P&I Condition Surveys for Loss Prevention 28 May 2013 No.13-002 Download PDF (436KB) With the continuing trend of occurrence of large claims, there has been growing international action to remove sub-standard vessels from the world’s seas. Loss prevention is a key element of achieving this goal. As part of our loss prevention activities, we conduct Condition Surveys for both new-entry and vessels already entered with the Association. In this article, we discuss the following points: Implementation Status of Condition Surveys New Condition Survey Forms Changes to the Survey Criteria 1. Implementation Status of Condition Surveys The scope of Condition Surveys is not always limited to check the overall general condition of a vessel. In addition, the Surveys look at other aspects, such as shipboard maintenance, management status, licenses and career as officers at sea, safekeeping of relevant certificates, documents and record books. The Surveys aim to take into account every possible accident which may occur.  Thus, there are very various points to be checked. In addition to the above check points, the weather-tightness tests as described below are usually carried out. The purpose of these tests is to ensure the weather-tightness of openings such as covers and lids to vessels’ cargo holds and tanks. The tests are not limited to a visual inspection. By conducting the weather-tightness tests, any defects in the covers and lids should be detected and possible risks of wet and / or contamination damage to cargoes by sea water ingress to cargo holds and tanks through the defects and / or openings should be prevented.  In addition, by actually opening and closing hatch covers during the survey, it can be ascertained whether the opening and closing systems of the hatches work well without delay. It can thus be assumed whether the vessel personnel’s response can be properly made if sudden precipitation occurs during cargo operations. Whilst there are various