Onboard Repairs: Why Class and Statutory Compliance Matters
Onboard repairs, either planned or in case of an emergency following an equipment breakdown or a structural damage, are a practical necessity of ship operations. However, recent experience continues to show that unapproved or poorly managed and executed repairs can lead to classification and statutory noncompliance, with serious implications for P&I cover. In today’s regulatory environment, the margin for error is smaller than ever.
Onboard repairs: A Continuing Obligation
Shipowners remain responsible for:
- Maintaining the vessel in compliance with Class rules and statutory requirements at all times
- Notifying Class immediately of damage affecting:
- Hull structure
- Watertight integrity
- Propulsion, steering, or essential systems
Repairs undertaken without Class knowledge or attendance may result in suspension of class, which can invalidate insurance cover regardless of intent.
While the principles remain unchanged, IACS technical standards are advancing.
For example, starting from 01 Jan 2027 welding procedures will have to comply with revised Unified Requirements UR W28 Rev.3. These changes enhance control over welding quality and introduce additional information for flexibility and guidance which raise the bar for repair quality.
The repairs are increasingly scrutinised for fitness for service and compliance with recognised standards. IACS Recommendation No. 47 (Rev.10 Corr.1, Oct 2025) provides quality standards for shipbuilding and repairs where no recognised national or shipbuilding standards exist.
IACS UR Z13 mandates that voyage repairs affecting class must be planned in advance, approved by the Classification Society, and supervised by a surveyor. Emergency repairs must be logged and reported promptly. Failure to comply can lead to Class suspension and consequently to insurance disputes.
In practice, this means that repairs once considered “routine” may now require formal Class approval and survey attendance.
P&I Cover Implications
From a P&I perspective compliance with Class and statutory requirements remains a condition of cover. Losses arising from non‑compliant repairs may be excluded if the Member failed to notify Class, to follow approved repair procedures, or to engage competent and approved service providers.
Practical Lessons for Operators and Loss Prevention Department Advice
- When in doubt, inform Class and, if applicable, Flag immediately. Repairs affecting classification must be approved and supervised by a Classification Society.
- Document damage, repair proposals, approvals, and execution. Temporary steel welding repairs (doublers) are allowed only in limited cases and must be replaced by permanent repairs. Strict control over material equivalency, welding procedures, and non-destructive testing ensures structural integrity.
- Treat onboard repairs as high profile activities, not operational shortcuts.
- Voyage repairs require prior agreement and documented procedures to avoid insurance disputes. Ensure riding squads and service providers meet current IACS and Class standards.
Enhanced IACS standards, stricter survey regimes and increasing claims scrutiny mean that onboard repairs demand early engagement with Class and statutory bodies, as well as disciplined compliance.
(Originally published by the West of England P&I Club, August 2017, and refreshed to reflect current Loss Prevention Department experience.)