Due to the amendment of requirements regarding propeller shaft surveys (scheduled to take into effect on 1 October 2022 (hereinafter, referred to as "effective date")), partial surveys or simplified partial surveys may now be performed consecutively instead of the propeller shaft ordinary surveys required every five years since the last propeller shaft ordinary survey after the effective date. Thus, if the results of such partial surveys are favorable, the maximum interval between propeller shaft withdrawal will be now 15 years. (However, seawater lubricated systems are excluded, and ships affixed with PSCM notation remain as before.)

Furthermore, in addition to 3-month and 1-year extensions, 2.5-year extensions may now be requested for survey due dates (except for seawater lubricated systems).

PSCM･A, which is affixed to the class notation as a preventive maintenance management system for propeller shafts will be integrated with PSCM, and the only class notation for propeller shafts survey will now be PSCM, which is a preventive maintenance management system for propeller shafts. (Re-approval of PSCM and PSCM･A management manuals is not required.)

For vessels currently affixed with PSCM･A, a new classification certificate will be issued with the class notation changed to PSCM; therefore, it is not necessary to apply again.

For vessels affixed with PSCM notation, in addition to the existing requirement of lubricating oil analysis every 6 months, it will be required to analyse (visual confirmation) the water content of the lubricating oil on board at least once a month after the effective date. Therefore, please check the water content in the lubricating oil every month and keep a record of the results on board.

(To be continued)