ISO 10855-3:2024

Overview

ISO 10855-3:2024 - Offshore containers and associated lifting sets - Part 3: Periodic inspection, examination and testing - defines the requirements for the periodic inspection, examination and testing of offshore containers (designed per ISO 10855‑1) and their associated lifting sets. It applies to containers with a maximum gross mass up to 25 000 kg, intended for repeated transfers to, from and between offshore installations and ships. The second edition (2024) updates inspection and acceptance guidance and covers inspection after damage and repair.

Key topics and technical requirements

This standard organizes practical inspection requirements and supporting documentation for offshore container safety. Major technical topics include:

• Container inspection plate: required content, corrosion‑resistant material and secure attachment.
• Schedule of periodic inspection/examination and testing: defined procedures for containers and lifting sets (scheduling details are provided in the standard).
• Container lifting tests: requirements for test set‑up, test equipment and calibration.
• Non‑destructive examination (NDE) of welds: accepted NDE methods (visual, penetrant, magnetic particle, ultrasonic, radiographic, eddy current), operator qualifications and acceptance criteria references.
• Visual inspection: detailed checks for markings, welds, pad eyes, lashing points, structure, door closures and flooring.
• Marking, inspection report and record keeping: mandatory inspection plate marking, format/content of inspection reports and retention of records.
• Damage and repair procedures: inspection requirements following impact, corrosion or repair work.
• Pre‑trip inspections: operational checks before each transfer.
• Competence guidance: annexes recommend knowledge and experience for inspectors and NDT personnel.
• Recommended inspection and acceptance criteria: included in informative annexes for containers and lifting set components.

Practical applications and users

ISO 10855-3:2024 is intended for organizations and individuals responsible for the safety, inspection and certification of offshore freight equipment:

• Offshore operators and platform logistics teams
• Inspection bodies and third‑party surveyors
• Container and lifting set manufacturers and maintenance providers
• NDT technicians and inspection engineers
• Classification societies and regulatory authorities

Use cases:

• Establishing or auditing periodic inspection programs for offshore containers and lifting gear
• Preparing inspection reports and maintaining compliance records
• Determining NDT methods and acceptance criteria for welds and critical components
• Defining pre‑trip inspection checklists and post‑repair verification procedures

Related standards

Key related documents referenced by ISO 10855‑3 include:

• ISO 10855‑1 (design, manufacture and marking of offshore containers)
• ISO 10855‑2 (design and marking of lifting sets)
• NDT and competency standards such as ISO 9712, ISO 17637, ISO 17636‑1/2, ISO 17640, ISO 23277, and others cited for method and acceptance criteria.

Keywords: ISO 10855-3:2024, offshore containers, lifting sets, periodic inspection, NDE, inspection plate, lifting test, inspection report, pre‑trip inspection.