Rules are not being complied with, LR reserves the right to perform an unscheduled survey of the linkspan.

1.3.2 In the event of significant damage or defect affecting any linkspan, LR reserves the right to perform unscheduled surveys of the structure or machinery of any other similar linkspans classed by LR and deemed to be vulnerable.

1.4.1  A Ballast Tank is a tank which is used primarily for salt-water, fresh water or permanent ballast.

1.4.2  Spaces are separate compartments such as holds and tanks.

1.4.3  Enclosed space. An enclosed space is any place of an enclosed nature where there is a risk of death or serious injury from hazardous substances or dangerous conditions. Examples include, but are not limited to: ballast tanks, double bottoms, double hull spaces, pump-rooms, compressor rooms, cofferdams, void spaces, duct keels, inter-barrier spaces, excavations and pits.

1.4.4  Representative Spaces are those which may be expected to reflect the condition of other spaces of similar type and service and with similar corrosion prevention systems.

1.4.5  Critical Areas are locations vulnerable to substantial corrosion, buckling and/or fatigue cracking, and single critical joints.

1.4.6  Substantial Corrosion is wastage of individual plates and stiffeners in excess of 75 per cent of allowable margins, but within acceptable limits.

1.4.7  Protective Coatings are to be hard coatings and are to be applied and maintained in compliance with the manufacturer's specification.

1.4.8  Coating condition of a specific area is defined as follows:

1.5.1 In order to enable the attending Surveyor(s) to carry out surveys, provisions for safe access and for surveys are to be agreed between the Owner and LR. Attention is drawn to the applicable recommendations in the IACS PR37 and/or IMO Recommendations For Entering Enclosed Spaces Aboard Ships, Resolution A.1050(27).

1.5.2 Means are to be provided to enable the Surveyor to examine the structure in a safe and practical way. Where the provisions of safety and required access are determined by the Surveyor not to be adequate, then the survey of the space(s) involved is not to proceed.

1.5.3 Spaces are to be made safe for access and survey and are to be sufficiently cleaned, illuminated and ventilated.

1.5.4 In preparation for survey, thickness measurements and to allow for a thorough examination, cleaning is to include removal from surfaces of all loose accumulated corrosion scale. Spaces are to be sufficiently clean and free from water, scale, dirt, and oil residues, etc. to reveal corrosion, deformation, fractures, damages or other structural deterioration, as well as the condition of the protective coating. However, those areas of structure whose renewal has already been decided by the Owner need only be cleaned and descaled to the extent necessary to determine the limits of renewed areas.

1.5.5 Where soft or semi-hard coatings have been applied, safe access is to be provided for the Surveyor to verify the effectiveness of the coating and to carry out an assessment of the conditions of internal structures which may include spot removal of the coating. When safe access cannot be provided, the soft or semi-hard coating is to be removed.

1.5.6 Prior to entering an enclosed space, it is to be verified by a competent person, using a calibrated multi gas meter, that the atmosphere in that space is free from hazardous gas and contains sufficient oxygen.

1.5.7 Emergency equipment and personnel are to be available in case of an emergency or rescue operation.

1.5.8 Information on procedures, equipment-operating instructions and safety checklists is to be available.

1.5.9 During the survey, ventilation is to be ensured and periodic testing is to be carried out as necessary to verify that the atmosphere remains safe for access.