6 Equivalence Procedures

6.1 Rule applications

6.1.1 These Rules apply to ships of normal form, proportions, speed and structural arrangements. Relevant design parameters defining the assumptions made are given in Ch 1, Sec 2, [3].

6.1.2 Special consideration is to be given to the application of the Rules incorporating design parameters which are outside the design basis as specified in Ch 1, Sec 2, [3], for example, increased fatigue life.

6.2 Novel designs

6.2.1 Ships of novel design, i.e. those of unusual form, proportions, speed and structural arrangements outside those specified in Ch 1, Sec 2, [3.2], are specially considered according to the contents of [6.2.2] to [6.2.4].

6.2.2 Information is to be submitted to the Society to demonstrate that the structural safety of the novel design is at least equivalent to that intended by the Rules.

6.2.3 In such cases, the Society is to be contacted at an early stage in the design process to establish the applicability of the Rules and additional information required for submission.

6.2.4 Dependent on the nature of the deviation, a systematic review may be required to document equivalence with the Rules.

6.3 Alternative calculation methods

6.3.1 Where indicated in specific sections of the Rules, alternative calculation methods to those shown in the Rules may be accepted provided it is demonstrated that the scantling and arrangements are of at least equivalent strength to those derived using the Rules.