Registered Ship Surveyor cheat sheet

SOLAS Chapter I requires flag State survey and certification of ships; certificates are issued by the Administration or a recognized organization acting on its behalf under delegated authority.

The IMO tacit acceptance procedure: amendments enter into force on a specified date unless rejected by a set proportion of Parties before that date, so entry-into-force dates are fixed in advance.

MARPOL Annex I (oil), II (NLS), III (harmful substances in packaged form), IV (sewage), V (garbage), VI (air pollution); Annex VI NOx Tier limits apply to engines installed on or after 1 Jan 2000/2011/2016 depending on ship construction date and operating area.

Load Line Convention 1966/88 Protocol: certificates valid 5 years; annual surveys within 3 months before or after each anniversary date; a ship may not sail unless freeboards are marked and the certificate is valid.

STCW sets minimum rest hours: at least 10 hours rest in any 24-hour period and 77 hours in any 7-day period; watch schedules must be posted.

Port State Control (Paris MOU, Tokyo MOU) inspects foreign ships against conventions; a ship may be detained for deficiencies clearly hazardous to safety, health or environment until rectified.

Collision Regulations (COLREG 1972): Rule 5 lookout, Rule 6 safe speed, Rule 8 action to avoid collision, Rule 13 overtaking vessel keeps clear, Rule 15 crossing gives way to vessel on starboard side.

ISPS Code: ship security plan approved by Administration, Ship Security Officer designated, security levels 1-3, Declaration of Security when required between ship and port facility.

National law may exceed convention minimums (e.g., regional sulphur ECA limits, local ballast water rules); the surveyor applies the stricter applicable requirement unless a valid exemption is documented.

Longitudinal strength is governed by the section modulus of the hull girder amidships; bending moment M divided by section modulus Z gives bending stress; allowable stress limits hogging and sagging conditions.

Hogging puts the deck in tension and bottom in compression; sagging reverses this. Still-water plus wave-induced bending moments are combined per classification society rules.

Framing systems: transverse framing (frames at close spacing, longitudinally stiffened only in bottom/deck) suits short ships; longitudinal framing with deep transverse web frames suits long ships needing high longitudinal strength.

Shear strength, buckling of plate panels (plate slenderness b/t), and fatigue at weld details are checked separately from global bending; fatigue life is expressed as years to crack initiation at a given stress range.

Double bottom height and double hull width are set by MARPOL Annex I Reg 18/19 for oil tankers; minimum depth of double bottom is B/15 or 2 m, whichever is less, with a 0.76 m floor.

Watertight subdivision: collision bulkhead location between 0.05L and 0.08L from the forward perpendicular (measured from the freeboard deck at centreline).

Bulk carriers: hatch cover strength, hold frame corrosion allowance, and the 'bulk carrier double skin' rules for the forward hold (SOLAS Ch XII) are survey focal points.

Corrosion margins (scantling reduction allowances) are built into rules; renewal is triggered when measured thickness falls below the rule minimum or the allowable diminution percentage (commonly 75-80% of original for structural members).

Displacement W = L x B x T x Cb x rho (block coefficient method); TPC = A_w x rho / 100 (tonnes per cm immersion); MCTC = W x GM_L / (100 x L).

Free surface effect reduces effective GM: FSC = sum(i x rho) / W, where i is the second moment of area of each tank's free surface about its centreline.

Initial transverse metacentric height GM = KM - KG; positive GM means stable equilibrium; GM must satisfy the IMO intact stability criteria (IS Code 2008).

IS Code 2008 intact stability criteria: area under GZ curve to 30 deg >= 0.055 m-rad, to 40 deg >= 0.09 m-rad, to 40 deg (or flooding angle) >= 0.03 m-rad; max GZ >= 0.20 m at angle >= 25 deg (or 30 deg if max occurs earlier); initial GM >= 0.15 m.

Damage stability: probabilistic (SOLAS Ch II-1 subdivision index A >= R) or deterministic (one/two compartment standard) depending on ship type and date; damage extent assumptions: side damage depth B/5, bottom damage B/15 or 2 m.

Load line marks: deck line, freeboard, and seasonal marks (S, W, T, F, TF, WNA) measured from the deck line; the ship must not be submerged beyond the applicable mark at sea.

Timber freeboard, Type A (tankers) and Type B (dry cargo) freeboards differ; Type B ships with reduced freeboard must satisfy flooding and weathertight integrity conditions.

Inclining experiment determines KG (lightship) via GM = (w x d) / (W x tan theta); must be conducted with known weights moved, minimal free surfaces, and documented in the stability booklet.

Two-stroke slow-speed diesel: uniflow scavenging, exhaust valve or port scavenging, crosshead construction; specific fuel consumption typically 160-175 g/kWh at MCR.

Four-stroke medium-speed diesel: trunk piston, higher rpm, used with reduction gearing; SFOC typically 175-195 g/kWh.

MCR and NCR: continuous service rating (CSR) is the power at which the ship is normally operated, typically 85-90% MCR; engine room log and power limitation records are survey evidence.

Auxiliary boiler: safety valve set pressure, water level controls, low-water cutout, and periodic internal/external inspection per class rules (typically 2.5-year internal, 5-year hydraulic test of safety valves in some regimes).

Steering gear: SOLAS requires two independent power-actuated steering gear units; emergency steering drills every 3 months; main and auxiliary steering gear changeover test.

Piping systems: fuel oil, lube oil, and sea water systems have colour coding and valve numbering; the surveyor verifies remote operation of quick-closing valves and bilge system operation.

Shafting: intermediate and tail shaft alignment, stern tube bearing clearance, and shaft earthing; tail shaft survey interval typically 5 years with stern tube bearing inspection.

Air receivers, pressure vessels, and lifting appliances require periodic examination and certification (pressure vessel test intervals per class rules, commonly 5-year hydraulic).

Electrical installation: system voltages (AC 380/440 V, DC 24 V control), insulation resistance checks (typically >= 1 MOhm per circuit), and earth fault detection on IT (isolated) systems.

Circuit protection: discrimination between breakers so a downstream fault trips only the local breaker; short-circuit and overload protection ratings verified against cable current-carrying capacity.

Hazardous areas (oil tankers, gas carriers): Ex-rated equipment (Ex d, Ex e, Ex i), cable gland sealing, and area classification drawings must be verified during surveys.

Automation: unmanned machinery space (UMS) notation requires alarms, safety systems, and periodic unattended operation trials; alarm and safety system testing records are survey evidence.

Emergency generator: automatic start and connection within 45 seconds (SOLAS II-1 Reg 42/43); emergency switchboard supplies navigation lights, steering, fire pump, and emergency lighting.

Battery systems: ventilation, hydrogen detection for lead-acid, and charge/discharge monitoring; UPS and emergency battery capacity verified by discharge test.

Control systems: PID loop tuning, sensor calibration records, and fail-safe design (valves fail closed/open as required); safety instrumented functions are tested against the cause-and-effect matrix.

Insulation monitoring, megger testing, and thermographic inspection of switchboards are common survey techniques for detecting degradation.

Fire classes: A (solids), B (flammable liquids), C (gases), D (metals); extinguisher selection and quantity per SOLAS II-2 and FSS Code.

Fire detection: smoke, heat, flame detectors; detector spacing and coverage per FSS Code; alarm panel annunciation and zone identification verified during survey.

Fixed firefighting systems: CO2 (quantity for 30% of gross volume of protected space or 35% for machinery spaces), foam, water mist; release alarms and pre-discharge warnings tested.

Lifeboats: capacity, launching appliance, davit and winch inspection, release gear (on-load release) annual and 5-year dynamic test; lifeboat drill every month with crew.

Life rafts, lifebuoys, lifejackets: quantities per SOLAS III, hydrostatic release units, and servicing intervals (life raft service annually, lifeboat servicing annually).

Fire control plan, muster list, and emergency instructions posted; fire and abandon-ship drills recorded in official logbook.

Breathing apparatus and EEBD: EEBD for escape, BA for firefighting; cylinder pressure and service records verified.

Fire doors, fire dampers, and penetration seals: A-class and B-class boundaries; integrity verified during survey, especially around cable and pipe penetrations.

Survey types: initial, annual, intermediate, special (renewal), and occasional (damage, modification); intervals per SOLAS/class rules (annual +/- 3 months, special every 5 years).

Continuous survey machinery (CSM) and continuous survey hull (CSH) allow rolling inspection over 5 years; records must be complete for certificate renewal.

Inspection techniques: visual, close-up, ultrasonic thickness gauging (UTM), hammer test, and NDT; UTM grid spacing and reporting per classification society requirements.

Condition of class (COC) and recommendation: issued when deficiencies are found; COC must be cleared by a specified date; overdue COC can lead to suspension of class.

Survey report content: vessel particulars, survey scope, findings, measurements, photographs, corrective actions, and surveyor's declaration; reports must be factual and traceable.

Thickness measurement: average of readings, minimum remaining thickness, and comparison against rule minimum; pitting and grooving evaluated separately.

Tank inspection: entry procedures (enclosed space entry permit, gas testing, rescue equipment), cleaning, and safe access; surveyor verifies permit and atmosphere before entry.

Reporting to flag State and class: statutory deficiencies reported to Administration; serious deficiencies may lead to detention or certificate withdrawal.

Steel grades: A, B, D, E (increasing toughness); higher-strength steels AH32/AH36, DH32/DH36; grade selection by structural location and temperature per class rules.

Weld types: butt (full penetration), fillet, and tee; weld symbols per ISO 2553; weld preparation (bevel angle, root gap) affects penetration.

Welding processes: SMAW, FCAW, GMAW, SAW; procedure qualification record (PQR) and welding procedure specification (WPS) required before production welding.

NDT methods: visual (VT), ultrasonic (UT), radiographic (RT), magnetic particle (MT), dye penetrant (PT); each has detection capability and limitations (RT good for volumetric, MT/PT for surface).

Weld defect acceptance: porosity, slag inclusion, lack of fusion, undercut, and cracks evaluated against acceptance criteria (e.g., ISO 5817, class rules); cracks generally rejectable.

Corrosion: general, pitting, crevice, galvanic, and stress corrosion cracking; coating breakdown and sacrificial anode wastage assessed during survey.

Material traceability: mill certificates, heat numbers, and impact test results (Charpy V-notch) for critical structural members.

Heat treatment: post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) for thick sections and stress relief; hardness limits and preheat requirements for high-strength steels.

Surveyor independence: no financial interest in the vessel, owner, or repairer; conflicts of interest must be declared and avoided.

Accuracy and integrity: reports must reflect actual findings; falsifying or omitting deficiencies is grounds for decertification and legal liability.

Confidentiality: survey information is confidential to the client and flag State unless disclosure is required by law or safety.

Competence limits: a surveyor must not certify work outside their competence; refer to specialists when needed.

Due diligence: verify documents, certificates, and records; do not rely solely on owner-provided information without independent checks.

Legal liability: negligent survey can lead to civil liability and criminal liability in cases of fraud or gross negligence; professional indemnity insurance is common.

Reporting to authorities: serious safety deficiencies must be reported to the flag State/class even if the owner objects.

Ethical conduct: no gifts or inducements that could influence judgment; maintain professional records and audit trail for decisions.

SOLAS Chapter I requires flag State survey and certification; certificates may be issued by recognized organizations under delegated authority, with the Administration retaining responsibility.

MARPOL Annex VI sulphur limits: 0.50% m/m global from 1 Jan 2020, 0.10% in ECAs; equivalent compliance methods (scrubbers) require approval and continuous monitoring.

Load Line Convention: certificates valid 5 years; annual surveys within 3 months of anniversary; freeboard marks must be legible and correctly positioned.

STCW rest hours: minimum 10 hours rest in 24 hours and 77 hours in 7 days; records must be maintained and available for inspection.

COLREG Rule 13: overtaking vessel keeps clear until finally past and clear; Rule 15: crossing vessel gives way to vessel on her starboard side.

ISPS Code security levels 1-3; Ship Security Plan approved by Administration; Declaration of Security required when ship and port facility security levels differ or as required.

Port State Control detention criteria: deficiencies clearly hazardous to safety, health or environment; detention lifted only after rectification verified.

Tacit acceptance: IMO amendments enter into force on a fixed date unless rejected by a specified number of Parties, so compliance dates are predictable.

National requirements may be stricter than conventions; the surveyor applies the stricter requirement unless a valid exemption or equivalent arrangement is documented.

Hull girder bending stress = M / Z; hogging causes deck tension and bottom compression; sagging reverses these stresses.

Section modulus and moment of inertia are calculated for the midship section; allowable stress limits are set by class rules.

Transverse framing suits shorter ships; longitudinal framing with transverse web frames suits longer ships requiring high longitudinal strength.

Plate buckling check uses slenderness ratio b/t; stiffener tripping and web buckling are checked separately.

Collision bulkhead located between 0.05L and 0.08L from the forward perpendicular, measured from the freeboard deck at centreline.

MARPOL double hull: double bottom depth >= B/15 or 2 m (whichever is less, minimum 0.76 m); double hull width >= B/5 or 11.5 m (whichever is less, minimum 1.0 m) for oil tankers.

Scantling diminution: renewal triggered when measured thickness falls below rule minimum or allowable percentage (commonly 75-80% of original).

Fatigue assessment: S-N curves and Palmgren-Miner cumulative damage; critical weld details assessed for design life (often 20-25 years).

Bulk carrier hold frame and hatch cover corrosion are frequent survey findings; SOLAS Ch XII requires enhanced survey for bulk carriers.

Displacement = L x B x T x Cb x rho; TPC = A_w x rho / 100; MCTC = W x GM_L / (100 x L).

Free surface correction FSC = sum(i x rho) / W; reduces effective GM and must be included in stability calculations.

GM = KM - KG; positive GM gives stable equilibrium; IS Code 2008 requires GM >= 0.15 m and specified GZ area criteria.

IS Code 2008: area to 30 deg >= 0.055 m-rad; to 40 deg >= 0.09 m-rad; to 40 deg or flooding angle >= 0.03 m-rad; max GZ >= 0.20 m at >= 25 deg.

Damage stability: probabilistic index A >= R for passenger ships and dry cargo ships; deterministic one/two compartment standard for tankers depending on size and date.

Damage extent assumptions: side damage depth B/5, bottom damage B/15 or 2 m; permeability values assigned by compartment type.

Load line marks: S, W, T, F, TF, WNA; measured from deck line; seasonal and zone restrictions apply.

Inclining experiment: GM = (w x d) / (W x tan theta); free surfaces minimized; results documented in stability booklet.

Timber freeboard and Type A/B freeboards differ; reduced freeboard requires flooding and weathertight integrity compliance.

Two-stroke slow-speed diesel: uniflow scavenging, crosshead design, SFOC typically 160-175 g/kWh at MCR.

Four-stroke medium-speed diesel: trunk piston, reduction gearing, SFOC typically 175-195 g/kWh.

CSR is typically 85-90% MCR; engine room log and power limitation records are survey evidence.

Auxiliary boiler: safety valve set pressure, low-water cutout, water level controls; internal inspection typically every 2.5 years per class rules.

Steering gear: two independent power units required by SOLAS; emergency steering drill every 3 months; changeover test recorded.

Quick-closing valves on fuel tanks must be operable remotely; bilge system operation verified during survey.

Tail shaft survey interval typically 5 years; stern tube bearing clearance and shaft earthing checked.

Pressure vessels and air receivers: periodic examination and hydraulic test (commonly 5-year interval) per class rules.

Piping colour coding and valve numbering verified; sea water, fuel oil and lube oil systems identified.

Insulation resistance typically >= 1 MOhm per circuit; earth fault detection required on isolated (IT) systems.

Breaker discrimination ensures downstream fault trips only local breaker; ratings verified against cable capacity.

Hazardous area equipment: Ex d, Ex e, Ex i ratings; cable gland sealing and area classification drawings verified.

UMS notation requires alarms, safety systems, and periodic unattended operation trials; records are survey evidence.

Emergency generator: automatic start and connection within 45 seconds per SOLAS II-1.

Emergency switchboard supplies navigation lights, steering, fire pump, and emergency lighting.

Battery systems: ventilation, hydrogen detection for lead-acid, charge/discharge monitoring; UPS capacity verified by discharge test.

Control systems: PID tuning, sensor calibration, fail-safe valve action, cause-and-effect matrix testing.

Thermographic inspection and megger testing detect switchboard and cable degradation.

Fire classes A (solids), B (liquids), C (gases), D (metals); extinguisher type and quantity per SOLAS II-2 and FSS Code.

Detection: smoke, heat, flame detectors; spacing and coverage per FSS Code; alarm panel zone identification verified.

CO2 fixed system quantity: 30% of gross volume of protected space, or 35% for machinery spaces; pre-discharge alarm tested.

Lifeboat on-load release gear: annual inspection and 5-year dynamic test; launching appliance and davit inspected.

Life raft service annually; hydrostatic release units and weak links checked.

Monthly lifeboat drill and abandon-ship drill recorded in official logbook; muster list and fire control plan posted.

EEBD for escape, BA for firefighting; cylinder pressure and service records verified.

A-class and B-class fire boundaries: fire doors, dampers, and penetration seals integrity verified.

Fire pump capacity and pressure verified; emergency fire pump independent drive and suction tested.

Survey types: initial, annual, intermediate, special (renewal), occasional; annual survey window +/- 3 months of anniversary date.

Special survey every 5 years; CSM/CSH allow rolling inspection with complete records at renewal.

UTM grid spacing and reporting per class rules; average, minimum remaining thickness, and pitting evaluated separately.

Condition of class (COC) must be cleared by specified date; overdue COC can lead to class suspension.

Survey report content: particulars, scope, findings, measurements, photographs, corrective actions, surveyor declaration.

Enclosed space entry: permit, gas testing, rescue equipment, and atmosphere verified before entry.

Statutory deficiencies reported to flag State; serious deficiencies may lead to detention or certificate withdrawal.

NDT techniques: VT, UT, RT, MT, PT; selection depends on defect type and accessibility.

Traceability: reports must be factual, dated, signed, and retained for audit.

Steel grades A, B, D, E with increasing toughness; higher-strength AH32/AH36, DH32/DH36 selected by location and temperature.

Weld types: butt (full penetration), fillet, tee; weld symbols per ISO 2553; bevel angle and root gap affect penetration.

WPS and PQR required before production welding; welder qualification records verified.

NDT: VT surface, MT/PT surface-breaking, UT/RT volumetric; each has detection capability and limitations.

Weld defect acceptance per ISO 5817 or class rules; cracks generally rejectable; undercut and porosity evaluated against limits.

Corrosion types: general, pitting, crevice, galvanic, stress corrosion cracking; anode wastage and coating breakdown assessed.

Material traceability: mill certificates, heat numbers, Charpy V-notch impact test results for critical members.

PWHT for thick sections and stress relief; preheat and hardness limits for high-strength steels.

Welding processes: SMAW, FCAW, GMAW, SAW; process selection affects defect risk and productivity.

Surveyor independence: no financial interest in vessel, owner, or repairer; conflicts declared and avoided.

Reports must reflect actual findings; falsification or omission is grounds for decertification and legal liability.

Confidentiality: survey information confidential to client and flag State unless disclosure required by law or safety.

Competence limits: do not certify work outside competence; refer to specialists.

Due diligence: verify documents and records independently; do not rely solely on owner-provided information.

Legal liability: negligence can lead to civil liability; fraud or gross negligence may lead to criminal liability.

Serious safety deficiencies must be reported to flag State/class even if owner objects.

No gifts or inducements that could influence judgment; maintain audit trail for decisions.

Professional indemnity insurance is common but does not replace ethical conduct.

SOLAS Chapter I: flag State survey and certification; recognized organizations may act under delegated authority.

MARPOL Annex VI: 0.50% global sulphur limit from 2020; 0.10% in ECAs; scrubbers require approval and monitoring.

Load Line Convention: 5-year certificate; annual survey within 3 months of anniversary; freeboard marks legible.

STCW: 10 hours rest in 24 hours and 77 hours in 7 days; records maintained.

COLREG Rule 13 overtaking keeps clear; Rule 15 crossing gives way to starboard-side vessel.

ISPS: security levels 1-3; Ship Security Plan approved; Declaration of Security when required.

PSC detention for deficiencies clearly hazardous to safety, health or environment; lifted after rectification.

Tacit acceptance: amendments enter into force on fixed date unless rejected by specified Parties.

National requirements may be stricter; apply stricter requirement unless valid exemption documented.

Bending stress = M / Z; hogging deck tension, bottom compression; sagging reverses.

Section modulus and moment of inertia calculated for midship section; allowable stress per class rules.

Transverse framing for short ships; longitudinal framing with web frames for long ships.

Plate buckling check uses b/t slenderness; stiffener tripping and web buckling checked separately.

Collision bulkhead between 0.05L and 0.08L from forward perpendicular.

MARPOL double hull: double bottom >= B/15 or 2 m (min 0.76 m); double hull width >= B/5 or 11.5 m (min 1.0 m).

Scantling diminution: renewal when thickness below rule minimum or 75-80% of original.

Fatigue: S-N curves and Palmgren-Miner cumulative damage; design life often 20-25 years.

Bulk carrier hold frame and hatch cover corrosion are frequent findings; SOLAS Ch XII enhanced survey.

Displacement = L x B x T x Cb x rho; TPC = A_w x rho / 100; MCTC = W x GM_L / (100 x L).

FSC = sum(i x rho) / W; reduces effective GM; include in stability calculations.

GM = KM - KG; positive GM stable; IS Code 2008 GM >= 0.15 m and GZ area criteria.

IS Code 2008: area to 30 deg >= 0.055 m-rad; to 40 deg >= 0.09 m-rad; to 40 deg or flooding angle >= 0.03 m-rad; max GZ >= 0.20 m at >= 25 deg.

Damage stability: probabilistic A >= R for passenger and dry cargo ships; deterministic one/two compartment for tankers.

Damage extent: side B/5, bottom B/15 or 2 m; permeability by compartment type.

Load line marks S, W, T, F, TF, WNA measured from deck line; seasonal and zone restrictions.

Inclining experiment: GM = (w x d) / (W x tan theta); free surfaces minimized.

Timber and Type A/B freeboards differ; reduced freeboard requires flooding and weathertight integrity.

Two-stroke slow-speed: uniflow scavenging, crosshead, SFOC 160-175 g/kWh at MCR.

Four-stroke medium-speed: trunk piston, reduction gearing, SFOC 175-195 g/kWh.

CSR typically 85-90% MCR; engine room log and power limitation records are evidence.

Auxiliary boiler: safety valve set pressure, low-water cutout; internal inspection typically 2.5 years.

Steering gear: two independent power units; emergency steering drill every 3 months; changeover test.

Quick-closing valves remotely operable; bilge system operation verified.

Tail shaft survey typically 5 years; stern tube bearing clearance and earthing checked.

Pressure vessels and air receivers: periodic examination and hydraulic test (commonly 5 years).

Piping colour coding and valve numbering verified; sea water, fuel oil, lube oil systems identified.

Insulation resistance typically >= 1 MOhm per circuit; earth fault detection on IT systems.

Breaker discrimination: downstream fault trips only local breaker; ratings vs cable capacity.

Hazardous areas: Ex d, Ex e, Ex i; cable gland sealing and area classification drawings verified.

UMS notation: alarms, safety systems, unattended operation trials; records are evidence.

Emergency generator: automatic start and connection within 45 seconds (SOLAS II-1).

Emergency switchboard supplies navigation lights, steering, fire pump, emergency lighting.

Battery systems: ventilation, hydrogen detection for lead-acid, charge/discharge monitoring; UPS discharge test.

Control systems: PID tuning, sensor calibration, fail-safe valve action, cause-and-effect matrix testing.

Thermographic inspection and megger testing detect switchboard and cable degradation.

Fire classes A, B, C, D; extinguisher type and quantity per SOLAS II-2 and FSS Code.

Detection: smoke, heat, flame; spacing and coverage per FSS Code; alarm panel zone identification.

CO2 quantity: 30% of gross protected volume, or 35% for machinery spaces; pre-discharge alarm tested.

Lifeboat on-load release: annual inspection and 5-year dynamic test; davit and winch inspected.

Life raft service annually; hydrostatic release units and weak links checked.

Monthly lifeboat and abandon-ship drills recorded in official logbook; muster list and fire control plan posted.

EEBD for escape, BA for firefighting; cylinder pressure and service records verified.

A-class and B-class boundaries: fire doors, dampers, penetration seals integrity verified.

Fire pump capacity and pressure verified; emergency fire pump independent drive and suction tested.

Survey types: initial, annual, intermediate, special, occasional; annual window +/- 3 months of anniversary.

Special survey every 5 years; CSM/CSH rolling inspection with complete records at renewal.

UTM grid spacing and reporting per class rules; average, minimum thickness, pitting evaluated separately.

COC must be cleared by specified date; overdue COC can lead to class suspension.

Report content: particulars, scope, findings, measurements, photographs, corrective actions, declaration.

Enclosed space entry: permit, gas testing, rescue equipment, atmosphere verified before entry.

Statutory deficiencies reported to flag State; serious deficiencies may lead to detention or certificate withdrawal.

NDT: VT, UT, RT, MT, PT; selection depends on defect type and accessibility.

Reports must be factual, dated, signed, and retained for audit.

Steel grades A, B, D, E increasing toughness; AH32/AH36, DH32/DH36 higher-strength selected by location and temperature.

Weld types: butt, fillet, tee; symbols per ISO 2553; bevel angle and root gap affect penetration.

WPS and PQR required before production welding; welder qualification records verified.

NDT: VT surface, MT/PT surface-breaking, UT/RT volumetric; each has detection capability and limitations.

Weld defect acceptance per ISO 5817 or class rules; cracks generally rejectable; undercut and porosity against limits.

Corrosion types: general, pitting, crevice, galvanic, stress corrosion cracking; anode wastage and coating breakdown assessed.

Traceability: mill certificates, heat numbers, Charpy V-notch impact results for critical members.

PWHT for thick sections and stress relief; preheat and hardness limits for high-strength steels.

Welding processes: SMAW, FCAW, GMAW, SAW; process selection affects defect risk and productivity.

Independence: no financial interest in vessel, owner, or repairer; conflicts declared and avoided.

Reports reflect actual findings; falsification or omission is grounds for decertification and legal liability.

Confidentiality: information confidential to client and flag State unless disclosure required by law or safety.

Competence limits: do not certify work outside competence; refer to specialists.

Due diligence: verify documents and records independently; do not rely solely on owner-provided information.

Legal liability: negligence can lead to civil liability; fraud or gross negligence may lead to criminal liability.

Serious safety deficiencies reported to flag State/class even if owner objects.

No gifts or inducements that could influence judgment; maintain audit trail for decisions.

Professional indemnity insurance is common but does not replace ethical conduct.