Operational guide · Operational procedure

Cargo Hold Survey for Bulk Carriers (ESP)

Bulk-carrier survey extent follows the 2011 ESP Code and Z10.2/Z10.5; UR Z11 concerns notations and does not authorise drone surveys. RIT needs case-specific class acceptance and is not generally recognized by ESP since 2025.

ESPbulk carriercargo hold surveyIACS UR Z11

Operational Explanation

Regulatory Reference

2011 ESP Code A.1049(27); applicable UR Z10.2/Z10.5; class Rules and UR Z17 for accepted RIT. UR Z11 Rev.7 is a future notation instrument, not the RIT source.

Scope of Application

ESP applies by SOLAS ship-type/tonnage scope; age or renewal number changes extent, not initial programme applicability.

Procedure / How to Complete It

Confirm bulk-carrier ESP scope and applicable Code part.
Build close-up, TM, testing and coating extent from age/survey tables.
Use RIT only after prior class acceptance and limitations.
Keep direct examination where required.
Do not cite UR Z11 or a 2025 ESP amendment as RIT authority.

Practical Example

A drone may support an accepted survey under class Rules, but does not automatically replace Code close-up extent or direct surveyor examination.

What Typically Goes Wrong

Attributing drone/coating/survey extent to UR Z11, saying formally recognized since 2025, or using generic age thresholds as ESP entry trigger.

Common Mistakes Mistake Library

Mistake	Consequence	How to Avoid It
Attributing drone/coating/survey extent to UR Z11, saying formally recognized since 2025, or using generic age thresholds as ESP entry trigger.	Non-compliant decision or treatment	Follow the approved arrangement and applicable sources

What the PSCO Checks

Evidence of the approved arrangement, procedures, records, competence, defect management and consistency with statutory/class/maker requirements.

Operational Tips

Separate current requirement, class/maker, SMS and voluntary guidance.
Do not improvise tests, thresholds or intervals.
Record deviations and corrective action.

Preparation checklist

ESP ship/tonnage scope
Correct Z10 part
Age changes extent
RIT prior acceptance
Direct checks available

FAQ

Does UR Z11 authorise drones?

No.

Has ESP generally recognized RIT since 2025?

Not as a general mandatory amendment.

Does age activate ESP?

No; it changes extent within scope.

Cargo Hold Survey for Bulk Carriers (ESP)

Operational Explanation

Regulatory Reference

Scope of Application

Procedure / How to Complete It

Practical Example

What Typically Goes Wrong

Common Mistakes Mistake Library

What the PSCO Checks

Operational Tips

Preparation checklist

FAQ

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