ABS Rules require that every classed vessel be subject to periodic surveys throughout its service life to determine whether it is maintained in accordance with classification standards.

ABS surveyors also attend repairs and modifications to determine that the applicable  work that conforms to the ABS Rules.

Surveys are based on a five-year cycle of Annual Surveys, an Intermediate Survey to be completed between the second and third years of the five-year period, and a comprehensive Special Survey including drydocking at each fifth anniversary from the time of the vessel's delivery.