Answer
In CSM, machinery items forming part of the machinery special survey are distributed over a 5-year cycle, normally about 20% each year, so that the interval between consecutive examinations of an item does not exceed five years. Certain items may be examined by the Chief Engineer, but final survey credit is subject to Class confirmatory survey. the exact CE-creditable list can vary by classification society and vessel,
Items the Chief Engineer CANNOT Carry Out/Survey for Class Credit
Classification Society rules explicitly restrict the Chief Engineer from surveying the following items, requiring direct attendance by a Class Surveyor:
- Statutory Safety & Pressure Systems:
- Main and auxiliary boilers, thermal oil heaters, and steam generators (internal inspections and pressure part testing).
- Air receivers and pressure vessels (internal examination and safety valve testing).
- Critical Safety & Life-Saving Equipment:
- Emergency generator, emergency switchboard, and emergency fire pump (functions tied to statutory SOLAS certificates).
- Fire extinguishing systems (CO2 fixed systems, hyper-mist, fire main isolating valves, and main fire pumps).
- Essential Marine Engineering Propulsion & Shafting:
- Main engine gearing/reduction gearboxes and flexible couplings.
- Intermediate shafting, tailshaft, stern tube bearings, and sealing arrangements.
- Main propulsion shaft alignment checks.
- Steering Gear & Navigational Safety:
- Main steering gear system (ram hydraulic cylinders, tiller, rudder stock, and control safety interlocks).
- Damaged or Repaired Items:
- Any machinery or component that has sustained damage, failure, or undergone temporary repairs prior to the survey.
- Any item subject to an existing Condition of Class (CoC) or Recommendation.
- Automation & Electrical Installations:
- Main switchboard (MSB) busbars, circuit breakers, and generator protective relays.
- Main automation, safety shut-down systems, and UMS (Unattended Machinery Space) alarm/control systems.
Procedure for obtaining CSM credit for work done by CE
- Company/Owner obtains Class acceptance for CE examination of eligible CSM items.
- CE checks that the item is actually approved for CE survey credit.
- Machinery is opened up sufficiently for meaningful examination.
- CE inspects condition and takes all required clearances, wear-downs and measurements according to maker's limits.
- Any defect is corrected; defective parts are renewed with acceptable/OEM or authorised parts as required.
- After reassembly, the machinery is tested under running condition and satisfactory operation confirmed.
- CE keeps full documentation: overhaul report, measurements, calibration records, parts renewed, certificates/traceability of spares, photographs where appropriate, and machinery performance records. Removed/replaced parts should be retained for Surveyor examination when required.
- CE completes and signs the Declaration of Examination of Surveyable Machinery Items and the detailed opening-up inspection report.
- At the next suitable port, the Class Surveyor attends for confirmatory survey.
- Surveyor reviews the records, examines the machinery in operation where practical, and may test alarms, controls and safeguards.
- If satisfied, the Surveyor credits the CSM item. If not satisfied, he can require the machinery to be opened again for detailed examination.