Section 2 Application of requirements

2.1 Application of Classification Rules to SSC vessels carrying more than 12 passengers

2.1.1 The requirement in Pt 3, Ch 2, 6.6 Double and single bottom structure 6.6.1 of the Rules and Regulations for the Classification of Special Service Craft is applicable regardless of the number of passengers being carried.

2.1.2 In addition, where a vessel carries more than 12 passengers, SOLAS or the otherwise applicable instruments, as defined by the Flag State, are to be complied with regardless of classification requirements.

2.1.3 In cases where the Flag State for the vessel has their own requirements (applicability should be carefully checked), then these must be applied.

In order to aid in the plan approval process, it is advisable to inform the relevant plan appraisal office of the vessel’s Flag State.
Where any of the Flag State’s regulations have been relaxed or amended for a particular project, a statement to that effect endorsed by the Flag State must also be provided to LR.

2.1.4 In cases where the Flag State does not have their own requirements, then SOLAS in its entirety is to be used. The requirements of SOLAS Ch. II-1 Reg. 9 will be applicable as the vessel is considered as a ‘passenger ship’ under the SOLAS definition. See Ch 1, 3.1 General.

2.2 Application of Classification Rules to SSC vessels carrying 12 passengers or fewer

2.2.1 The requirement in Pt 3, Ch 2 6.6 Double and single bottom structure 6.6.1 of the Rules and Regulations for the Classification of Special Service Craft is applicable regardless of the number of passengers being carried.

2.2.2 In cases where the Flag State for the vessel has their own requirements (applicability should be carefully checked), then these must be applied.

In order to aid in the plan approval process, it is advisable to inform the relevant plan appraisal office of the vessel’s Flag State.
Where any of the Flag State’s regulations have been relaxed or amended for a particular project, a statement to that effect endorsed by the Flag State must also be provided to LR.

2.2.3 In cases where the Flag State does not have their own requirements then SOLAS in its entirety is to be used. However, as indicated, SOLAS Ch. II-1 Reg. 4.1 states that double bottom requirements in SOLAS are only applicable to cargo vessels of Load Line length 80 m or more.

2.2.4 Hence, in the absence of Flag State requirements where the vessel carries 12 or fewer passengers and has a Load Line length more than 80 m, then the requirements of SOLAS Ch. II-1 Reg. 9 will be applicable, with the exception of vessels already shown to comply with the subdivision and damage stability regulations detailed in any of the following:

Annex I to MARPOL 73/78, except combination carriers (as defined in SOLAS Ch. II-2 Reg. 3.14) with type B freeboards;
International Bulk Chemical Code;
International Gas Carrier Code;
Guidelines for the design and construction of offshore supply vessels (resolution A.469(XII));
Code of Safety for Special Purpose Ships (resolution A.534(13), as amended);
Damage stability requirements of regulation 27 of the International Convention on Load Lines, 1966 as applied in compliance with resolutions A.320(IX) and A.514(13), provided that in the case of cargo ships to which regulation 27(9) applies, main transverse watertight bulkheads, to be considered effective, are spaced according to paragraph (12)(f) of resolution A.320(IX), except ships intended for the carriage of deck cargo; and
Damage stability requirements of regulation 27 of the International Convention on Load Lines, 1966, as Amended by the Protocol of 1988, except ships intended for the carriage of deck cargo.

See Ch 1, 3.1 General.

2.2.5 Hence, in the absence of Flag State requirements, where a vessel carries 12 or fewer passengers and has a Load Line length of less than 80 m, then SOLAS Ch. II-1 Reg. 9 is not applicable and there are no governing requirements. As such, recommended practice should be applied to ensure a safe and robust design with an adequate level of survivability. See Ch 1, 3.2 Passenger ships or other vessels of 80 m and upwards in Load Line length.

2.3 Quick reference table

2.3.1 To provide a quick reference and additional clarity, Table 1.2.1 Applicable requirements reference shows a list of scenarios and applicable requirements for classification. Table 1.2.1 Applicable requirements reference also includes some example cases.

Table 1.2.1 Applicable requirements reference

Scenario	Requirements
Vessel flagged to a Flag State with specific double bottom requirements.	The Flag State’s specific requirements and interpretations are to be applied.
Vessel flagged to a Flag State with no specific double bottom requirements; is to carry more than 12 passengers; regardless of length.	SOLAS is to be used (SOLAS Ch. II-1 Reg. 9 is applicable as this is a ‘passenger ship’)
Vessel is being flagged to a Flag State with no specific double bottom requirements; is to carry 12 passengers or less; has a Load Line length of 80 m or more.	SOLAS is to be used (SOLAS Ch. II-1 Reg. 9 is applicable as this is a ‘cargo ship’ of 80 m or upwards in length)
Vessel is being flagged to a Flag State with no specific double bottom requirements; is to carry 12 passengers or less; has a Load Line length of less than 80 m.	No requirements are applicable; instead LR recommended practice should be applied.
Vessel is being flagged to a Flag State with no specific double bottom requirements; SOLAS does not apply to the vessel, as per SOLAS Ch. I Reg. 1 and Ch. I Reg. 3 (e.g. Fishing vessels).	No requirements are applicable; instead LR recommended practice should be applied.
Vessel is to be Passenger Yacht Code (PYC) compliant.	The PYC is a set of Flag State requirements and therefore is to be applied in place of SOLAS.
Vessel is to be Large Yacht Code compliant.	The Large Yacht Code is a set of Flag State requirements though some versions refer to class, as such SOLAS may be applicable depending on the number of passengers and Load Line length of vessel. Where SOLAS is not applicable, LR recommended practice should be applied.