Class Survey

A class survey is the periodic examination a classification society carries out to confirm a ship still meets its rules and keeps its class. The cycle runs on a five-year special survey, with annual and intermediate surveys between, plus the in-water or drydock surveys of the underwater hull, the tailshaft survey, and boiler surveys on their own intervals. Many class surveys are harmonized with the statutory surveys the society also performs as a recognized organization, so a single attendance can renew both class and convention certificates.