Answer
The Enhanced Survey Programme (ESP) is a mandatory structural inspection framework under SOLAS Regulation XI-1/2 and the IMO ESP Code (Resolution A.1049(27), as amended). It applies specifically to Bulk Carriers (single and double side skin) and Oil Tankers (crude oil, product, and chemical tankers).
Step-by-Step Implementation Protocol
1. Preparation of Survey Programme & Questionnaire: Statutory Planning Phase (At least 6 months prior).
- Draft the vessel-specific Survey Programme using the IMO standardized format in cooperation with the Classification Society.
- Identify Critical Structural Areas (CSAs), previous Suspect Areas (areas showing substantial corrosion ≥75\% of allowable margin), and tank coating conditions.
- Gather the onboard Survey Planning File, containing previous Condition Evaluation Reports (CER), thickness measurement reports, and structural alteration records.
2. Tank/Hold Cleaning, Gas-Freeing & Access Setup: Safety, Cleaning, and Access Control.
- Wash, scale, and clean cargo holds, ballast tanks, and pipe tunnels to remove all rust, sludge, and cargo residues.
- Gas-free cargo/ballast spaces and issue an Enclosed Space Entry Permit (Atmosphere: Oxygen 20.9 %, HC < 1% LEL, H2S < 5 ppm).
- Install safe access arrangements: Staging, hydraulic cherry pickers, temporary ladders, or approved raft arrangements in ballast tanks.
- Ensure adequate illumination (> 50 lux) throughout the inspection spaces.
3.3. Execution of Overall & Close-Up Surveys: Visual Examination at Close Proximity.
- Overall Survey: Perform a general visual check of all cargo holds, wing tanks, double bottom tanks, and transverse bulkheads.
- Close-Up Survey: Conduct mandatory close-range visual inspections (within hand reach, ≤ 1.5 m) at specified structural locations:
- Bulk Carriers: Lower stool shelf plates, side frame lower brackets, hatch coamings, corrugated bulkheads.
- Oil Tankers: Deck transverses, bottom web ring frames, upper/lower corrugated bulkhead knuckles, side shell stringers.
4.4. Ultrasonic Thickness Measurement (UTM) & NDT: Gauging Steel Diminution.
- Engage a Class-approved UTM Firm to perform thickness measurements under the direct personal supervision of the attending Surveyor.
- Take systematic readings across transverse sections (deck plating, sheer strake, side shell, bottom shell, inner bottom).
- Compare readings against original scantlings and maximum allowable Class diminution limits:
- Substantial Corrosion: Corrosion between 75% and 100% of allowable margin. Requires annual re-examination.
- Excessive Diminution (> 100 %): Requires immediate steel renewal / crop-and-renew repair.
- Apply Non-Destructive Testing (MPI / Dye Penetrant) on high-stress weld joints showing signs of fatigue cracking.
5.5. Condition Evaluation Report (CER) & Endorsement: Statutory Documentation & Certification.
- The Surveyor compiles the official Condition Evaluation Report (CER) / Executive Hull Summary detailing structural condition, thickness gauging records, and coating evaluations.
- The CER is placed in the ship's onboard Survey Planning File.
- Upon successful completion and verification of repairs, the Cargo Ship Safety Construction Certificate is endorsed or reissued.
To implement ESP, I will first review previous survey and thickness reports, corrosion history and outstanding class recommendations. A survey-planning questionnaire and Survey Programme are prepared with class identifying tanks, cargo holds, close-up areas, thickness-measurement locations and tank tests. The spaces are cleaned, gas-freed, ventilated and provided with safe access. The surveyor carries out overall and close-up examination, and an approved firm conducts ultrasonic thickness measurement. If substantial corrosion or structural defects are identified, the extent of gauging and close-up survey is increased. Required steel renewal or repairs are carried out under class approval, followed by NDT and tank testing. Finally class verifies repairs and completes the ESP survey documentation.