Container Ships. Guidelines for Surveys, Assessment and Repair of Hull Structures (IACS Rec 84)

This is a guide to the survey, assessment and repair of the hull structures of container ships (defined as a ship constructed with a single deck, double side skin tanks, passageways and double bottom in the cargo space area, which carries cargo in containers in the cargo holds, on deck and on hatch covers).

It includes information on:

• Class survey requirements
• the technical background for surveys
• planning, preparing and executing surveys.

It also includes visual examples of structural deterioration and damages related to each structural area (including details of issues to be aware of, possible causes and recommended repair methods).

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

The present Guidelines are intended for a container ship which is constructed with a single deck, double side skin tanks, passageways and double bottom in the cargo space area, and is intended exclusively to carry cargo in containers in the cargo holds, on deck and on hatch covers.

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

The Guidelines include a review of survey preparation criteria, which cover the safety aspects related to the performance of the survey, the necessary access facilities, and the other preparation necessary before the surveys can be carried out.

The 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 Guidelines 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 Procedure for Failure Incident Reporting and Early Warning of Serious Failure Incidents - "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.

The Guidelines have 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.

Chapter 1: Introduction

Chapter 2: Class Survey Requirements

2.1 Periodical classification surveys

2.2 Damage and repair surveys
2.3 Voyage repairs and maintenance

Chapter 3: Technical Background for Surveys
3.1 General
3.2 Definitions
3.3 Structural damages and deterioration
3.4 Handling of defects

Chapter 4: Survey Planning, Preparation and Execution
4.1 General
4.2 Conditions for survey
4.3 Access arrangement and safety
4.4 Personal equipment
4.5 Thickness measurement and fracture detection
4.6 Survey at sea or at anchorage
4.7 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 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 but the twelve Members 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 principle technical advisor of IMO.

http://www.iacs.org.uk/