Ship safety surveys by the Flag

Throughout its registration under the RIF, a transport or service ship is subject to safety surveys by the inspectors for the ship safety and prevention of maritime occupational risks (ISNPRPM in French) under the competent ship safety center.

Special surveys

During building, special surveys are carried out to verify that the ship is built in accordance with French and international regulations.

Commissioning surveys

Before any operation, the ship shall undergo a commissioning survey, mainly to verify that the "real" ship corresponds to the ship plans as approved by the commission CCS. On this occasion, a large number of tests are carried out (fire drill, bilge draining system, …).

Since 2021, the commissioning survey for ships with a reference length (LR in French) of 24m or above, has changed. The authorized classification societies (SCH) are now competent to perform those surveys.

Once the shipowner is issued with the navigation licence, with or without a validity limit, the administrative licence shall then be requested.

Periodic surveys

Once the ship is operating, it is inspected annually during the periodic survey (VP in French), to verify that it is maintained in good operational condition.

Surveys by the inspectors for the prevention of maritime occupational risks are free of charge on the national territory (Hexagon, overseas). However, the costs for travelling abroad are paid by the shipowner.