Examinations of the outside of a ship’s bottom (and related items) must normally be carried out with the ship in drydock.
However, consideration may be given to alternate examination while the ship is afloat as an in-water survey, subject to certain IACS conditions being complied with. Special consideration must be given to ships of 15 years or over before being permitted to have such examinations. For ships exceeding 15 years of age which are subject to an Enhanced Survey Programme (ESP), bottom examinations must be carried out with the ship in drydock. (See also IN-WATER SURVEYS in this Section.)
