Initial, renewal and annual surveys
12.—(1) A United Kingdom ship must be subjected to—
(a)an initial survey before the ship is put into service, which includes a complete inspection of its structure and equipment to ensure the ship complies with the applicable Convention requirements;
(b)a renewal survey at intervals not exceeding five years (except where regulation 17(3) and regulations 18(4) and (7) apply) to ensure the ship complies with the applicable Convention requirements; and
(c)an annual survey within three months before or after each anniversary date of the Convention certificate to ensure that—
(i)alterations have not been made to the hull or superstructures which would affect the calculations determining the position of the load line;
(ii)the fittings and appliances for the protection of openings, guard rails, freeing ports and means of access to crew’s quarters are maintained in an effective condition;
(iii)the freeboard marks are correctly and permanently indicated; and
(iv)the information required by regulation 10 of Annex I is provided to the master of the ship.
(2) After a satisfactory annual survey, the Assigning Authority must endorse the Convention certificate accordingly.