An Overview of CAS and ABS CAP

MARPOLs Condition Assessment Scheme (CAS)

CAS is a mandatory statutory survey scheme that Category 2 and Category 3 (non-double hull)
oil tankers must satisfactorily complete (with no outstanding recommendations) by 15 years of
age or by the first intermediate or renewal survey due after 5 April 2005, which ever occurs
later, in order to trade to their respective phase out date as per MARPOL 13G, which was
accelerated by resolution MEPC.111(50) which enters into force on 5 April 2005.
CAS is required to be conducted in conjunction with, the mandatory Enhanced Survey Program
(ESP) and builds upon ESP by requiring additional thickness measurements and close-up
surveys. Relative to ESP, CAS is unique in two respects:
CAS contains very specific responsibilities and deadlines for planning the survey, which
must begin 8 months in advance of the surveys commencement; and
The flag Administration must review/monitor the survey and reporting process and issue
the five-year full term CAS Statement of Compliance).
ABS Condition Assessment Program (CAP)
CAP is a voluntary service offered by some IACS Members. There is no complete
harmonization of the CAP programs offered by IACS Members.
Unlike CAS, ABS CAP requires that a fatigue assessment be carried out.
General Summary of Differences Between CAP and ABS CAS
Based on the attached Table 1, the following additional provisions would need to be
implemented in order for an ABS CAP survey to qualify for CAS certification:
1) An internal review of survey reports would need to be carried out by persons that were not
directly involved in the CAP survey;
2) More extensive and positive reporting of conditions found would be required;
3) Planning would need to start 8 months in advance (see Table 2, attached) of the planned
CAP survey and such planning would need to use the CAS model plan and questionnaire.
This would require greater involvement of the owner and Administration;
4) A dry docking survey would be required;
5) Attendance by two exclusive surveyors would be required; and
6) Additional thickness measurements and close-up surveys may be necessary, depending on
the oil tankers age.

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 Table 1
MARPOLs Condition Assessment Scheme (CAS) vs ABS Condition Assessment Program (CAP)
CAS, as amended by MEPC.112(50) CAP
Approval Criteria
Equivalent to ESP requirements Five Grades are used to identify each item surveyed.
No recommendations/conditions can exist. Survey is not limited to hull structure and extends to
Final Report shall be reviewed internally by ABS machinery, equipment and cargo handling
personnel not engaged in any way whatsoever with the
CAS Survey or Planning Document
Review of Final Report and issuance of CAS Certificate
is by the Flag State
Reporting
Positive reporting required (if no defects are found, it Extent of reporting is generally in checksheet format and
shall be so stated). is not as extensive as CAS, except for the amount of
Itemized list of findings is to provide an auditable trail. photographs.
Locations in each space where close-up surveys and
gaugings were carried out must be identified.
The location, description and extent of cracks, buckling,
corrosion (grooving/pitting), coatings, anodes and
indents must be reported.
Location, method and extent of repairs and items to be
kept under observation are to be identified.
Sufficient photos to represent the general condition of
each space must be taken to supplement the report.
Time Schedule
Must be aligned with Intermediate or Special Survey. Can be carried out at any time.
Survey Planning
A rigid planning schedule, starting 8 months prior to The owner, in cooperation with ABSG, is to work out a
survey commencement, must be met. survey program in advance.
The owner must complete the Survey Planning Survey planning meeting is to be documented.
Questionnaire concerning the history of tank cleaning,
use of IGS, and cargo/ballast carried as well as reports
of structural inspections, SMS audits carried out by the
Company and RO and PSC records.
Survey Plan, with minimum specific contents, must be
agreed by owner and class
Conditions for Survey
Must include dry dock survey Dry dock survey or under water inspection while afloat is
Minimum safe access provisions, including means of acceptable.
communication and conditions for rafting are specified. Minimum safe access provisions refer to TSCF Guide
Two qualified exclusive surveyors to carry out survey and are therefore consistent with CAS as are conditions
for rafting.
Two surveyors are required, but they need not be
exclusive surveyors
Prior to commencement of survey no repairs should
have to be done to hull and machinery.
Internal Exam
All cargo and ballast tanks All cargo and ballast tanks

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Thickness Measurements
TM Firm must be approved by ABS. One exclusive TM Firm must be approved by ABS. One surveyor must
surveyor is to attend to control the TM process. always be in attendance.
Under the EU proposal, Cat.2 and Cat.3 tankers will The extent of gauging is more extensive than CAS for
need to pass a CAS survey as early as 15 years of age tankers of 15 years of age or less, but is less extensive
and at every subsequent intermediate or renewal survey than CAS for tanker more than 15 years of age.
until phase out which ranges from 14 to 21 years. CAS more extensively specifies the representative
Although thickness measurements vary between SS 3 areas of a given structural member to be measured.
to SS 4 based on ESP, CAS will govern such that the
UT readings are used for structural evaluation for the
following areas will need to be measured under ESP
As Gauged condition.
plus CAS.
3 transverse sections within the cargo area;
Each bottom plate within the cargo area;
Internal structure of fore and aft peak tanks;
All members subject to close-up inspection.
Selected wind and water strakes outside cargo area
and all wind and water strakes within cargo area.
All exposed main deck plates.
ESP specifies at least two readings for each plate
Close-up Surveys
Prescriptive minimum requirements of ESP, plus CAS: The extent of close-up survey is not as clearly specified
All web frame rings in all ballast tanks; as it is in CAS, but allows exceptions where a full
All web frame rings in a cargo tank; coating is found to be in Good condition.
30% of the web frames in remaining cargo tanks CAP may not be as extensive as CAS
All transverse bulkheads Fatigue analysis completed prior to survey
30% of the deck and bottom transverses in each commencement in order to have the Surveyors
center cargo tank specifically examine and report on any areas that are
Additional areas based on knowledge of Critical found with a high fatigue sensitivity index rating.
Structural Areas (e.g., fatigue analysis) if available

Table 2
Schedule of Planning and Implementation Required under CAS
Timing Action Required for Completion of CAS Surveys Action by Recipient

8 mo prior to PC Notification of intent to seek CAS certification Co CS/A

7 mo prior to PC Issue Questionnaire and changes to diminution limits CS Co

5 mo prior to PC Response to Questionnaire Co CS

2 mo prior to PC Develop Survey Plan / Convene Pre-Survey Meeting Co/CS A

PC Planned Commencement of Survey

IS/SS due prior to CC Completion of Survey within 18/15 mo ESP window CS/Co -
Issuance of Final CAS Report
2 months before CC CS Co/A
Interim CAS Statement of Compliance
Review/Approve Final Report
Prior to CC A CS
Issue 5-year Full Term Statement of Compliance
CAS Compliance Date: 15 years of age or by the first intermediate or renewal
CC
survey due after 5 April 2005, which ever occurs later

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