Subject

The internal inspection during periodical survey of ballast

tanks and void spaces on bulk carriers
Technical
Information
No. TEC-1322
Date 2 May 2024
To whom it may concern

IMO Resolution A. 1049(27) (2011 ESP Code) regulates the requirements of the Enhanced Survey
Programme for bulk carriers and oil tankers.

The resolution includes coating condition criteria for ballast tanks and further specifies that internal
inspections are required at annual intervals in cases where said coating conditions fail to satisfy the
criteria.

Although different coating condition criteria have been applied to bulk carriers and oil tankers, the IMO
amended the ESP Code to revise the coating condition criteria for the ballast tanks of bulk carriers as
well as to clarify some other requirements. This amendment was adopted as Resolution MSC.525(106).

The outlines are as follows:

1. Applicability:
The requirements are to be applied for surveys commenced on or after 1 July 2024.

2. Scope of survey:
Internal inspection of following compartments is required at Class periodical survey.

(1) Bulk carriers*

(a) Ballast tanks, excluding double bottom tanks where protective coating condition is less
than "Good" (i.e., "Fair" or "Poor") and not repaired
(b) Ballast tanks excluding double bottom tanks where protective coating has not been applied
from the time of construction.

(2) Double-side skin void spaces bounding cargo holds for bulk carriers*, exceeding 20 years of
age and 150 meters in length
(a) Void spaces where protective coating is found in "Poor" condition and is not repaired
(b) Void spaces where protective coating has not been applied from the time of construction

* "Bulk carriers" are ships defined as the following:

(a) Ships constructed or converted with a single deck, topside tanks and hopper side tanks in
cargo spaces, and intended primarily to carry dry cargoes in bulk
(To be continued)
NOTES:

 ClassNK Technical Information is provided only for the purpose of supplying current information to its readers.
 ClassNK, its officers, employees and agents or sub-contractors do not warrant the accuracy of the information contained
herein and are not liable for any loss, damage or expense sustained whatsoever by any person caused by use of or reliance
on this information.
 Back numbers are available on ClassNK Internet Homepage (URL: www.classnk.or.jp).
 ClassNK Technical Information No. TEC-1322

(b) Ships constructed or converted with a single deck, two longitudinal bulkheads and a double
bottom throughout the cargo spaces, and intended primarily to carry ore cargoes in the
centre holds only
(c) Combination carriers which are designed to carry either oil or solid cargoes in bulk, such
as ore/oil carriers and ore/bulk/oil carriers, and have the same construction as the ships
defined in (a) or (b) above

3. To facilitate smoother inspection preparations, ClassNK updated its internet information service
NK-SHIPS to allow for easy confirmation of the coating condition of ballast tanks. For vessels with
ballast tanks that are determined to have coating conditions below satisfactory levels and are subject
to the aforementioned inspection, ClassNK set out the following Note (Class). When applying for
periodical survey, please check the coating condition of the ballast tanks and the Note (Class) from
NK-SHIPS, and prepare for internal inspections accordingly if necessary.

Example:
"WBT(S) recorded to be in fair or poor coating condition require an annual internal examination
after 1 July 2024, except double bottom tanks."

For any questions about the above, please contact:

(Regarding Scope of Survey)

NIPPON KAIJI KYOKAI (ClassNK)
Survey Department, Administration Center Annex, Head Office
Address: 3-3 Kioi-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-0094, Japan
Tel.: +81-3-5226-2027
Fax: +81-3-5226-2029
E-mail: [email protected]

(Regarding NK-SHIPS)
Classification Department, Information Center, Head Office
Address: 1-8-5 Ohnodai, Midori-ku, Chiba 267-0056, Japan
Tel.: +81-43-294-6469
Fax: +81-43-294-5449
E-mail: [email protected]

Attachment:
1. Res. MSC.525(106)

2
 RESOLUTION MSC.525(106) (adopted on 10 November 2022)
AMENDMENTS TO THE INTERNATIONAL CODE ON THE ENHANCED PROGRAMME OF
Attachment 1. toINSPECTIONS DURING SURVEYS OF BULK CARRIERS AND OIL TANKERS, 2011 (2011 ESP CODE)
ClassNK Technical Information No. TEC-1322

RESOLUTION MSC.525(106)
(adopted on 10 November 2022)

AMENDMENTS TO THE INTERNATIONAL CODE ON THE ENHANCED PROGRAMME

OF INSPECTIONS DURING SURVEYS OF BULK CARRIERS AND OIL TANKERS, 2011
(2011 ESP CODE)

THE MARITIME SAFETY COMMITTEE,

RECALLING Article 28(b) of the Convention on the International Maritime Organization

concerning the functions of the Committee,

NOTING resolution A.1049(27), by which the Assembly adopted the International Code on the
Enhanced Programme of Inspections during Surveys of Bulk Carriers and Oil Tankers, 2011
("the 2011 ESP Code"), which has become mandatory under chapter XI-1 of the International
Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974 ("the Convention"),

NOTING ALSO article VIII(b) and regulation XI-1/2 of the Convention concerning the
procedure for amending the 2011 ESP Code,

HAVING CONSIDERED, at its 106th session, amendments to the 2011 ESP Code, proposed
and circulated in accordance with article VIII(b)(i) of the Convention:

1 ADOPTS, in accordance with article VIII(b)(iv) of the Convention, amendments to

the 2011 ESP Code, the text of which is set out in the annex to the present resolution;

2 DETERMINES, in accordance with article VIII(b)(vi)(2)(bb) of the Convention, that the

said amendments shall be deemed to have been accepted on 1 January 2024, unless, prior to
that date, more than one-third of the Contracting Governments to the Convention or
Contracting Governments the combined merchant fleets of which constitute not less than 50%
of the gross tonnage of the world's merchant fleet have notified their objections to the
amendments;

3 INVITES Contracting Governments to the Convention to note that, in accordance with

article VIII(b)(vii)(2) of the Convention, the amendments shall enter into force on 1 July 2024,
upon their acceptance in accordance with paragraph 2 above;

4 REQUESTS the Secretary-General, for the purposes of article VIII(b)(v) of the

Convention, to transmit certified copies of the present resolution and the text of the
amendments contained in the annex to all Contracting Governments to the Convention;

5 ALSO REQUESTS the Secretary-General to transmit copies of this resolution and its
annex to Members of the Organization which are not Contracting Governments to the
Convention.
 RESOLUTION MSC.525(106) (adopted on 10 November 2022)
AMENDMENTS TO THE INTERNATIONAL CODE ON THE ENHANCED PROGRAMME OF
INSPECTIONS DURING SURVEYS OF BULK CARRIERS AND OIL TANKERS, 2011 (2011 ESP CODE)
-2-

ANNEX

AMENDMENTS TO THE INTERNATIONAL CODE ON THE ENHANCED PROGRAMME

OF INSPECTIONS DURING SURVEYS OF BULK CARRIERS AND OIL TANKERS, 2011
(2011 ESP CODE)

Contents

1 Under "Annex A", "Part B", "3 Annual survey", a new item is added after existing
paragraph 3.6, as follows:

"3.7 Examination of double-side skin void spaces for bulk carriers exceeding
20 years of age and of 150 m in length and upwards"

ANNEX A

CODE ON THE ENHANCED PROGRAMME OF INSPECTIONS DURING THE SURVEYS

OF BULK CARRIERS

Part A

CODE ON THE ENHANCED PROGRAMME OF INSPECTIONS DURING SURVEYS OF

BULK CARRIERS HAVING SINGLE-SIDE SKIN CONSTRUCTION

2 Renewal survey

2.3 Space protection

2 Paragraph 2.3.1 is replaced by the following:

"2.3.1 Where provided, the condition of the corrosion prevention system of ballast
tanks shall be examined. For ballast tanks, excluding double-bottom tanks, where a
hard protective coating is found to be in less than GOOD condition as defined in 1.2.11,
and it is not renewed, or where a soft or semi-hard coating has been applied, or where
a hard protective coating has not been applied from the time of construction, the tanks
in question shall be examined at annual intervals. Thickness measurements shall be
carried out as deemed necessary by the surveyor. When such breakdown of hard
protective coating is found in water ballast double-bottom tanks and it is not renewed,
where a soft or semi-hard coating has been applied or where a hard protective coating
has not been applied from the time of construction, the tanks in question may be
examined at annual intervals. When considered necessary by the surveyor, or where
extensive corrosion exists, thickness measurement shall be carried out."

4 Intermediate survey

4.2 Single-side skin bulk carriers 5 to 10 years of age

3 Paragraphs 4.2.1.2 and 4.2.1.3 are replaced by the following:

"4.2.1.2 Where a hard coating is found to be in less than GOOD condition, corrosion
or other defects are found in water ballast tanks, or where hard protective coating was
not applied from the time of construction, the examination shall be extended to other
ballast tanks of the same type.

4.2.1.3 In ballast tanks other than double-bottom tanks, where a hard protective
coating is found to be in less than GOOD condition and it is not renewed, or where a
soft or semi-hard coating has been applied, or where a hard protective coating was
 RESOLUTION MSC.525(106) (adopted on 10 November 2022)
AMENDMENTS TO THE INTERNATIONAL CODE ON THE ENHANCED PROGRAMME OF
INSPECTIONS DURING SURVEYS OF BULK CARRIERS AND OIL TANKERS, 2011 (2011 ESP CODE)
-3-

not applied from the time of construction, the tanks in question shall be examined and
thickness measurements carried out as considered necessary at annual intervals.
When such breakdown of hard protective coating is found in ballast double-bottom
tanks, where a soft or semi-hard coating has been applied, or where a hard protective
coating has not been applied, the tanks in question may be examined at annual
intervals. When considered necessary by the surveyor, or where extensive corrosion
exists, thickness measurements shall be carried out."

ANNEX 7

CONDITION EVALUATION REPORT (EXECUTIVE HULL SUMMARY REPORT)

Contents of condition evaluation report (executive hull summary report)

4 Part 8 (Memoranda) is replaced by the following:

"Part 8 – Memoranda - Acceptable defects

- Any points of attention for future surveys, e.g. for
suspect areas
- Examination of ballast tanks at annual surveys due
to coating breakdown"

Tank/hold corrosion prevention system

5 The existing text of the paragraph after note no. 3 is replaced by the following:

"For ballast tanks, if coating condition less than GOOD is given, tanks shall be
examined at annual surveys. This shall be noted in part 8 of the Contents of condition
evaluation report (executive hull summary report)."

ANNEX 9

GUIDELINES FOR TECHNICAL ASSESSMENT IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE PLANNING

OF ENHANCED SURVEYS FOR SINGLE-SIDE SKIN BULK CARRIERS – RENEWAL
SURVEY HULL

References

6 The existing reference no. 3 (IACS) is replaced by the following:

"3 IACS Recommendation 76, Guidelines for Surveys, Assessment and Repair
of Hull Structure – Bulk Carriers, 2007".

Part B

CODE ON THE ENHANCED PROGRAMME OF INSPECTIONS DURING SURVEYS OF

BULK CARRIERS HAVING DOUBLE-SIDE SKIN CONSTRUCTION

2 Renewal survey

2.3 Space protection

7 Paragraph 2.3.1 is replaced by the following:

"2.3.1 Where provided, the condition of the corrosion prevention system of ballast
tanks shall be examined. For ballast tanks, excluding double-bottom tanks, where a
hard protective coating is found to be in less than GOOD condition as defined
 RESOLUTION MSC.525(106) (adopted on 10 November 2022)
AMENDMENTS TO THE INTERNATIONAL CODE ON THE ENHANCED PROGRAMME OF
INSPECTIONS DURING SURVEYS OF BULK CARRIERS AND OIL TANKERS, 2011 (2011 ESP CODE)
-4-

in 1.2.11, and it is not renewed, or where a soft or semi-hard coating has been applied,
or where a hard protective coating has not been applied from the time of construction,
the tanks in question shall be examined at annual intervals. Thickness measurements
shall be carried out as deemed necessary by the surveyor. When such breakdown of
hard protective coating is found in water ballast double-bottom tanks and it is not
renewed, where a soft or semi-hard coating has been applied or where a hard
protective coating has not been applied from the time of construction, the tanks in
question may be examined at annual intervals. When considered necessary by the
surveyor, or where extensive corrosion exists, thickness measurement shall be
carried out."

8 A new paragraph 2.3.4 is added after existing paragraph 2.3.3, as follows:

"2.3.4 For double-side skin void spaces bounding cargo holds for bulk carriers
exceeding 20 years of age and of 150 m in length and upwards, where provided, the
condition of the corrosion prevention system of void spaces shall be examined.
Where a hard protective coating is found to be in POOR condition as defined in 1.2.11,
and it is not renewed, or where a soft or semi-hard coating has been applied, or where
a hard protective coating has not been applied from the time of construction, the void
spaces in question shall be examined at annual intervals. Thickness measurements
shall be carried out as deemed necessary by the surveyor."

3 Annual survey

9 A new paragraph 3.7 is added after existing paragraph 3.6.2, as follows:

"3.7 Examination of double-side skin void spaces for bulk carriers

exceeding 20 years of age and of 150 m in length and upwards

Examination of double-side skin void spaces, for bulk carriers exceeding 20 years of
age and of 150 m in length and upwards, shall be carried out when required as a
consequence of the results of the renewal survey and intermediate survey.
When considered necessary by the Administration, or when extensive corrosion
exists, thickness measurements shall be carried out. If the results of these thickness
measurements indicate that substantial corrosion is found, the extent of thickness
measurements shall be increased in accordance with annex 10. These extended
thickness measurements shall be carried out before the survey is credited as
completed. Suspect areas identified at previous surveys shall be examined. Areas of
substantial corrosion identified at previous surveys shall have thickness
measurements taken. For bulk carriers built under the IACS Common Structural
Rules, the annual thickness gauging may be omitted where a protective coating has
been applied in accordance with the coating manufacturer's requirements and is
maintained in good condition."

4 Intermediate survey

4.2 Double-side skin bulk carriers 5 to 10 years of age

4.2.1 Ballast tanks

10 Paragraphs 4.2.1.2 and 4.2.1.3 are replaced by the following:

"4.2.1.2 Where a hard coating is found to be in less than GOOD condition, corrosion
or other defects are found in water ballast tanks or where hard protective coating was
not applied from the time of construction, the examination shall be extended to other
ballast tanks of the same type.
 RESOLUTION MSC.525(106) (adopted on 10 November 2022)
AMENDMENTS TO THE INTERNATIONAL CODE ON THE ENHANCED PROGRAMME OF
INSPECTIONS DURING SURVEYS OF BULK CARRIERS AND OIL TANKERS, 2011 (2011 ESP CODE)
-5-

4.2.1.3 In ballast tanks other than double-bottom tanks, where a hard protective
coating is found to be in less than GOOD condition and it is not renewed, or where a
soft or semi-hard coating has been applied, or where a hard protective coating was
not applied from the time of construction, the tanks in question shall be examined and
thickness measurements carried out as considered necessary at annual intervals.
When such breakdown of hard protective coating is found in ballast double-bottom
tanks, where a soft or semi-hard coating has been applied, or where a hard protective
coating has not been applied, the tanks in question may be examined at annual
intervals. When considered necessary by the surveyor, or where extensive corrosion
exists, thickness measurements shall be carried out."

ANNEX 7

CONDITION EVALUATION REPORT (EXECUTIVE HULL SUMMARY REPORT)

Contents of condition evaluation report (executive hull summary report)

11 Parts 5 (Tank/hold corrosion prevention system) and 8 (Memoranda) are replaced by

the following:

"Part 5 – Tank/hold/double-side - Separate form indicating:

skin void space corrosion - location of coating
prevention system - condition of coating (if applicable)

Part 8 – Memoranda - Acceptable defects

- Any points of attention for future surveys,
e.g. for suspect areas
- Examination of ballast tanks and
double-side skin void spaces at annual
surveys due to coating breakdown"

Tank/hold corrosion prevention system

12 The chapeau of "Tank/hold corrosion prevention system", including the table and the
text underneath, is replaced by the following:

"Tank/hold/double-side skin void space corrosion prevention system

Tank/hold/void Tank/hold/void Coating Remarks

Nos.1 corrosion prevention condition3
system2

Notes:

1 All ballast tanks, cargo holds and double-side skin void spaces shall be listed.
2 C = Coating
NP = No protection
3 Coating condition according to the following standard:

GOOD condition with only minor spot rusting.

 RESOLUTION MSC.525(106) (adopted on 10 November 2022)
AMENDMENTS TO THE INTERNATIONAL CODE ON THE ENHANCED PROGRAMME OF
INSPECTIONS DURING SURVEYS OF BULK CARRIERS AND OIL TANKERS, 2011 (2011 ESP CODE)
-6-

FAIR condition with local breakdown of coating at edges of stiffeners and

weld connections and/or light rusting over 20% or more of areas
under consideration, but less than as defined for POOR condition.

POOR condition with general breakdown of coating over 20% or more of

areas or hard scale at 10% or more of areas under consideration.
For ballast tanks, if coating condition less than GOOD is given,
tanks shall be examined at annual surveys. This shall be noted in
part 8 of the Contents of condition evaluation report (executive hull
summary report).
For double-side skin void spaces on bulk carriers exceeding 20 years
of age and of 150 m in length and upwards, if coating condition POOR
is given, those void spaces shall be examined at annual surveys.
This shall be noted in part 8 of the Contents of condition evaluation
report (executive hull summary report)."

ANNEX 9

GUIDELINES FOR TECHNICAL ASSESSMENT IN CONJUNCTION WITH PLANNING

FOR ENHANCED SURVEYS OF DOUBLE-SIDE SKIN BULK CARRIERS – RENEWAL
SURVEY HULL

References

13 The existing references are replaced by the following:

"1 IACS, Recommendation 76: Guidelines for Surveys, Assessment and Repair
of Hull Structure – Bulk Carriers, 2007

2 TSCF, Guidelines for the Inspection and Maintenance of Double Hull Tanker
Structures, 1995

3 TSCF, Guidelines Manual for Tanker Structures, 1997"

ANNEX B

CODE ON THE ENHANCED PROGRAMME OF INSPECTIONS

DURING SURVEYS OF OIL TANKERS

Part A

CODE ON THE ENHANCED PROGRAMME OF INSPECTIONS

DURING SURVEYS OF DOUBLE-HULL OIL TANKERS

1 General

1.2 Definitions

14 Paragraph 1.2.1 is replaced by the following:

"1.2.1 Double-hull oil tanker is a ship which is constructed primarily for the carriage
of oil in bulk, has cargo tanks forming an integral part of the ship's hull and is protected
by a double-hull which extends for the entire length of the cargo area, consisting of
double sides and double-bottom spaces for the carriage of water ballast or void
spaces."
 RESOLUTION MSC.525(106) (adopted on 10 November 2022)
AMENDMENTS TO THE INTERNATIONAL CODE ON THE ENHANCED PROGRAMME OF
INSPECTIONS DURING SURVEYS OF BULK CARRIERS AND OIL TANKERS, 2011 (2011 ESP CODE)
-7-

2 Renewal survey

2.6 Extent of tank pressure testing

15 Paragraph 2.6.1 is replaced by the following:

"2.6.1 The minimum requirements for ballast tank pressure testing at the renewal
survey are given in 2.6.3 and in annex 3.

The minimum requirements for cargo tank testing at the renewal survey are given
in 2.6.4 and annex 3.

Cargo tank testing carried out by the ship's crew under the direction of the master
may be accepted by the surveyor, provided the following conditions are complied with:

.1 a tank testing procedure, specifying fill heights, tanks being filled

and bulkheads being tested, has been submitted by the owner and
reviewed by the Administration prior to the testing being carried out;

.2 the tank testing is carried out prior to the overall survey or close-up
survey;

.3 the tank testing is carried out within the special survey window and
not more than three months prior to the date on which the overall or
close-up survey is completed;

.4 the tank testing has been satisfactorily carried out and there is no
record of leakage, distortion or substantial corrosion that would
affect the structural integrity of the tank;

.5 the satisfactory results of the testing are recorded in the vessel's

logbook; and

.6 the internal and external condition of the tanks and associated

structure are found satisfactory by the surveyor at the time of the
overall and close-up survey."

ANNEX 10

CONDITION EVALUATION REPORT (EXECUTIVE HULL SUMMARY REPORT)

Contents of condition evaluation report (executive hull summary report)

16 Part 9 (Memoranda) is replaced by the following:

"Part 9 – Memoranda - Acceptable defects

- Any points of attention for future surveys, e.g. for
suspect areas
- Examination of ballast tanks at annual surveys due
to coating breakdown"
 RESOLUTION MSC.525(106) (adopted on 10 November 2022)
AMENDMENTS TO THE INTERNATIONAL CODE ON THE ENHANCED PROGRAMME OF
INSPECTIONS DURING SURVEYS OF BULK CARRIERS AND OIL TANKERS, 2011 (2011 ESP CODE)
-8-

Tank corrosion prevention system

17 The existing text of the paragraph after note 3 is replaced by the following:

"For ballast tanks, if coating condition less than GOOD is given, tanks shall be
examined at annual surveys. This shall be noted in part 9 of the Contents of condition
evaluation report (executive hull summary report)."

ANNEX 12

GUIDELINES FOR TECHNICAL ASSESSMENT IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE PLANNING

OF ENHANCED SURVEYS FOR OIL TANKERS

References

18 The existing references are replaced by the following:

"1 IACS, Recommendation 96: Double Hull Oil Tankers – Guidelines for
Surveys, Assessment and Repair of Hull Structures, 2019.

2 TSCF, Guidelines for the Inspection and Maintenance of Double Hull Tanker
Structures, 1995.

3 TSCF, Guidelines Manual for Tanker Structures, 1997."

Part B

CODE ON THE ENHANCED PROGRAMME OF INSPECTIONS DURING

SURVEYS OF OIL TANKERS OTHER THAN DOUBLE-HULL OIL TANKERS

1 General

1.2 Definitions

19 Paragraph 1.2.1 is replaced by the following:

"1.2.1 Oil tanker is a ship which is constructed primarily to carry oil in bulk in cargo
tanks forming an integral part of the ship's hull, including ship types such as
combination carriers (ore/oil ships, etc.) but excluding ships carrying oil in
independent tanks which are not part of the ship's hull, such as asphalt carriers."

2 Renewal Survey

2.6 Extent of tank pressure testing

20 Paragraph 2.6.1 is replaced by the following:

"2.6.1 The minimum requirements for ballast tank pressure testing at the renewal
survey are given in 2.6.3 and in annex 3.

The minimum requirements for cargo tank testing at the renewal survey are given
in 2.6.4 and annex 3.

Cargo tank testing carried out by the ship's crew under the direction of the master
may be accepted by the surveyor, provided the following conditions are complied with: