Annual Survey
An Annual Survey is the once-a-year examination a classification society carries out to confirm that a ship is being maintained in accordance with class rules and statutory requirements. It is a general inspection of the hull, machinery, equipment and safety systems, together with a check that certificates and the safety-management system are in order.
Annual surveys are held each year within a window around the anniversary date of the class and statutory certificates. They are lighter than the intermediate and special surveys but keep the certificates valid year to year; missing the window can suspend class and detain the ship.
Class and statutory certificates are only valid if endorsed at each annual survey, and those certificates are what let a ship trade and enter port. Missing an annual survey window is not a paperwork nuisance — it can suspend class, void insurance cover and lead to detention.
What is the survey anniversary window?
Annual and other periodic surveys must be completed within three months before or after the certificate anniversary date each year. The ship keeps the same anniversary through the certificate life.