The challenge of surveying a bulk carrier

The importance of surveys and inspections cannot be emphasised enough. A proper inspection and maintenance plan is not only a requirement in the ISM code but also of imperative importance for the safety of ship and crew.
The classification societies sharpened the requirements and implemented the enhanced survey programme for tankers and bulk carriers in 1993, five years before the ISM code officially entered into force. In the early 1990s, many ships were not preperly maintained and bulk carrier losses were at their peak. Lately the enhanced survey programme has been further expanded and a separate maintenance plan is required for hatch covers. Permanent means of access comes as mandatory for new ships. Not surprisingly. Structural failure of hatch covers and ship sides has undoubtedly caused the majority of the bulk carrier losses. Both the bitter reality and many FSA studies show this tragic fact.
To survey a Capesize is not easily and hastily done. Nine holds of considerable size. A double bottom counting acres of plate fields. Side frames where the critical connection to the hopper tank is 6–8 metres above the inner bottom and furthermore in a 45 degree inclination. Even higher up – the top side tank connection and the deck between the hatches. Of course the surveyor needs a means of access. Staging, cherry pickers or other means. The surveyor must do a close up survey and the meaning of such an expression is to be at such a distance from the object that he can touch it with his hand.
To survey a bulk carrier properly may sound like climbing Mount Everest. That is an exaggeration but the survey is certainly a challenge. Not only do the physical surroundings require well trained staff, but above all the surveyor must know the ship’s sensitive areas. He must know where to look and what to look for. DNV’s qualification scheme for surveyors takes care of the special training needs for special ships and the management attention makes sure that experienced and correctly trained staff are sent on board. The aforementioned qualification scheme contains a number of training courses which we gladly share with our customers.

Ulf Freudendahl
DNV Business Director,
Bulk Carriers
(Ulf.Freudendahl@dnv.com)

Date: 12 February 2008