Pt A, Ch 2, Sec 1
1.4.2 When a survey results in the identification of signifi-
cant corrosion, structural defects or damage to hull, machin-
ery and/or any piece of its equipment which, in the opinion
of the Surveyor, affect the unit’s class, remedial measures are
to be implemented before the unit continues in service (see
also Pt A, Ch 2, Sec 2, [2.10] of the Ship Rules).
Note 1: The Society's survey requirements cannot be considered as
a substitute for specification and acceptance of repairs and mainte-
nance, which remain the responsibility of the Owner.
Note 2: In accordance with the provisions of Ch 1, Sec 1, [3.1.4],
the Society will, at the request of the Owner, apply the regulations
of Administrations concerning the scope and periodicity of surveys
when they differ from those laid down in [4] and [5].
Note 3: During the surveys, the Surveyor does not check that the
spare parts are kept on board, maintained in working order and
suitably protected and lashed.
1.5 Appointment of another Surveyor
1.5.1 In compliance with the provisions of Ch 1, Sec 1,
[2.5], should a disagreement arise between the Owner and
the Surveyor during a survey, the Society may, at the request
of the Owner, designate another Surveyor.
1.6 Access for surveys
1.6.1 The Rule requirements for class maintenance surveys
are to be given due consideration during the unit’s design
and construction phases as regards all necessary arrange-
ments for access. Arrangements of a special nature are to be
brought to the attention of the Society.
1.6.2 For small volume void space without primary struc-
ture inside, the Society may accept that no access is pro-
vided for inspection. When necessary, the Society may call
then for additional requirements.
2 Definitions and procedures related
to surveys
2.1 General
2.1.1 Period of class
Period of class means the period starting either from the date
of the initial classification, or from the credited date of the
last class renewal survey, and expiring at the limit date
assigned for the next class renewal survey.
2.1.2 Anniversary date
Anniversary date means the day of the month of each year
in the period of class which corresponds to the expiry date
of the period of class.
2.1.3 Survey time window
Survey time window, or more simply window, mean the
fixed period during which annual and intermediate surveys
are to be carried out.
2.1.4 Overdue surveys
Each periodical survey is assigned a limit date specified by
the relevant requirements of the Rules (end of survey inter-
val or end date of window) by which it is to be completed.
46 Bureau Veritas - Rules for Offshore Units
A survey becomes overdue when it has not been completed
by its limit date.
Examples:
• Anniversary date: 15th April
The 2000 annual survey can be validly carried out from
16th January 2000 to 15th July 2000. If not completed by
15th July 2000, the annual survey becomes overdue.
• Last bottom survey 20th October 2000:
If not completed by 20th October 2003 or end of the
class period, whichever comes first, the bottom survey
becomes overdue.
2.1.5 Recommendations
A defect and/or deficiency to be dealt with in order to main-
tain class, within a specific period of time, is indicated as a
recommendation. A recommendation is pending until it is
cleared, through a survey by the attending Surveyor or upon
evidence that requirements have been completed, to the
satisfaction of the Society. Where it is not cleared by its limit
date, the recommendation is overdue.
Recommendations may be imposed in other cases, which,
in the Society’s opinion, require specific consideration.
2.1.6 Memoranda
Those defects and/or deficiencies which do not affect the
maintenance of class and which may therefore be cleared at
the Owner’s convenience and any other information
deemed noteworthy for the Society’s convenience are indi-
cated as memoranda. Memoranda are not to be regarded as
recommendations.
2.1.7 Exceptional circumstances
“Exceptional circumstances” means:
• unavailability of dry-docking facilities, or
• unavailability of repair facilities, or
• unavailability of essential materials, equipment or spare
parts, or
• delays incurred by action taken to avoid severe weather
conditions.
3 Certificate of Classification: issue,
validity, endorsement and renewal
3.1 Issue of Certificate of Classification
3.1.1 A Certificate of Classification, bearing the class nota-
tions assigned to the unit and an expiry date, is issued to
any classed unit.
3.1.2 A Provisional Certificate of Classification may serve
as a Certificate of Classification in some cases, such as after
an admission to class survey, after a class renewal survey, or
when the Society deems it necessary.
3.1.3 The Certificate of Classification is to be made availa-
ble to the Society’s Surveyors upon request.
December 2016