Produced in 1995 this report to the Members explains in greater detail the nature of the ship

inspection process, and records the overall picture presented from an analysis

of the data in the inspectors' reports. It also provides an analysis of the findings

from the condition survey programme dating back to 1990

Surveys and Inspections

Condition surveys were introduced by the UK P&I Club in 1985 and a ship inspection programme was initiated in 1990. These measures were taken by the Board of Directors of the Association in order to ensure that standards of maintenance and operation aboard ships entered in the Association remained high.

The Directors were also aware that a number of ships were currently trading which were not in compliance with classification society rules or the international conventions, notwithstanding that, in many cases, they carried on board all the necessary certification.

In 1985, the Members of the Association approved an amendment to the Rules to enable the managers to order condition surveys of ships that were either entered in or wishing to be entered in the Association. Under the supervision of the Board, two categories of ships were identified.

In the case of ships offered for entry into the Association, older ships or ships where there was reason to suspect poor condition were to be surveyed. Ships already entered into the Association would also be surveyed if claims experience indicated that the ships were not being properly maintained.

In the years which followed the Directors continued to see reports of expensive claims which indicated unsatisfactory operating standards or resulted from structural failure, particularly on larger tankers and bulk carriers where maintenance standards were an issue.

Additional factors of relevance included the high cost of new building, the problems and expense involved in the maintenance of older ships and the difficult prevailing market conditions. Under these circumstances, and against a background of sharply increasing claims costs, the Board concluded that the Association should take further positive action to encourage better standards and lead the industry by example.