Section 9 Laid-up ships

9.1.1 Ships which are laid-up after having spent a period of time in service are maintained in class without survey until the due date of the Special Survey.

9.1.2 If a ship remains laid-up beyond the due date of the Special Survey, the notation ‘Laid-Up Surveys Overdue’ is assigned.

9.1.3 After a further 24 months the Owner/Naval Authority will be given the option of having the ship disclassed or carrying out minimum surveys to maintain the ‘Laid-Up Surveys Overdue’ notation.

9.1.4 In assessing the requirements for maintaining the notation, each case will be considered on its merits. The requirements will normally include verification of tightness of hull, sterngland and sea connections. Detailed examination of the hull will not normally be required, but Surveyors will be expected to report any unusual circumstance which might require some items to be specially examined.

9.2.1 LR Naval liaison office support will be available to establish the requirements for reactivation.

9.2.2 While each case is considered on its merits there are a number of common factors, and the classification requirements for ships which have been laid-up for more than three months generally include:

1. All overdue surveys to be brought up to date.

2. Any Condition of Class to be dealt with.

3. Drainage arrangements to be tested with particular attention to bilges.

9.3.1 When a ship has been laid-up on completion of construction without entering service, LR, at its discretion, may assign survey dates from the date of commissioning, see Vol 1, Pt 1, Ch 2, 4.2 Survey 4.2.7 of the Rules for Naval Ships. The hull is to be reported in all respects free from deterioration and the examination may be required to include an examination in dry-dock. In all cases specific instructions will be issued by the LR Naval liaison office.