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Enhanced Survey Programme (ESP) Explained

Chief Mate
MEO Class 1
2nd Mate
MEO Class 2

times asked: 23; times asked
questions: 7; questions
last asked: 2026; last asked

The slides, written out

AI-drawn illustration. Simplified to explain the idea, not to scale.

Slide 1 · ENHANCED

ENHANCED SURVEY PROGRAMME (ESP) Structural Integrity Surveys for Bulk Carriers & Oil Tankers ESP Why enhanced inspections matter for safety, compliance and structural reliability. ENHANCED INSPECTIONS STRUCTURAL SAFETY REGULATORY COMPLIANCE OPERATIONAL RELIABILITY

Slide 2 · WHAT IS THE

WHAT IS THE ENHANCED SURVEY PROGRAMME? ESP The Enhanced Survey Programme (ESP) is the IMO's enhanced structural survey regime for: Bulk Carriers Oil Tankers ITS OBJECTIVE IS TO DETECT: CORROSION STRUCTURAL FATIGUE CRACKING STEEL WASTAGE 12.5 mm before they become critical safety risks. KEY PRINCIPLE "Survey scope must expand whenever evidence of deterioration is found." ESP establishes minimum requirements. Surveyors may extend inspections whenever conditions warrant.

Slide 3 · ESP SURVEY

ESP SURVEY REQUIREMENTS The Enhanced Survey Programme (ESP) sets minimum survey requirements at every stage. RENEWAL SURVEY Close-up surveys Thickness measurements Tank pressure testing Structural review INTERMEDIATE SURVEY Selected tank inspections Structural assessment Corrosion monitoring ANNUAL SURVEY General structural examination Vent systems Deck fittings Cargo and ballast system checks OWNER RESPONSIBILITIES Prepare Survey Programme including: Critical Structural Areas Coating Condition Suspect Areas Tank History KEY MESSAGE ESP shifts the focus from finding defects to demonstrating STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY.

Slide 4 · SURVEYS

SURVEYS UNDER HSSC The Harmonised System of Survey and Certification (HSSC) defines seven standard survey categories. 1 INITIAL SURVEY 2 RENEWAL SURVEY 3 PERIODICAL SURVEY* 4 INTERMEDIATE SURVEY 5 ANNUAL SURVEY 6 OUTSIDE BOTTOM INSPECTION 7 ADDITIONAL SURVEY 7 HSSC SURVEY CATEGORIES *Where applicable to certificate type. ANNUAL SURVEY FOCUS Hull Condition Deck Fittings & Equipment Ventilation Systems Cargo & Ballast Piping Systems Pump Room Condition Visible Structural Integrity FINAL TAKEAWAY A successful annual survey confirms the vessel remains fit for service and compliant with statutory requirements. LEARN MARITIME COMPLIANCE WITH SAILR COMMUNITY

In exams

Asked 23 times across 7 different questions, most recently in 2026. Asked most in Chief Mate (11), MEO Class 1 (9), 2nd Mate (2), MEO Class 2 (1).

Drafted by SailR from our daily lessons. AI-drawn illustration. Simplified to explain the idea, not to scale. Last updated 19 Oct 2026.

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