ISO 10855-3:2018

Overview

ISO 10855-3:2018 specifies requirements for the periodic inspection, examination and testing of offshore containers and associated lifting sets. It applies to freight and service containers manufactured to ISO 10855‑1 with a maximum gross mass up to 25 000 kg, intended for repeated use to, from and between offshore installations and ships. The standard covers inspection after damage and repair and provides guidance on the recommended knowledge and experience of personnel who carry out inspections (Annexes B and C). ISO 10855 (all parts) aligns with IMO MSC/Circ.860 requirements for offshore container handling.

Keywords: ISO 10855-3, offshore containers, periodic inspection, lifting sets, NDE, container inspection plate

Key Topics and Technical Requirements

• Scope and applicability: Offshore freight and service containers and their lifting sets (MGM ≤ 25 000 kg).
• Container inspection plate: Requirements for a corrosion-resistant, permanently marked plate in English, showing at minimum the owner’s container number, owner’s name and date of last inspection, and space for recording multiple inspections.
• Schedules of periodic inspection/examination and testing: Timetables and intervals for container and lifting-set inspections (see Clauses 6 and 14).
• Container lifting test: Requirements for testing lifting arrangements, test equipment and calibration (Clause 7).
• Non‑destructive examination (NDE) of welds: Guidance on visual testing and NDE methods including penetrant, magnetic particle, ultrasonic, radiographic and the use of eddy current testing at periodic inspections (Clause 8).
• Visual inspection: Detailed checks for markings, welds, pad eyes, lashing points, structure, doors and floors (Clause 9).
• Damage, repair and record keeping: Procedures for inspection after damage or repair, inspection reports and long‑term records (Clauses 11–13).
• Pre‑trip inspections and attachment checks: Operational checks before movements and inspection of lifting-set attachments (Clauses 15–16).
• Competency: Recommended inspector qualifications (informative Annexes B and C).

Practical Applications and Users

ISO 10855-3 is used to ensure safe, repeatable handling of offshore containers in harsh maritime environments. Typical users include:

• Offshore operators and logistics providers
• Container owners and lessors
• Inspection bodies and NDT technicians
• Lifting-set manufacturers and service companies
• Classification societies and certifying organizations
• Health, safety and compliance teams

Benefits: improves safety, ensures compliance with IMO guidance, standardizes inspection reports, extends container service life, and reduces operational risk.

Related Standards

• ISO 10855-1 (Design, manufacture and marking of offshore containers)
• ISO 10855-2 (Design and marking of lifting sets)
• Relevant NDT and inspection standards: ISO 17637, ISO 9712, ISO 3452-1, ISO 17640, ISO 17636, ISO 11666
• IMO MSC/Circ.860 and SOLAS (certification and maritime safety guidance)

For organizations managing offshore container fleets, ISO 10855-3 provides the practical inspection framework to maintain safety, traceability and regulatory alignment.