The maritime industry has long recognized that periodic surveys/inspections are the primary means for verifying that a vessel's structure is maintained within applicable requirements throughout its operationallife. These surveys/inspections help confirm that the vessel is free from damage such as cracks, buckling,corrosion and overloading, and that material thickness are within established limits. For surveys/inspections to be carried out effectively, suitable means of access to the vessel's structure are required.
To address the issue of suitable access, the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) adopted the followingresolutions into SOLAS Regulation II-1/3-6 on "Access to and within spaces in the cargo area of oiltankers and bulk carriers".
In support of the Statutory and IACS guidance, ABS has prepared the Guide for Means of Access to Tanksand Holds for Inspection. This Guide provides graphical illustrations and additional textual clarification ofthe means of access requirements. The goal is to improve the comprehension and application of theStatutory and IACS guidance.