IMO Resolution A. 1049(27) (2011 ESP Code) regulates the requirements of the Enhanced Survey Programme for bulk carriers and oil tankers.

The resolution includes coating condition criteria for ballast tanks and further specifies that internal inspections are required at annual intervals in cases where said coating conditions fail to satisfy the criteria.

Although different coating condition criteria have been applied to bulk carriers and oil tankers, the IMO amended the ESP Code to revise the coating condition criteria for the ballast tanks of bulk carriers as well as to clarify some other requirements. This amendment was adopted as Resolution MSC.525(106).

The outlines are as follows:

1. Applicability:
The requirements are to be applied for surveys commenced on or after 1 July 2024.

2. Scope of survey:
Internal inspection of following compartments is required at Class periodical survey.

(1) Bulk carriers*
(a) Ballast tanks, excluding double bottom tanks where protective coating condition is less than "Good" (i.e., "Fair" or "Poor") and not repaired
(b) Ballast tanks excluding double bottom tanks where protective coating has not been applied from the time of construction.

(2) Double-side skin void spaces bounding cargo holds for bulk carriers*, exceeding 20 years of age and 150 meters in length
(a) Void spaces where protective coating is found in "Poor" condition and is not repaired
(b) Void spaces where protective coating has not been applied from the time of construction

* "Bulk carriers" are ships defined as the following:
(a) Ships constructed or converted with a single deck, topside tanks and hopper side tanks in cargo spaces, and intended primarily to carry dry cargoes in bulk

(To be continued)