Intermediate Survey
An intermediate survey examines the items specified for the certificate and verifies their condition. The examination programme, second- or third-anniversary window and outcome must remain connected.
Operational Explanation
An intermediate survey examines specified items relating to the certificate to establish that they are in satisfactory condition and fit for the intended service. Its content follows the pertinent regime: for example, the IOPP survey also concerns equipment and associated systems for preventing oil pollution. Its position in the cycle does not itself define what must be examined.
Separate the completion window from work that may be done earlier. HSSC section 4.3.1 allows additional cargo Safety Construction items beyond the annual scope to be performed between the second and third annual surveys. Do not apply this provision indiscriminately to IOPP or every certificate.
| Distinction to establish | Effect on the programme |
|---|---|
| Certificate and scope | Construction and IOPP examine different items; the word intermediate is insufficient. |
| Window and work | For Construction distinguish permitted additional items from completion and annual surveys still due. |
| Condition and follow-up | Findings, further examinations and repairs must remain connected to the items verified. |
| Documented outcome | The report, required endorsement and remaining work show what was actually completed. |
Regulatory Reference
IMO A.1207(34), HSSC 2025. Section 4.3 and certificate provisions: SOLAS I/10 for Safety Construction; MARPOL I/6 for IOPP. Safety Equipment uses the term periodical survey.
HSSC §§2.4 and 4.3.2 define the survey as examination of items relevant to the certificate. For IOPP, MARPOL I/6.1.3 includes equipment and associated systems and requires certificate endorsement. The provision for Construction additional items does not remove required annual surveys (HSSC §1.3.3). HSSC 2025 — A.1207(34).
Scope of Application
Check certificate, thresholds and ship type. Ordinary windows are ±3 months from the second or third anniversary; passenger ships may have intermediate surveys for applicable environmental certificates despite annual renewal of their SOLAS safety certificate.
Procedure / How to Complete It
- Identify the certificate, anniversary date and survey due.
- Record window opening and closing and agree the programme.
- Prepare previous reports, modifications, maintenance and open defects.
- Arrange safe access and tests against the agreed scope.
- Check outcome, certificate endorsement and deadlines for required actions.
Agree which items must be verified and which work already performed is acceptable for this survey. Connect each report with the item, date and required scope; separately record what remains for completion and what belongs to the ordinary annual survey. Early work does not itself become a completed intermediate survey.
Practical Example
For IOPP with a 15 September anniversary, the second-year window runs from 15 June to 15 December; the alternative is the same window in year three. Month 30 lies between the windows: it is not an eligible midpoint.
In this example, month 30 denotes the midpoint between the second and third anniversaries of the cycle recorded in the matrix; it is not automatically calculated from certificate issue or renewal completion. The ship selects the third-anniversary window. Before attendance it compares available reports with items to examine: a recent equipment overhaul does not establish that all required IOPP systems and evidence are covered. Gaps enter the programme and the outcome is recorded after the pertinent checks.
What Typically Goes Wrong
Scheduling IOPP in month 30 as though the windows were continuous, or deferring every defect to the next survey without assessing severity and the assigned deadline.
Common Mistakes Mistake Library
| Mistake | Consequence | How to avoid it |
|---|---|---|
| Schedule IOPP at month 30 between the windows | Attendance may be arranged outside the eligible window. | Select and record three months before or after the certificate’s second or third anniversary. |
| Transfer the Construction additional-item provision to IOPP | Work may fail to meet IOPP survey timing and credit. | Identify the certificate and provision; agree programme and completion separately. |
| Defer every defect to the next survey | A relevant condition may receive no action or exceed its assigned deadline. | Assess the finding and follow-up with the competent party and track action, owner and deadline. |
What the PSCO Checks
Operational Tips
- Use a separate row for each certificate and survey.
- Assign each finding an owner and deadline.
- Retain completion evidence and endorsements.
Preparation checklist
- Certificate and survey identified
- Window checked
- Technical scope agreed
- Documents and access ready
- Outcome and findings recorded
FAQ
Related Topics
Certified substantive revision: 13 October 2026 · page fingerprint b61d1193d54f