Tests of: (1) DSC facilities (test call with coast station); and (2) reserve source of energy, if not provided by a battery (e. g. motor generator).

Shipping and forwarding agents. They can be found under that name in Yellow Pages in every city in Britain, located at container bases and near airports.

Structural strength; 

Yes, in special circumstances, where approved by the society's committee, for a maximum of three months beyond the normal expiry date. 

In a table in Chapter VI of the STCW Code (Table A-VI/2-2).

An international voyage in the course of which the ship is not more than 200 miles from a port or place in which the passengers and crew could be placed in safety. 

An Improvement Notice may be served on a ship operator or master by an MCA inspector under section 261 of the Merchant Shipping Act 1995 to give notice that, in the inspector's opinion, the recipient is contravening or has contravened specified provisions and that these must be remedied by the specified date in the manner described in the schedule attached to the Notice.

Every ship to which MARPOL Annex II applies, i. e. chemical tankers issued with IBC Code or BCH Code Certificates of Fitness and other ships issued with International Noxious Liquid Substances Certificates.

An inspection of the underwater part of the ship and related items to ensure that they are in a satisfactory condition and fit for the service for which the ship is intended. (2011 HSSC Survey Guidelines, 2. 6)

The International Health Regulations (1969) were primarily intended to monitor and control six serious infectious diseases: cholera, plague, yellow fever, smallpox, relapsing fever and typhus. IHR (2005) broaden the scope of the 1969 Regulations to cover existing, new and re-emerging diseases, including emergencies caused by non-infectious disease agents.

The assigning authority, which for a classed ship is generally the classification society. (For an unclassed UK ship it is usually the MCA.)

The same as a periodical survey but also leads to the issue of a new certificate. (2011 HSSC Survey Guidelines, 2. 3)

The hull must be in sound condition, the vessel must be mechanically sound, equipped with charts, etc., and crewed by a properly trained crew. 

Initial surveys must usually be carried out by MCA surveyors. Annual and renewal surveys may be carried out by a Recognised Organisation, but one survey in each 5-year period must be by the MCA.

(1) Heavy weather damage; (2) grounding/stranding damage; (3) fire or explosion damage; (4) collision damage; and (5) contact damage (with fixed or floating objects).