Applicability-This guide is intended to describe a planning audit that will improve the shipowner'ability to forecast costs and schedule impacts and aid the shipowner in identifying environmental, health, and safety concerns associated with the removal, handling, and disposal of potentially hazardous shipboard materials.

Use-Audits may be performed to aid in planning for a variety of events, including maintenance, repair, modification, purchase, or scrapping. To maximize efficiency, audits should be tailored to meet the specific needs of the shipowner, with target materials identified during the planning process.

Caution-Legal restrictions on the removal and disposal of materials discussed in this guide may vary significantly from port to port, both within the United States and abroad. Reasons for this variation include the decentralized nature of port control, state, and local environmental regulations, and the local availability of landfill or treatment facilities. Users of this guide should consult local authorities to obtain information on specific legal requirements.