Z3

Z3
Z3 Periodical Survey of the Outside of the Ship’s
(1984)
(cont)
(1984)
(Rev.1
(Rev.1
Bottom and Related Items
1996)
1996)
(Rev.2 Z3.1 General
(Rev.2
Aug
Aug
2002) Z3.1.1 The Owner is to notify the Classification Society whenever the outside of the ship's
2002)
(Corr.1 bottom and related items can be examined in drydock or on a slipway.
(Corr.1
Feb
Feb
2004) Z3.1.2 There is to be a minimum of two examinations of the outside of the ship’s bottom and
2004)
Rev.3 related items during each five-year special survey1 period. One such examination is to be
Rev.3
Aug carried out in conjunction with the special survey. In all cases the interval between any two
Aug
2004) such examinations is not to exceed 36 months. An extension of examination of the ship’s
2004)
(Rev.4 bottom of 3 months beyond the due date can be granted in exceptional circumstances2.
(Rev.4
Oct
Oct
2006) Z3.1.3 Examinations of the outside of the ship’s bottom and related items of ships is
2006)
(Rev.5 normally to be carried out with the ship in drydock. However, consideration may be given to
Apr alternate examination while the ship is afloat as an In-water Survey, subject to provisions of
2011) Z3.3. Special consideration is to be given to ships of 15 years or over before being permitted
to have such examinations. For ESP ships exceeding of 15 years of age and over, such
examinations are to be carried out with the ship in drydock.

Z3.1.4 The interval between examinations of the outside of the ship's bottom and related
items for ships operating in fresh water and for certain harbour or non-self-propelled craft may
be greater than that given in Z3.1.2.

Z3.1.5 Compliance with UR Z3 does not absolve the Owner from compliance with the
requirements of SOLAS as amended, especially when shorter intervals between examination
of the ship’s bottom for certain types of ship are required.

Z3.1.6 For Oil Tankers, Combination Carriers, Bulk Carriers, Chemical Tankers, Double Hull
Oil Tankers, Double Side Skin Bulk Carriers and General Dry Cargo Ships, reference is also
be made to Z10.1, Z10.2, Z10.3, Z10.4, Z10.5 and Z7.1 as applicable.

Footnotes:

1) Some Member Societies use the term “Special Periodical Survey” others use the
term “Class Renewal Survey” instead of the term “Special Survey”.

2) ‘Exceptional circumstances’ means unavailability of dry-docking facilities;

unavailability of repair facilities; unavailability of essential materials, equipment or
spare parts; or delays incurred by action taken to avoid severe weather conditions.

Notes:

1. IACS agreed for uniform implementation date of Rev.1 1996 from 1 July 1996.
2. Changes introduced in Rev.2 are to be uniformly implemented by IACS Members and
Associates from 1 July 2003.
3. Changes introduced in Rev.3 are to be uniformly implemented from 1 July 2005.
4. Changes introduced in Rev.4 are to be uniformly implemented from 1 Jan 2008.
5. Changes introduced in Rev.5 are to be uniformly implemented from 1 Jan 2012.

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 Z3

Z3.2 Scope of the survey

Z3
(cont) Z3.2.1 When a ship is in drydock or on a slipway, it is to be placed on blocks of sufficient
height and with the necessary staging to permit the examination of elements such as shell
plating including bottom and bow plating, stern frame and rudder, sea chests and valves,
propeller, etc.

Z3.2.2 The shell plating is to be examined for excessive corrosion, or deterioration due to
chafing or contact with the ground and for any undue unfairness or buckling. Special attention
is to be paid to the connection between the bilge strikes and the bilge keels. Important plate
unfairness or other deterioration which do not necessitate immediate repairs are to be
recorded.

Z3.2.3 Sea chests and their gratings, sea connections and overboard discharge valves and
cocks and their fastenings to the hull or sea chests are to be examined. Valves and cocks
need not be opened up more than once in a special survey period unless considered
necessary by the Surveyor.

Z3.2.4 Visible parts of rudder, rudder pintles, rudder shafts and couplings and stern frame
are to be examined. If considered necessary by the Surveyor, the rudder is to be lifted or the
inspection plates removed for the examination of pintles. The clearance in the rudder
bearings is to be ascertained and recorded. Where applicable, pressure test of the rudder
may be be required as deemed necessary by the surveyor.

Z3.2.5 Visible parts of propeller and stern bush, are to be examined. The clearance in the
stern bush and the efficiency of the oil gland, if fitted, are to be ascertained and recorded. For
controllable pitch propellers, the Surveyor is to be satisfied with the fastenings and tightness
of hub and blade sealing. Dismantling need not to be carried out unless considered
necessary by the Surveyor.

Z3.2.6 Visible parts of side thrusters are to be examined.

NOTE: For the survey of propeller shafts, refer to Requirement UR Z21.

Z3.2.7 Special consideration may be given in application of relevant sections of this Unified
Requirement to commercial vessels owned or chartered by Governments, which are utilized
in support of military operations or service.

Z3.3 In-Water Surveys

Z3.3.1 The In-water Survey is to provide the information normally obtained from a docking
survey. Special consideration shall be given to ascertaining rudder bearing clearances and
stern bush clearances of oil stern bearings based on a review of the operating history, on
board testing and stern oil sample reports. These considerations are to be included in the
proposals for in-water survey which are to be submitted in advance of the survey so that
satisfactory arrangements can be agreed with the Classification Society.

Z3.3.2 The In-water Survey is to be carried out with the ship at light draught in sheltered
water and preferably with weak tidal streams and currents. The in-water visibility is to be good
and the hull below waterline is to be sufficiently clean to permit meaningful examination and
the cleanliness of the hull below the waterline is to be clear enough to permit a meaningful
examination which allows the surveyor and diver to determine the condition of the plating,
appendages and the welding. The Classification Society is to be satisfied with the methods of
localisation orientation of the divers on the plating, which should make use where necessary
of permanent markings on the plating at selected points.

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 Z3

Z3.3.3 The equipment, procedure for observing and reporting the survey are to be
Z3 discussed with the parties involved prior to the In-water Survey, and suitable time is to be
(cont) allowed to permit the diving company to test all equipment beforehand.

Z3.3.4 The In-water Survey is to be carried out by a qualified diver under surveillance of a
Surveyor. The diver is to be employed by a firm approved as a service supplier according to
UR Z17.

Z3.3.5 The Surveyor is to be satisfied with the method of pictorial representation, and a
good two-way communication between the Surveyor and divers is to be provided.

Z3.3.6 If the In-water Survey reveals damage or deterioration that requires early attention,
the Surveyor may require that the ship be drydocked in order that a detailed survey can be
undertaken and the necessary repairs carried out.

End of
Document

Page 3 of 3 IACS Req. 1984/Rev.5 2011