Intermediate Survey
The mid-cycle check that replaces one of the Annual Surveys with a more extensive examination: its fixed window (second/third year) makes it stricter than crews often assume.
Operational Explanation
The Intermediate Survey replaces one of the Annual Surveys within the five-year cycle with a more extensive check, typically focused on items requiring a deeper mid-cycle verification than the simple general annual check (e.g. certain safety installations, specific structural aspects depending on ship type).
Unlike the Annual Survey, the Intermediate Survey window is not ±3 months from a single date, but a wider interval (typically between the second and third year of the five-year cycle): an apparent greater flexibility that in fact requires more careful planning, precisely because the "wide" window is sometimes managed with less rigor than a fixed deadline.
Regulatory Reference
Requirements set out in Resolution A.1186(33) (Survey Guidelines under HSSC): the Intermediate Survey must be conducted within a window generally falling between the second and third year of the five-year cycle, with a technical scope specific to the type of certificate and ship.
Scope of Application
Every certified ship, with specific technical scope requirements that vary by certificate type (e.g. Cargo Ship Safety Construction, IOPP) and ship type.
Procedure / How to Complete It
- Verify the specific technical scope required for the Intermediate Survey of the certificate in question, according to ship type.
- Schedule the survey within the expected window (typically second/third year), not leaving it until the end of the interval for minimal safety margin.
- Prepare the specific technical documentation required (e.g. verification of particular installations, targeted structural inspections).
- Where possible, coordinate the Intermediate Survey with other planned maintenance activities to optimize downtime.
- Record the outcome and plan the closure of any conditions found before the next survey.
Practical Example
Planning example: Intermediate Survey for the IOPP certificate scheduled at month thirty of the five-year cycle (the middle of the permissible window), to leave a margin in case rescheduling becomes necessary due to the ship's commercial commitments.
Real Cases
Common Mistakes Mistake Library
| Mistake | Consequence | How to avoid it |
|---|---|---|
| Intermediate Survey scheduled close to the maximum limit of the permissible window | No margin to handle unforeseen events, risk of exceeding the window | Schedule the Intermediate Survey around the middle of the permissible window, not at its limit |
| Specific technical scope of the survey not verified in advance | Surprises over the documentation or tests required when the surveyor arrives | Verify the specific technical scope for the certificate and ship type well in advance |
| No coordination between the Intermediate Survey and other planned maintenance activities | Missed opportunities to optimize ship downtime | Coordinate the Intermediate Survey with other planned maintenance activities whenever possible |
PSC Observations
Operational Tips
- Do not wait until the maximum limit of the window to schedule the Intermediate Survey: always leave a safety margin.
- Verify the specific technical scope required well in advance, not when the surveyor arrives.
- Always try to coordinate the Intermediate Survey with other planned maintenance activities.
Checklist
- Specific technical scope of the Intermediate Survey verified in advance
- Survey scheduled with margin relative to the maximum limit of the window
- Specific technical documentation prepared
- Coordination with other maintenance activities assessed
- Conditions found planned for closure before the next survey