Introduction
Clasification Society 2024 - Version 9.40
Clasifications Register Rules and Regulations - Rules and Regulations for the Classification of Naval Ships, January 2023 - Ship Structures - Regulations - Classification Regulations - Introduction

Introduction

Definition of Naval Class

Naval ship Classification may be regarded as the development and worldwide implementation of published Rules and Regulations, which, in conjunction with proper care and conduct on the part of the Owner, will provide for:

  1. the structural strength and the watertight integrity of all essential parts of the hull and its appendages; this includes compliance with a suitable damage stability standard accepted by Lloyd’s Register (hereinafter referred to as ’LR’);

  2. the safety and reliability of engineering systems essential for propulsion, steering and other Mobility and/or Ship Type-specific functions, see Vol 2, Pt 1, Ch 1, 3 Engineering system designation;

  3. the operation and functioning of associated systems installed for operational requirements relating to the ship type, see Vol 2, Pt 1, Ch 1, 3 Engineering system designation; and

  4. the effectiveness of other defined features and systems which have been built into the ship in order to establish and maintain basic conditions on board whereby appropriate stores, fuels, equipment and personnel can be safely carried whilst the ship is at sea, at anchor, or moored in harbour.

A naval ship is said to be in Class when the Rules and Regulations which pertain to it have been complied with, or compliance, equivalent to the Rules, has been ascertained.

LR maintains these provisions by way of periodical visits by its Surveyors to the ship as defined in the Regulations in order to ascertain that the vessel currently complies with those Rules and Regulations. Records of any defects found, or modifications carried out, between visits by LR Surveyors, which may affect Classification, are to be maintained. Any defects found are to be reported to LR with the minimum of delay. The records will form the basis of remedial action, where necessary, for maintenance of Class.

Military Distinctions

Military Distinction notations are awarded by LR as shown in Vol 1, Pt 4 Military Design and Special Features of these Rules. LR requires demonstration of the capability of the ship to withstand specified hostile military action without loss of capability. It is the responsibility of the navy or designer to specify and quantify the weapon performance and scenarios to be studied. A Military Distinction notation is awarded by LR on the basis that the assessment presented has been conducted in accordance with agreed procedures and the ship constructed in a manner that reflects the design requirements.

LR is to be informed of any incident of the ship sustaining damage. Such ships are to be made available for survey thereafter at the earliest possible opportunity.

Options

The handling of safety matters such as ship’s stability, life-saving appliances, pollution prevention arrangements and structural fire protection, fire detection and extinction arrangements is the prerogative of the Owner and his delegated Naval Administration. However, where these matters are delegated to LR they will be undertaken in accordance with agreed procedures and appropriate class notations will be assigned and entered into the vessel’s Classification record.

Transfer of Information

To achieve naval class it is imperative to ensure that communication between LR, the Owner, Naval Administration, Prime Contractor, designer and Builder is effective. In designing, building and maintaining a ship to class, it is essential that liaison between the various parties involved is assured. In particular, formal written contracts are essential for commercial reasons between the contractors, but an additional responsibility rests with all participants to ensure that naval class leads to a transparency of information during construction and thereafter.

Parent topic: Chapter 2 Classification Regulations
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