1.1.1 This Code represents the recommended requirements
for the design and construction of dynamically supported craft, together
with the appropriate equipment which should be provided, and the appropriate
condition for their operation and maintenance. It is intended that
the application of the Code, as applied to craft in accordance with
the definition in 1.4.1, should result
in a level of safety for the craft and persons carried equivalent
to that required for conventional displacement ships by the Safety
and Load Line Conventions.
1.1.2 The provisions of this Code should be applied
having regard to the general conditions set out in the Code, which
are based on the following:
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(a) that distances covered and the worst intended
environmental conditions in which operations are permitted will be
restricted;
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(b) that the craft will at all times be in reasonable
proximity to a place of refuge;
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(c) that the facilities specified in 1.4.11 will be available at the base port from
which the craft operates;
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(d) the ability of the Administration to exercise
strict control over the operation of the craft;
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(e) the rapid availability of rescue facilities
at all points in the intended service;
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(f) that all passengers are provided with a seat
and no sleeping berths are provided;
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(g) facilities are provided for rapid evacuation
into suitable survival craft.
1.1.3 The safety of the passengers and crew of
dynamically supported craft should be provided by appropriate standards
of design and construction, by documentation complying with the requirements
of Chapters 1 to 16 of this Code, by implementation of operational,
maintenance and personnel competence requirements contained in Chapters 17 and 18,
as well as by the system of surveys specified in this chapter. This
Code should be treated as a unified document since non-compliance
with any of its parts can be detrimental to the safety of passengers
and crew.
1.1.4 Dynamically supported craft, by their very
novelty and because of their small number, have problems peculiar
to themselves and hence designers and operators should have maximum
freedom to achieve the acceptable safety level in the appropriate
manner.
1.1.5 New installation of materials containing
asbestos used for the structure, machinery, electrical installations
and equipment of a craft to which this Code applies should be prohibited
except for:
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.1 vanes used in rotary vane compressors and rotary
vane vacuum pumps;
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.2 watertight joints and linings used for the
circulation of fluids when, at high temperature (in excess of 350°C)
or pressure (in excess of 7 x 106 Pa), there is a risk
of fire, corrosion or toxicity; and
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.3 supple and flexible thermal insulation assemblies
used for temperatures above 1000°C.