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Initial certificate of survey applications

This page outlines the types of survey reports and details an AMSA assessor looks for when reviewing an application for approval.

Sections below are broken up into the activities as shown in the MARS application.

Download an example of a certificate of survey initial checklist (DOCX 28 KB) DOCX27.84 KB

For plan approval 

If completing in MARS, please ensure all fields listed in the plan approval activity have data in them.

Ensure you have supplied or uploaded the appropriate plans for the plan approval activity.  

Ensure you have supplied or uploaded approval letters, noting plan approval letter(s) must specify:

  • the vessel particulars
  • the vessel’s unique identifier
  • the vessel’s service category(ies)
  • the standards used for assessment
  • a list of any Generic Equivalent Solutions (GES) that have been used
  • details of any exemptions that have been approved by the National Regulator which apply
  • details of any Equivalent Means of Compliance (EMOC) that have been approved by the National Regulator which apply
  • a list of plans and documents that have been assessed
  • any conditions or comments made
  • the outcome of the plans and document assessment. 

If the vessel is foam, a plan of the vessels flotation quantity, type and distribution should be provided.

Forms for surveys

For initial hull structure, engineering, fire and fit out, electrical, fuel tank, initial load line, watertight and weathertight and shaft surveys.

Ensure the correct survey reports have been supplied or uploaded to the activity.

  • For structure: Form 673, Form 706 or surveyors own with equivalent detail.
  • For engineering: Form 509 or surveyors own with equivalent detail.
  • For fire and fit out: Form 575 or surveyors own with equivalent detail.
  • For electrical:  Form 563, Form 564 or surveyors own with equivalent detail.
  • For fuel tanks: Form 639 or surveyors own with equivalent detail.
  • For load line: Form 139 or surveyors own with equivalent detail.
  • For watertight and weathertight: Form 670 or surveyors own with equivalent detail.
  • For shafts: Form 638 or surveyors own with equivalent detail.

For lightship or inclining assessment

Ensure one of the following:

  • You have supplied or uploaded a copy of the vessels lightship report or inclining report.
  • The stability activity has an approved stability book with a lightship report in it.
  • The vessel has a simplified test report and doesn't need displacement verified.

For vessels with lightship particulars.

When entering in MARS ensure the vessels lightship details have been entered into the lightship section of the activity. 

For vessels with comparison. 

When entering in MARS enter the date of the check + displacement. LCG and VCG can be left blank.

If foamed, then if swamp tested, provide report and attach to stability. If calculation based on vessel displacement is used, ensure a vessel weight report is supplied or attached to the lightship activity.

For stability assessment 

Ensure the correct stability documentation has been supplied or uploaded to the stability assessment activities:

  • For comprehensive stability: a copy of the vessel's approved stability book and lines plan (or hull model). The stability book must include damaged stability and ensure draft marks have been accounted for (where applicable).
  • For simplified stability: a copy of the vessel's approved stability compliance report and operator’s stability notice.

If completing in MARS, ensure the vessels stability criteria and approval date have been entered into the "Stability" section of the activity.

Ensure the criteria applied is acceptable for the classes applied for.

For load line assignment survey 

If completing in MARS, ensure the load line assignment activity has all fields completed.

Ensure the approved load line assignment calculations have been supplied or uploaded. 

For commissioning survey

Ensure all the fields in the commissioning activity have been completed.

Ensure you have supplied or uploaded:

  • A 901 or other similar equipment survey report to the activity.
  • Compass:
    • Vessels in B and B extended waters - compass card
    • Vessels in C waters - date for adjustment
  • LPG compliance certificate.
  • Electrical certificate of compliance.

Reviewable decisions

Recommendations with conditions

An application recommended with condition is required to have a justification. Have you provided the reasons why you have recommended a proposed condition(s)?

If adequate justification has not been provided the delegate may not be able to progress the application.

Surveys not required

If you have marked a survey as not required, include documented reasons why the survey is either not applicable to the kind of vessel, or not applicable in the particular circumstance.

If adequate justification has not been provided the delegate may not be able to progress the application.

Last updated: 14 April 2021