The basic requirement for the successful operation of all vessel systems is the implementation of adequate on-board control systems. There are four basic tanker survey regimes: Port State Controls (PSC) and Flag State Controls (FSC), Annual Class Survey, P&I Club Survey and vetting inspections. Furthermore, there are additional surveys which differ in frequency and methods of conducting inspections: the shipyard inspections, machinery/equipment related inspections, inspections by potential buyers and the crew inspections. The paper analyses and describes all the mentioned survey regimes, determining a certain amount of overlapping between specific survey-regimes. The results of the study indicate that there are inconsistencies in the frequency of surveys and over-inspections of some vessels. These uncoordinated surveys affect the costs as well as the mental and physical condition of the crew. The afore-mentioned indicates the necessity of the overall tanker survey rationalization, having in mind that the rationalization must not have the negative impact on the safety of the vessel. In this paper, the author proposes the implementation of the unified tanker survey model that would integrate components of all survey regimes. The parameters forming the basis for the tanker unified survey model development have also been determined. The results of a comprehensive analysis of the risks arising from non-compliance, oversights or absence of survey, have helped the author to define the optimal time needed to conduct the survey with respect to the technical, technological and economic specifications of the ship. The implementation of the unified survey will eliminate the negative effects found during present surveys and enhance the safety of the ship as well as the quality of the management. Furthermore, the paper verifies the proposed model, explains its positive impact on all aspects of the shipping industry and determines its practical application.