IRS - services

Statutory Services

IRS carries out statutory design appraisal, surveys and certification work on behalf of Flag States, when so authorized by the governments of such states via the International Maritime Organization Conventions and Codes . The four major IMO conventions are:

International Convention on Loadline
International Convention for the safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS)
International Tonnage Convention
International Convention on Maritime Pollution Prevention (MARPOL)

Non-Classification Services

Specification Services

The experience and knowledge accumulated through classification work enables IRS to provide technical advisory and supervisory services for ship owners. IRS surveyors who are seconded in to the owners for such services operate independently. Though distinct from classification services these services are nonetheless in harmony with them. The aim of IRS is to provide independent technical support and impartial cost effective advice to owners. Owners get value for money, coupled with highest standards of quality during construction, conversion or refit. IRS specification services have been used extensively by various ship owners including national administrations, port authorities, oil companies etc. Specification services are provided for pre-contract as well as post-contract stages.

Pre-contract services include:

Advice for preparation of inquiry documents for tendering
Appraisal of tender bids from shipbuilders
Power estimation
Fuel consumption, endurance and capacities for consumables
Trim and stability calculations
General layout and space concepts
Cargo capacities and handling arrangements
Selection of propulsion and auxiliary machinery
Advice for painting and corrosion protection scheme.

Post-contract services

Design appraisal is done at the early stages to ensure that proposed arrangement conforms to the agreed specification. The design appraisal could cover model-testing program for power estimation, sea keeping and maneuvering.

Generally the following plans are verified for ensuring compliance with specification:

Hull and superstructure
All machinery systems
Loading conditions
Tank arrangement and capacities
Electrical and control system
Painting specification and corrosion control system
Communication systems and navigational equipment
Safety equipment and life saving appliances

Supervision during all stages of construction

At the shipyard, comprehensive supervision is provided during all stages of constructions including tests and trials. Owners are appraised at monthly or agreed intervals about progress, deviations, from specifications and other pertinent facts of owners interest. Visits are arranged to the sub-contractor's work sites to inspect major items of machinery and equipment to ensure compliance with specifications and agreed standards of workmanship.

Supervision during major modification and repair

This includes a broad range of focus areas like:

Examination of existing plans of a vessel to assess its suitability for modifications
Examination of the existing condition of a vessel
Assisting owners in evaluation of contractors
Supervision of modification work