Section 3 Docking Surveys and In-water Surveys - Structural and machinery requirements

3.1.1 At Docking Surveys or In-water Surveys the Surveyor is to examine the linkspan and auxiliary machinery, where fitted, so far as necessary and practicable, in order to be satisfied as to the general condition. See also Pt 1, Ch 3, 6 Machinery surveys - General requirements.

3.1.2 The requirements of this Section are not applicable to any linkspan which derives its inherent primary support from non-buoyant means only.

3.2.1 Where a linkspan is in dry-dock or on a slipway it is to be placed on blocks of sufficient height, and proper staging is to be erected as may be necessary, for the examination of the shell including bottom plating.

3.2.2 Attention is to be given to those parts of the structure particularly liable to excessive corrosion or to deterioration from causes such as chafing and lying on the ground or sea-bed and to any undue unfairness of the plating of the bottom.

3.2.3 The sea connections and overboard discharge valves, where fitted, and their attachments to the pontoon and the gratings at the sea inlets are to be examined.

3.2.4 Where provided, chain cables are to be ranged, and examined by the Surveyor (see also Pt 1, Ch 3, 5.3 Examination and testing 5.3.9 and Table 3.5.1 Survey preparation).

3.3.1 An In-water Survey is to provide the information normally obtained from the Docking Survey, so far as is practicable.

3.3.2 Proposals for In-water Surveys are to be submitted in advance of the survey being required so that satisfactory arrangements can be agreed with LR.

3.3.3 The In-water Survey is to be carried out under the surveillance of an LR Surveyor, with the linkspan at a suitable draught in sheltered waters; the in-water visibility is to be good and the structure below the waterline is to be clean. The Surveyor is to be satisfied that the method of pictorial presentation is satisfactory. There is to be good two-way communication between the Surveyor and the diver.

3.3.4 The In-water Survey is to be carried out by a qualified diver employed by a firm approved by LR. In addition, for certain aspects of the In-water Survey, consideration may be given to the use of a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) operated by the LR approved firm.

3.3.5 If the In-water Survey reveals damage or deterioration that requires early attention, the Surveyor may require that the linkspan be dry-docked in order that a more thorough survey can be undertaken and the necessary remedial work carried out.

3.3.6 Where a linkspan has an *IWS notation, the condition of high resistant paint is to be confirmed in order that the *IWS notation can be maintained.

3.3.7 Some National Administrations may have requirements additional to those of Pt 1, Ch 3, 3.3 In-water Surveys 3.3.1 to Pt 1, Ch 3, 3.3 In-water Surveys 3.3.6.

3.3.8 For linkspans where In-water Surveys are carried out the following are to be dealt with:

1. The requirements for In-water Surveys are to be carried out as far as practicable taking due account of any limitations due to reduced access or visibility at the specified service location.

2. The condition of the high resistant paint is to be confirmed. The Surveyor may require the linkspan to be dry-docked for maintenance of the high resistant paint coating of the underwater portion of the hull where any deterioration is found.

3. A survey of all salt-water ballast and buoyancy tanks is required. Where protective coatings are found to be in GOOD condition as defined in Pt 1, Ch 3, 1.4 Definitions 1.4.8 the extent of the survey may be specially considered. The internal surfaces of the underwater portion of the shell plating are to be examined.

4. The condition of protective coatings in all salt-water ballast and buoyancy tanks is to be confirmed. Where a protective coating is found to be in POOR condition as defined in Pt 1, Ch 3, 1.4 Definitions 1.4.8 and it has not been repaired, or where a protective coating was not applied from the time of construction, maintenance of class will be subject to the spaces in question being internally examined and gauged as necessary at Annual Surveys.

5. The mooring or tethering arrangements are to be examined for all linkspans that have been assigned the class character symbol T. Where mooring and tethering arrangements are confined to above water structures and fittings, an examination is also to be carried out of any shore mounted structures, including any bankseat bearings which form an inherent part of these arrangements. Where mooring and tethering arrangements include guidepiles and yokes, the yokes are to be examined. The Surveyor may require underwater mooring ropes or chains to be lifted in order to ascertain their condition by opening out or gauging as appropriate.