Z17 Procedural Requirements For Service Suppliers
Z17 Procedural Requirements For Service Suppliers
Z17 Procedural Requirements For Service Suppliers
1. General
Z17 1.1 To approve firms providing services, such as measurements, tests or maintenance of
(cont)
safety systems and equipment, the Society is to apply procedures in this unified requirement
and relevant Annex 1.
2. Objective
2.1 The objective of this procedure is to set minimum requirements for approval and
certification of service suppliers and is applicable to both initial and renewal audits.
3. Definitions
4. Application
Z17 4.1 This procedure applies to the approval of the following categories of service suppliers:
(cont)
4.1.1 Statutory services
• Firms engaged in annual performance testing of Voyage Data Recorders (VDR) and
simplified Voyage Data Recorders (S-VDR)
• Firms engaged in sound pressure level measurements of public address and general
alarm systems on board ships
• Firms carrying out an in-water survey on ships and mobile offshore units by diver or
Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV).
• Firms engaged in tightness testing of closing appliances such as hatches, doors etc.
with ultrasonic equipment
• Firms engaged in examination of Ro-Ro ship’s bow, stern, side and inner doors
• Firms engaged in tightness testing of primary and secondary barriers of gas carriers
with membrane cargo containment systems for vessels in service
Page 3 of 46 IACS Req. 1997/Rev.16 2021
Z17
4.1.3 Where a Society accepts work of a third party (eg., service supplier) approved by itself,
the Society shall verify the performance of such services. For statutory service, the flag State
may increase the scope of verification to be applied to these services. The process shall be
defined within the Society’s quality management system. For the purpose of accountability to
the flag State, the work performed by the third party (eg., service supplier) constitutes the work
of the Society and shall be subject to the requirements incumbent upon the Society under the
RO Code IMO MSC.349 (92) and MEPC.237(65).
4.2 Where the results of the following service suppliers are used by a Surveyor of a Society
in making decisions affecting classification services then that service supplier must be
approved and verified by that Society.
• Firms carrying out an in-water survey on ships and mobile offshore units by diver or
Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV).
• Firms engaged in tightness testing of closing appliances such as hatches, doors etc.
with ultrasonic equipment
4.3 Where such services are used by Surveyors in making decisions affecting statutory
certification and service, the firms are subject to approval and verification by the Society where
the Society is so authorised by the relevant flag Administration (i.e. the flag of the ship on
which the servicing is to be done or the service equipment is to be used). For such services
the Society may accept approvals done by:
iii. other organizations those are acceptable to the flag Administration (e.g. other
governments, etc.).
4.4 Use of the approved service suppliers is not mandatory for the following services, unless
instructed otherwise by the flag Administration with respect to statutory certification
• Firms engaged in inspections of low location lighting systems using photo luminescent
materials and evacuation guidance systems used as an alternative to low-location
lighting systems
• Firms engaged in sound pressure level measurements of public address and general
alarm systems on board ships
4.5 Detailed requirements specific to the various categories of suppliers are given in
Annex 1. National and/or international requirements may give additional requirements.
References to such national and/or international requirements are given in Annex 1.
• Description of equipment used for the particular service for which approval is sought
• Check lists and record formats for recording results of the services referred to in
Annex 1
• Documented procedures for communication with the crew prior to commencing work, so
that it is safe to decommission the equipment being maintained, and to provide a safe
system of work in place
also have adequate experience and be familiar with the operation of any necessary equipment.
Z17 Operators/technicians/inspectors shall have had a minimum of one year tutored on-the-job
(cont) training. Where it is not possible to perform internal training, a program of external training may
be considered as acceptable.
5.2.3 Supervision – The supplier shall provide supervision for all services provided. The
responsible supervisor shall have had a minimum of two years of experience as an operator/
technician/inspector within the activity for which the supplier is approved. For a supplier
consisting of one person, that person shall meet the requirements of a supervisor.
5.2.4 Personnel records – The supplier shall keep records of the approved operators/
technicians/inspectors. The record shall contain information on age, formal education, training
and experience for the services for which they are approved.
5.2.5 Equipment and facilities – The supplier shall have the necessary equipment and facilities
for the service to be supplied. A record of the equipment used shall be kept and available. The
record shall contain information on maintenance and results of calibration and verifications.
The Society shall assess and record the validity of previous measuring results when the
equipment is found not to conform to requirements. The Society shall take appropriate action
on the equipment affected.
5.2.7 Where several servicing stations are owned by a given company, each station is to be
assessed and approved except as specified in 5.5.3
5.2.8 Procedures – The supplier shall have documented work procedures covering all services
supplied.
5.2.9 Subcontractors – The supplier shall give information of agreements and arrangements
if any parts of the services provided are subcontracted. Particular emphasis shall be given
to quality management by the supplier in following-up such subcontracts. Subcontractors
providing the services of the approved service supplier shall also meet the requirements of
section 5.
5.2.10 Verification – The supplier shall verify that the services provided are carried out in
accordance with approved procedures.
5.2.11 Reporting – The report shall be prepared in a form acceptable to the Society. The
report should detail the results of inspections, measurements, tests, maintenance and/or
repairs carried out. Special guidelines may be given in Annex 1. The report shall include a
copy of the Certificate of Approval.
5.2.12 Documented procedures and instructions should be available for the recording of
damages and defects found during inspection, servicing and repair work. This documentation
is to be made available upon request.
5.3 Auditing of the Supplier – Upon reviewing the submitted documents with satisfactory
Z17 result, the supplier is audited in order to ascertain that the supplier is duly organised and
(cont) managed in accordance with the submitted documents, and that it is considered capable of
conducting the services for which approval/certification is sought.
5.5.1 The supplier shall have a documented system covering at least the following:
• job preparation
5.5.2 A documented Quality system complying with the most current version of ISO 9000
series and including the above items, would be considered acceptable.
5.5.3 If a manufacturer of equipment (and/or its service supplier) applies to a Society for
inclusion of its nominated agents and/or subsidiaries (excluding any subcontractor), in the
approval, then it must have implemented a quality system certified in accordance with the
most current version of ISO 9000 series. The quality system must contain effective
controls of the manufacturer’s (and/ or service supplier’s) agents and/or subsidiaries. The
nominated agents/subsidiaries must also have in place an equally effective quality system
complying with the most current version of ISO 9000 series. Such approvals shall be
based upon an evaluation of the quality system implemented by the parent company
against the most current version of ISO 9000 series. The Society may require follow-up
audits on such agents or subsidiaries against the most current version of ISO 9000 series
to confirm adherence to this quality system.
5.6.1 A company which works as a service station for manufacturer(s) of equipment (and as
a service supplier in this field), shall be assessed by the manufacturer(s) and nominated as
their agent. The manufacturer shall ensure that appropriate instruction manuals, material etc.
are available for the agent as well as proper training of the agent’s technicians. Such suppliers
shall be approved either on a case by case basis, or in accordance with 5.5.3.
6. Certification
Z17 6.1 Upon satisfactory completion of both the audit of the supplier and the demonstration test,
(cont)
as applicable, the Society may issue a Certificate of Approval stating that the supplier’s service
operation system has been found to be satisfactory and that the results of services performed
in accordance with that system may be accepted and utilised by the Society’s Surveyors in
making decisions affecting classification or statutory certification, as relevant. The Certificate
shall clearly state the type and scope of services and any limitations or restrictions imposed
including type of equipment and/or names of Manufacturers of equipment where this is a
limiting restraint. The supplier may also be included in the Society’s record of approved service
suppliers.
6.2 Renewal or endorsement of the Certificate is to be made at intervals not exceeding five
(5) years by verification through audits that approved conditions are maintained or, where
applicable, on expiry of the supplier’s approval received from an equipment Manufacturer,
whichever comes first. In the latter case, the Society is to be informed in due course by the
Service Supplier. Individual Societies may require renewal or endorsement of the Certificate at
intervals shorter than five (5) years and may require intermediate audits. For firms engaged in
thickness measurements, renewal/endorsement of the Certificate is to be made at intervals not
exceeding 3 years by verification that original conditions are maintained.
8. Cancellation of Approval
8.1 The Society reserves the right to cancel the approval and to inform the IACS Members
accordingly (For Firms engaged in thickness measurements refer to PR23).
8.2.1 Where the service was improperly carried out or the results were improperly reported.
8.2.2 Where a Surveyor finds deficiencies in the approval service operating system of the
supplier and appropriate corrective action is not taken.
8.2.3 Where alterations have been made to the Company’s Quality System relevant to the
service supplier certificates, without written notification to the Society.
8.2.4 Where the intermediate audit, if requested as per 6.2, has not been carried out.
8.2.6 Where any deliberate misrepresentation has been made by the Service Supplier.
8.3 A supplier whose approval was cancelled, may apply for re-approval provided it has
corrected the non-conformities which resulted in cancellation, and the Society is able to
confirm it has effectively implemented the corrective action.
9. Existing Approvals
Approvals for the categories of service suppliers granted before the date of implementation of
UR Z17 by a society may remain valid as stated in the respective certificates for a period up
to but not exceeding 3 years. Renewals of such certificates must be carried out in accordance
with UR Z17.
ANNEX 1
Z17
(cont) Special Requirements for Various Categories of Service Suppliers
1.3 Operators – The operators carrying out the measurements shall be certified to a
recognised national or international industrial standard (e.g. EN 473 level I as amended or ISO
9712 level I as amended) and shall have adequate knowledge of ship structures sufficient to
elect a representative position for each measurement.
1.4 Equipment – On coated surfaces, instruments using pulsed echo technique (either
with oscilloscope or digital instruments using multiple echoes, single crystal technique) are
required. Single echo instruments may be used on uncoated surfaces, which have been
cleaned and ground.
1.6 Reporting – The report shall be based on the guidelines given in UR Z7, UR Z7.1, UR
Z7.2, Z10.1, Z10.2, Z10.3, Z10.4 and Z10.5, as relevant.
1.7 Verification – The supplier must have the Surveyor’s verification of each separate job,
documented in the report by the attending Surveyor(s) signature.
2. Firms engaged in tightness testing of closing appliances such as hatches, doors etc.
Z17 with ultrasonic equipment
(cont)
2.1 Extent of engagement – Ultrasonic tightness testing of closing appliances such as
hatches, doors etc.
• Have knowledge of different closing appliances such as hatches, doors etc. including
their design, functioning and sealing features
• Have experience with the operation and maintenance of different closing appliances
such as hatches, doors etc.
• Be able to document theoretical and practical training onboard in using the ultrasonic
equipment specified
2.3 It shall be demonstrated to the Surveyor that the ultrasonic equipment is fit for the
purpose of detecting leakages in closing appliances.
2.4 Procedures – The supplier shall have documented work procedures which shall
include the manual for the ultrasonic equipment specified, its adjustment, its maintenance, its
operation and approval criteria.
3. Firms carrying out an in-water survey on ships and mobile offshore units by diver or
Z17 Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV).
(cont)
3.1 Extent of engagement – In-water survey in lieu of a docking survey and/or the internal
hull survey of compartments filled with water on ships and mobile offshore units by diver or
Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV).
3.2 Training of personnel – The supplier is responsible for the qualification of its divers,
Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) operators and supervisors and for their training in the use
of the equipment utilised when carrying out inspection. Knowledge of the following shall be
documented:
• Ship’s underwater structure and appendages, propeller shaft, propeller, rudder and its
bearings, etc.
• Under-water video monitoring with TV-monitors on deck, as well as still picture work
3.3 A plan for training of personnel in the reporting system, minimum Rule requirements
for relevant ship or unit types, ship’s or unit’s underwater structure, measuring of bearing
clearances, the recognition of corrosion damage, buckling and deteriorated coatings, etc. shall
be included.
3.4 Supervisor
3.4.1 Diving Supervisor – Diving supervisor shall be qualified according to the supplier’s
general requirements and shall have a minimum of two years’ experience as a diver carrying
out inspection.
3.4.2 ROV Supervisor – ROV supervisor shall have a minimum of two (2) years of experience
conducting inspections with ROVs.
3.5.1 Divers carrying out inspection – The diver carrying out the inspection shall have had
at least one year’s experience as an assistant diver carrying out inspections (including
participation in a minimum of 10 different assignments).
3.5.2 ROV operators- ROV operators shall have at least one year of experience working with
ROVs conducting inspections on vessels.
3.6 Equipment
Z17 3.6.1 The following shall be available:
(cont)
• Closed circuit colour television with sufficient illumination equipment
3.6.2 In addition to above 3.6.1, the following shall be available for firms carrying out survey
by ROV:
3.7.1 The supplier shall have documented operational procedures and guidelines for how to
carry out the inspection and how to handle the equipment. These shall include:
• Guidance of the diver along the hull to provide complete coverage of the parts to be
inspected
3.7.2 In addition to above 3.7.1, documented operational procedures and guidelines for firms
carrying out in-water survey by ROV shall also include:
• Guidance for the operation and maintenance of the Remotely Operated Vehicle, if
applicable
• Methods and equipment to ensure the ROV operator can determine the ROV’s location
and orientation in relation to the vessel.
3.8 Verification – The supplier must have the Surveyor’s verification of each separate job,
documented in the report by the attending Surveyor(s) signature.
• Service Suppliers are to have professional knowledge of fire theory, fire-fighting and fire-
extinguishing appliances sufficient to carry out the maintenance and/or inspections, and
to make the necessary evaluations of the condition of the equipment
4.3 Procedures
• Service Suppliers are to have documented procedures and instructions on how to carry
out the servicing of the equipment and/or system. These are to either contain or make
reference to the Manufacturer’s servicing manuals, servicing bulletins, instructions and
training manuals, as appropriate, and to international requirements
• Additionally they are to make reference to any requirements (e.g. what markings should
be appended to the equipment/system)
4.4 Reference Documents - The Service Supplier is to have access to the following
documents:
• Type Approval certificates showing any conditions that may be appropriate during the
servicing and/or maintenance of fire-extinguishing equipment and systems
• MSC/Circ.670 (Guidelines for the Performance and Testing Criteria and Surveys of High
Expansion Foam Concentrates for fixed Fire-Extinguishing Systems)
• MSC/Circ.798 (Guidelines for the Performance and Testing Criteria and Surveys of
Medium Expansion Foam Concentrates for fixed Fire-Extinguishing Systems)
• MSC/Circ.799 ((Guidelines for the Performance and Testing Criteria and Surveys
of Expansion Foam Concentrates for fixed Fire-Extinguishing Systems of Chemical
Tankers)
• MSC.1/Circ.1312 (Revised Guidelines for the Performance and Testing Criteria and
Z17 Surveys of Foam Concentrates for fixed Fire-Extinguishing Systems as corrected by
(cont) MSC/Circ.1312/Corr.1)
• IMO Res. A. 951(23) – Improved guidelines for marine portable fire extinguishers
• Guidelines adopted by IMO for fire extinguishing equipment and systems specifically
intended for service by service suppliers
4.5.2 Equipment
Sufficient and appropriate spares and tools are to be available as applicable, which should
include:
5.2 Equipment and facilities – IMO Res. A.761(18) as amended by MSC.55(66) gives
recommendations on conditions for the approval of servicing stations for inflatable liferafts
which shall be observed as relevant. Where inflatable liferafts are subject to extended service
intervals, MSC.1/Circ.1328 should also be followed.
5.3 Procedures and instructions – The supplier shall have documented procedures and
instructions for how to carry out service of equipment. Where inflatable liferafts are subject
to extended service intervals in accordance with the requirements of SOLAS Regulation
III/20.8.3, MSC.1/Circ.1328 should be followed in addition to Resolution A.761(18) as amended
by MSC.55(66).
5.4 The supplier shall provide evidence that it has been authorised or licensed to service the
particular makes and models of equipment for which approval is sought by the equipment’s
manufacturer.
5.5 Reference Documents - The Service Supplier is to have access to the following
documents:
• Type Approval certificates, showing any conditions that may be appropriate during the
servicing and/or maintenance of inflatable liferafts, inflatable rescue boats, inflatable
lifejackets, and hydrostatic release units
• Annual testing of 406 MHz satellite EPIRBs for compliance with SOLAS Regulation
IV/15.9
• The principles of this section also apply to Service Suppliers involved in inspection,
performance testing and maintenance of Automatic Identification Systems (AIS).The
Service Supplier is to be familiar with the equipment with which it will be involved, such
as being a service agent for the equipment manufacturer
6.2 Reference documents – The supplier shall have access to the following documents:
• IMO Performance Standards for the equipment for which the Service Supplier is
approved
6.3 Supervisor – The supervisor shall have a minimum two years education from a technical
school, experience as inspector, and should preferably hold a General Operator’s Certificate
(GOC) or a GMDSS Radioelectronic Certificate (REC), recognised by the ITU, to operate or
test radio transmitters. He should be aware of any local conditions for radio signal propagation,
of regional radio stations and their facilities, and of the GMDSS infrastructure.
6.4 Radio inspector – The inspector carrying out the inspection shall have passed the
internal training of the supplier in Radiotelephony, GMDSS, and initial and renewal surveys,
as applicable. The inspector shall also have at least one year’s technical school training or
as alternative hold evidence that he followed a technical course approved by the relevant
Administration, at least one year’s experience as an assistant radio inspector and should
preferably hold an appropriate National Radio Operators Certificate, recognised by the
ITU, such as a GMDSS General Operator’s Certificate (GOC) or a GMDSS Radioelectronic
Certificate (REC). He should be aware of any local conditions for radio signal propagation, of
regional radio stations and their facilities, and of the GMDSS infrastructure.
6.5.2 A standard which is relevant to the radio equipment to be tested shall be available for
the equipment and shall be cited in the inspection report.
6.5.3 For equipment employing software in conjunction with the testing/examination, this
software shall be fully described and verified.
• Equipment for measuring output and reflect effect on VHF and MF/HF
• Equipment for measuring modulation on MF/HF and VHF (AM, FM, PM)
6.7 Procedures and instructions – The supplier shall have documented procedures and
instructions for how to carry out testing and examination of radio equipment. Procedures and
instructions for operating each item of the testing/inspection equipment shall also be kept and
be available at all times.
• The supplier shall document and demonstrate that it has knowledge of the equipment
and systems sufficient to carry out the inspections and testing of self-contained breathing
apparatus to identify standards and to make the necessary evaluation of the condition of
the equipment
7.3 Procedures
• Service Suppliers are to have documented procedures and instructions on how to carry
out the servicing of the equipment and/or system. These are to either contain or make
reference to the Manufacturer’s servicing manuals, servicing bulletins, instructions and
training manuals, as appropriate
• Additionally they are to make reference to any requirements (e.g. what markings should
be appended to the equipment/system) and how they should be applied
7.4 Reference Documents - The Service Supplier is to have access to the following
documents:
• Type Approval certificates showing any conditions which may be appropriate during the
servicing and/or maintenance of self-contained breathing apparatus
7.5.2 Equipment
Z17 • Sufficient and appropriate spares and tools are to be available for repair, maintenance
(cont)
and servicing of self-contained breathing apparatus in accordance with the
requirements of the Manufacturers
8. Firms engaged in examination of Ro-Ro ships bow, stern, side and inner doors
Z17 8.1 Extent of engagement - inspection of securing and locking devices, hydraulic operating
(cont)
system, electric control system for the hydraulics, electric indicator systems, and supporting,
securing and locking devices and tightness testing.
8.2 The supplier is to be certified to the most current version of ISO 9000 series.
8.3 Supervision - In addition to 5.2.3, the requirement to have had a minimum of two years
experience as operator/technician/inspector within the activity, a Supervisor is to have a
minimum two years related education from a technical school.
8.5 Reference documents - The supplier shall have access to the following reference
documents:
• UR Z24 - Survey Requirements for Shell and Inner Doors of Ro-Ro ships, or its
equivalent, by the relevant class society
8.6.1 For Inspection of Supporting Securing and Locking Devices, Hinges and Bearings:
• Equipment for measuring clearances (i.e. feeler gauges, vernier calipers, micrometers).
• Pressure gauges
• Digital multi-meter
8.7.1 The supplier shall have access to drawings and documents, including the Operating and
Inspection Manual.
8.7.2 The supplier shall have access to the service history of the doors.
Z17 8.7.3 The supplier should use, complete and sign a checklist which has been found
(cont)
acceptable by the classification society.
9. Firms engaged in annual performance testing of Voyage Data Recorders (VDR) and
Z17 simplified Voyage Data Recorders (S-VDR)
(cont)
9.1 Extent of engagement – Testing and servicing of Voyage Data Recorders (VDR) and
Simplified Voyage Data Recorders (S-VDR) in accordance with SOLAS Chapter V Regulation
18.8 and IMO - MSC.1/Circular.1222/Rev.1 - Guidelines on Annual Testing of
Voyage Data Recorders (VDR) and Simplified Voyage Data Recorders (S-VDR), as
applicable.
9.2.1 The supplier shall provide evidence that he has been authorised or licensed by the
equipment’s manufacturer to service the particular makes and models of equipment for which
approval is sought.
9.2.2 Where the Service Supplier is also the Manufacturer of the Voyage Data Recorder
(VDR) or Simplified Voyage Data Recorder (S-VDR) and has elected to apply IMO -
MSC.1/Circular.1222/Rev.1 - Guidelines on Annual Testing of Voyage Data Recorders
(VDR) and Simplified Voyage Data Recorders (S-VDR) in its entirety for the purpose of
acting as a Service Supplier engaged in annual performance testing, the following is to
apply:
9.3 Procedures
9.3.1 The Service Supplier shall have documented procedures and instructions.
9.3.2 Where the Service Supplier is also the Manufacturer of the Voyage Data Recorder
(VDR) or Simplified Voyage Data Recorder (S-VDR) and has selected to apply IMO - MSC.1/
Circular.1222/Rev.1 - Guidelines on Annual Testing of Voyage Data Recorders (VDR) and
Simplified Voyage Data Recorders (S-VDR) in its entirety for the purpose of acting as a
Service Supplier engaged in annual performance testing, the following is to apply:
• IMO - International Convention on the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), 74/78, Ch V, Reg
18.8. – Approval, surveys and performance standards of navigational systems and
equipment and voyage data recorder
9.4.2 The Service Supplier is to have access to applicable industry performance standards,
e.g.:
• IEC 61996–2 - Maritime navigation and radio communication equipment and systems –
Shipborne voyage data recorder (VDR) – Part 2: Simplified voyage data recorded
(S-VDR) – Performance requirements, method of testing and required test results
9.4.3 The Service Supplier is also to have access to any documentation specified in the
authorisation or license from the equipment manufacturer.
9.5 Equipment and Facilities - In addition, the Service Supplier shall have equipment as
specified in the authorisation or license from the equipment Manufacturer.
9.6.1 The Service Supplier shall issue a certificate of compliance as specified in the
International Convention on Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS 1974), as amended, Ch V, Reg
18.8.
9.6.2 Annual Performance Test of VDR and S-VDR should be recorded in the form of the
model test report given in the Appendix to MSC.1/Circular.1222/Rev.1, signed and stamped
by the Service Supplier and attached to the annual performance test certificate.
9.6.3 Where the Service Supplier is also the Manufacturer of the Voyage Data Recorder
(VDR) or Simplified Voyage Data Recorder (S-VDR) and has selected to apply IMO -
MSC.1/Circular.1222/Rev.1 - Guidelines on Annual Testing of Voyage Data Recorders
(VDR) and Simplified Voyage Data Recorders (S-VDR) in its entirety for the purpose of
acting as a Service Supplier engaged in annual performance testing, the Manufacturer is
to make arrangements for the following:
Page 25 of 46 IACS Req. 1997/Rev.16 2021
Z17
9.6.4 Issue of the annual performance test certificate to the Owner/Operator within 45 days of
completion of the annual performance test.
10. Firms engaged in inspections of low location lighting systems using photo
Z17 luminescent materials and evacuation guidance systems used as an alternative to low-
(cont) location lighting systems
10.6 Verification – The supplier must have the Surveyor’s verification of each separate job,
documented in the report by the attending Surveyor’s signature.
• IMO - International Convention on the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), 74/78 Ch II-2, Pt
D, Reg 13.3.2.5 – Marking of escape routes
• IMO - Resolution A.752(18) - Guidelines for the Evaluation, Testing and Application of
Low-Location Lighting on Passenger Ships - (adopted on 4 November 1993)
11. Firms engaged in sound pressure level measurements of public address and general
Z17 alarm systems on board ships
(cont)
11.1 Extent of engagement – Sound pressure level measurements of public address and
general alarm systems on board ships.
11.3 Equipment – The measuring instrument shall be an integrating sound level meter with
frequency analyser capabilities complying with IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission)
60651 and IEC 61672, type 1 precision class with, at least an A-weighting frequency response
curve and 1/3 octave and 1 octave band filters, complying to IEC 61260, as appropriate for
the measurements to be carried out. In addition microphones shall be of the random incidence
type, complying with IEC 60651.
11.5 Reporting – The report shall describe, as a minimum, the environmental conditions of
the tests and, for each test location, the ambient noise level or the speech interference level,
as appropriate for the measurements to be carried out. The report shall conform to any other
specific requirement of the Society.
11.6 Verification – The supplier must have the Surveyor’s verification of each separate job,
documented in the report by his signature.
• International Life-Saving Appliance (LSA) Code, Ch VII, Reg 7.2 – General alarm and
public address system
12. Firms engaged in testing of coating systems in accordance with IMO Resolution
Z17 MSC.215(82) as amended and IACS UI SC223 and/or MSC.288(87) as amended
(cont)
12.1 Laboratories
• A detailed list of the Laboratory test equipment for the coating approval according to the
IMO Resolution MSC.215(82) as amended and/or MSC.288(87) as amended.
• Details of exposure method and site for weathering primed test panels.
• A sample daily or weekly log/form for recording test conditions and observations
including unforeseen interruption of the exposure cycle with corrective actions.
• Rec. 101: IACS Model Report for IMO Resolution MSC.215(82) Annex 1 “Test
Procedures for Coating Qualification”
• Rec. 102: IACS Model Report for IMO Resolution MSC.215(82) Annex 1 “Test
Procedures for Coating Qualification”, Section 1.7 – Crossover Test
12.1.4 Audit of the test laboratory is to be based on this procedure and the standards listed
in the IMO Resolution MSC.215(82) as amended and/or MSC.288(87) as amended for the
coating approval.
.1 lifeboats (including free-fall lifeboats), rescue boats and fast rescue boats; and
.2 launching appliances and on-load and off-load release gear for lifeboats (including
primary and secondary means of launching appliances for free-fall lifeboats),
rescue boats, fast rescue boats and davit-launched liferafts.
13.2.1 The contents of this procedure apply equally to manufacturers or ship’s operator when
they are acting as Service Suppliers.
13.3.1 Personnel for the work specified in 13.1 shall be certified by the manufacturer or the
Service Supplier for each make and type of the equipment to be worked on. Approved Service
Supplier is allowed to certify its own personnel (i.e. employed by the same service supplier)
only.
13.3.2 The education for initial certification of personnel should be documented and address,
as a minimum:
• Design and construction of lifeboats (including free-fall lifeboats), rescue boats and fast
rescue boats, including on load release gear and launching appliances
• Education and practical training in the procedures specified in section 6 of the Annex to
Z17 IMO Resolution MSC.402(96) /Corr.1 for which certification is sought
(cont)
• Detailed procedures for thorough examination, operational testing, repair and overhaul
of lifeboats (including free-fall lifeboats), rescue boats and fast rescue boats,
launching appliances and on load release gear, as applicable;
• Procedures for issuing a report of service and statement of fitness for purpose based on
IMO Resolution MSC.402(96) /Corr.1 (annex, paragraph 5.3); and
13.3.3 The training for the personnel shall include practical technical training on thorough
examination, operational testing, maintenance, repair and overhaul techniques using the
equipment for which the personnel are to be certified. The technical training shall include
disassembly, reassembly, correct operation and adjustment of the equipment. Classroom
training shall be supplemented by field experience in the operations for which certification is
sought, under the supervision of a certified person.
13.3.5 Upon completion of training and competency assessment, a certificate shall be issued
defining the level of qualification and the scope of the certification (i.e. makes and types of
equipment and specifically state which activities (annual thorough examination and operational
tests; 5-year thorough examination, overhaul; overload operational tests; repairs) are covered
by the certification). The expiry date shall clearly be written on the certificate and shall be three
years from the date of issue. The validity of any certificate shall be suspended in the event of
any shortfall in performance and only revalidated after a further competency assessment.
13.4 Reference Documents - The Service Supplier is to have access to the following
documents:
• Type Approval certificate showing any conditions that may be appropriate during the
servicing and/or maintenance of lifeboats, launching appliances and on-load release
gear
13.5 Equipment and Facilities - The Service Supplier is to have the following:
Z17 • Sufficient tools, and in particular any specialized tools specified in the equipment
(cont)
manufacturer’s instructions, including portable tools as needed for work to be carried
out on board ship
• For servicing and repair work involving disassembly or adjustment of on-load release
mechanisms, availability of genuine replacement parts as specified or supplied by the
equipment manufacturer
13.6 Reporting - The report shall conform to the requirements of IMO Resolution
MSC.402(96) /Corr.1 (annex, paragraph 5.3). When repairs, thorough examinations and
annual servicing are completed, a statement confirming that the lifeboat arrangements remain
fit for purpose should be promptly issued by the Service Supplier that conducted the work. A
copy of valid documents of certification and authorization as appropriate shall be included with
the statement.
14.2 Supervisor
14.3 Operators
• Training concerning the procedures specified in IMO Code on Noise Levels onboard
Ships
• Be able to document theoretical and practical training onboard in using a sound level
meter
14.4 Equipment
Measurement of sound pressure levels shall be carried out using precision integrating
sound level meters. Such meters shall be manufactured to IEC 61672-1(2002-05)1, as
amended, type/class1 standard as applicable, or to an equivalent standard acceptable to the
Administration2.
1
Recommendation for sound level meters.
2
Sound level meters class/type 1 manufactured according to IEC 651/IEC 804 may be
used until 1 July 2016.
When used alone, or in conjunction with a sound level meter, as appropriate, an octave filter
set shall conform to IEC 61260 (1995)3, as amended, or an equivalent standard acceptable to
the Administration.
3
Octave-band and fractional-octave-band filters
Sound calibrators shall comply with the standard IEC 60942 (2003-01), as amended, and shall
be approved by the manufacturer of the sound level meter used.
14.4.4 Calibration
Z17 Sound Calibrator and sound level meter shall be verified at least every two years by a national
(cont)
Standard laboratory or a competent laboratory accredited according to ISO 17025 (2005), as
amended. A record with a complete description of the equipment used shall be kept, including
a calibration log.
A microphone wind screen shall be used when taking readings outside, e.g. on navigating
bridge wings or on deck, and below deck where there is any substantial air movement. The
wind screen should not affect the measurement level of similar sounds by more than 0.5 dB(A)
in “no wind” conditions.
14.5.1 The supplier shall have documented procedures and instructions to carry out service of
the equipment.
- Resolution A.468(XII) and IMO Resolution MSC.337(91) code on noise levels on board
ships
14.6 Reporting
A noise inspection report shall be made for each ship. The report shall comprise information
on the noise levels in the various spaces on board. The report shall show the reading at each
specified measuring point. The points shall be marked on a general arrangement plan, or on
accommodation drawings attached to the report, or shall otherwise be identified.
The format for noise inspection reports is set out in appendix 1 of IMO Code on Noise Levels
onboard Ships and may conform to any other specific requirement of the society (refer to IMO
circular MSC.337(91)).
14.7 Verification
The supplier must have the Surveyor’s verification of each separate job, documented in the
report by his signature.
15. Firms engaged in tightness testing of primary and secondary barriers of gas carriers
Z17 with membrane cargo containment systems for vessels in service
(cont)
15.1 Extent of engagement
• Thermographic Testing
15.2 Requirements for firms engaged in global testing of primary and secondary barriers
15.2.1 Testing Procedures – Testing is to be carried out in accordance with cargo containment
system designer’s procedures as approved by the society.
15.2.2 Authorization – The supplier is to be authorized by the system designer to carry out
the testing.
• Date of testing
15.3.1 Testing procedures – The supplier is to have documented procedures based upon
recognized national or international industrial standards to perform ultrasonic leak test
using AE sensors for the secondary barrier of membrane cargo containment systems.
The procedures are to include details of personnel responsibilities and qualification,
instrumentation, test preparation, test method, signal processing, evaluation and reporting.
Note: The differential pressure during testing should not exceed the containment system
designer’s limitations.
15.3.3 Operators – The operators carrying out the acoustic emission (AE) testing shall be
certified to a recognized national or international industrial standard (e.g. Level I, ISO-9712 as
amended or SNT-TC-1A as amended) and shall have adequate knowledge of ship structures
sufficient to determine sensor placement.
15.3.5 Evaluation of acoustic emission (AE) testing – Must be carried out by the supervisor or
individuals certified to a recognized national or international industrial standard (e.g. Level II,
ISO-9712 as amended or SNT-TC-1A as amended) and have one year experience at
Level II.
• Date of testing
15.4.1 Testing Procedures – Testing is to be carried out in accordance with the cargo
containment system designer’s procedures as approved by the society.
15.4.2 Authorization – The supplier is to be authorized by the system designer to carry out
the testing.
15.4.4 Operators – The operators carrying out the imaging shall be certified to a recognized
national or international industrial standard (e.g. Level I, ISO-9712 as amended or SNT-TC-1A
as amended) with additional certification in infrared/thermal testing and shall have adequate
knowledge of ship structures sufficient to determine position for each identified image,
and of the containment system to understand the basis of the testing. SNT-TC-1A certified
personnel must provide evidence that training on Level I or above has been administered by
an independent training body centrally certified to ASNT or a comparable nationally recognized
certification scheme.
15.4.5 Equipment – Thermal cameras and sensors are to be in accordance with the system
designer’s procedures with regards to sensitivity, accuracy and resolution.
Equipment are to be in accordance with recognized standard (IEC, etc.) with regards
their safety characteristics for the use in hazardous areas (in gas explosive atmosphere),
maintained and calibrated in accordance with the maker’s recommendations.
Level II or above has been administered by an independent training body centrally certified to
Z17 ASNT or a comparable nationally recognized certification scheme.
(cont)
15.4.7 Reporting – The report is to contain the following:
• Date of testing
16.1 Definitions:
- Remote Inspection Techniques (RIT): RIT is a means of survey that enables examination
of any part of the structure without the need for direct physical access of the surveyor
(refer to Rec.42). Remote inspection techniques may include the use of:
16.2 Extent of engagement – Close-up Survey of ships’ structure and mobile offshore units’
structure by remote inspection techniques. For in-water close-up survey of the internal
compartments by Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV), suppliers are also to hold separate
approval as a “Firm carrying out an in-water survey on ships and mobile offshore units by diver
or Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV)” (see Annex 1, Section 3).
16.3 Training and qualification of operators – The supplier is responsible for the training and
qualification of its operators to undertake the remote inspections. UAV Pilots are to be qualified
and licenced in accordance with applicable national requirements or an equivalent industrial
standard acceptable to the society.
16.4 Training Plan – the supplier is to maintain a documented training plan for personnel. The
plan shall include requirements for training in the minimum Rule requirements for the structure
of relevant ships types and MOUs, the recognition of structural deterioration (including
corrosion, buckling, cracking and deteriorated coatings) and use of the reporting system.
16.5 Supervisor – The supervisor shall be certified according to the recognized national
requirements or an equivalent industrial standard (e.g. XXX Level) and shall have a minimum
of two years’ experience in the inspection of ship’s and/or MOU’s structure.
16.6 Operators – The operator carrying out the inspection shall certified according to the
Z17 recognized national requirements or an equivalent industrial standard (e.g. YYY Level)
(cont) and have had at least one year’s experience as an assistant carrying out inspections
of ship’s and/or MOU’s structure (including participation in a minimum of five different
assignments). The operators of those RIT which require, according to the international and
national legislations, to be licensed for their use shall hold valid documentation issued by
the appropriate Bodies (e.g. UAV Pilots are to be qualified and licenced in accordance with
applicable national requirements).
Remotely operated platform with data capture devices capable of operation within an
enclosed space.
Means of powering the platforms with sufficient capacity to complete the required
inspections, including spare batteries if applicable.
Data collection devices which may include cameras capable of capturing in high
definition both video images and still images.
Illumination equipment.
High definition display screen with live high definition feed from inspection cameras.
(When this is part of the RIT).
Means of communication.
Data recording devices, as applicable.
Equipment for carrying out thickness gauging and/or non-destructive testing, as
relevant to the work to be performed (when this is part of the service).
16.8 Procedures and guidelines – The supplier shall have documented operational procedures
and guidelines for how to plan, carry out and report inspections; how to handle/operate the
equipment; collection and storage of data. These shall include:
Requirements for preparation of inspection plans when UAV are part of the equipment
flight plans shall be included.
Operation of the remotely operated platforms.
Operation of lighting.
Calibration of the data collection equipment.
Operation of the data collection equipment.
Two-way communication between the operator, platform, Surveyor, other personnel
such as support staff and ships officers and crew.
Guidance of the operator to provide complete coverage of the structure to be
inspected.
Guidance for the maintenance of the remotely operated platforms, data capture and
storage devices and display screens, as applicable.
Requirements for the collection and validation of data.
If data is to be stored, then requirements for location attribution (geo-tagging),
validation and storage of data.
Requirements for the reporting of inspections, including the recording of damages and
defects found during inspection and repair work.
16.9 Documentation and records - The supplier shall maintain the following:
Z17 Records of training.
(cont)
Operator statutory and regulatory certificates and licences.
Equipment register for UAVs, Robots, data collection devices, data analysis devices
and any associated equipment necessary to perform inspections.
Equipment maintenance manuals and records / logbook.
Records of calibration.
UAV / Robot operation logbook.
16.10 Verification – The supplier must have the Surveyor’s verification of each separate job,
documented in the report by the attending Surveyor(s) signature.
17. Firms engaged in Watertight Cable Transit Seal Systems Inspection on Ships and
Z17 Mobile Offshore Units.
17.1.1 Inspection of the Watertight Cable Transit Seal Systems for compliance with the relevant
approval certificates and product installation manuals, (types of penetrating cables, dimensions,
fill ratio and insulation details, as applicable).
17.2.1 The contents of this procedure apply equally to manufacturers or shipyards when they are
acting as Service Suppliers.
17.2.2 Any Service Supplier engaged in the inspections of watertight cable transit seal systems
shall be qualified in these inspections for each make and type of equipment for which they
provide the inspection, and provide manufacturers documentary evidence that they have been
so authorized or they are certified in accordance with an established system for training and
authorization.
Such qualification shall include, as a minimum:
17.3.1 Personnel for the work specified in 17.1.1 shall be trained and qualified in the inspection
for which they are authorised, for each make and type of equipment for which they provide the
inspection.
17.3.2 The education for initial certification of personnel shall be documented and addressed,
as a minimum:
Procedures and instructions for the inspection of the watertight cable transit seal
systems
Common problems found with the initial installation and in-service inspections of
watertight cable transit seal systems
17.3.3 The education and training for the personnel shall include practical technical training on
actual inspection using the watertight cable transit seal systems for which the personnel are to
Z17 be certified. The technical training shall include disassembly, reassembly and adjustment of the
(cont) equipment. Classroom training shall be supplemented by field experience in the inspections for
which certification is sought, under the supervision of an experienced senior certified person.
17.3.4 At the time of initial certification and at each renewal of certification, the service supplier
shall provide documentation to verify personnel’s satisfactory completion of a competency
assessment using the equipment for which the personnel are certified.
17.3.5 The Service Supplier shall require refresher training as appropriate to renew the
certification.
Type Approval certificate showing any conditions that may be appropriate during the
installation or maintenance of the watertight cable transit seal system.
Sufficient tools, and in particular any specialized tools specified in the equipment
manufacturer’s instructions, including portable tools as needed for work to be carried
out on board ship.
17.6 Reporting
On completion of inspection, the Service Supplier will issue a report confirming the
condition of the watertight Cable Transit Seal System. They will also record the results
of their inspection in the Cable Transit Seal System Register.
(cont) 18.1 Extent of engagement - Sampling and Analysis of ballast water and Verification of the
self-monitoring equipment during Commissioning Testing of Ballast Water Management Systems
(BWMS), for Statutory purposes.
18.2 Procedure
• Procedures for sampling collection and handling, analysis, assessment of BWMS correct
operations and documenting and reporting. The procedures are to outline how the
ballast water sampling and analysis is conducted with respect to each size class of
organisms;
• Operating procedures for the ballast water test equipment specified including calibration,
adjustment and maintenance
18.2.2 Service Suppliers are to be familiar with the BWMS operation including features and
limits of each treatment technology, and self-monitoring parameters.
18.2.3 Service Suppliers are to be accredited to relevant standards such as ISO/IEC 17025 or
equivalent, as applicable.
18.2.4 Service Suppliers are to be independent of the BWMS manufacturer or supplier including
shipyards.
18.3 Operators – Service Suppliers are expected to be able to perform both the biological
sampling and assessment of self-monitoring parameters and has responsibility for document that
the requirements to the operator are satisfied. Therefore, operators who conduct commissioning
testing are to:
• demonstrate knowledge in the use of different ballast water testing equipment for the
purpose of assessing biological efficacy;
• (*) be trained in the proper use of portable indicative analysis equipment. Review of
training records and/or interviews should be conducted to confirm the equipment will be
properly used during testing;
• (*) be familiar with and understand the design concepts of the Guidelines G2 sampling
devices installed on the vessel’s water ballast system. Personnel shall understand the
need to maintain the G2 sampling devices clean and free of contaminants and the
importance of controlling the ballast water sample flow rates from the G2 device (to
avoid organism mortality in the sample);
• (*) be familiar with the technologies utilized by the indicative sampling equipment and
understand water quality issues that are both conducive to successful use of the
equipment and circumstances that could challenge the use of the equipment;
Page 43 of 46 IACS Req. 1997/Rev.16 2021
Z17
• (*) be trained in the proper disposal procedures for water samples following testing.
Z17
(cont) • (Δ) have knowledge of the system design limitations of the BWMS (as stated in the
BWMS type approval certificate) and knowledge of the BWMS self-monitoring
parameters, such as flow rate, pressure, TRO concentration, UV transmittance/intensity,
etc, and how the BWMS notifies the operator in case he operates BWMS outside its
system design limitations. This knowledge is relevant for evaluating whether the self-
monitoring equipment of the BWMS indicates correct operation of the BWMS. In case
Service Supplier are not present during ballasting operations, the Service Supplier shall
have knowledge of how to access the BWMS log to evaluate that the BWMS operated
correctly during ballasting operations;
• (Δ) have the procedures and knowledge to be able to assess the applicable self-
monitoring parameters (e.g., flow rate, pressure, TRO, UV intensity, etc.) of the BWMS,
taking into account the System Design Limitations of the BWMS;
Notes: (1) the points marked with (*) are qualifications for operators performing sampling and
analysis of ballast water; (2) the points marked with (Δ) are the qualifications for operators
performing verification of the self-monitoring equipment ;(3) the points above without symbol are
the common qualifications for service supplier.
Equipment, procedures and methods for detailed analysis, where applicable, are to be in
accordance with relevant International standard and/or accepted Industry standards.
Laboratories conducting sample enumeration are to be accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 standard,
or equivalent.
• Test results conduct for the verification of accuracy, detection range and repeatability.
For indicative analysis equipment planned to be used, the equipment OEM instruction manuals
shall be available. The manuals shall include, at least, clear guidance for the proper storage,
handling, operation, maintenance, repair, and calibration.
Note: Each Service Supplier applicant will present the Surveyor their confidential internal
procedures for conducting the indicative testing. Not all the equipment listed in the references
will be used. For all equipment planned to be used, the instruction manuals shall be available.
Page 44 of 46 IACS Req. 1997/Rev.16 2021
Z17
The Service Supplier will need to use specialty devices (e.g., sieves, screens, etc.) to separate
Z17 the different organism sizes classes (i.e., ≥ 10 µm to < 50 µm, and ≥ 50 µm, and indicator
(cont) microbes) to support analysis of each size class.
Equipment used for the analysis of other physical-chemical water parameters is to be suitable
for the intended use.
Indicative analysis equipment should be properly stored or transported to avoid damage and
disturbance to calibrations, etc. when transporting from the Service Suppliers facilities to the
vessels.
Service Suppliers are to follow relevant guidelines on sampling of ballast water. A standard
operating procedure is to be defined for sampling of uptake water. Discharge sampling shall
follow the IMO's 'Guidelines for Ballast Water Sampling (G2)'.
The representative samples shall be analyzed as a minimum for the two size classes of
organisms, namely ≥ 50 μm and ≥ 10 μm to < 50 μm, specified in IMO Circular BWM.2/
Circ.70/Rev.1 - Guidance for the Commissioning Testing of Ballast Water Management
Systems using indicative analysis methods. Detailed analysis of all organism type/size classes
or combination of detail and indicative analysis can also be performed.
• Operation of the BWMS during test period, including any recorded data or operator
observations associated with the performance deviations, alarms or
abnormal/unexpected operations.
In case the commissioning testing requires the Service Supplier’s personnel to work in
hazardous areas (e.g., pump room for tankers, etc.), the Service Supplier shall either have
equipment certified for the spaces or provide the Surveyor with a list of vessels for which they
would not be able to conduct testing.
18.6 Reporting
Service Suppliers are to provide reports detailing the results of sampling and analysis of ballast
water and assessment of self-monitoring parameters during commissioning testing. The format
is to be acceptable to Society. The report, as a minimum, will contain the following:
• Manufacturer's name
• Model name
• Operation required, e.g., ballasting, de-ballast, circulation, one pass, in tank, etc
• Installation location.
• Date installed
The Service Supplier is to have access to the following documents, as may be amended:
• IMO Resolution A.1120(30) – Survey Guidelines under the Harmonized System of Survey
and Certifications (HSSC), 2017 (for BWMS that were Type Approved to the 2016 G8)
End of
Document