Explain CAS (Condition assessment scheme):
- The IMO initiated the Condition Assessment Scheme (CAS) for single-hull oil tankers which was developed in line with the Enhanced Survey Program (ESP).
- CAS entered into force on 5th April 2005.
- The purpose of CAS is to provide an international standard to meet the requirement of MARPOL annex 1.
- CAS is one of the mandatory surveys that need to be completed by all the Oil tankers which fall in category 2 and category 3 of MARPOL annex 1.
- To Category 2 and Category 3 oil tankers, In order for these tankers to operate beyond 2010 to their mandatory phase-out date under IMO rules, the CAS requires that they are satisfactorily surveyed and certified.
- It has specific responsibilities with the deadlines to plan the survey. The entire process starts approx six to eight months in advance.
- A CAS survey includes an overall survey, close-up survey, thickness measurements and pressure testing within the cargo area and ballast tanks, including fore and aft peak tanks, of an oil tanker.
- The first CAS survey shall be carried out concurrent with the first intermediate or renewal survey after 5 April 2005, or after the date when the ship reaches 15 years of age, whichever occurs later.
- On completion of the CAS survey, the attending surveyors will issue an Interim CAS Statement of Compliance, valid for 5 months, which will enable the completion of the CAS Final Report and verification by the flag State Administration, who will then issue the final CAS Statement of Compliance. Further CAS surveys will then be carried out at intervals of 5 years.
- A Category 2 tanker is an oil tanker of 20, 000 dwt and above carrying crude oil, fuel oil, heavy diesel oil or lubricating oil, or of 30, 000 dwt and above carrying other oils which complies with the MARPOL requirement for protectively located segregated ballast tank arrangements;
- A Category 3 oil tanker is one of 5, 000 dwt and above but less than the tonnage specified for Category 2 tankers.
- Depending on their delivery dates, Category 2 and Category 3 tankers must be phased out between 2005 and 2010.
- A Category 2 or Category 3 tanker of 15 years and over after the date of delivery must comply with the CAS.
- The flag State Administration may allow a Category 2 or Category 3 tanker to operate beyond 2010 subject to satisfactory CAS surveys, but they must be taken out of service by the anniversary in 2015 of the delivery date or when they reach 25 years of age, whichever is earlier.
