KUP 43 Have understanding of the purpose of the ‘enhanced survey programme’

The Enhanced Survey Programme (ESP) stands as a crucial initiative in the maritime industry, specifically designed to bolster the safety and longevity of bulk carriers and oil tankers. With these vessels often operating under demanding conditions and transporting potentially hazardous cargo, the ESP provides a structured framework for rigorous inspections and maintenance, aimed at mitigating the risks of structural failure and environmental damage.
This exploration of ESP delves into the core objectives of this program, outlining its significance in ensuring the structural integrity of ships, enhancing safety standards, and minimizing the likelihood of accidents and incidents.

Enhanced Survey Programme (ESP)

Bulk carriers and tankers have a history marred by numerous accidents, both minor and catastrophic. Often caused by equipment failure or unsafe practices, these incidents prompted maritime authorities to establish the Enhanced Survey Programme (ESP), a specialized inspection regime. In 1994, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) adopted resolution A.744(18) during the SOLAS conference, outlining guidelines for the ESP to improve the safety and inspection procedures for bulk carriers and tankers.

The Enhanced Survey Programme (ESP) is a set of guidelines designed to assist shipping companies and owners in preparing their vessels for special surveys. These surveys are conducted to ensure the ongoing safety of ships, both at sea and in port. The shipowner is responsible for developing a survey program, outlining the necessary inspections and documentation, and submitting it to recognized authorities like classification societies at least six months before the scheduled survey. The Enhanced Survey Programme (ESP) is designed to be integrated with other ship surveys, ensuring comprehensive inspections at different intervals:

• Annual Surveys: Yearly inspections covering general maintenance and compliance.
• Intermediate Surveys: Occurring between the major surveys, these focus on specific areas and equipment.
• Dry Dock Surveys: Conducted when the ship is out of water, allowing for underwater hull inspection and maintenance.
• Renewal Surveys: Major surveys conducted every five years to renew the ship’s classification status.

To successfully complete an Enhanced Survey Program (ESP), a company must design a detailed plan outlining the steps involved in implementing this special survey. The ESP’s primary objective is to verify the watertight integrity of the ship by meticulously inspecting various areas, including:

• Inspection and testing of fuel tanks, side tanks, and double bottom tanks for leaks and structural integrity.
• Close-up surveys of structural components like the shell, frames, and bulkheads.
• Thickness measurements of the hull to assess any degradation.
• Inspection and testing of cargo tanks for structural integrity and leaks.
• Inspection and testing of ballast tanks for corrosion and structural issues.
• Inspection and testing of hatch covers and coamings to ensure they are watertight.

During an Enhanced Survey Program (ESP), the following aspects of the ship are inspected:

• Structural damage or deformation
• Corrosion and pitting
• Overall hull condition
• Coating condition
• Watertight integrity

Post-survey, the inspector produces reports that must be kept onboard for documentation:

• Structural survey reports
• Condition evaluation report
• Thickness measurement reports

The 2011 ESP Code, established in 2011 and made mandatory in 2014 under SOLAS regulation XI-1/2, outlines stricter inspection standards for bulk carriers and oil tankers. It aims to verify the structural integrity of these vessels, particularly focusing on cargo and ballast areas, to ensure their safe operation.The code also became mandatory under MARPOL Annex I’s Condition Assessment Scheme (CAS) in 2014, subject to amendments. The CAS specifically assesses the structural condition of single-hull oil tankers during surveys, ensuring their continued acceptability for operation if regular surveys are passed and effective maintenance is performed. In essence, the 2011 ESP Code and CAS work together to strengthen the inspection and maintenance requirements for bulk carriers and oil tankers, enhancing their safety and structural integrity throughout their operational life. The ESP Code consists of two annexes:

• Annex A: Covers bulk carriers with single-side and double-side skin construction.
• Annex B: Addresses oil tankers with double-hull and non-double-hull construction.

To maintain simplicity and user-friendliness, the code aligns closely with IACS Unified Requirement (UR) Z10. It undergoes regular updates based on a procedure agreed upon by the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC). The 2011 ESP Code replaces the earlier Guidelines on the enhanced program of inspections during surveys of bulk carriers and oil tankers (resolution A.744(18)). The ESP Code has undergone several amendments since its adoption, with updates in 2012, 2014, and 2016, all aiming to enhance the safety and inspection standards of bulk carriers and oil tankers.

Each annex of the 2011 ESP Code (A for bulk carriers, B for oil tankers) contains nine chapters outlining similar inspection requirements, with variations based on the specific vessel type.

Here’s a summary of the chapters:

• Chapter 1: General application and required onboard documentation to be prepared before inspections.
• Chapter 2: Procedures for conducting enhanced surveys during periodical surveys, including timing, dry-docking requirements, and survey conduct.
• Chapter 3: Details on enhanced inspections during annual surveys, covering cargo holds and tank pressure testing.
• Chapter 4: Additional requirements for intermediate surveys, beyond the annual survey.
• Chapter 5: Preparations for surveys, including equipment, access to structures, and survey conduct at sea or anchor.
• Chapter 6: Immediate and thorough repair procedures for identified damage and wastage.
• Chapter 7: Documentation requirements for shipowners, including survey report files, supporting documents, and surveyor review processes.
• Chapter 8 & 9: Reporting and evaluation of surveys, assessing acceptability and continued structural integrity. A condition evaluation report is issued to the owner.

SOLAS

SOLAS-Chapter XI-1 – Special measures to enhance maritime safety: SOLAS Chapter XI-1, focusing on special measures for maritime safety, clarifies requirements for authorizing recognised organizations that conduct ship surveys and inspections, adhering to the RO Code. Bulk carriers and oil tankers must undergo an enhanced inspection program following the ESP Code, the international code outlining these inspections. The Casualty Investigation Code provides a standardised approach for states to investigate marine casualties and incidents, ensuring a consistent and thorough process for understanding and learning from such events.

SOLAS-Chapter XII – Additional safety measures for bulk carriers: 
The Chapter includes structural requirements for bulk carriers over 150 meters in length.

• New bulk carriers (built after July 1st, 1999) exceeding 150 meters in length and carrying dense cargoes (1000 kg/m3 or more) must be strong enough to withstand flooding of any single cargo hold, including the dynamic effects of water and adhering to IMO recommendations.
• For older ships (built before July 1st, 1999), carrying very dense cargoes (1780 kg/m3 or more), the bulkhead between the two front holds and the double bottom of the foremost hold need to be strong enough to withstand flooding and its dynamic effects.
• Very dense cargoes include iron ore, pig iron, steel, bauxite, and cement. Less dense, but still heavy, cargoes include grains and timber.
• Chapter XII of SOLAS allows surveyors to consider cargo restrictions when determining the extent of bulkhead or double bottom strengthening. Ships with cargo restrictions must be marked with a solid triangle on the side shell.
• The enforcement date for existing bulk carriers varies by age. Ships 20 years or older by July 1st, 1999 had to comply by their first survey after that date. Those aged 15-20 years had to comply by their first survey after July 1st, 1999, but no later than July 1st, 2002. Younger ships had to comply by their first survey after turning 15, but no later than age 17.
• To address these risks, bulk carriers are now included in the enhanced survey program (ESP), along with oil tankers.

Key improvements to ship safety resulting from this include:

1. Reinforced Transverse Bulkhead: Strengthening the corrugated transverse bulkhead between cargo holds 1 and 2, along with the double bottom of hold 1, ensures watertightness even with side or bottom damage.
2. Water Ingress Alarm: Installing an alarm system on the bridge that detects water ingress in cargo holds, ballast tanks, and forward spaces (like Fore peak tank (FPT), Bosun’s Store, and forecastle, excluding chain lockers). Alarms should be triggered at specific water levels in each area to prevent cargo damage.
3. Fore-Deck Integrity: Improving the integrity of fore-deck fittings to prevent water from flowing onto the deck (green water loading) during rough weather.
4. Bulwark Installation: Adding appropriate bulwarks in the forward part of the ship to prevent green water and enhance structural strength.
5. Hatch Cover Reinforcement: Strengthening hatch covers in the forward part of the ship (within 0.25L, where L is the ship’s length) to protect cargo and maintain watertightness.
6. Water Tightness Maintenance: Ensuring all hatch covers are watertight to prevent water ingress. This can be tested using a high-pressure fire hose.
7. Double Skin Side Shell Frame: Implementing a double-skin side shell for added safety in case of structural damage, preventing a complete hull breach.
8. Cargo Hatch Cover Alarm: Installing an alarm system for hatch cover opening/closing to enhance safety and protect cargo during sudden downpours.
9. Anti-Corrosion Paint: Applying a good anti-corrosive coating to protect the ship’s structure from stress-induced corrosion.

The International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes (IMSBC) Code is a crucial resource for ensuring the safe stowage and shipment of solid bulk cargoes, outlining risks and procedures for their carriage.

Condition Assessment Scheme (CAS)

The Condition Assessment Scheme (CAS) is a mandatory survey scheme for oil tankers, applicable to Category 1 ships operating beyond 2005 and Category 2 ships operating beyond 2010. It’s conducted alongside the Enhanced Survey Program (ESP) and includes additional thickness measurements and close-up surveys. The CAS requires careful planning, starting eight months before the survey commences. The flag state administration oversees the survey process and issues a five-year CAS Statement of Compliance upon successful completion.

This scheme aligns with intermediate or special surveys and must include a dry dock survey. It’s part of MARPOL 73/78 Annex I’s revised regulation 20, mandating extra anti-pollution measures for single-hull tankers. The CAS builds upon the ESP, imposing additional inspections and tests on single-hull tankers before they reach 15 years old.

Unique aspects of CAS include:

• Specific deadlines for survey planning, starting eight months prior.
• A five-year CAS Statement of Compliance issued by the flag state upon successful completion.

Essentially, CAS is a more rigorous inspection regime for older oil tankers, aiming to ensure their structural integrity and reduce pollution risks.

Survey plan by a shipping company

The shipping company creates a detailed survey plan, which is then submitted to the relevant classification society for approval. Key information included in this plan are:

• Ship Details: Comprehensive information about the vessel, including its specifications and particulars.
• Structural Plans: Detailed scantling drawings that illustrate the ship’s structure, along with information on the use of high-tensile steels (HTS).
• Holds and Tanks Plan: A layout showing the arrangement of cargo holds and tanks.
• Holds and Tanks List: A comprehensive list detailing the use, protection, and coating condition of each hold and tank.
• Survey Requirements: Specifications for hold and tank cleaning, gas freeing, ventilation, lighting, and other preparations necessary for the survey.
• Access and Equipment: Details on how surveyors will access various structures and the equipment they will use during the survey.
• Close-up Survey Areas: Specific holds, tanks, and other areas designated for close-up inspection.
• Thickness Measurement Sections: Identification of sections where hull thickness measurements will be taken.
• Tank Testing: Designation of tanks for testing to ensure their integrity.
• Damage History: A record of any past damage sustained by the ship.

Role of the Ship’s Crew in Enhanced Survey Programme (ESP):

• Master’s Responsibility: The captain must record and report inspection results in the ship’s logbook, including details like the tank/compartment inspected, date, time, and outcome.
• Pre-Survey Planning: The crew participates in survey planning meetings, both internally and with the surveyor and owner’s representative, to ensure clear communication and coordination.
• Thickness Measurement: If a qualified person is present for thickness measurements, a meeting with all parties involved is necessary before starting to ensure a safe and efficient survey.
• SOLAS Compliance and Access: The crew must comply with SOLAS regulations under ESP, providing safe access to surveyed areas through permanent or temporary staging and passages.
• Equipment Preparation: While the surveyor or shore representative usually brings specialized equipment, the crew must arrange other necessary tools and equipment.
• Communication: Establish a reliable communication system between the survey team in the inspection space and the responsible officer on deck.
• Survey at Sea: If the survey takes place at sea using a boat or life raft, ensure proper communication and life-saving equipment (like life jackets) are readily available for everyone.
• Enclosed Space Entry: A responsible officer must accompany the surveyor into enclosed spaces, adhering to all safety precautions for enclosed space entry.

Survey report

The survey report focuses on the structural condition of each compartment, detailing the following findings:

• Corrosion: Type, location, and extent of corrosion.
• Areas with significant corrosion.
• Cracks/Fractures: Location and size of cracks or fractures.
• Buckling: Location and extent of buckling.
• Indents: Location and extent of indentations.
• Compartments with no structural damage/defects.

The report is supported by sketches and photos for documentation. The thickness measurement report must be verified and signed by the surveyor overseeing the measurements.The surveyor provides the report to the owner or their representative, including recommendations on actions required to complete the survey, such as renewals, repairs, and class conditions.

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