Locations for conducting eligible ships’ bottom survey

Loyd's Register has released an updated list of Suggested In-Water Survey (IWS) Locations for conducting eligible ships’ bottom survey afloat, where satisfactory conditions have previously proven suitable for In-Water Surveys.

The list provides shipowners, ship operators, and ship managers the opportunity to plan their bottom surveys afloat in these ‘In-Water Survey (IWS) locations’ considering factors such as water depth, water clarity, tidal issues, seasonal variations, and more.

Terms and conditions when using LR Suggested IWS Locations

The shipowners, ship operator or ship managers are responsible for selecting a suitable location to carry out the In-Water Survey that is compliant with LR Rule requirements. The list of Suggested IWS Locations provided comprises locations where satisfactory conditions have previously been demonstrated to be suitable for conducting In-Water Surveys. The shipowners, ship operator or ship managers are reminded that underwater conditions can deteriorate due to pollution, seasonal factors, and other causes, and the suitability of a suggested location may need to be reassessed if a prolonged period has elapsed since the last recorded In-Water Survey.

The shipowner or ship operator and Master should consult local harbour/port authorities, national jurisdiction, international hydrographic organisations, and admiralty nautical charts, as applicable, for ‘safe conduct of In-Water Survey’ in their selected location. Nautical Charts or relevant information should be reviewed for the chosen IWS location, including water depth, wrecks and other hazards, seabed features, channel markers, tide and current data, anchorages, ports, harbours, marinas, bridges, shipping movements, and marine traffic, among other factors. 

The shipowner or ship operator may also choose an IWS location from the relevant third-party website, such as https://www.earthdata.nasa.gov, by navigating to the Water Quality Data Pathfinder and selecting “Turbidity” under Find Data, either through subscription or the open access.

LR accepts no responsibility or liability for the use of such websites, which may contain inaccuracies or errors. The materials on the website do not constitute advice, do not necessarily represent the opinions of LR or any of its employees, and are not guaranteed to be accurate, complete, or up-to-date.