Plans & Manuals Approval
IMRS reviews drawings, calculations, specifications, and shipboard manuals to verify compliance with the applicable IMRS Rules, international conventions, flag-state requirements, approved equivalents, and the vessel’s requested class or statutory scope. The required document list is confirmed for each project because it depends on ship type, size, service, notation, flag, and whether the work concerns a newbuilding, conversion, alteration, or an existing ship.
Approval procedure
01
Define scope
Submit vessel particulars, flag, class notation, service area, project description, applicable rules, and the requested class or statutory approval.
02
Register submission
IMRS assigns a project reference, agrees the document list, and records each drawing or manual by title, number, revision, and submission date.
03
Technical review
A competent reviewer checks rules, calculations, interfaces, materials, equipment standards, safety margins, and consistency between related documents.
04
Comments & revision
Comments identify the requirement and required action. The submitter returns a comment-response sheet and a clearly marked revised document.
05
Approval decision
When comments are resolved, IMRS issues a controlled approval status, approval reference, applicable conditions, and the approved revision.
06
Survey verification
Construction, installation, tests, trials, and the as-built condition are verified by survey where required. Later changes must be resubmitted before use.
What to include with a submission
Project information
Provide vessel name or yard number, IMO number when assigned, ship type, principal dimensions, gross tonnage, flag, builder, owner or manager, requested notation, operational profile, and the rule edition or statutory basis.
Document control
Provide a document index and searchable PDF files showing title, drawing number, scale, revision, date, designer, and approval signature. Include native calculation data when requested, referenced equipment certificates, and a response to every previous comment.
Plans and technical documents reviewed
Hull structure
General arrangement; structural fire-protection plan; midship section; shell expansion; decks, bulkheads, double bottom, tanks, foundations, hatch covers, rudder and steering structure; welding details; material schedule; corrosion additions; and structural strength calculations.
Machinery and piping
Machinery arrangement; shafting and propulsion calculations; steering gear; boilers and pressure vessels; fuel, lubrication, cooling, bilge, ballast, compressed-air, hydraulic, ventilation, exhaust, and cargo piping diagrams; automation and alarm philosophy.
Electrical and control systems
Single-line diagrams; load balance and short-circuit calculations; generator and emergency-power arrangements; switchboards; cable schedules; protection and coordination; hazardous-area equipment; automation, alarm, monitoring, and shutdown systems.
Fire safety and life-saving arrangements
Fire control and safety plans; structural fire divisions; detection and alarm; fixed and portable extinguishing systems; fire pumps and main; means of escape; lifesaving-appliance arrangement; launching appliances; emergency and muster arrangements.
Stability, load line and tonnage
Lines plan; hydrostatics; capacity plan; lightship and inclining-test data; intact and damage stability calculations; loading manual and loading instrument documentation; grain-loading information; freeboard calculation; conditions of assignment; and tonnage calculation.
Navigation, radio and special equipment
Navigation-light plan; bridge visibility; GMDSS and antenna arrangement; radio power supply; cargo gear and lifting-appliance plans; dangerous-goods arrangements; towing plans; fishing-vessel arrangements; and ship-type-specific systems included in the agreed scope.
Manuals and statutory plans reviewed
Stability and operating manuals
Stability booklet, loading manual, grain-loading manual, cargo securing manual, damage-control information, emergency towing booklet, ballast-water loading limitations, and operating manuals required by the approved design.
Pollution-prevention plans
Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plan or Shipboard Marine Pollution Emergency Plan, Garbage Management Plan, Ballast Water Management Plan, Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan, volatile organic compound plan, and procedures-and-arrangements manuals where applicable.
Safety, security and management manuals
Fire-safety operational booklet, helicopter or dangerous-goods procedures, Safety Management System documents, Ship Security Plan when authorized by the flag State, emergency procedures, drills and maintenance instructions, and Maritime Labour Convention documentation.
Plans, manuals, drawings and calculations in scope
IMRS Plans & Manuals Approval is a source-led catalogue of ship and mobile offshore drilling unit (MODU) plans, manuals, drawings, calculations, booklets and records that may be reviewed for technical completeness, consistency, class plan approval or flag-authorized statutory work. Each entry states the governing instrument, conditional applicability, review focus and official source links so a vessel or unit can be screened before a quotation or approval statement is issued.
Design calculationsHull / general drawingsMachinery and pipingElectrical / automationStability / load line / tonnage / loadingFire / life-saving / navigation / emergencyPollution / environment / energyCargo / special shipISM / ISPS / MLCMODU / offshoreAs-built and alteration control
Design calculations8 items
Engineering calculations that establish the ship or unit design basis, safety margins, performance and equivalence. These are typically submission or verification packages, not universal onboard documents.
| Document | Basis | Applicability | Review focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hydrostatics, Bonjean curves and hydrostatic curvescalculation | SOLAS II-1 and the 2008 Intact Stability Code; applicable Load Line and class rules; HSSC 2025 stability checks. | New design, conversion, major alteration, stability approval or class review for ships and MODUs; the exact model depends on hull form and operating modes. | Check offsets/lines-plan inputs, displacement and volume integration, hydrostatic particulars, Bonjean sections, cross-curves, trim/draft ranges, density assumptions and reproducibility against the approved hull model. |
| Intact stability calculationscalculation | SOLAS II-1/5 and II-1/5-1; 2008 IS Code (MSC.267(85)); applicable flag/class rules. | Passenger and cargo ships and MODUs for which intact stability is required, including newbuilds, alterations and revised loading conditions. | Review lightship data, loading cases, free-surface effects, wind/icing criteria where applicable, righting arms, limiting KG/GM, downflooding and software/version control. |
| Damage stability and flooding calculationscalculation | SOLAS II-1/5-1 and II-1/19; applicable damage-stability regime; 2009 MODU Code chapter 3. | Ships and MODUs subject to deterministic or probabilistic damage-stability requirements, including conversions and changed compartmentation. | Review damage extents, permeability, compartments, progressive flooding, downflooding, cross-flooding, residual stability, pumping assumptions and alignment with watertight plans. |
| Hull strength, scantling, buckling and fatigue calculationscalculation | SOLAS II-1; Load Line Convention; 2009 MODU Code chapters 2–3; IACS UR S/D and applicable class rules. | New construction, conversion, major repair, structural alteration and class entry for ships and MODUs. | Review design loads, global/local strength, buckling, fatigue where required, openings, foundations, load paths, corrosion allowances and consistency with drawings and operating limits. |
| Powering, resistance and propulsion performance calculationscalculation | Applicable class rules, approved speed/power basis, sea-trial and propulsion verification practice; SOLAS machinery requirements where safety-critical. | New ships, propulsion changes, major conversions and MODU self-propelled units or transit assessments. | Review resistance prediction, propeller/thruster selection, propulsion power, speed assumptions, trial condition, margins, maneuvering interfaces and traceability to machinery and hull particulars. |
| Vibration and noise assessmentcalculation | Applicable class rules and recognized-organization machinery/structure requirements; SOLAS habitability and machinery safety provisions where applicable. | Newbuilds, machinery replacement, propulsion or rotating-equipment changes and problematic in-service vibration. | Review excitation sources, modal analysis, resonance avoidance, shafting and foundation assumptions, measurement/test evidence, acceptance criteria and mitigation recommendations. |
| Environmental and design-load calculations for offshore unitscalculation | 2009 MODU Code paragraphs 2.3–2.4; applicable class MODU rules and site criteria. | MODU design, conversion, relocation or major alteration for each afloat, elevated, drilling, moored, DP or survival mode. | Review wind, wave, current, ice, temperature, seabed, earthquake, fouling and operational load combinations; check global/local strength and mode-specific assumptions. |
| Alternative design and arrangements engineering dossiercalculation | SOLAS II-1/55, II-2/17 and III/38; IGF Code chapter 2 where applicable; 2009 MODU Code equivalence provisions. | Ships or MODUs proposing an alternative to prescriptive requirements; not a routine document. | Review functional goals, risk assessment, equivalence demonstration, engineering analysis, test/inspection plan, operating limits and Administration/class approval conditions. |
Hull / general drawings8 items
Arrangement, hull-form, structural and safety drawings used for design approval, construction, survey and operation.
| Document | Basis | Applicability | Review focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| General arrangement plandrawing | SOLAS chapters II-1 and II-2; HSSC 2025; applicable IACS/class rules. | New construction, conversion, major modification, class entry/transfer and approved arrangement changes for ships and MODUs. | Check principal dimensions, decks, compartments, control stations, machinery/hazardous spaces, escape routes, fire zones, LSA stations and system interfaces against the nominated approval basis. |
| Lines plan and hull-form offsetsdrawing | Applicable class/recognized-organization hull-form and hydrostatics rules; SOLAS/Load Line stability information as applicable. | New design, hull conversion, stability model update, resistance study or major structural change. | Review body plan, profile, half-breadth/offset data, reference stations, appendages and consistency with hydrostatics, shell expansion and approved geometry. |
| Shell expansion plandrawing | Load Line Convention, SOLAS II-1 and applicable class hull-structure rules. | Steel ships and MODUs during new construction, conversion, repair, class entry or alteration affecting shell plating/openings. | Review shell strakes, plate thicknesses, seams/butts, openings, frames, corrosion allowances, material grades and interfaces with scantling calculations and as-built condition. |
| Structural arrangement and midship-section drawingsdrawing | SOLAS II-1; Load Line Convention; 2009 MODU Code chapters 2–3; IACS UR S/D. | New construction and structural alterations for ships and MODUs. | Check decks, bulkheads, girders, framing, columns/braces/legs/mats, watertight boundaries, foundations, openings and load paths against calculations and design loads. |
| Machinery-space and tank arrangement drawingsdrawing | SOLAS II-1; applicable MARPOL, IBC/IGC/IGF and class rules. | Ships and MODUs with machinery, tanks, cargo, drilling or process systems; newbuilds and alterations. | Review space segregation, access, ventilation, escape, equipment footprints, tank boundaries, hazardous interfaces, maintenance clearances and coordination with piping/electrical/fire plans. |
| Watertight and weathertight arrangement drawingsdrawing | SOLAS II-1; Load Line Convention; 2009 MODU Code chapter 3. | Ships and MODUs where subdivision, freeboard, damage survival or offshore operating modes require controlled boundaries and closures. | Review doors, hatches, vents, air pipes, valves, remote controls, downflooding points, closure ratings and progressive-flooding controls against stability calculations. |
| Capacity plan and tank/space volume drawingsdrawing | SOLAS stability/loading requirements; 2008 IS Code; 2009 MODU Code paragraph 14.1.2.11–14.1.2.12. | Ships and MODUs requiring approved tank capacities, centres of gravity, sounding data or cargo-space information. | Check tank/space IDs, capacities, centres of gravity, sounding tables/curves, free-surface data and consistency with hydrostatics, loading instruments and operating manuals. |
| Approved construction drawingsdrawing | SOLAS II-1; Load Line Convention; applicable mandatory codes and class rules. | New construction, conversion, major repair and class/flag design approval for ships and MODUs. | Review approved structural and arrangement drawing register, design status, materials/welding interfaces, critical details, approval comments and consistency with calculations and the construction portfolio. |
Machinery and piping7 items
Machinery, pressure-system, fuel, bilge, ballast, drainage and piping plans, calculations and controlled manuals.
| Document | Basis | Applicability | Review focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Machinery installation plans and calculationsdrawing | SOLAS II-1/26–36; HSSC 2025; 2009 MODU Code chapters 4, 7 and 8; IACS UR M. | SOLAS ships and MODUs during new construction, conversion, machinery replacement or class survey. | Review propulsion/auxiliaries, boilers, pressure systems, foundations, steering, ventilation, redundancy, essential services, dead-ship recovery and testing assumptions. |
| Machinery layout and equipment arrangementdrawing | SOLAS II-1; applicable class machinery rules and MODU Code. | Ships and MODUs with marine or industrial machinery affecting safety and operability. | Check equipment location, access, lifting/removal, separation, ventilation, drainage, maintenance clearances, hazardous interfaces and alignment with general arrangement and piping. |
| Bilge, ballast, drainage and pumping plansdrawing | SOLAS II-1/35-1; 2009 MODU Code chapters 3, 7 and 14; applicable MARPOL and class rules. | Ships and MODUs with bilge, ballast, drainage, dewatering or emergency pumping systems. | Review capacities, pump redundancy, suction arrangements, valves, cross-connections, emergency operation, flooding assumptions, overboard discharges and consistency with damage-stability information. |
| Fuel, lubricating-oil and thermal-oil piping plansdrawing | SOLAS II-1 and II-2; MARPOL Annex VI; applicable IGF Code/class rules. | Ships and MODUs with conventional, low-flashpoint or alternative fuels and thermal systems. | Review tanks, segregation, pumps, filters, heating, leak containment, ventilation, shutoffs, relief, hazardous areas, fuel-changeover interfaces and emergency procedures. |
| Pressure-vessel, compressed-air and piping design dossiercalculation | SOLAS II-1; applicable class pressure-vessel and piping rules; 2009 MODU Code. | Ships and MODUs with pressure vessels, boilers, compressed-air systems or safety-critical process piping. | Review design pressure/temperature, materials, relief devices, supports, flexibility, stress, fatigue, welding/NDT, inspection and test evidence. |
| Machinery operating and maintenance manualsmanual | SOLAS II-1 and ISM Code; 2009 MODU Code paragraphs 14.1.5–14.1.6; HSSC onboard-manual checks. | Installed safety-critical machinery and equipment on ships and MODUs, particularly after commissioning or modification. | Check ship/unit-specific operating limits, alarms, shutdowns, startup/blackout recovery, maintenance, spares, troubleshooting, language and alignment with as-built arrangements. |
| Low-flashpoint fuel system arrangement and safety manualmanual | SOLAS II-1/55; IGF Code; HSSC 2025; applicable alternative-fuel class rules. | Ships using LNG or another low-flashpoint fuel; MODU use is conditional on the flag/class regime and installed system. | Review fuel containment, bunkering, ventilation, gas detection, ESD, pressure relief, hazardous-area equipment, control/monitoring, emergency response and manufacturer instructions. |
Electrical / automation5 items
Power generation and distribution, emergency power, control, alarm, instrumentation, automation and safety-system documentation.
| Document | Basis | Applicability | Review focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical installation plans and single-line diagramsdrawing | SOLAS II-1/40–45; HSSC 2025; IACS UR E; 2009 MODU Code chapter 5. | All SOLAS ships and MODUs with main/emergency electrical systems, newbuilds and significant alterations. | Review generators, switchboards, distribution, protection, segregation, cable routes, essential services, emergency source and interfaces with machinery/fire/automation plans. |
| Electrical load balance, short-circuit and selectivity calculationscalculation | SOLAS II-1/40–45; applicable class electrical rules and MODU requirements. | New construction, power-system alteration, DP conversion, major equipment additions or emergency-power changes. | Review connected/running loads, diversity, fault levels, breaker settings, discrimination, generator capacity, transient recovery and consistency with equipment ratings and trials. |
| Emergency power, battery and UPS calculationscalculation | SOLAS II-1/42–43; 2009 MODU Code chapter 5; applicable class rules. | Ships and MODUs required to maintain essential services after main-source failure or blackout. | Check emergency duration, essential loads, starting energy, battery capacity, charging, segregation, switch-over, black-start and endurance-test assumptions. |
| Automation, alarm, monitoring and safety-system functional designdrawing | SOLAS II-1; 2009 MODU Code chapters 5, 7 and 8; applicable IACS automation rules. | Ships/MODUs with periodically unattended machinery, integrated automation, drilling/process control or safety-critical shutdown systems. | Review cause-and-effect, alarm priorities, shutdowns, interlocks, redundancy, fail-safe states, bypasses, testing and interfaces with fire, gas, ESD, DP and emergency power. |
| Control-system software/configuration and commissioning dossierrecord | Applicable class/flag automation rules, approved system specification and ISM change control. | New installations, software changes, automation upgrades, DP changes or safety-system modifications. | Check approved baseline, version/configuration control, cybersecurity interfaces, test scripts, factory/harbour/sea trials, deviations, backups and restoration procedures. |
Stability / load line / tonnage / loading8 items
Approved stability and subdivision information, freeboard and tonnage calculations, loading manuals, booklets, instruments and ship-specific loading plans.
| Document | Basis | Applicability | Review focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Approved stability information and stability bookletbooklet | SOLAS II-1/5 and II-1/5-1; 2008 IS Code; HSSC 2025. | Passenger and cargo ships and MODUs for which approved stability/loading information is required; exact criteria depend on type, size, date, flag and operating mode. | Review lightship particulars, hydrostatics, loading conditions, free surfaces, intact/damage criteria, limiting KG/GM, drafts, downflooding, instructions, software validation and approval status. |
| International Load Line freeboard calculations and Conditions of Assignmentcalculation | Load Line Convention 1966/1988 Protocol; HSSC 2025 Load Line survey guidance. | Ships within Load Line scope, subject to exemptions and special ship/freeboard regimes; MODU treatment follows its own code/flag basis. | Review freeboard, sheer, superstructures, hatch/door/vent closures, air pipes, freeing ports, scuppers, access, guardrails, marks, seasonal zones and Conditions of Assignment. |
| Tonnage measurement calculation file and measurement drawingscalculation | International Convention on Tonnage Measurement of Ships, 1969. | Ships to which the 1969 Tonnage Convention applies, including official measurement after conversion or major arrangement change. | Review enclosed-space volumes, gross/net tonnage treatment, reference dimensions, deductions, open/sheltered spaces, arithmetic and traceability to as-built drawings; do not issue the official certificate. |
| Loading Manual and onboard loading instrument documentationmanual | IACS UR S/S1A and applicable SOLAS/class rules; HSSC loading and strength checks. | Ships in an IACS/class regime requiring approved loading conditions/manuals or an onboard loading instrument, especially bulk, ore and combination carriers. | Review still-water bending/shear/torsion, local loads, cargo/ballast distributions, sequences, permissible limits, test cases, instrument validation and user instructions. |
| Bulk Carrier Bookletbooklet | SOLAS VI/7.2 and XII/8; BLU Code; IMSBC Code; HSSC/PSC 2025. | Bulk carriers and other ships loading/unloading solid bulk cargoes where the applicable SOLAS requirements apply. | Review hold capacities, cargo densities, loading conditions, strength/stability limits, ballast and sequencing restrictions, trimming assumptions and interface with the loading/unloading plan. |
| Ship-specific bulk-cargo loading/unloading planplan | SOLAS VI/7.3; BLU Code; IMSBC Code; PSC 2025. | Bulk carriers and other ships for which ship/terminal loading sequences and agreed cargo/ballast stages are required. | Review stages, quantities, rates, draft/trim, stopping points, stability, hull-girder/local-strength limits, communications and sign-off; exclude the terminal’s independent facility plan. |
| Grain loading manual and grain-loading stability databooklet | SOLAS VI/9; International Grain Code (MSC.23(59)). | Ships carrying grain in bulk within the Grain Code scope. | Review grain-shift assumptions, filled/partly filled compartments, heeling moments, divisions, securing, permissible loading patterns and linkage to the document of authorization. |
| Onboard computer for stability calculationsmanual | IACS UR L5; applicable flag/class approval requirements. | Ships required by the nominated flag/class regime to use an approved stability instrument or software. | Review ship model, hydrostatics, lightship, tanks/free surfaces, intact/damage criteria, strength limits, test conditions, data integrity, backup, user controls and reproducibility against approved booklets. |
Fire / life-saving / navigation / emergency14 items
Shipboard emergency plans, safety drawings, fire and LSA manuals, navigation information and emergency procedures.
| Document | Basis | Applicability | Review focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fire-control plan or approved fire-control bookletplan | SOLAS II-2/15.2.4 and 15.3.2; FSS Code; HSSC 2025; 2009 MODU Code paragraph 9.18. | SOLAS ships and MODUs within the applicable fire-control regime; plans are exhibited or booklets carried as prescribed. | Review fire zones/divisions, structural protection, detection/alarm, extinguishing systems, fire stations, dampers, remote stops, escape routes, symbols, exhibition and duplicate availability. |
| Fire-safety operational bookletbooklet | SOLAS II-2/16.2; HSSC 2025; applicable MODU fire provisions. | Ships/MODUs with the applicable operational fire-safety requirements; content reflects the actual ship/unit. | Review fire-prevention precautions, cargo/operation restrictions, detection, containment, equipment use, emergency actions, maintenance and drills against installed arrangements. |
| Fire-safety training manual and onboard training aidsmanual | SOLAS II-2/15.2.3; SOLAS III/35 where combined; 2009 MODU Code 14.11. | SOLAS ships and MODUs with required onboard fire training information. | Check practical instructions for prevention, alarm, escape, fire-fighting, breathing apparatus, fixed systems, ESD, drills, working language and ship/unit-specific equipment. |
| Fire-protection and fire-fighting systems maintenance planplan | SOLAS II-2/14; HSSC 2025; 2009 MODU Code 9.19.4. | Ships and MODUs with required fire systems/appliances. | Review inventory, inspections, tests, servicing intervals, responsible persons, records and coverage of fire main/pumps, detection, fixed systems, dampers, doors, extinguishers, EEBDs and gas detection. |
| Life-saving appliance operating and launching instructionsmanual | SOLAS III/9 and related III provisions; LSA Code; 2009 MODU Code 10.17. | Ships and MODUs fitted with survival craft, rescue boats, MES or other LSA. | Check control illustrations, launching/recovery, warnings, emergency lighting, approved symbols and consistency with actual appliances, davits, releases and embarkation arrangements. |
| Life-saving appliance maintenance instructionsmanual | SOLAS III/36; 2009 MODU Code 10.18; HSSC 2025. | Ships and MODUs carrying LSA; Administration-accepted planned maintenance may substitute where the instrument permits. | Review maintenance/testing/servicing intervals, falls, release systems, spare parts, manufacturer instructions, defect reporting and records interfaces. |
| Life-saving training manual and onboard training aidsmanual | SOLAS III/35; HSSC 2025; 2009 MODU Code 14.11. | Ships and MODUs required to carry onboard LSA training information. | Review survival craft, launching, communications, survival equipment, muster/abandonment and drill instructions for the actual arrangements and working language. |
| Muster list and emergency instructionsplan | SOLAS III/8 and III/37; HSSC 2025; 2009 MODU Code 14.9–14.10. | SOLAS ships and MODUs with emergency-muster obligations; MODU copies are displayed throughout required spaces and modes. | Check alarm signals, muster stations, assigned/substitute duties, fire/LSA/closure tasks, helicopter, hydrocarbon/H2S and visitor duties, language and revision control. |
| Plans and procedures for recovery of persons from the waterplan | SOLAS III/17-1; MSC.346(91); MSC.1/Circ.1447; HSSC 2025. | International-voyage ships within SOLAS III/17-1; MODU application requires flag/coastal-State determination. | Review recovery method, access, equipment, communications, crew duties, weather/sea-state limits, casualty handling, freeboard/stability constraints and drillability. |
| Ship-specific emergency towing procedureplan | SOLAS II-1/3-4; MSC.1/Circ.1255/Rev.1; HSSC 2025. | Ships within the SOLAS construction-date/scope rules; MODU towing procedure is separately governed by its Code/flag/class basis. | Review fore/aft towing arrangements, connection methods, equipment inventory, communications, sequence, structural compatibility and operational limitations. |
| Manoeuvring information package: pilot card, wheelhouse poster and bookletbooklet | SOLAS II-1/28; IMO resolution A.601(15); HSSC 2025. | New SOLAS ships; complete package is recommended for new ships 100 m and over and new chemical/gas carriers; MODU self-propelled applicability is conditional. | Review dimensions, propulsion/steering/thruster data, stopping/turning/shallow-water/wind effects, trials, emergency manoeuvres, display and update status. |
| Voyage or passage plan and voyage-plan recordplan | SOLAS V/34; IMO resolution A.893(21). | Ships undertaking voyages; MODU transit/relocation voyages where navigation and flag/coastal-State requirements apply. | Review appraisal, route/chart or ECDIS basis, hazards, under-keel clearance, speed, position fixing, pilotage, contingency/deep-water/port-of-refuge actions and master approval. |
| Nautical charts, publications and bridge operating manualsmanual | SOLAS V/19.2.1.4, V/21 and V/27; HSSC 2025. | Ships subject to navigation carriage and equipment requirements, including electronic-chart and backup arrangements. | Check inventory, coverage, correction status, ECDIS licensing/updates, backup, bridge accessibility, current editions and consistency with navigation procedures. |
| GMDSS, radio and internal-communications operating manualsmanual | SOLAS chapter IV and MODU Code chapter 11; HSSC 2025 navigation/radio checks. | Ships and MODUs fitted with applicable distress/safety, survival-craft, SAR locating or internal-communications equipment. | Review equipment arrangement, power/antenna coverage, distress initiation, battery/charger procedures, internal communications, performance standards, testing and maintenance manuals. |
Pollution / environment / energy14 items
MARPOL, BWM, air-emissions, garbage, pollution-response, energy-efficiency and ship-recycling records or manuals within the requested scope.
| Document | Basis | Applicability | Review focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plan (SOPEP)plan | MARPOL Annex I regulation 37; IMO resolutions MEPC.54(32), MEPC.86(44) and current contact-point guidance. | Oil tankers of 150 GT and above and all other ships of 400 GT and above; MODU/platform treatment is conditional on Annex I and flag/coastal-State status. | Review reporting/notification, ship-specific spill scenarios, responsibilities, communications, appendices, diagrams, equipment interfaces, language, revision control and Administration approval status. |
| Shipboard Marine Pollution Emergency Plan for Noxious Liquid Substances (SMPEP)plan | MARPOL Annex II regulation 17; MEPC.85(44), as amended by MEPC.137(53). | Ships of 150 GT and above carrying NLS in bulk; may be combined with SOPEP. MODU/platform use is conditional on NLS carriage and applicable regime. | Review NLS reporting and response actions, cargo/category assumptions, ship-specific cargo-system interfaces, contact appendices, language and revision control; approval remains Administration/authorized RO work. |
| National operational contact-points list for SOPEP/SMPEPrecord | MARPOL Annex I/II emergency-plan provisions; MSC-MEPC.6/Circ.24 and updates. | Ships required to carry SOPEP, SMPEP or a combined plan; the living appendix must be current. | Check latest annual/quarterly list, legibility, controlled revision and workflow links; treat it as an onboard appendix, not a port/facility plan. |
| Ballast Water Management Planplan | BWM Convention regulation B-1; BWMS Code and current IMO BWM guidance; HSSC 2025. | Ships subject to the BWM Convention that take/use ballast water; MODU applicability depends on legal status, international traffic and actual ballast operations. | Review ballast tanks/spaces, exchange/treatment process, uptake/discharge, sediment management, safety, sampling, emergency operations and consistency with BWMS, type approval and drawings. |
| Ballast Water Management System installation and commissioning dossierdrawing | BWM Convention regulation D-3; BWMS Code MEPC.300(72); commissioning-testing guidance. | Ships fitted with a BWMS before certification and after significant installation, replacement or repair. | Review P&IDs, electrical/control drawings, sampling points, bypasses, rated flow, system-design limitations, commissioning procedure, sampling/analysis, alarms and test report. |
| Garbage Management Planplan | MARPOL Annex V regulation 10.2; MEPC.220(63). | Ships of 100 GT or more, ships certified for 15 or more persons and every fixed/floating platform, subject to exact Annex V scope. | Review garbage categories, minimization, collection/separation, processing, storage, discharge controls, responsible persons, working language and equipment interfaces. |
| Garbage Record Bookrecord | MARPOL Annex V regulation 10.3 and Appendix 2; MEPC.360(79) current amendments. | Ships/platforms within the Garbage Record Book thresholds and voyages stated by Annex V. | Review current form, disposal/discharge/incineration/accidental-loss entries, signatures, positions/times/quantities, retention and electronic-record controls. |
| NOx Technical Filemanual | MARPOL Annex VI regulation 13; NOx Technical Code 2008. | Each installed marine diesel engine above 130 kW other than emergency-only engines, where Annex VI applies; includes MODU engines when covered. | Review engine identity/rating, NOx-critical components/settings, approved options, operating values, test evidence, amendments and parameter-check method. |
| Record Book of Engine Parametersrecord | NOx Technical Code 2008 paragraph 6.2.2.8; MARPOL Annex VI regulation 13. | Certified engines using the parameter-check method or other applicable in-service verification. | Review engine linkage, baseline parameters, component changes, settings, approvals, signatures and traceability to the NOx Technical File and maintenance history. |
| VOC Management Planplan | MARPOL Annex VI regulation 15.6; MEPC.185(59) and MEPC.1/Circ.680. | Tankers carrying crude oil to which regulation 15 applies; not every tanker or non-crude cargo. | Review cargo/tank applicability, target pressure, loading/carriage/ballast/venting procedures, equipment, safety interfaces and consistency with cargo drawings. |
| SOx Emissions Compliance Plan and EGCS technical/monitoring manualsmanual | MARPOL Annex VI regulation 4.3; MEPC.340(77). | Ships using an exhaust gas cleaning system or other accepted equivalent; MODU applicability is conditional. | Review system boundaries, equivalence basis, served engines, operating modes, fuel assumptions, bypass/contingency, washwater/discharge criteria, monitoring, alarms, calibration, maintenance and records. |
| EEDI/EEXI Technical File and attained-index calculationscalculation | MARPOL Annex VI regulations 22–25; MEPC.350(78), MEPC.351(78), MEPC.365(79). | New ships/major conversions for EEDI and existing qualifying ships for EEXI; exact ship categories and MODU treatment require flag confirmation. | Review principal particulars, power/MCR/MCRlim, SFC, speed-power/sea-trial evidence, correction factors, energy-saving devices, limitation systems and reproducibility of attained-versus-required index. |
| Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP), Parts I–III as applicableplan | MARPOL Annex VI regulation 26; MEPC.395(82) 2024 SEEMP Guidelines. | Part I generally for ships of 400 GT or more; Part II and Part III/CII documents follow Annex VI thresholds and ship categories. MODU treatment is not automatic. | Review energy-efficiency measures, fuel-data methodology, monitoring, responsibilities, CII methodology, corrective actions, self-evaluation, version control and linkage to EEXI/DCS data. |
| IHM Part I and supporting hazardous-material recordsrecord | Hong Kong Convention regulations 4–5, 10–11; MEPC.379(80); MEPC.222(64). | Ships of 500 GT and above flying a Party flag, including floating/self-elevating platforms under the HKC ship definition, from the applicable new/existing-ship dates. | Review hazardous-material tables, thresholds, locations/quantities, document-analysis/visual/sampling evidence, MD/SDoC traceability and updates after changes; exclude facility recycling plans. |
Cargo / special ship6 items
Cargo securing, bulk/grain/chemical/gas operations, low-flashpoint fuels and polar-operation documents.
| Document | Basis | Applicability | Review focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cargo Securing Manualmanual | SOLAS VI/5.6 and VII/5; MSC.1/Circ.1353/Rev.2; CSS Code. | Ships carrying cargo units, CTUs, containers, vehicles or other non-bulk cargoes where SOLAS requires an approved manual. | Review securing arrangements, lashing gear, permissible forces, accelerations, stowage patterns, cargo-unit interfaces, inspections, maintenance and consistency with deck strength. |
| Procedures and Arrangements Manual (P&A Manual)manual | MARPOL Annex II regulation 14 and Appendix 4; MEPC.18(22), as amended; HSSC/PSC 2025. | Ships certified to carry NLS in bulk, principally chemical tankers; MODU/platform treatment is conditional. | Review cargo categories, tank/piping/pumping/stripping, prewash, ventilation, residue discharge, flow controls, diagrams, failure procedures and Certificate of Fitness consistency. |
| IBC Code cargo-handling planplan | IBC Code mandatory under SOLAS VII and MARPOL Annex II; applicable MSC amendments and Certificate of Fitness conditions. | Chemical tankers carrying dangerous chemicals/NLS in bulk where product/arrangement provisions call for an approved plan. | Review cargo piping, tank/valve identification, segregation, filling limits, loading/discharge paths, blanking and links to the Certificate of Fitness. |
| IGC Code cargo operations manual and handling documentationmanual | IGC Code mandatory under SOLAS VII; applicable amendments and ship-specific Certificate of Fitness. | Gas carriers carrying liquefied gases in bulk; exact manual contents follow cargoes and ship design. | Review cargo-system arrangement, loading/discharging/stripping, tank pressure/temperature, boil-off/reliquefaction, ESD, gas detection, venting, segregation and stability/strength limits. |
| Low-flashpoint fuel operations and safety manualmanual | SOLAS II-1/55; IGF Code; applicable Administration/class rules. | Ships using LNG or other low-flashpoint fuels, including MODUs only where the regime applies. | Review bunkering, fuel supply, ventilation, gas detection, ESD, pressure relief, hazardous-area controls, emergency response, alarms and maintenance. |
| Polar Water Operational Manual (PWOM)manual | SOLAS chapter XIV and mandatory Polar Code. | Ships intending to operate in defined polar waters with the required Polar Code certification; MODU applicability is conditional. | Review ice/temperature limits, voyage planning, communications, machinery/LSA readiness, emergency and pollution response, equipment limitations and consistency with stability/structure. |
ISM / ISPS / MLC7 items
Safety-management, cyber-risk, maritime-security and maritime-labour documented systems and procedures.
| Document | Basis | Applicability | Review focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Safety Management System (SMS) manual and ship-specific proceduresmanual | SOLAS chapter IX; ISM Code (A.741(18), as amended); IMO ISM implementation guidance. | Ships to which SOLAS IX/ISM applies and MODUs where flag/operating regime imposes equivalent SMS arrangements. | Review safe-operation and pollution-prevention procedures, authority, designated person, reporting, corrective action, maintenance, emergency preparedness, drills, audits and document control. |
| Shipboard emergency preparedness and response proceduresmanual | ISM Code section 8; SOLAS/MODU emergency arrangements and HSSC expectations. | ISM-covered ships and applicable MODUs; normally an SMS component rather than a separate statutory certificate. | Review scenario matrix, command/communications, shore escalation, checklists, external contacts, drills, recovery and alignment with fire, LSA, pollution and MODU manuals. |
| Maritime cyber-risk management proceduresmanual | IMO resolution MSC.428(98); cyber risk integrated into the ISM safety-management system. | ISM-covered ships and MODUs where ISM/class/flag requirements apply; may be integrated or restricted annex. | Review asset/OT/IT inventory, critical-system identification, risk assessment, prevention/detection, access, backup/recovery, incident response, drills and change control without exposing sensitive details. |
| Ship Security Assessment (SSA)record | SOLAS XI-2 and ISPS Code Part A/8. | Ships within SOLAS XI-2/ISPS scope, including qualifying international-voyage ships and MODUs where treated as ships; not a port-facility assessment. | Review confidential threat/vulnerability/consequence assessment, security levels, restricted areas, access/monitoring assumptions, critical operations and traceability to SSP measures. |
| Ship Security Plan (SSP)plan | SOLAS XI-2 and ISPS Code Part A/9; Part B guidance. | Ships within ISPS scope, including qualifying MODUs subject to flag interpretation; excludes port-facility security plans. | Review controlled/confidential arrangements for access, restricted areas, monitoring, identification, cargo/stores, security levels, duties, communications, drills, SSAS and breach response. |
| On-board complaint proceduremanual | ILO Maritime Labour Convention 2006, Regulation 5.1.5 and Standard A5.1.5. | Ships flying a flag of an MLC Member; exact documentary form follows flag law. MODU/offshore application depends on legal treatment and national law. | Review complaint routes, responsible persons, confidentiality/non-retaliation, escalation, timelines and onboard access; this is not normally a class technical-plan approval. |
| Shipboard occupational safety and health policy/programmemanual | MLC 2006 Regulation 4.3 and Standard A4.3; flag-State implementing law. | Ships flying an MLC Member flag and workplaces where national law applies; MODU scope may include offshore occupational-safety rules. | Review hazard identification, risk controls, PPE, safe-work procedures, accident prevention/reporting, training and safety-committee interfaces; do not imply uniform IMO/class approval. |
MODU / offshore11 items
Unit-specific mobile offshore drilling, mooring, DP, jacking, lifting, drilling, helicopter and offshore operating documentation.
| Document | Basis | Applicability | Review focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| MODU operating manuals for normal and emergency operationsmanual | 2009 MODU Code chapter 14.1; Administration approval is expressly required by 14.1.1. | All MODUs within the applicable 1979/1989/2009 Code or flag regime, with content tailored to surface, self-elevating and column-stabilized modes. | Review unit description, command, normal/emergency modes, stability, environmental limits, ballast/bilge, hazardous areas, towing/mooring/DP, drilling, well-test, helicopter, crane, ESD, flooding, hydrocarbon/H2S and restoration procedures. |
| MODU structure access manualmanual | 2009 MODU Code paragraphs 2.2.3.1–2.2.3.2. | MODUs requiring overall/close-up structural inspection and thickness-measurement access. | Review space-by-space access plans, dimensions, critical areas, permanent/portable access, inventories, inspection origins and maintenance records against approved structure. |
| MODU loading plan showing maximum uniform and concentrated deck loadsplan | 2009 MODU Code paragraph 2.3.10. | Each MODU; plan is prepared to Administration satisfaction for each area and mode. | Review load zones, magnitudes, concentrated-load assumptions, equipment/material locations, restrictions and consistency with structural analysis and operating manual. |
| MODU capacity plan and tank sounding tables/curvesbooklet | 2009 MODU Code paragraphs 14.1.2.11–14.1.2.12. | MODUs with tanks or bulk-material stowage spaces. | Check capacities, centres of gravity, graduated soundings, free-surface data, tank identification and consistency with approved tank plans/hydrostatics. |
| MODU anchoring and mooring arrangement plans and proceduresplan | 2009 MODU Code sections 4.12 and 14.1.2.9; applicable class rules. | Surface and column-stabilized MODUs using mooring/anchoring for position keeping or safety-critical transit/site operations. | Review anchor pattern, chain/line/winch data, foundations, fairleads, environmental criteria, tensions, redundancy, brakes/releases, setting/preload and emergency disconnect. |
| MODU dynamic-positioning design dossier and operating limitationscalculation | 2009 MODU Code sections 4.13 and 14.1.2.13; applicable class DP notation rules. | MODUs using DP, especially where DP is sole position-keeping method or protects well integrity. | Review DP architecture, redundancy, power/thrusters, consequence analysis, capability plots, environmental limits, FMEA/trials, blackout/failure response and operator procedures. |
| Self-elevating MODU elevating-system calculations and procedurescalculation | 2009 MODU Code section 4.14; applicable class rules. | Jack-up MODUs during design, transit, preloading, elevating, lowering and site operations. | Review leg/rack/hydraulic system, guides, leg loads, mat/spud-can assumptions, punch-through, jacking capacity, storm survival, emergency lowering and mode-change limits. |
| MODU hazardous-area, ventilation and drilling ESD drawingsdrawing | 2009 MODU Code chapter 6; applicable class/recognized-organization rules. | MODUs with drilling, mud-processing, well-test, hydrocarbon or H2S hazards. | Review zones, sources of release, ventilation/pressurization, gas detection, certified equipment, shutdown/selective-disconnection logic, BOP/general-alarm/PA interfaces and operability after shutdown. |
| Cranes, lifting equipment and drilling-derrick technical packagedrawing | 2009 MODU Code chapter 12; applicable class/Administration rules. | MODUs fitted with cranes, hoists, personnel lifts or drilling derricks. | Review design loads, SWL, dynamic factors, foundations, ropes/brakes, overload/limit systems, personnel-lifting safeguards, fatigue, tests, maintenance and operating limitations. |
| MODU helicopter-facility plans and operations/refuelling manualmanual | 2009 MODU Code sections 9.16, 13 and 14.2; applicable aviation/coastal-State and class requirements. | MODUs with helidecks or helicopter refuelling facilities. | Review structure/fire protection, landing limits, markings/lighting, rescue/firefighting, fuel systems, communications, weather/motion limits and emergency coordination. |
| MODU key plans and schematics supporting emergency operationsdrawing | 2009 MODU Code paragraphs 14.1.2.19, 14.1.4.4 and 14.1.5–14.1.6. | All MODUs where indexed plans are needed for normal and emergency operations. | Review fire, LSA, emergency power, flooding, ballast/bilge, machinery, electrical and ventilation schematics for accessibility, legibility, revision control and as-built consistency. |
As-built and alteration control6 items
Life-cycle document control, as-built packages, technical files, alteration records and post-modification updates.
| Document | Basis | Applicability | Review focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| As-built construction drawings and subsequent structural-alteration plansdrawing | SOLAS II-1/3-7; MSC/Circ.1135; HSSC 2025 as-built and alteration checks. | Ships constructed under the applicable SOLAS provisions and ships with later structural alterations; equivalent MODU/class package where required. | Check drawing register, final/as-built status, structural particulars, penetrations, alteration traceability, survey records and controlled onboard availability. |
| Ship Construction Filerecord | SOLAS II-1/3-10; MSC.290(87); HSSC 2025. | Qualifying oil tankers and bulk carriers of 150 m and above within the goal-based construction regime; not a universal MODU requirement. | Review required design/construction/operational structural information, materials/welding data, approved drawings, repair/maintenance information and update trail. |
| Coating Technical Filerecord | SOLAS II-1/3-2 and 3-11; MSC.215(82), MSC.288(87), MSC.289(87); HSSC 2025. | Ships where PSPC or tanker coating requirements apply; MODU scope is conditional on flag/class rules. | Review coating specifications, surface preparation, application/inspection records, repairs, approved products, tank/space mapping and life-cycle update control. |
| Approved alteration and modification control packagerecord | SOLAS/MARPOL/MODU change requirements; ISM Code document control; applicable class/flag rules. | Any conversion, major repair, new equipment, structural change, software change or operational-mode change affecting approved plans/manuals. | Review change description, drawings/calculations, risk assessment, approval conditions, testing/commissioning, updated certificates/manuals, as-built mark-up and obsolete-document withdrawal. |
| Post-alteration stability, lightship and loading-information updatecalculation | SOLAS II-1/5-1; 2008 IS Code; MODU Code chapter 3/14; applicable flag/class rules. | Alterations affecting weight, centre of gravity, tanks, spaces, deck loads, machinery or operating modes. | Review new lightship data, inclining/deadweight evidence, hydrostatics, loading conditions, free surfaces, damage cases, software model updates and revised operational limits. |
| Controlled equipment/manual and drawing registerrecord | SOLAS/MODU onboard-document provisions; HSSC 2025; ISM Code section 11; class document-control practice. | Ships and MODUs with controlled plans/manuals, particularly after construction, conversion, software or equipment changes. | Check document IDs, revision/status, approval stamps, distribution, language, availability, superseded-copy withdrawal, cross-references and alignment between drawings, manuals and installed configuration. |
Authorization and applicability: Listing an item does not make it universal and does not grant IMRS statutory authority. Applicability depends on vessel/unit type, gross tonnage or length, construction and conversion dates, cargo/service, voyage or operating mode, flag and coastal-State implementation, class notation and current amendments. Formal approval, acceptance, survey, certification and endorsement belong to the flag Administration or a recognized organization/class/security organization only where it is expressly authorized and within written scope. Security-sensitive documents such as SSA/SSP must be handled confidentially.
Approval status and conditions
A review may result in approved, approved with conditions, returned for revision, information only, or not accepted status. Approval applies only to the identified document and revision within the stated scope. It does not transfer the designer’s responsibility, authorize unreviewed deviations, or replace flag-state acceptance when that authority is retained by the Administration.
As-built control: The approved revision must be available to the attending surveyor and, where required, carried on board. Any alteration affecting an approved arrangement, calculation, system, material, equipment, or operating limitation must be submitted for review before implementation.
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