FAQs

How often are surveys required?

Vessel surveys are typically required:

For Domestic Commercial Vessels: At regular intervals (e.g., annually or every 5 years) to maintain certification and ensure compliance with safety standards such as the NSCV or the USL Code. Marine Order 503 states the Survey schedule for Domestic Commercial Vessels.
For recreational vessels: Inspections may be required less frequently, but it’s important to schedule periodic checks for maintenance, safety, and compliance.
For vessels engaged in international trade: Additional surveys may be required depending on the flag state and the trade routes.  Contact us to determine your vessel’s survey requirements based on its type, use, and regulatory obligations.

Marine Order 503 – Periodic Survey Schedule:

Marine Order 503 - Periodic Survey Schedule

	Class 1	Class 2	Class 3	Class 4
High	Class 1 - All Operational Areas	2A - With Passengers 2B - Extended With Passengers 2B - With Passengers
Medium		2A - Without Passengers 2B - Extended Without Passengers 2B - Without Passengers 2C > 12m 2C With Modifier 2D With Modifier 2E With Modifier	3A 3B 3B Extended 3C > 12m 3C - With Modifier 3D - With Modifier 3E - With Modifier	4C > 12m 4D > 12m 4E > 12m 4C - With Modifier 4D - With Modifier 4E - With Modifier
Low		2C < 12m Without Modifier 2D - Without Passengers and Without Modifier 2D < 12m With Passengers and Without Modifier 2E - Without Passengers and Without Modifier 2D < 12m With Passengers and Without Modifier Class 2 Ferry in Chains* Class 2 Permanently Moored Vessel* Class 2 Unpowered Barge*	3C < 12m Without Modifier 3D - Without Modifier 3E - With Modifier Class 3 Permanently Moored Vessels* Class 3 Unpowered Barge*	4C < 12m Without Modifier 4D < 12m Without Modifier 4E < 12m Without Modifier

The survey frequency category for a kind of vessel indicated with an Asterisk (*) is the survey frequency category mentioned in that item, whether or not the table provides that another survey frequency category applies according to vessel service category.>

Other Level High Vessels:

Vessels with Steam Propulsion*
Submersible or Wing-in-ground effect craft*
Novel vessel*
High Speed Thrill Ride Vessel*

Modifiers:

Modifiers List (Updated)

(a) carriage of dangerous goods including petroleum or gas products (other than petroleum or gas products intended for use on the vessel or fireworks carried on the vessel on for use on the vessel for a fireworks display)
(b) the vessel has an inboard engine that operates on fuel that has a flashpoint less than 60°C
(c) the vessel is operated primarily for towage
(d) the vessel is a support vessel in the offshore oil or gas industry
(e) the vessel is a Class 4 vessel operated overnight
(f) the vessel is
- (i) a Category F1 fast craft or Category F2 fast craft
- (ii) a landing barge that is of a design or for a use that the National Regulator has determined is likely to adversely affect its stability
(g) the vessel is a vessel (other than a vessel with a hull made from aluminium or steel) that is at least 15 years old

Survey Frequency Category Table (Updated)

Survey Frequency Category	Year 0	Year 1	Year 2	Year 3	Year 5
High	Initial Survey	In Water Periodic	In Water Periodic	Out of Water Periodic	Renewal Survey (In and Out of Water)
Medium		Periodic	Periodic	In Water Periodic
Low

This guidance outlines the minimum survey frequency standards to comply with Marine Order 503. You should consider that your insurer may NOT accept the minimum safety inspection / survey frequency as set out in Marine Order 503. You should contact your insurer for confirmation.

FAQs

How often are surveys required?

Vessel surveys are typically required:

Marine Order 503 – Periodic Survey Schedule:

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