Section 3 Surveys - General

3.1.1 The Committee will act, when authorized on behalf of Governments, in respect of National and International statutory safety and other requirements.

3.2.1 When it is intended to build a pipeline for classification with LR, the calculations, construction plans and particulars of the pipeline, equipment, controls and fittings as detailed in the appropriate requirements of these Rules are to be submitted in triplicate for LR's approval before the work is commenced. Any subsequent modifications or additions to the arrangements or equipment shown on the approved plans are also to be submitted for approval.

3.2.2 Where equipment or fittings include items which have been type tested and approved by LR, constructional plans and particulars of such items need not be included in submissions made in accordance with Ch 1, 3.2 New construction surveys 3.2.1.

3.2.3 The materials used in the construction and the material testing procedures are to be in accordance with the requirements of LR's Rules for the Manufacture, Testing and Certification of Materials, January 2016 or an approved National or International specification.

3.2.4 The steel is to be manufactured by an approved process at works recognized by the Committee.

3.2.5 New pipelines intended for classification are to be built under LR's Special Survey. From the commencement of the work until the completion of the pipeline, the materials, workmanship and arrangements are to be in accordance with the Rules or approved specification.

3.2.6 It is the Owner's responsibility to inform LR of any defects found. The exact location, nature and extent of the defect are to be stated.

3.2.7 Copies of approved plans (showing the pipeline as built), essential certificates and records and other instruction manuals are to be readily available for use when required by LR's Surveyors.

3.2.8 Where remote and/or automatic controls, alarms and safeguards are fitted, this equipment is to be arranged, installed and tested in accordance with LR's Rules and Regulations.

3.2.9 The date of completion of the Special Survey during construction and installation of pipelines built under LR's survey will normally be taken as the date of build.

3.3.1  Classification of pipelines not built under survey. The requirements of the Committee for the classification of pipelines which have not been built under LR's Survey are that plans, design calculations and past service records must be submitted for appraisal and an appropriate survey will be required.

3.3.2  Reclassification. When reclassification or class reinstatement is desired for a pipeline for which the class previously assigned by LR has been withdrawn or suspended, the Committee will direct that a survey appropriate to the age of the pipeline and the circumstances of the case, be carried out and submitted for consideration. If, at such survey, the pipeline be found to be in a good and efficient condition in accordance with the requirements of the Rules and Regulations, the Committee will be prepared to reinstate the original class or assign such other class as may be deemed necessary. The date of reclassification will be recorded.

3.3.3 The Committee reserves the right to decline an application for classification or reclassification where the prior history or condition of the pipeline indicates this to be appropriate.

3.4.1 All repairs which may be required in order that a pipeline may retain its class, are to be carried out to the satisfaction of LR's Surveyors. The Committee may agree, in exceptional cases where quality control can be enforced by the Owner or repairer, on site, that the repairs are considered by LR's Surveyors at the earliest opportunity after being effected.

3.4.2 When at any survey the Surveyors consider repairs to be necessary, either as a result of damage, or wear and tear, they are to communicate their recommendations at once to the Owner, or his representative. When such recommendations are not complied with, immediate notification is to be given to the Committee by the Surveyors.

3.4.3 Plans and particulars of any proposed alterations to the approved plans are to be submitted for approval, and such alterations are to be carried out to the satisfaction of, LR's Surveyors.

3.5.1 Attention is to be given to all relevant statutory requirements of the National Authority having jurisdiction over the area in which the pipeline is placed, see Ch 1, 4.3 Periodical Surveys 4.3.1.

3.5.2 All pipelines are to be surveyed in accordance with the requirements given in an in-service survey schedule which is to be agreed between Owner and LR. The normal frequency of survey should be annual.

3.6.1 When the required reports, on completion of the Special Survey of new or existing pipelines, have been received from the Surveyors and approved by the Committee, certificates of First Entry of Classification, signed by the Chairman or the Deputy Chairman and Chairman of the Sub-Committee of Classification, will be issued to the Fabricator or Owner.

3.6.2 Certificates of maintenance of class in respect of completed Periodical Surveys will be issued to the Owners on application.

3.6.3 LR's Surveyors are permitted to issue provisional (interim) certificates to enable a pipeline for which class is contemplated or which is already classed with LR to commence or to continue its service provided that in their opinion, it is in a fit ant efficient condition. Such certificates will embody the Surveyor's recommendations for first entry of Classification or for continuance of class as relevant, but in all cases are subject to confirmation by the Committee.

3.7.1 It is the responsibility of the Owner to ensure that all surveys necessary for the maintenance of class are carried out at the proper time and in accordance with the Rules.

3.8.1 LR reserves the right to withdraw class if the requirements of the Rules are not complied with.