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Home › Survey & Certification › Annual Survey
Operational guide · Certification & surveys

Annual Survey

An Annual Survey checks continued maintenance of conditions relevant to the certificate. Plan it within its window, with documents, access and tests ready.

annual surveyHSSCcertificationperiodic verification

Operational Explanation

An annual survey is not certificate renewal. Prepare maintenance status, modifications and open defects; agree the checks required for that certificate and ship with the surveyor.

Regulatory Reference

IMO A.1207(34), HSSC 2025. Section 4.2: a window of three months before or after the anniversary date where an annual survey is required. IMO MEPC 84 approved a package of BWM amendments: draft approval, adoption and entry into force are separate stages. Do not treat the draft as an annual requirement already in force.

MARPOL VI/5.1.4 requires an annual survey within three months before or after the anniversary date, within regulation 5.1 (ships of 400 GT and above and the specified platforms, subject to applicable exemptions). Passenger ships are not excluded: identify the certificate and instrument rather than extending the SOLAS Passenger Ship Safety regime to MARPOL. IMO — MARPOL VI/5.1 and 5.1.4.

Scope of Application

Apply the survey scope to the actual certificate. Do not automatically call every recurring check an Annual Survey: cargo Safety Radio, for example, requires a periodical survey.

Procedure / How to Complete It

  1. Identify the certificate, anniversary date and survey due.
  2. Record window opening and closing and agree the programme.
  3. Prepare previous reports, modifications, maintenance and open defects.
  4. Arrange safe access and tests against the agreed scope.
  5. Check outcome, certificate endorsement and deadlines for required actions.

Practical Example

Anniversary date 15 September: annual window from 15 June to 15 December. Arrange access, tests and any repairs in advance; booking the surveyor does not establish survey completion.

What Typically Goes Wrong

Reducing the survey to paperwork, ignoring modifications or confusing a future BWM amendment with an effective requirement.

Common Mistakes Mistake Library

MistakeHow to avoid it
Reducing the survey to paperwork, ignoring modifications or confusing a future BWM amendment with an effective requirement.Check the individual ship’s requirements and documents before closing the work.

What the PSCO Checks

Compare the certificate, endorsements and survey status with available reports and observed condition. A future expiry date does not compensate for a missing required survey. Refer validity issues to the flag or authorised organisation.

Operational Tips

Preparation checklist

FAQ

Does the annual survey renew the certificate?
No. It is distinct from the renewal survey.
Which date defines the window?
The applicable certificate anniversary date, checking any authorised endorsements.
Is an approved BWM draft already mandatory?
No. Check adoption, entry into force and applicability before treating it as an obligation.

Related Topics

Harmonized System of Survey and Certification (HSSC)Intermediate SurveyBallast Water Management Convention In Depth

Last substantive revision of this page: 16 September 2026 · page fingerprint 713d48530a9b