ClassNK sometimes receives inquiries for applicability of flag change from non-Japanese to Japanese on existing ships outside of the timing of drydocking.
Accordingly, this Technical Information has been issued to remind that "it is not mandatory to bring the ship into drydock for changing her flag to Japanese", and it includes points to be noted regarding the procedure for flag change of the ship to Japanese without drydocking.

1. Applicability of flag change to Japanese outside of the timing of drydocking
The flag of an existing non-Japanese ship can be changed to a Japanese one outside of the timing of drydocking as well as at the timing of drydocking.

2. Points to be noted regarding the procedure for flag change to Japanese without drydocking
No.1 Special Survey must be carried out to change the flag to Japanese regardless of the timing (even outside of the timing of drydocking) in accordance with Japanese law.
When No.1 Special Survey is carried out outside of the timing of drydocking, it may not be possible to carry out some surveys (e.g. internal examination of cargo holds and water ballast tanks, hull surveys for underwater parts).
In such a case, items, due dates, etc. of the subsequent periodical surveys may be different from those in the case where the survey for flag change is carried out in drydock (e.g. due dates of next periodical surveys may come sooner).

For any questions about the above, please contact:

NIPPON KAIJI KYOKAI (ClassNK)
Survey Department, Administration Center Annex, Head Office
Address: 3-3 Kioi-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-0094, Japan
Tel.: +81-3-5226-2027
Fax: +81-3-5226-2029
E-mail: svd@classnk.or.jp