It states that all sea-going vessels aged 10 years or more, which have carried heavy HFO as cargo within the previous 12 months will be subject to condition survey, unless:
• The vessel has undergone a P&I club condition survey during the previous 12 months.
• The vessel has undergone a Special Survey during the previous six months.
• The vessel has a valid Condition Assessment Program (CAP) rating of 1 or 2 with an IACS member class society.
HFO is defined as residual fuel with a kinematic viscosity of 380 centipoises when measured at 50 deg C by the ISO 3104 test method. This excludes vessels carrying intermediate fuel oils or heavy crudes, as well as those carrying bitumen or tar.
A declaration is now required so that a P&I club may determine whether HFO has in fact been carried by an insured vessel as cargo during a relevant policy period. Therefore, the first declaration must be made this year, as soon as possible, but not later than 30th April, 2019 for vessels carrying HFO between 20th February, 2017 and 20th February, 2018, The American Club warned.
If a vessel continues to carry HFO as cargo over a period of successive years, the Club is not obliged to carry out a survey each year. However, a survey will need to be held at least every three years after the first survey has taken place. It is at the Club’s discretion whether or not to undertake surveys on a more frequent basis, the club said.