Cargo Hold Survey for Bulk Carriers (ESP)
Cargo-hold surveys connect structural examination, access and thickness measurements to the ESP programme. Findings and ship history guide further investigation; reports, repairs and outcomes must remain traceable to the areas examined.
Operational Explanation
The structural survey of cargo holds establishes the condition of members that support loads and bound the spaces. Corrosion, deformation, cracks and damage may affect internal plating, framing, attachments and bulkheads. An empty hold is not necessarily ready: the specified parts must be visible and accessible.
An ESP survey combines three complementary checks. The overall survey assesses general condition and guides further examination; the close-up survey examines structural details at close range; thickness measurements quantify remaining material at the required locations. Measurements do not replace examination of deformation, cracks or damaged connections. UR Z10.2, §§1.2, 1.4, 2.2–2.4.
Extent depends on construction, age and the survey due, as well as findings. Start with the pertinent minimum requirements and follow extensions required by the surveyor; the report must distinguish what was verified, defects, repairs and outstanding items.
Regulatory Reference
SOLAS XI-1/2 and the 2011 ESP Code, as amended. For bulk carriers, identify the part of annex A pertinent to construction. In class, UR Z10.2 and Z10.5 address single-side and double-side skin arrangements respectively within their scope; UR Z11 concerns notations, not drone authorisation.
Prepare the survey programme using previous reports, measurements, repairs and suspect areas. Agree safe access, cleaning and lighting, close-up examination and thickness measurements before work; retain access needed to investigate findings. IACS UR Z10.2: survey preparation.
ESP amendments already in force include MSC.525(106), effective 1 July 2024. They address ballast-tank coating conditions and double-side skin void spaces of bulk carriers over 20 years old and 150 m or more in length. Apply the stated conditions and distinctions between spaces rather than reducing the trigger to POOR condition alone or applying it indiscriminately to every space. MSC.525(106), annex A.
ClassNK’s MSC 111 report records adoption of ESP amendments for RIT, entering into force on 1 January 2028. Distinguish adoption in 2026 from draft approval in 2025 and applicability to the current survey; verify the final instrument, conditions and flag/RO acceptance before replacing the examination method. ClassNK: MSC 111 outcome, May 2026.
The IMO index identifies the ESP amendments as MSC.584(111). On 13 October 2026 its PDF still states “Resolution awaiting certification”; the detailed conditions of the adopted text have therefore not been verified here. IMO — MSC resolutions 2026–2027.
The URs consulted are Z10.2 Rev.37 and Z10.5 Rev.20, February 2023; their notes specify implementation of the changes from 1 July 2024. Use the Rules incorporated for the ship and survey; these PDFs and the original A.1049(27) alone do not establish all ESP amendments applicable in 2026. IACS UR Z10.2; IACS UR Z10.5.
Scope of Application
This page concerns the ESP structural survey of bulk-carrier cargo holds within the applicable statutory and class scope. Identify the ship, construction and survey when choosing the programme: single-side, double-side and hybrid arrangements do not indiscriminately use the same part of the tables.
Age changes extent and checks within the pertinent regime; it does not itself activate ESP. Surveying a hold does not exhaust the other programme items, including adjacent spaces, tanks and hatch covers when required. This is not a commercial cleanliness or cargo suitability survey, or permission to enter enclosed spaces.
Procedure / How to Complete It
- Identify the survey and scope. Check survey status, construction, age and applicable parts. For surveys that require it, prepare the written programme with class before starting.
- Use the ship’s history. Gather reports, drawings, previous measurements, repairs, suspect areas and outstanding conditions. Make the hold, side, frame and member to examine identifiable.
- Prepare access and visibility. Agree cleaning, lighting and means to reach the members. Verify safety, atmosphere and ventilation under applicable procedures; if inadequate, survey of the space does not proceed.
- Coordinate examination and measurements. At the required meeting, confirm coverage, the UTM firm, references and communications. Where required, measurements in close-up survey areas are carried out together with close-up examination.
- Follow findings and extensions. Locate defects and corrosion; promptly communicate results that may require additional measurements or repairs. Keep access and evidence available while still needed.
- Verify the outcome and follow-up. Connect reports, measurements, repairs and subsequent examinations. Update the ESP file and distinguish work performed, survey credited and outstanding conditions.
Practical Example
During a bulk carrier’s renewal survey, examination of a hold area reveals corrosion near some frame attachments. The surveyor requires additional measurements and investigation: the average thickness already measured elsewhere in the hold is insufficient.
Ship and yard retain access and coordinate the activities. The report identifies the area, measurements, assessment and any required repair; closure is recorded after the necessary checks. Removing access equipment first may require reinstating it and delay the survey.
What Typically Goes Wrong
A programme may be formally correct but impossible to execute if access, cleaning or lighting prevents examination of details. Another problem arises when UTM follows access removal or cannot be located on the structure.
Corrosion, defects and deteriorated coating can require extended examination. Do not remove a suspect area from follow-up because the hold’s average appears good; neither video nor paint treatment replaces required structural evidence.
Common Mistakes Mistake Library
| Mistake | Consequence | How to Avoid It |
|---|---|---|
| Closing access before agreed close-up examination and measurements | Examination may remain incomplete and access may need reinstating. | Plan examination, UTM and work together; remove access after necessary checks. |
| Using averages without locating readings and defects | Local corrosion or a damaged attachment may disappear from the summary. | Associate each finding with the hold and member; promptly flag suspect areas and additional measurements. |
| Transferring tables from another construction type or survey | Examination may fall short of requirements or use inappropriate criteria. | Identify construction, age and survey; use the applicable programme and requirements. |
| Treating video as automatic completion of close-up survey | Method, coverage or quality may not satisfy the survey due. | Confirm acceptance and limitations, retaining other required checks. |
What the PSCO Checks
Operational Tips
- Prepare a shared area map: findings, measurements and subsequent checks must refer to the same member.
- Agree the sequence of examination, thickness measurement, steel renewal and coating to make the work verifiable.
- Review outstanding conditions before closing docking; distinguish a delivered report from actual survey credit.
Preparation checklist
- Ship, construction, survey and applicable parts identified.
- Programme and suspect-area history available.
- Access, cleaning, lighting and safety verified.
- Close-up examination and UTM coordinated.
- Findings, extensions and repairs locatable.
- File updated, outcome and outstanding conditions followed up.
FAQ
Related Topics
Certified substantive revision: 13 October 2026 · page fingerprint 96a5a52e68b2