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• China Classification Society (CCS) has announced that the China Maritime Safety Administration (China MSA) will be conducting a special inspection campaign for aging bulk carriers.

• The inspection campaign will be commencing from 15 June 2017 and ending on 31 December 2017.

• This special inspection campaign is applicable for:

1. Bulk carriers of more than 10000 GT and above 15 years of age;
2. Bulk carriers converted from tankers

• This special inspection shall focus on the ship’s structural elements and following will be checked:

1. Loading / unloading plan agreed by the ship and terminal (IMO Res. A.862 (20))

2. Approved cargo/ ballast operation manual

3. ESP documents of bulk carrier (IMO Res. A.744(18))

4. Thickness measurement reports

5. Weather tightness of hatch covers

6. Hatch corners and hatch coamings

7. Frames/ plating of cargo spaces

8. Bulkhead structures of cargo spaces

9. Ballast tanks structures

• China MSA expects bulk carriers converted from tankers to undergo Port State Control (PSC) inspection at first port of call after 15 June 2017 and then be subsequently inspected as per the Tokyo Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

• Time window of inspection will not be limited for bulk carriers that were converted from tankers without special inspection.

• Ship owners/operators of vessels calling Chinese port are advised to be guided by above.

Enclosure:

1. RMI marine safety advisory No. 25-17

Disclaimer:

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