The notation of "In Water Survey"(abbreviated to IWS) is affixed to the Classification Character of the ships approved for In-water surveys in lieu of Survey in the dry dock or on the slipway according to the Amendments to Part A of the RULES FOR THE SURVEY AND CONSTRUCTION OF STEEL SHIPS on 15 April 2009. Therefore, Classification Character of ships which have been already approved for In-water survey and denoted "IWS" as Special Description, is affixed by the notation (IWS) instead of Special Description, in line with the following procedures.

1. Indication on NK-Ships
It has already been shown in NK-SHIPS that Classification Character of the ships, which were previously denoted "IWS" as Special Description, is affixed by the notation (IWS).

2. Ships with ESP notation
For bulk carriers, oil tankers and ships carrying dangerous chemicals in bulk, all of which are applied "Enhanced Survey Program"(abbreviated to ESP) and over 15 years of age, In-water surveys in lieu of Bottom Inspections in dry dock or on the slipway can not be applicable. Accordingly, the notation (IWS) will be deleted in case the ship's age exceeds 15 years, even though (IWS) is once affixed to ships with (ESP) notation.

3. Certificate of Classification
Regarding the change of classification characters, the Certificate of Classification is rewritten with free of charge in due course by Classification Department of ClassNK. Following note is described in the Certificate of Classification for ships with (ESP) notation.

Note: The class notation of "IWS" shall cease to be valid when the vessel reaches 15 years of age.

4. Application for Classification and Statutory Services during Construction
For the ship, the application of which had been already submitted with a request of "IWS" as Special Description, ClassNK read it as the application for the notation (IWS) and it is not necessary to submit revised application.



(To be continued)