Section 1 General

1.1.1 These requirements apply to:

• bulk carriers;
• general dry cargo ships (excluding container vessels, vehicle carriers, ro-ro ships and woodchip carriers); and
• combination carriers (e.g. OBO ships, Ore/Oil Carriers, etc.);

that are contracted for construction prior to 1 January 2004, of Rule length, L, 100 m and above. The Rule length, L, is defined in Pt 3, Ch 1, 6 Definitions of the Rules and Regulations for the Classification of Ships (hereinafter referred to as the Rules for Ships).

1.1.2 The requirements of Ch 1, 2 Strength and securing of small hatches on the exposed foredeck for small hatches on exposed foredeck and Section 3 for strength of deck fittings and equipment are to be applied in accordance with the following schedule:

• for ships which will be 15 years of age or more on 1 January 2004 by the due date of the first intermediate or special survey after that date;
• for ships which will be 10 years of age or more on 1 January 2004 by the due date of the first special survey after that date;
• for ships which will be less than 10 years of age on 1 January 2004 by the date on which the ship reaches 10 years of age.

1.1.3 Vessels contracted for construction prior to 1 July 2007 are to comply with the requirements of Ch 1, 2.4 Requirements for primary securing 2.4.5 by the date specified in Ch 1, 1.1 Application 1.1.2 or by the due date of the first Special Survey after 1 July 2007, whichever is later. Completion prior to 1 July 2007 of a Special Survey with a due date after 1 July 2007 cannot be used to postpone compliance.