These guidelines focus on the IACS Member Societies’ survey procedures but may also be useful in connection with the inspection/examination schemes of other regulatory bodies, owners and operators.

These guidelines include a review of survey preparation criteria, which cover the safety aspects related to the performance of the survey, the necessary access facilities, and the other preparation necessary before the surveys can be carried out.

The guidelines include a section which illustrates examples of structural deterioration and damages related to each structural area and gives what to look for, possible cause, and recommended repair methods, when considered appropriate.