Bulk Carriers - Guidelines for Surveys, Assessment and Repair of Hull Structures (IACS Rec 76)

These guidelines focus on IACS Member Societies' survey preparation guidelines and concentrate on bulk carrier ships that carry dry cargo, including ore, in bulk.

The book provides an outline of survey planning, preparation and execution (including Class requirements and technical background), as well as examples of structural deterioration and damage related to each structural area, demonstrating what to be aware of as well as possible causes and repair methods.

The International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) is introducing a series of manuals with the intention of giving guidelines to assist the surveyors of IACS Member Societies, and other interested parties involved in the survey, assessment and repair of hull structures for certain ship types.

This manual gives guidelines for a bulk carrier type ship which is constructed with a single deck, single skin, double bottom, hopper side tanks and topside tanks in cargo spaces, and is intended primarily to carry dry cargo, including ore, in bulk.

The guidelines focus on the IACS Member Societies’ survey procedures but may also be useful in connection with inspection/examination schemes of other regulatory bodies, owners and operators.

The manual includes a review of survey preparation guidelines, which cover the safety aspects related to the performance of the survey, the necessary access facilities, and the preparation necessary before the surveys can be carried out.

The survey guidelines encompass the different main structural areas of the hull where damages have been recorded, focusing on the main features of the structural items of each area.

An important feature of the manual is the inclusion of the section which illustrates examples of structural deterioration and damages related to each structural area and gives what to look for, possible cause, and recommended repair methods, when considered appropriate.

The "IACS Early Warning Scheme (EWS)", with the emphasis on the proper reporting of significant hull damages by the respective Classification Societies, will enable the analysis of problems as they arise, including revisions of these Guidelines.

This manual has been developed using the best information currently available. It is intended only as guidance in support of the sound judgment of surveyors and is to be used at the surveyors’ discretion. It is recognized that alternative and satisfactory methods are already applied by surveyors. Should there be any doubt with regard to interpretation or validity in connection with particular applications, clarification should be obtained from the Classification Society concerned.

Chapter1: Introduction

Chapter 2: Class Survey Requirements

2.1 General

2.2 Annual surveys

2.3 Intermediate surveys

2.4 Special surveys

2.5 Drydocking (Bottom) surveys

2.6 Damage and repair surveys

Chapter 3: Technical Background for Surveys

3.1 General

3.2 Definitions

3.3 Structural damages and deterioration

3.4 Structural detail failures and repairs

3.5 IACS Early Warning Scheme (EWS) for reporting of significant hull damage

Chapter 4: Survey Planning, Preparation and Execution

4.1 General

4.2 Survey programme

4.3 Principle for planning document

4.4 Conditions for survey

4.5 Access arrangement and safety

4.6 Personal equipment

4.7 Thickness measurement and fracture detection

4.8 Survey at sea or at anchorage

4.9 Documentation on board

Chapter 5: Structural Detail Failures and Repairs

5.1 General

5.2 Catalogue of structural detail failures and repairs

Dedicated to safe ships and clean seas, IACS makes a unique contribution to maritime safety and regulation through technical support, compliance verification and research and development. More than 90% of the world's cargo carrying tonnage is covered by the classification design, construction and through-life compliance rules and standards set by the twelve Member Societies of IACS.

IACS is a not for profit membership organisation of classification societies that establish minimum technical standards and requirements that address maritime safety and environmental protection and ensures their consistent application.? It carries out this responsibility through its panels, expert groups and project teams and provides a Quality System Certification Scheme (QSCS) that its Members comply with, as an assurance of professional integrity and maintenance of high professional standards.? IACS is recognized as the principal technical advisor of IMO.