Ship Survey
A Ship Survey is a periodic inspection a vessel must undergo to maintain its class and statutory certificates. Classification-society surveys follow a five-year cycle: annual surveys each year, an intermediate survey around the mid-point, a special (renewal) survey every five years, and periodic docking/bottom surveys. Statutory surveys verify compliance with international conventions such as SOLAS, MARPOL and the Load Line Convention.
The survey regime drives a ship's maintenance and dry-docking calendar: renewal and docking surveys must align with planned dry dockings, and outstanding items become conditions of class that must be cleared. Managing the survey and certificate cycle — knowing what is due, when, and what work it requires — is a core ship-management responsibility.
A ship cannot legally trade without valid class and statutory certificates, and those depend on passing surveys on schedule. Missing a survey window, or letting conditions of class pile up, can put a vessel off-hire or detained. Tracking the survey and certificate cycle against the maintenance and dry-docking plan is what keeps a ship earning.
What are the main types of class survey?
Annual (each year), intermediate (mid-cycle), special/renewal (every five years) and docking/bottom surveys.
What is a condition of class?
An outstanding item identified at survey that must be rectified by a set date to keep the vessel in class.