An outline of MARPOL ANNEX VI has already been provided in ClassNK Technical Information No. TEC-0620 issued on 3 February 2005.
This ClassNK Technical Information provides details on the procedures for Initial surveys for ANNEX VI.

1. Terminology
The following definitions for terminology will apply in this Technical Information.
(1) "New ship" means a ship whose keel is laid, or which is at a similar stage of construction, on or after 19 May 2005.
(2) "Existing ship" means a ship which is not a new ship.

2. Application
All ships of 400 gross tons or above shall be subject to surveys irrespective of their year of construction, service area or kind. Notwithstanding the above, the Administration may allow reduction of a part of inspection items for ships solely engaged in domestic services.
Initial surveys for new ships shall be completed at delivery.
Initial survey for existing ships shall be completed no later than the completion date of first scheduled drydocking after 19 May 2005, but in no case later than 3 years after 19 May 2005.

3. Issuance of International Air Pollution Prevention Certificate (hereafter referred to as "IAPP Certificate")
An IAPP Certificate shall be issued after satisfying the requirements of Initial survey, for any ship of 400 gross tons or above engaged in international voyages irrespective of its year of construction.

4. Status of the ratification and authorization given to ClassNK
(1) Status of ratification by Flag Administrations
The latest information is available from the following web site of the IMO:
http://www.imo.org/Conventions/mainframe.asp?topic_id=248
(2) Flag Authorizations which have delegated the authorization to ClassNK (at the date of 15 April 2005)
(i) IAPP Certificate and EIAPP Certificate
(a) Flag Administrations which have ratified Annex VI of MARPOL 73/78
(To be continued)