In-water survey

In-water survey (referred to by various classification societies as IWS, BIS, etc.) is a method of surveying the underwater parts of a ship while it is still afloat instead of having to dry-dock it for examination of these areas as was conventionally done.

For cargo ships, two surveys are required within a period of five years. One of these can be an in-water survey, provided the ship is eligible for it.


 * The ship (tanker or bulk carrier) should not be more than 15 years old.
 * The bottom of the ship should not be painted black before carrying out the survey.