Operational Guide · Registers & Logbooks

# Cargo Hold Survey for Bulk Carriers (ESP)

Since 2025 drone inspections are formally recognized for close-up surveys: a significant practical change for the bulk carrier Enhanced Survey Programme.

ESP bulk carrier cargo hold survey IACS UR Z11

## Operational Explanation

The Enhanced Survey Programme (ESP) sets out reinforced survey requirements for bulk carriers and tankers, with particular attention to close-up surveys of structures (shell frames, bulkheads) and hull thickness measurement, essential for detecting structural deterioration and corrosion that could compromise the ship's integrity.

For bulk carriers of 20,000 deadweight tonnes (DWT) or above, the first scheduled Renewal Survey after reaching 10 years of age, and all subsequent Renewal and Intermediate Surveys, must be conducted jointly by two surveyors.

IACS UR Z11 update (rev. 7, February 2025): drone inspections are now formally recognized for close-up surveys, a significant practical change for accessing difficult cargo hold spaces. In addition, any coating condition assessed below "GOOD" must now be formally recorded and re-examined at every subsequent Annual Survey; double-side skin void spaces bounding cargo holds on bulk carriers over 20 years of age and longer than 150 metres must be examined annually if the protective coating is found to be "POOR".

## Regulatory Reference

IACS UR Z10.2 (Enhanced Survey Programme for bulk carriers) and UR Z11 (rev. 7, February 2025): requirements for close-up survey, thickness measurement and coating assessment; requirement for two surveyors for Renewal/Intermediate Survey on bulk carriers ≥20,000 DWT after 10 years of age.

## Scope of Application

Every bulk carrier subject to the Enhanced Survey Programme according to applicable size and age thresholds.

## Procedure / How to Complete It

1. Submit the detailed survey programme to the Classification Society at least 6 months before the scheduled survey, including structural plans, hold/tank list, damage history and planned access methods.
2. Carry out the close-up survey of shell frames, bulkheads and thickness measurement according to the approved programme, using drones where recognized for hard-to-access spaces (per IACS UR Z11 rev.7, 2025).
3. Assess and classify the protective coating condition of every hold/space, formally recording any condition below 'GOOD'.
4. Schedule the annual examination of double-side skin void spaces with 'POOR' coating for ships over 20 years of age and longer than 150 metres.
5. Coordinate the presence of two surveyors for Renewal and Intermediate Survey on bulk carriers ≥20,000 DWT after 10 years of age.

## Practical Example

Example of survey: a 15-year-old bulk carrier with 'POOR' coating detected in a double-side skin void space during the Renewal Survey is scheduled for a supplementary annual examination of that specific space until coating restoration, under the 'POOR' condition rule for relevant ship age and size.

## Real Cases

The formal recognition of drone inspections for close-up surveys, introduced with the 2025 revision of IACS UR Z11, responds to the practical need to reduce time and risk to personnel accessing hard-to-reach hold spaces, while maintaining the same structural deterioration detection standards required by the traditional survey.

## Common Mistakes Mistake Library

Mistake | Consequence | How to avoid it
--- | --- | ---
Survey programme submitted to the Classification Society without the required minimum 6-month notice | Organizational difficulties and possible delays in survey scheduling | Always submit the survey programme at least 6 months in advance
Coating condition assessed as 'FAIR' or 'POOR' but not formally recorded or re-examined at the subsequent Annual Survey | Non-compliance with the IACS UR Z11 rev.7 rule on coating recording and re-examination | Always formally record any coating condition below 'GOOD' and schedule its re-examination
Only one surveyor present for the Renewal Survey of a bulk carrier ≥20,000 DWT after 10 years of age | Non-compliance with the ESP requirement for two joint surveyors | Always verify and coordinate the presence of two surveyors for bulk carriers exceeding the applicable size/age threshold

## PSC Observations

PSCOs verify ESP documentation (survey programme, thickness measurement reports, coating assessment) and may deepen the inspection in case of indications of structural deterioration not adequately documented or corrected.

## Operational Tips

- Always submit the survey programme at least 6 months in advance to the Classification Society.
- Formally record any coating condition below 'GOOD' and schedule the required re-examination, don't limit yourself to an informal note.
- Verify in advance whether your ship falls within the threshold requiring two joint surveyors for Renewal/Intermediate Survey.

## Checklist

- Survey programme submitted at least 6 months in advance
- Close-up survey completed according to the approved programme, including drone use where recognized
- Coating condition of every hold/space assessed and formally recorded
- Annual examination scheduled for spaces with 'POOR' coating on ships >20 years and >150 metres
- Two surveyors coordinated for Renewal/Intermediate Survey on bulk carriers ≥20,000 DWT after 10 years

## FAQ

What changes with the IACS UR Z11 rev.7 update of February 2025?
Drone inspections are formally recognized for close-up surveys; additionally, any coating condition below 'GOOD' must be formally recorded and re-examined at every subsequent Annual Survey.
When is the presence of two surveyors required for a bulk carrier survey?
For bulk carriers of 20,000 deadweight tonnes (DWT) or above, starting from the first Renewal Survey scheduled after reaching 10 years of age, and for all subsequent Renewal and Intermediate Surveys.
When is the annual examination of double-side skin void spaces required?
When the ship is over 20 years of age and longer than 150 metres, and the space's protective coating is assessed as 'POOR'.
🎬 Additional photos, videos and interactive diagrams for this topic will be available in a future version of the platform.

## Related Topics

Coating and PSPC Thickness Measurement (UTM)

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