| FOM 1.4 |
Fleet Operations Manual General Notes for Structural and Hull Inspection |
Doc No.: FOM 1.4
Revision: 01 Date: 15 Oct 2024 Issued by: DPA Approved by: MD |
1. Notes for Structural Inspection
Note:
The tank, void spaces, and hull condition assessment should be carried out with reference to the document ‘Inspection and Grading criteria for ABS HIMP’. For detailed guidance, please refer to ‘IACS Guidelines for Surveys, Assessment and Repair of Hull Structures’.
In accordance with the guidance document ‘Inspection and Grading criteria for ABS HIMP’, the six general inspection criteria (coating condition, general corrosion, pitting or grooving or other localized linear corrosion, deformation, fractures, and cleanliness) should be applied to all the tank areas. The condition, grading, general observations, and deficiencies or the extent of deterioration, if any, should be recorded in the inspection report in the form E25/26.
Frequency and extent of tank inspections shall be reviewed by the Master and Vessel Manager after each tank and void space inspection, and the next targeted inspection date should be decided and logged in E27.
If the tank condition, for any of the areas, is noted to be ‘Poor’, or the risk level is ‘High’ or above, for any of the six criteria, with reference to “Inspection and Grading criteria for ABS HIMP”, the duration till the next inspection should be reduced to half or lower from the recommended interval in this document. Thus, if the ballast tank condition is assessed as poor for any of the areas, the next inspection should be carried out within 6 months, instead of the usual one year.
In such a case, relevant entries should be made in the technical defect list and the PMS. Guidance in the procedure FOM 7.1 ‘Maintenance’, section 4.5 ‘Defect Reporting and Unplanned Maintenance’ should be followed.
Any repair requirements should be planned to be completed appropriately. In case these are of an emergency nature, repairs should be carried out soonest, with guidance from classification society, or these should be planned for the next dry docking. Special attention shall be given to under-deck areas and areas where past stress cracks have been found.
1.1 Ballast Tanks
Inspect Ballast Tanks at an interval of not more than 12 months. Use E26 for reporting. Ballast tanks adjacent to heated cargo tanks should be inspected more frequently for any deterioration of their structure. Particular attention must be paid to “grooving” corrosion along the welding seams.
1.2 Cofferdams and Void Spaces
Cofferdams and void spaces shall be inspected once in 12 months as routine inspection. However, after heavy weather or any incident leading to suspected hull breach, cofferdam and void spaces shall be entered for thorough inspection to establish any damage.
If the cargo tanks cannot be inspected at the scheduled interval, a Risk Assessment is to be made for each uninspected tank, and a new schedule for inspection is to be agreed with the respective Fleet Group Manager. Appropriate entries into the DSM Database, reflecting the deferment, are to be made.
1.3 Gas Tankers
- Cargo tanks on gas tankers shall be inspected during dry dock (Every 60 months for ships less than 15 years old and 30 months (+/- 6 months) for older ships).
- Cargo tank inter barrier space (cargo hold / void space) on LPG / LEG Tankers must be inspected every 6 months.
- Inter barrier space / adjoining insulation space of LNG Tankers must be inspected during every dry dock (Every 60 months for ships less than 15 years old and 30 months (+/- 6 months) for older ships). In case the construction of a vessel does not allow internal inspection of these spaces, any other means of checking like vacuum testing can be used in place of internal inspection.
- Void space adjoining the cargo tank or inter barrier spaces of LNG Tankers should be inspected every 6 months.
- Use E25 & E26 for Tank Inspection.
1.4 Summary of Cargo Tank Inspection Requirement for Crude Oil, Product, Chemical, and Asphalt Tankers
This section outlines the inspection requirements for cargo tanks based on their type (Crude Oil, Product, Chemical, and Asphalt tankers). For detailed inspection schedules, refer to the specific guidelines for each tanker type and regulatory standards.
1.1 Ballast Tanks
Inspect Ballast Tanks at an interval of not more than 12 months. Use E26 for reporting. Ballast tanks adjacent to heated cargo tanks should be inspected more frequently for any deterioration of their structure. Particular attention must be paid to “grooving” corrosion along the welding seams.
1.2 Cofferdams and Void Spaces
Cofferdams and void spaces shall be inspected once in 12 months as routine inspection. However, after heavy weather or any incident leading to suspected hull breach, cofferdam and void spaces shall be entered for thorough inspection to establish any damage.
If the cargo tanks cannot be inspected at the scheduled interval, a Risk Assessment is to be made for each uninspected tank, and a new schedule for inspection is to be agreed with the respective Fleet Group Manager. Appropriate entries into the DSM Database, reflecting the deferment, are to be made.
1.3 Gas Tankers
- Cargo tanks on gas tankers shall be inspected during dry dock (Every 60 months for ships less than 15 years old and 30 months (+/- 6 months) for older ships).
- Cargo tank inter barrier space (cargo hold / void space) on LPG / LEG Tankers must be inspected every 6 months.
- Inter barrier space / adjoining insulation space of LNG Tankers must be inspected during every dry dock (Every 60 months for ships less than 15 years old and 30 months (+/- 6 months) for older ships). In case the construction of a vessel does not allow internal inspection of these spaces, any other means of checking like vacuum testing can be used in place of internal inspection.
- Void space adjoining the cargo tank or inter barrier spaces of LNG Tankers should be inspected every 6 months.
- Use E25 & E26 for Tank Inspection.
1.4 Summary of Cargo Tank Inspection Requirement for Crude Oil, Product, Chemical, and Asphalt Tankers
| Label | Criteria/Frequency | 12 Months | 30 months (+/- 6) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cargo tanks on Oil & Asphalt tankers | Age <= 15 Year (See Note 1 below) | X(See Note below) | |
| Age >= 15 Year - Every Intermediate Survey | X | ||
| Uncorrected deterioration identified in tank coatings during previous inspection. | |||
| Vessel regularly carries heated cargo (other than Asphalt tanker) | X | ||
| Slop tanks/ ROT regularly contain oil/water residue | X | ||
| Vessel regularly carries aggressive/corrosive cargo in uncoated tanks. | Frequency between 12 and 36 months as determined in specific Risk assessment | ||
| Where Vessel history includes structure-related defects or cracks. | |||
| Label | Criteria/Frequency | 12 Months | 30 months (+/- 6) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thickness measurements identify issues in individual tanks i.e. Steel dimunition due to corrosion | |||
| Structural (Shipyard design/ construction) related issues have been identified also considering sister vessels. | |||
| Cargo tanks on Chemical tankers | Inspection to be undertaken at 12 monthly intervals |
This section outlines the inspection requirements for cargo tanks based on their type (Crude Oil, Product, Chemical, and Asphalt tankers). For detailed inspection schedules, refer to the specific guidelines for each tanker type and regulatory standards.
Note:
The inspection frequency for Oil and Asphalt tankers (Age <= 15 Years) can be extended to 60 months, after complying with the following:
- Same is in line with class requirements.
- Risk assessment is performed taking into account the previous tank condition report and cargo history.
- Owner's concurrence taken based on the Risk assessment above.
Owners are advised that some oil majors insist on Cargo tank inspection every 30+/- 6 months and that owners agree to postpone inspection to 60 months frequency.
1.5 Dry Bulk Cargo
Dry bulk cargo holds are subject to inspection once in 12 months. In addition, as a matter of routine, all holds are to be inspected after each discharge to ascertain stevedore damage, if any.
1.6 Enhanced Survey Program (ESP)
Regarding ESP (Enhanced Survey Program) for oil tankers and dry bulk cargo vessels, records are to be maintained on the ESP file in the format recommended by the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS). The ESP file is to be located onboard the ship at all times and handed over with the ship should she be sold or change management.
2 Hull Inspections
Close visual inspection of the hull, rudder, propeller, etc. should be carried out whenever feasible. Such inspections are part of Master’s duty.
Note:
The most appropriate moment for such inspections is when the vessel is high up in the water with little or no ballast.
If conditions allow, when the vessel is idle awaiting cargo, a closer inspection of the rudder and propeller should be carried out.