Tank inspection intervals and relevant procedure for cargo ships

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Tank inspection intervals and relevant procedure for cargo ships

Unified understanding of tank inspection and recording procedures will enable effective monitoring of hull condition and initiate proper maintenance activities where necessary.

Inspection Interval

Tank inspection intervals to be followed on board are as per the vessels Planned Maintenance System. In principle the intervals shall be as follows:

Water Ballast Tanks (Tankers & Gas Carriers) : At least once every 12 months (Remark-1)

Water Ballast Tanks (Container Ships) : At least once every 12 months

Fresh Water Tanks : At least once every year

Void Spaces / Cofferdam : At least once every year

Cargo Holds of Container Ships : At least once every 30 months (Remark-2)

Fuel (FO / DO) Oil Tanks : At least once every 30 months (Remark-3)

Double Hull Tanks in Engine Room :At least once every 60 months

Cargo Oil Tanks of Oil Tankers & Liquefied Gas Carriers : At least once every 30 months (Remark-4)

Hold (Barrier) Space of Liquefied Gas Carriers : At least once every 30 months (Remark-5)

(Remarks-common)

Contractor’s service report, Repair completion report by Dock yard can be accommodated in Ship’s Inspection Report.

(Remark-1)

Adjacent Cargo tank structures such as Bulk heads, suction wells etc, should be checked from Water ballast tank side.

(Remark-2)

i) Visual check from Under cross deck and Upper deck, and/or during bilge sounding should be carried out every opportunity.
ii) Pressure testing for Heating steam lines for Fuel Oil Tanks, which are penetrated in Cargo Hold of Container Ship should be carried out 30 months interval, if necessary.

(Remark-3)

i) It should be closed examination.
ii) It may be postponed for a ROB management at the scene of docking, however even in the case, the interval is not more than 60 months.
iii) The Company may order to inspect for tanks at random 12 months interval if necessary.

(Remark-4)

i) It should be closed examination, including gauging by technical expert.
ii) The Company may order to inspect for tanks at random 12 months interval if necessary.
iii) Some Oil Tankers, which are required Tank cleaning & Gas free operation for preventing cargo contamination, shall carry out the inspection every opportunity.

(Remark-5)

i) It should be closed examination, including gauging by technical expert.
ii) The Company may order to inspect for H/Sp at random 15 months interval for LPG Carriers, if necessary.

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