Section 3 Character of Classification and Class notations
Clasification Society 2024 - Version 9.40
Clasifications Register Rules and Regulations - Rules and Regulations for the Classification of Naval Ships, January 2023 - Volume 1 Ship Structures - Part 1 Regulations - Chapter 2 Classification Regulations - Section 3 Character of Classification and Class notations

Section 3 Character of Classification and Class notations

Parent topic: Chapter 2 Classification Regulations

3.1 General

3.1.1 This Section details the character symbols, Class notations which comprise the Class assigned to naval ships.

3.1.2 The character symbols identify whether the ship is built under LR Class and survey, the suitability for sea-going service, the provision of anchor handling equipment and the Rules used for the construction of the ship. The character symbols are described in Vol 1, Pt 1, Ch 2, 3.3 Character symbols.

3.1.3 The Class notations detail the particular features of the ship which are required to be especially considered in order to verify where additional care has been taken in particular aspects of the design of the ship. These Class notations are subject to an approval process in order to satisfy Classification requirements.

3.1.4 Optional notations detail particular features of the ship which may not form part of the hull approval process required for Classification. Typically they include details of military design features, machinery and safety/environmental aspects of the vessel.

3.1.5 The following are examples of character symbols, and Class notations as they would appear in the vessel’s Classification record:

  • 100A1 NS2 Frigate, SA1, AIR
  • LMC, SCM, SDA, ESA1, RSA2, Ice Class 1C
  • MD, SEA, EER.

3.2 Tailoring – Departures from the Rules and Rule additions

3.2.1 In general, there are different levels of deviation from the Rules:

  1. Interpretations are applied where strict compliance with a Rule requirement cannot be achieved but where the proposed arrangement clearly satisfies the intent of the Rules. The decision to apply an interpretation is at LR’s discretion and will be recorded in design appraisal documentation.

  2. Exceptions or concessions are non-compliances with Rule requirements where LR is satisfied that the arrangements presented are an acceptable alternative to its Rules on the basis of an Engineering and Safety Justification Report. Exceptions are normally raised by the designer or Builder and are to be agreed with the Owner and Naval Administration.

  3. Alternatives are deviations which represent a significant change to the Rule requirements. They may involve the use of an alternative standard to replace a Rule Chapter. In such cases, the (NS) character is to be appended to the notation, see Vol 1, Pt 1, Ch 2, 3.3 Character symbols 3.3.5. LR is to be satisfied that the arrangements are an acceptable technical alternative. Alternatives are normally raised by the designer or Builder and are to be agreed with the Owner and Naval Administration. A tailoring document or System Design Description is required to define the alternative proposal in advance of design appraisal.

3.2.2 Tailoring is to be agreed between LR and the Naval Administration. Where a departure from the Rules is not agreed by LR, an exemption is required from the Naval Administration. at Board level.

3.2.3 Additions may involve the use of a standard in addition to the LR Rule requirements. In such cases, the (NS) character is to be appended to the notation, see Vol 1, Pt 1, Ch 2, 3.3 Character symbols 3.3.5. Additions are normally raised by the designer or Builder and are to be agreed with the Owner and Naval Administration. A tailoring document or System Design Description is required to define the addition in advance of design appraisal.

3.2.4 An Engineering and Safety justification is to be provided for each deviation from the Rule requirements, see Vol 1, Pt 1, Ch 2, 2.2 Definitions 2.2.20.

3.2.5 At the design stage, departures from the Rules or additional requirements may be captured in a tailoring document developed by the designer. Tailoring is defined as the process by which specific requirements of a standard, specification or similar document are selected and used to meet the needs of a project. The tailoring document should cover subjects such as:

  1. Additional standards;

  2. Additional requirements of the Naval Administration or the Owner;

  3. Additional designer requirements;

  4. Interpretations;

  5. Exceptions/non-compliances against Rules;

  6. Exceptions/non-compliances against other defined standards or design policies;

  7. Equipment and component procurement.

The tailoring document should clearly define the paragraphs of the Rules which are modified, what alternative requirements are to be used and reference to the Engineering and Safety Justification, where appropriate. The tailoring document is to be submitted with the plans at the time of appraisal and referenced in appraisal documentation.

3.2.6 At the build and through-life stages, significant non-compliances, alternative or additional requirements will be recorded by LR as exceptions, using appropriate documentation. They will be clearly defined and referenced in the Classification Certificates and any associated registers.

3.3 Character symbols

3.3.1 All ships, when Classed, will be assigned a character of Classification comprising one or more character symbols as applicable, e.g. 100A1.

3.3.2 A full list of character symbols for which a ship may be eligible is as follows:

  • This distinguishing mark will be assigned, at the time of Classing, to new ships constructed under Special Survey, in compliance with the Rules, and to the satisfaction of LR.
  • 100 This character figure will be assigned to all ships considered suitable for sea-going service
  • A This character letter will be assigned to all ships which have been built or accepted into Class in accordance with LR’s Rules and Regulations, and which are maintained in good and efficient condition.
  • 1 This character figure will be assigned to:
  • (a) Ships having on board, in good and efficient condition, anchoring and/or mooring equipment in accordance with the Rules.
  • (b) Ships Classed for a specific service, having on board, in good and efficient condition, anchoring and/or mooring equipment approved by the Classification Committee as suitable and sufficient for the particular service.
  • E This character letter will be assigned to ships on which LR has agreed that anchoring and mooring equipment need not be fitted in view of their particular service.

3.3.3 For Classification purposes either the character figure 1 or the character letter E is to be assigned.

3.3.4 In cases where the anchoring and/or mooring equipment is found to be seriously deficient in quality or quantity, the Class of the ship will be liable to be withheld.

3.3.5 Alternative or additional standards relating to the application of a character symbol or Class notation may be specified. Where these alternative or additional standards have been agreed by LR and the Naval Administration, a formal process for approval, construction, testing and verification throughout life has been established, this feature will be recognised by the addition of (NS) to a character symbol or Class notation. See also Vol 1, Pt 1, Ch 2, 3.4 Class notations. The alternative or additional requirements are to be clearly defined and referenced in the Classification Certificates and any required registers such as the register of lifting appliances. The following are examples of character symbols and Class notations that may recognise alternative or additional standards:

A(NS) Ship built or accepted into Naval Class in accordance with LR’s Rules and Regulations for assignment of the A character and additional specified requirements, see Vol 1, Pt 1, Ch 2, 3.2 Tailoring – Departures from the Rules and Rule additions 3.2.5 and Vol 1, Pt 1, Ch 2, 3.3 Character symbols 3.3.5.
LMC(NS) Propelling and other machinery for Mobility and/or Ship Type systems (see Vol 2, Pt 1, Ch 1, 3 Engineering system designation), constructed, installed and tested under Special Survey in accordance with LR’s Rules and Regulations for assignment of LMC Class notation and additional specified requirements, see Vol 1, Pt 1, Ch 2, 3.2 Tailoring – Departures from the Rules and Rule additions 3.2.5 and Vol 1, Pt 1, Ch 2, 3.3 Character symbols 3.3.5.
LA(NS) Lifting appliances designed and built in accordance with an agreed standard equivalent to LR’s Code for Lifting Appliances in a Marine Environment (LAME) requirements of the Navy.
FIRE(NS) Fire protection functional requirements are in accordance with LR’s requirements for assignment of FIRE Class notation and additional specified fire safety requirements, see Vol 1, Pt 1, Ch 2, 3.2 Tailoring – Departures from the Rules and Rule additions 3.2.5 and Vol 1, Pt 1, Ch 2, 3.3 Character symbols 3.3.5.

3.3.6 Proposals to apply the additional symbol (NS) to a character symbol or Class notation are to be made to LR with details of the standard, see Vol 1, Pt 1, Ch 2, 3.2 Tailoring – Departures from the Rules and Rule additions 3.2.5 and Vol 1, Pt 1, Ch 2, 3.3 Character symbols 3.3.5, together with proposed processes for approval, construction, testing and verification throughout life.

3.4 Class notations

3.4.1 When considered necessary by LR, or when requested by an Owner and agreed by LR, a Class notation will be appended to the character of Classification assigned to the ship. The Class notation may consist of any of the following:

  1. a ship type notation, see Vol 1, Pt 1, Ch 2, 3.5 Ship type notations;

  2. a service area notation, see Vol 1, Pt 1, Ch 2, 3.6 Service area notations;

  3. a hull girder strength notation, see Vol 1, Pt 1, Ch 2, 3.7 Hull strength notations;

  4. military distinction notations, see Vol 1, Pt 1, Ch 2, 3.8 Military Distinction notations;

  5. machinery and engineering systems notations, see Vol 1, Pt 1, Ch 2, 3.9 Machinery and Engineering Systems notations;

  6. other notations, see Vol 1, Pt 1, Ch 2, 3.10 Other notations.

3.5 Ship type notations

3.5.1 The ship type notation will be recorded in the appropriate Classification record indicating the primary purpose for which the ship has been designed and constructed.

3.5.2 A list of ship type notations for which a ship may be eligible is:

3.5.3 The ship type notation will be followed by a description which indicates the operational role for which the ship is designed and the hull form type, if of unusual form. The following are examples of the description of the ship’s role:

  • Destroyer
  • Cruiser
  • Helicopter Carrier
  • Aircraft Carrier
  • Frigate
  • Corvette
  • Amphibious Assault Ship
  • Amphibious Transport Dock
  • Landing Craft
  • Landing Ship Dock
  • Minehunter
  • Minelayer
  • Mine-sweeper
  • Patrol ship
  • Fast Attack Craft
  • Fast Strike Craft
  • Fast Patrol Craft
  • Offshore Patrol Vessel.

3.5.4 The NS(SR) ship type notation will be followed by a description which indicates the operational role for which the ship is designed and operated. The following are examples of the description of an NS(SR) ship’s role:

  • Replenishment Ship
  • Oil Supply Ship
  • Landing Ship Dock
  • Survey Ship
  • Stores Replenishment Ship
  • Transport Dock
  • Ro-Ro Ship
  • Troop Carrier
  • Vehicle Carrier
  • Landing Craft.

3.5.5 The NS(SSC) ship type notation will be followed by a description that indicates the operational role for which the ship is designed and operated. The following are examples of the descriptions of an NS(SSC) ship’s role:

  • (Offshore or Inshore) Patrol Boat
  • (Offshore or Inshore) Patrol Vessel
  • Landing Craft
  • Air Cushioned Vehicle.

3.5.6 NS(SR) and NS(SSC) vessels

For vessels that are using either the NS(SR) or NS(SSC) ship type notations, the following requirements are to be complied with:

  1. When naval ship classification using either the NS(SR) or NS(SSC) notation is requested, application should be made in writing.

  2. Where vessels are to be built to these notations, the requirements set out in Vol 1, Pt 1, Ch 2, 3.5 Ship type notations 3.5.7 are also to be complied with.

  3. Plans showing the features of the ship not covered, or fully covered by the Rules and Regulations for the Classification of Special Service Craft, July 2022 or Rules and Regulations for the Classification of Ships, July 2022, as appropriate, are to be submitted. Where an appraisal is undertaken, strength and, where appropriate, stiffness aspects are to be addressed. Examples of features of the ship not covered, or fully covered by the Rules and Regulations for the Classification of Special Service Craft, July 2022 or Rules and Regulations for the Classification of Ships, July 2022 include:

    1. Masts (see Vol 1, Pt 6, Ch 3, 16 Masts).

    2. Weapon system seats (see Vol 1, Pt 4, Ch 2, 9 Military installation and operational loads).

    3. RAS seats and landing areas (see Vol 1, Pt 4, Ch 1, 5 Military design requirements and Vol 1, Pt 4, Ch 2, 9 Military installation and operational loads).

    4. Aircraft landing guides (see Vol 1, Pt 4, Ch 2, 10 Aircraft operations).

    5. Towing points (see Vol 1, Pt 3, Ch 5, 7 Towing arrangements).

    6. Military loads (see Vol 1, Pt 4, Ch 2 Military Load Specification).

    7. Beaching (see Vol 1, Pt 4, Ch 2, 8 Strengthening requirements for beach landing operations).

    8. Material grades (see Vol 1, Pt 6, Ch 6 Material and Welding Requirements).

    9. Watertight integrity (see Vol 1, Pt 3, Ch 4 Closing Arrangements and Outfit).

    10. Strength of watertight structure (see Vol 1, Pt 6, Ch 3 Scantling Determination).

    11. Lifts, ramps and shell doors (see Vol 1, Pt 4, Ch 3 Special Features).

  4. Plans of systems within the scope of classification, as categorised in accordance with Vol 2, Pt 1, Ch 1, 3.1 Categories and not covered by the Rules and Regulations for the Classification of Special Service Craft, July 2022 or Rules and Regulations for the Classification of Ships, July 2022, as appropriate, are to be submitted to LR for approval in accordance with the requirements of the respective requirements of these Rules. The following are examples of such systems:

    1. Aircraft/helicopter and vehicle fuel storage and distribution systems (see Vol 2, Pt 7, Ch 4 Aircraft/Helicopter/Vehicle Fuel Piping and Arrangements).

    2. Chilled water systems (see Vol 2, Pt 7, Ch 5 Ship Type Piping Systems).

    3. High pressure sea-water systems (see Vol 2, Pt 7, Ch 5 Ship Type Piping Systems).

    4. High and low pressure compressed air systems (see Vol 2, Pt 7, Ch 5 Ship Type Piping Systems).

    5. Hydraulic power actuating systems (see Vol 2, Pt 7, Ch 5 Ship Type Piping Systems).

    6. Made and fresh water systems (see Vol 2, Pt 11, Ch 1 Made and Fresh Water Systems).

    7. Heating, ventilation and cooling arrangements (see Vol 2, Pt 11, Ch 2 Heating, Ventilation and Cooling Arrangements).

    8. Replenishment at sea arrangements where a RAS notation is requested (see Vol 3, Pt 1, Ch 5 Replenishment at Sea (RAS) Systems).

  5. Confirmation regarding the items below is to be supplied.

    1. Fire Safety arrangements are to be in accordance with a specified fire safety standard and certified accordingly. For vessels being built to the NS(SSC) notation, the requirements of the Rules for Special Service Craft, Pt 17, Fire Protection, Detection and Extinction, are appropriate.

    2. Stability is to be in accordance with a recognised stability standard which addresses both intact and damage stability criteria. Details of stability approval, including estimated position of waterline after damage, are to be provided to LR prior to any approvals of structural arrangements.

    3. Munitions safety is to be in accordance with the navies’ own technical requirements for the safe stowage and handling of the types and quantities of munitions carried.

  6. Details of any aspects which may affect multiple systems are to be provided to LR including, but not limited to:

    1. Shock.

    2. Operation at angles of trim or list greater than those assumed in the Rules for Special Service Craft.

    3. Elevated or reduced ambient conditions either due to operational areas or close down arrangements.

    4. Operational requirements for electromagnetic compatibility.

    5. Quality of electrical power supplies.

3.5.7  Design and Operating Scenario Statement:

This is required for NS(SR) or NS(SSC) ships and is to detail the civil and naval support functions of the ship. The statement is to include but is not limited to the following:

  1. Types and volumes of stores, equipment, fuels and ordnance to be carried on board.

  2. The number of crew and embarked personnel to be carried on board.

  3. International Conventions that will be applied to the ship; and any National Administration requirements that will be applied together with details of any exemptions that are being considered.

  4. National Administration and their involvement in approval and operation in service.

  5. Naval Ship Class notations that will be applied to the ship.

  6. The Rules used for design and construction of the hull structure and machinery systems.

  7. Proposed survey periodicity.

  8. Installed combat systems.

  9. Installed handling equipment for stores and equipment.

  10. Design survivability of the ship.

  11. Operational modes of the ship.

The statement is to be submitted at the time of submitting the Request for LR Services form and LR will advise acceptance of the contents of the statement before proceeding with detailed analysis of other plans and information required for classification purposes.

3.5.8 NS3 vessels:

  1. For vessels being built to the NS3 notation, the following shall apply where the vessel is also being designed and built to comply with appropriate statutory regulations for the intended service of the vessel.
  2. LR is to be contracted to issue Statements of Compliance with the nominated statutory regulation. Appropriate statutory regulations may include, but are not limited to:

    1. SOLAS - International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea.

    2. Code of Safety for Special Purpose Ships (SPS Code).

    3. LR’s Grey Boat Code – A Code of Practice for the Safety Assurance of Small Boats in Government Service.

    4. UK MCA Workboat Code.
  3. Vessels are to be certified for Intact and Damaged Stability, and Carriage of Munitions by a recognised Organisation. Other statutory requirements such as compliance with the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships should also be issued by a recognised Organisation.
  4. Details of required certification are to be submitted to LR at the time of contracting. Form 2506 is to be used for this information.
  5. Where a vessel is so contracted, the following aspects of the Rules and Regulations for the Classification of Naval Ships, January 2023 will be exempted for the requirements of Classification:

    All requirements for a Naval Administration to agree the contents of:

    1. Concept of Operations Document(s).

    2. Design Statements.

    3. Other aspects as wherever referred to in the Rules are not applicable.

  6. The requirements of Vol 1, Pt 5, Ch 4, 6.1 General 6.1.4 are to be complied with.
  7. The limits of the Operating Envelope to which the hull structure has been approved are to be displayed prominently in the wheelhouse.
  8. Where a vessel is to be classed using this approach, any exemptions are to be agreed by the Naval Administration and justified by using the approach set out in Vol 2, Pt 1, Ch 2 Requirements for Machinery and Engineering Systems of Unconventional Design.

3.5.9 AIR. This is a mandatory notation for all vessels operating aircraft, see Vol 1, Pt 1, Ch 2, 1.1 Framework of Classification 1.1.11.

3.5.10 LA. This is a mandatory notation for all vessels that have lifting appliances fitted on board which are considered by LR to be essential for the vessel to fulfil its primary operational role, see Vol 1, Pt 1, Ch 2, 1.1 Framework of Classification 1.1.12. This notation will be assigned in association with a Register of Lifting Appliances listing the appliances covered, see Vol 1, Pt 1, Ch 2, 3.10 Other notations 3.10.6.

3.5.11 Lifting appliances designed and built in accordance with the lifting appliance requirements of a recognised classification society other than Lloyd’s Register and later transferred into class with LR. In such cases, a new Register of Ship’s Lifting Appliances & Cargo Handling Gear (LA.1) will be issued in accordance with LR’s Code for Lifting Appliances in a Marine Environment, July 2022. See also Vol 1, Pt 1, Ch 2, 1.1 Framework of Classification 1.1.12.

3.6 Service area notations

3.6.1 All ships classed under the Rules will be assigned a service area notation SA followed by a number or letter, e.g. SA1.

3.6.2 Service area notations listed below are available. The definitive extents of the service areas are shown in Figure 2.2.2 Sea areas in Pt 5,Ch 2 and Table 2.2.3 Environmental wave data for individual sea area in Pt 5,Ch 2:

  • SA1 Service Area 1 covers ships having unrestricted world wide operation. SA1 includes operation in all other service areas.
  • SA2 Service Area 2 is primarily intended to cover ships designed to operate in tropical and temperate regions. This service area excludes operating in sea areas for which a SA1 notation is required.
  • SA3 Service Area 3 is primarily intended to cover ships designed to operate in tropical regions. This service area excludes operating in sea areas for which a SA1 or SA2 notation is required.
  • SA4 Service Area 4 covers ships designed to operate in Sheltered water, as defined in Vol 1, Pt 1, Ch 2, 2.2 Definitions 2.2.14 This service area excludes operating in sea areas for which a SA1, SA2 or SA3 notation is required.
  • SAR Service Area Restricted covers ships that are designed to operate in a predetermined and contiguous area of operation.

3.6.3 More details of the service areas and extents are given in Vol 1, Pt 5, Ch 2 Environmental Conditions.

3.7 Hull strength notations

3.7.1 The following notations are available for naval ships with regard to global hull girder strength aspects:

  • ESA1 Extreme Strength Assessment. This notation will be assigned if it has been demonstrated that the extreme hull girder strength meets the requirements of a specified performance level with calculations performed using a simple elastic type analysis.
  • ESA2 Extreme Strength Assessment. This notation will be assigned if it has been demonstrated that the extreme hull girder strength meets the requirements of a specified performance level with calculations performed using an elasto-plastic type analysis.
  • RSA1 Residual Strength Assessment. This notation will be assigned if it has been demonstrated that the residual hull girder strength after the ship has sustained structural damage meets the requirements of a specified performance level with calculations performed using a simple elastic type analysis.
  • RSA2 Residual Strength Assessment. This notation will be assigned if it has been demonstrated that the residual hull girder strength after the ship has sustained structural damage meets the requirements of a specified performance level with calculations performed using an elasto-plastic type analysis.
  • RSA3 Residual Strength Assessment. This notation will be assigned if it has been demonstrated that the residual hull girder strength after the ship has sustained structural damage meets the requirements of a specified performance level with calculations performed using a 3D non-linear finite element analysis.
  • TLA Total Load Assessment. This notation will be assigned if the scantlings have been verified using a total load approach.
  • SDA Structural Design Assessment. This notation will be assigned when direct calculations in accordance with agreed procedures have been applied.
  • FDA Fatigue Design Assessment. This notation will be assigned when an appraisal has been made of the fatigue performance of the structure in accordance with agreed procedures.

3.8 Military Distinction notations

3.8.1 Military Distinction notations may be assigned if a particular feature relating to military loads has been incorporated in the design. The requirements for all the Military Distinction notations are given in Vol 1, Pt 4 Military Design and Special Features.

  • MD This Military Distinction notation will be assigned when military aspects of the ship have been constructed under LR’s Special Survey and in accordance with LR’s Rules and Regulations.
  • MD This Military Distinction notation will be assigned when military aspects of the ship have been constructed under LR's Special Survey in accordance with plans approved by the Naval Administration in accordance with Rules and Regulations equivalent to those of LR.
  • MD This Military Distinction notation will be assigned when military aspects of the ship have been assessed by the Naval Administration in accordance with the Rules and Regulations equivalent to those of LR.

In particular, the following confidential notations are available, and will be known only to the Owner and LR.

  • EB1 External air blast notation. This confidential notation indicates that the ship is capable of meeting the structural requirements to withstand an external blast compatible with a specified performance level using the Rule loads and structural design methodology.
  • EB2 External air blast notation. This confidential notation indicates that the ship is capable of meeting the structural requirements to withstand an external blast compatible with a specified performance level using the Rule loads and an elasto-plastic structural design methodology.
  • EB3 External air blast notation. This confidential notation indicates that the ship is capable of meeting the structural requirements to withstand an external blast compatible with a specified performance level using the Rule loads and a finite element structural design methodology.
  • EB4 External air blast notation. This confidential notation indicates that the ship is capable of meeting the structural requirements to withstand an external blast compatible with a specified performance level using a full 3D non-linear code for the loads and/or structural design.
  • IB1 Internal air blast notation. This confidential notation indicates that the ship is capable of meeting the structural requirements to prevent the spread of an internal blast compatible with a specified performance level in accordance with rules requirements.
  • IB2 Internal air blast notation. This confidential notation indicates that the ship is capable of meeting the structural requirements to prevent the spread of an internal blast compatible with a specified performance level in accordance with rules requirements, supplemented by additional testing or analysis work.
  • FP1 Fragmentation protection notation. This confidential notation indicates that the ship is capable of meeting the local structural requirements to withstand a defined fragmentation threat compatible with a specified performance level using the rule structural requirements.
  • FP2 Fragmentation protection notation. This confidential notation indicates that the ship is capable of meeting the local structural requirements to withstand a defined fragmentation threat compatible with a specified performance level using fragmentation penetration algorithms.
  • SP Small arms protection. This confidential notation indicates that the ship is capable of meeting the local strengthening requirements to withstand an attack from a defined small arms threat compatible with a specified performance level.
  • SH Shock enhancement notation. This confidential notation indicates that the ship is capable of meeting, as a minimum, the local structural requirements to withstand an underwater shock compatible with a specified performance level. The strength calculations are performed using a simplified approach. The minimum local assessment may be enhanced by undertaking a more complex assessment. The performance level may be enhanced by undertaking assessment of detailed design, seat design/shock mounts, hull valve design/integration and global strength assessment.
  • WH1 Whipping assessment notation. This confidential notation is known only to the Owner and indicates that the ship is capable of meeting the global structural requirements to withstand an underwater shock compatible with a specified performance level using a simple elastic type analysis.
  • WH2 Whipping assessment notation. This confidential notation is known only to the Owner and indicates that the ship is capable of meeting the global structural requirements to withstand an underwater shock compatible with a specified performance level using an elasto-plastic type analysis.
  • WH3 Whipping assessment notation. This confidential notation is known only to the Owner and indicates that the ship is capable of meeting the global structural requirements to withstand an underwater shock compatible with a specified performance level using a 3D non-linear finite element analysis.

Table 2.3.1 Hull, Military and Other Class Notations

Mandatory Notations Other Notations
Ship Type Service Area Hull Strength Military Distinction MD Others
See Vol 1, Pt 1, Ch 2, 3.5 Ship type notations See Vol 1, Pt 1, Ch 2, 3.6 Service area notations See Vol 1, Pt 1, Ch 2, 3.7 Hull strength notations See Vol 1, Pt 1, Ch 2, 3.8 Military Distinction notations See Vol 1, Pt 1, Ch 2, 3.10 Other notations
(Select one:) (Select one:)      
        DWA
Deep Water Anchoring
NS1 SA1
Service Area 1 		ESA1 ESA2
Extreme Strength Assessment 		IB1 IB2
Internal Air Blast 		PCWBT
Protective Coating in Water Ballast Tanks
NS2 SA2
Service Area 2 		RSA1 RSA2 RSA3
Residual Strength Assessment 		EB1 EB2 EB3 EB4
External Air Blast 		ACS (B)
Anti-Corrosion System in Water Ballast Tanks
        ACS (V)

Anti-Corrosion System in Void Spaces
NS3 SA3
Service Area 3 		TLA
Total Load Assessment 		SH
Shock Enhancement 		*IWS
In-water Survey
NS(SR)

NS(SSC)

 SA4
Service Area 4 		SDA
Structural Design Assessment 		WH1 WH2 WH3
Whipping Assessment 		SMS
Safety Management System
Description of ship’s role
Examples: 		SAR
Service Area Restricted 		FDA
Fatigue Design Assessment 		FP1 FP2
Fragmentation Protection 		LAP
Lifting Appliances
        LAC

Certified Lifting Appliances
Cruiser
Helicopter Carrier 		    SP
Small Arms Protection 		TA1 TA2 TA3 TA(S)
Towing Arrangements
Aircraft Carrier
Destroyer 		      SD
Special Duties
Frigate
Corvette 		      CM
Construction Monitoring
Amphibious Assault Ship
Amphibious Transport
Dock 		      SEA (HSS-n)
Ship Event Analysis Hull Surveillance System
Landing Craft
Minehunter
Minelayer
Mine-sweeper 		      SEA (VDR)
Ship Event Analysis Voyage Data Recorder
Patrol Ship
Survey Ship e.g. NS1 Helicopter Carrier 		      SEA (VDR-n)
Ship Event Analysis Voyage Data Recorder (strain gauges)
Oil Supply Ship
Landing Ship Dock 		       
Survey Ship
Stores Replenishment Ship
Transport Dock 		      SERS
Ship Emergency Response Service
Ro-Ro Ship
Troop Carrier
Vehicle Carrier
Air Cushioned Support 		      EER
Escape, Emergency Access, Evacuation and Rescue (see Notes 1 & 2)
        FIRE
Fire Protection (see Notes 1 & 2)
Military Operations
AIR
Aircraft Operations 		      LSAE
Life Saving and Evacuation (see Notes 1 & 2)
LA or
Lifting Appliances 		      ESC
Escape and Emergency Access(see Notes 1 & 2)
        SNC
Safety of Navigation and Communication (see Note 1)
        POL
Pollution Prevention
        Ice Class
Navigation in Ice
        LMA
Manoeuvring Assessment
        LNMA Naval Manoeuvring Assessment
      CEPAC
Crew and Embarked Personnel Comfort
        ENV
Environmental Protection
        LI
Approved Loading Instrument
        LE
Lifting Eyes
        STAB
Buoyancy, Stability and Controllability Assessment

Note 1. Star Endorsement (*) may be assigned to this notation where the arrangements on board are in accordance with stated National Administration requirements.

Note 2. Double Star Endorsement (**) may be assigned to this notation where the arrangements on board are in accordance with the requirements of ANEP-77 NATO Naval Ship Code (NSC).

Table 2.3.2 Machinery Class Notations

Machinery Notations See Vol 1, Pt 1, Ch 2, 3.9 Machinery and Engineering Systems notations
LMC
Mobility and/or Ship Type systems
LMC
Mobility and/or Ship Type systems
LMC
Mobility and/or Ship Type systems
LMC
Mobility and/or Ship Type systems
MCH
Mobility and/or Ship Type systems
SCM

Screwshaft Condition Monitoring


TCM
Turbine Condition Monitoring
PMR
Propulsion System Redundancy
PMR*
Propulsion System Redundancy in Separate Compartments
SMR
Steering System Redundancy
SMR*
Steering System Redundancy in Separate Compartments
PSMR
Propulsion and Steering System Redundancy
PSMR*
Propulsion and Steering System Redundancy in Separate Compartments
L
Additional character to SMR, PMR, PSMR and * notations for limited capability
ELS
Quality of electrical power supplies 		AG1
Enhanced analysis of propulsion and/or auxiliary gear elements
AG2
Enhanced three dimensional finite element analysis of propulsion and/or auxiliary gear elements
AP1
Enhanced assessment of propeller manufacturing tolerances on fast ships and craft
AP2
Enhanced assessment of propeller manufacturing tolerances having reduced noise characteristics
MPMS
Machinery Planned Maintenance Scheme
MCM
Machinery Planned Maintenance Scheme with Condition Monitoring
RCM
Machinery Planned Maintenance Scheme with Reliability Centred Maintenance
RAS(ABV)
Replenishment at Sea, Astern, Abeam and VERTREP
RAS(AB)
Replenishment at Sea, Abeam and Astern
RAS(AV)
Replenishment at Sea, Astern and VERTREP
RAS(BV)
Replenishment at Sea, Abeam and VERTREP
RAS(A)
Replenishment at Sea, Astern 		RAS(B)
Replenishment at Sea, Abeam
RAS(V)
Replenishment at Sea, VERTREP
(NT)
Additional to RAS( ), NATO requirements
UMS
Unattended Machinery Spaces
CCS
Centralised Control Station
ICC
Integrated Computer Control
PRM
Provision Refrigeration Machinery
HP
Hybrid Power
HP(+)
Hybrid Power Enhanced

3.9 Machinery and Engineering Systems notations

3.9.1 The following class notations are associated with the machinery construction and arrangement, and may be assigned:

  • LMC This notation will be assigned when the propelling and other machinery for Mobility and/ or Ship Type systems, see Vol 2, Pt 1, Ch 1, 3 Engineering system designation, has been constructed, installed and tested under Special Survey and in accordance with LR's Rules and Regulations.
  • LMC This notation will be assigned when the propelling and other machinery for Mobility and/or Ship Type systems, see Vol 2, Pt 1, Ch 1, 3 Engineering system designation, has been constructed under the survey of a recognised authority in accordance with the Rules and Regulations equivalent to those of LR. In addition the whole of the machinery will be required to have been installed and tested under Special Survey in accordance with LR's Rules and Regulations.
  • LMC This notation will be assigned when the propelling arrangements, steering systems, pressure vessels and the electrical equipment for Mobility and/or Ship Type systems, see Vol 2, Pt 1, Ch 1, 3 Engineering system designation, have been constructed, installed and tested under LR’s Special Survey and are in accordance with LR’s Rules for Naval Ships. Other items of machinery for propulsion and electrical power generation including propulsion gearing arrangements and other auxiliary machinery for Mobility and/or Ship Type systems that are in compliance with LR Rules and supplied with the manufacturer’s certificate will be acceptable under this notation. The system arrangements of propelling and auxiliary machinery are required to be appraised by LR, and found to be acceptable to LR. This notation is assigned subject to the conditions in Vol 1, Pt 1, Ch 2, 6.3 Survey and inspection 6.3.3 being complied with.
  • LMC This notation (without ) will be assigned when the propelling and other machinery for Mobility and/or Ship Type systems, see Vol 2, Pt 1, Ch 1, 3 Engineering system designation, has neither been constructed nor installed under Special Survey, but the existing machinery, its installation and arrangement has been tested and found acceptable. This notation is assigned to existing ships in service which are accepted or transferred into LR class.
  • MCH This notation will be assigned when the propelling and other machinery for Mobility and/or Ship Type systems, see Vol 2, Pt 1, Ch 1, 3 Engineering system designation, has been installed and tested under LR’s survey requirements and found to be acceptable to LR. Items of machinery and equipment for propelling and auxiliary machinery for Mobility and/or Ship Type systems supplied with the manufacturer’s certificate will be acceptable under this class notation. The system arrangements of propelling and essential auxiliary machinery are required to be appraised by LR, and found to be acceptable to LR. This notation is assigned subject to the conditions in Vol 1, Pt 1, Ch 2, 6.3 Survey and inspection 6.3.4 being complied with.
  • SCM Screwshaft Condition Monitoring. The notation will be assigned where an Owner adopts the requirements for monitoring of the screwshaft. The notation will indicate that physical and operational condition of that equipment. See Vol 2, Pt 3, Ch 2, 5.2 Screwshaft Condition Monitoring (SCM).
  • TCM Turbine Condition Monitoring. This notation will be assigned when the main propulsion steam turbines are provided with approved vibration monitoring equipment and the requirements of Vol 1, Pt 1, Ch 3, 8.2 Turbine condition monitoring (TCM) are complied with.
  • PMR This notation will be assigned where the main propulsion systems are arranged such that, in the event of a single failure in equipment, the ship will retain not less than 50 per cent of the installed prime mover capacity and not less than 50 per cent of the installed propulsion systems. It also denotes that the installation has been arranged, installed and tested in accordance with LR Rules.
  • PMR* This notation will be assigned where the main propulsion systems are arranged such that, in the event of a single failure in equipment, the ship will retain not less than 50 per cent of the installed prime mover capacity and not less than 50 per cent of the installed propulsion systems and where the machinery is installed in separate compartments such that, in the event of the loss of one compartment, the ship will retain availability of propulsion power. It also denotes that the installation has been arranged, installed and tested in accordance with LR Rules.
  • SMR This notation will be assigned where the steering systems for manoeuvring are arranged so that steering capability will continue to be available in the event of a single failure in the steering gear equipment or loss of power supply or control system for any steering system. It also denotes that the installation has been arranged, installed and tested in accordance with LR Rules.
  • SMR* This notation will be assigned where the steering systems for manoeuvring are arranged so that steering capability will continue to be available in the event of a single failure in the steering gear equipment or loss of power supply or control system for any steering system and where the steering systems are installed in separate compartments such that, in the event of the loss of one compartment, steering capability will continue to be available. It also denotes that the installation has been arranged, installed and tested in accordance with LR Rules.
  • PSMR This notation will be assigned where the main propulsion and steering systems are configured such that, in the event of a single failure in equipment, the ship will retain not less than 50 per cent of the installed prime mover capacity and not less than 50 per cent of the installed propulsion systems and retain steering capability. It also denotes that the installation has been arranged, installed and tested in accordance with LR Rules.
  • PSMR* This notation will be assigned where the main propulsion and steering systems are configured such that, in the event of a single failure in equipment, the ship will retain not less than 50 per cent of the installed prime mover capacity and not less than 50 per cent of the installed propulsion systems and retain steering capability. The propulsion and steering arrangements are to be installed in separate compartments such that in the event of the loss of one compartment, the ship will retain availability of propulsion power and manoeuvring capability. It also denotes that the installation has been arranged, installed and tested in accordance with LR Rules.
  • L This character will be added to the PMR, SMR, PSMR and * notations to indicate a limited capability.
  • ELS This notation will be assigned where both the quality and integrity of onboard electrical power supplies for designated loads meet the requirements of a relevant and acceptable Naval Standard, such as NATO Standardization Agreement (STANAG) 1008. It also denotes that the installation has been arranged, installed and tested in accordance with LR Rules.
  • AG1 This notation will be assigned where the design of gearing for propulsion and/or auxiliary purposes has used enhanced analysis methods to provide detailed knowledge of the reliability of the gear elements and where noise excitation is required to be minimised for anticipated service conditions.
  • AG2 This notation will be assigned where the design of gearing for propulsion and/or auxiliary purposes has in addition to the requirements for AG1, used three dimensional finite element analysis for determining the flexibility of the geometry of the mating gears.
  • AP1 This notation will be assigned to fast ships and craft where the propellers require an enhanced assessment of the manufacturing tolerances to control cavitation and noise characteristics.
  • AP2 This notation will be assigned where ships have propellers that are required to have reduced noise characteristics and have had an enhanced assessment of the manufacturing tolerances.
  • MPMS This notation will be assigned where the machinery installation has an approved planned maintenance scheme that incorporates preventive maintenance procedures and the requirements of Vol 1, Pt 1, Ch 3, 14 Machinery planned maintenance and condition monitoring, MPMS, MCM and RCM are complied with.
  • MCM This notation will be assigned where an approved planned maintenance scheme for machinery incorporates condition monitoring techniques that are acceptable to LR and the requirements of Vol 1, Pt 1, Ch 3, 14 Machinery planned maintenance and condition monitoring, MPMS, MCM and RCM are complied with.
  • RCM This notation will be assigned where an approved planned maintenance scheme for machinery incorporates a reliability centred maintenance analysis that is acceptable to LR and the requirements of Vol 1, Pt 1, Ch 3, 14 Machinery planned maintenance and condition monitoring, MPMS, MCM and RCM are complied with.
  • RAS(ABV) This notation will be assigned where a vessel has replenishment at sea systems that enable operations astern, abeam and VERTREP. It also denotes that the installation and arrangements are in accordance with LR Rules.
  • RAS(AB) This notation will be assigned where a vessel has replenishment at sea systems that enable operations abeam and astern only. It also denotes that the installation and arrangements are in accordance with LR Rules.
  • RAS(AV) This notation will be assigned where a vessel has replenishment at sea systems that enable operations astern and VERTREP. It also denotes that the installation and arrangements are in accordance with LR Rules.
  • RAS(BV) This notation will be assigned where a vessel has replenishment at sea systems that enable operations abeam and VERTREP. It also denotes that the installation and arrangements are in accordance with LR Rules.
  • RAS(A) This notation will be assigned where a vessel has replenishment at sea systems that enable operations astern only. It also denotes that the installation and arrangements are in accordance with LR Rules.
  • RAS(V) This notation will be assigned where a vessel has replenishment at sea systems that enable operations VERTREP only. It also denotes that the installation and arrangements are in accordance with LR Rules.
  • RAS(B) This notation will be assigned where a vessel has replenishment at sea systems that enable operations abeam only. It also denotes that the arrangements are in accordance with LR Rules.
  • (NT) This notation will be assigned in addition to a RAS( ) notation where a vessel complies with NATO replenishment at sea requirements.
  • PRM This notation may be assigned when the provision refrigeration machinery and systems have been arranged, installed and tested in accordance with LR's Rules.

3.9.2 The following class notations are associated with the machinery control and automation, and may be assigned as considered appropriate by the Classification Committee:

  • UMS This notation may be assigned when the arrangements are such that the unit can be operated with the machinery spaces unattended. It denotes that the control engineering equipment has been arranged, installed and tested in accordance with LR’s Rules, or is equivalent thereto.
  • CCS This notation may be assigned when the arrangements are such that the machinery may be operated with continuous supervision from a centralised control station. It denotes that the control engineering equipment has been arranged, installed and tested in accordance with LR’s Rules, or is equivalent thereto.
  • ICC This notation may be assigned when the arrangements are such that the control and supervision of the ship operational functions are computer based. It denotes that the control engineering equipment has been arranged, installed and tested in accordance with LR’s Rules, or is equivalent thereto.
  • HP - Hybrid Power Assigned to ships with an electrical power system utilising a combination of two or more different types of power source or utilising stored electrical energy to satisfy the ship’s main power demand. The system and its component parts are in accordance with the existing applicable requirements of the Rules and the requirements of Vol 3, Pt 1, Ch 6 Hybrid Electrical Power Systems.
  • HP(+) - Hybrid Power (+) Assigned to ships meeting the requirements for Hybrid Power and the additional optional requirements for Hybrid Power (+) specified within Vol 3, Pt 1, Ch 6 Hybrid Electrical Power Systems. The additional optional requirements aim to provide for enhanced performance of the electrical power system achieved through the consideration of system simulation, system integration and the dependability of the electrical power system during normal or reasonably foreseeable abnormal operation.
3.9.3 The following class notation is associated with vessels capable of being operated unmanned, and may be assigned as considered appropriate:
  • Unmanned Assigned when a vessel is designed and constructed such that it may be operated unmanned, i.e. without crew, passengers or other persons on board.

3.9.4 Machinery and Engineering Systems class notations will not be assigned to ships where the hulls are not classed or intended to be classed with LR.

3.9.5 Other class notations may be assigned where the machinery and engineering systems are in accordance with the requirements of the additional features included in Vol 3 Additional Class Notations of the Rules.

3.10 Other notations

3.10.1 LAP. This optional notation will be assigned to naval ships in respect of the lifting appliances fitted which are classed in accordance with LR’s Code for Lifting Appliances in a Marine Environment, July 2022 or equivalent standard, but where it is not mandated by the LA notation, see Vol 1, Pt 1, Ch 2, 1.1 Framework of Classification 1.1.12. This notation will be assigned in association with a Register of Lifting Appliances listing the appliances covered, see Vol 1, Pt 1, Ch 2, 3.10 Other notations 3.10.3.

3.10.2 LAC. This notation will be assigned to naval ships where the prescribed periodical surveys for certified lifting appliances are undertaken by Clasifications Register at the request of the Owner. This notation will be assigned in association with a Register of Lifting Appliances listing the appliances covered, see Vol 1, Pt 1, Ch 2, 3.10 Other notations 3.10.3.

3.10.3 A Register of Lifting Appliances is to be maintained for all classed and certified lifting appliances, including, where fitted:

  1. Bow, side and stern doors serving as ramps and/or serving to provide watertight integrity of the ship.
  2. Vehicle ramps.
  3. Movable decks.
  4. Personnel Lifts
  5. Stores lifts.
  6. Mechanized cargo handling systems.
  7. Cranes.
  8. Davits.
  9. Overboard recovery davits.
  10. Replenishment at sea equipment.
  11. Engineers lifting arrangements.
  12. Eye plates and securing devices exceeding 2,5 tonnes.
  13. Miscellaneous lifting arrangements.
  14. Towed body attachments.

Lifting Appliances for handling explosives stores or munitions can be brought within the scope of the LAP (or LA) notation but the Code for Lifting Appliances in a Marine Environment, July 2022 will need to be augmented with Naval Administration requirements.

Maintenance of the Register of Lifting Appliances is the responsibility of the Owner and should include all classed and certified lifting appliances. The LA, , LAP and/or LAC notations will be retained so long as the appliances are found upon examination by LR at the prescribed surveys to be maintained in accordance with the standard.

3.10.4  LE. This notation will be assigned where the lifting eyes, with a permissible loading of 2,5 tonnes or less, installed for the purpose of shipping and unshipping equipment and machinery, and which do not form part of a lifting appliance, are of an approved design, tested during construction and inspected through life in compliance with the requirements of Vol 1, Pt 3, Ch 4, 11 Lifting eyes.

3.10.5  LI Loading Instrument. This notation will be assigned where an approved loading instrument has been installed either as a Class or Owner’s requirement.

3.10.6  CM Construction Monitoring complements the SDA and FDA notations and will be assigned when the controls in construction tolerances have been applied and verified.

3.10.7  SEA(HSS-n), SEA(VDR), SEA(VDR-n) Ship Event Analysis. At the Owner’s request, and in order to enhance safety and awareness on board during ship operation, provisions can be made for a hull surveillance system that monitors the hull girder stresses and motions of the ship and warns the ship’s personnel that these levels or the frequency and magnitude of slamming motions are approaching a level where corrective action is advisable. The extension -n signifies the number of fitted strain gauges if connected to the system. The following option extensions will be added to the notation:

  • L The display and recording of the relevant strength information.
  • M The display and recording of the ship’s motion.
  • N The facility to display and record navigational information.
  • VDR An interface with the ship's voyage data recorder system to enable the recording of hull stress, ship motion and hull pressure information.

3.10.8  SERS Ship Emergency Response Service. This service, offered by LR, provides a rapid computer assisted analysis of a damaged ship’s stability and damaged longitudinal strength in the event of a casualty to the ship. Where an Owner adopts this service, the notation SERS, ‘Ship is registered with LR’s Ship Emergency Response Service’ is available.

3.10.9  EER Escape, Emergency Access, Evacuation and Rescue. This notation will be assigned to naval ships which demonstrate compliance with all the requirements for FIRE, ESC and LSAE notations. It also denotes that the systems and their arrangements have been integrated in such a manner so as to support safe and effective task performance.

3.10.10  FIRE Fire Protection. This notation will be assigned to naval ships which are shown to have levels of fire protection that incorporate the functional requirements and objectives of the applicable IMO International Conventions or ANEP-77 NATO Naval Ship Code (NSC) and that have been accepted by LR in accordance with LR’s Rules.

3.10.11  ESC Escape and Emergency Access. This notation will be assigned to naval ships which demonstrate levels of personnel safety in the event of a ‘prepare to evacuate’ situation and emergency access arrangements that incorporate the functional requirements and objectives of the applicable IMO International Conventions or ANEP-77 NATO Naval Ship Code (NSC) and that have been accepted by LR in accordance with LR’s Rules. Where the requirements of the NSC are to be applied for an ESC** notation, the LSAE** notation must also be applied.

3.10.12  LSAE Life-saving and Evacuation Arrangements. This notation will be assigned to naval ships which demonstrate the provision of life-saving and rescue equipment on board that incorporates the functional requirements and objectives of the applicable IMO International Conventions ANEP-77 NATO Naval Ship Code (NSC) and that have been accepted by LR in accordance with LR’s Rules. Where the requirements of the NSC are to be applied for an LSAE** notation, the ESC** notation must also be applied.

3.10.13  SNC Safety of Navigation and Communication. This notation will be assigned to naval ships which demonstrate levels of safety of navigation and communication arrangements on board that incorporate the functional requirements and objective of the applicable IMO International Conventions and that have been accepted by LR in accordance with LR’s Rules.

3.10.14  POL Pollution Prevention. This notation will be assigned to naval ships which demonstrate that the pollution prevention arrangements on board that incorporate the functional requirements and objectives of the applicable IMO International Conventions and that have been accepted by LR in accordance with LR’s Rules. The notation provides Naval Administrations with a voluntary independent assessment of their ships’ compliance with IMO’s environmental conventions.

3.10.15  Ice Class notation. An appropriate class notation for navigation in ice may be assigned when the hull structural and machinery installation are such that the ship may be operated in defined ice conditions, see below. The notation denotes that the hull structural arrangements and machinery installation have been designed, constructed, installed and tested in accordance with LR Rules or its equivalent thereto. The Class notations available are described below:

  1. Ice Class 1AS. This strengthening is for ships intended to navigate in first year ice conditions equivalent to unbroken level ice with a thickness of 1,0 m.

  2. Ice Class 1A. This strengthening is for ships intended to navigate in first year ice conditions equivalent to unbroken level ice with a thickness of 0,8 m.

  3. Ice Class 1B. This strengthening is for ships intended to navigate in first year ice conditions equivalent to unbroken level ice with a thickness of 0,6 m.

  4. Ice Class 1C. This strengthening is for ships intended to navigate in first year ice conditions equivalent to unbroken level ice with a thickness of 0,4 m.

If operation in first year is defined by the operational requirement as an emergency feature then special consideration will be given to the use of fully plastic design criteria for the shell plating. In such cases the ice class notation will be annotated with *.

3.10.16  LMA or LNMA. These notations will be assigned where the ship’s manoeuvring capability has been assessed in accordance with the respective performance criteria for each notation. It denotes that the manoeuvring performance has been verified through trials in accordance with LR’s Rules.

3.10.17  CEPAC. This notation will be assigned where the noise and vibration levels in crew and embarked personnel spaces have been assessed and meet acceptance criteria for comfort. It denotes that the noise and vibration levels have been measured and reported in accordance with LR’s Rules. Numerals 1 or 2 following the CEPAC notation indicate the acceptance criteria to which the noise and vibration levels have been assessed.

3.10.18  ENV. This notation will be assigned where the environmental protection arrangements demonstrate compliance with one or more characters as described in the Rules. Available characters include:

A Anti-fouling coatings;
ABN Airborne Noise;
GW Grey water and sewage;
IHM Inventory of Hazardous Materials;
MRV Monitoring, reporting and verification of carbon dioxide;
NOx-2, NOx-3 Emissions of nitrogen oxides;
OW Oily water management;
P Oil tanks in protected locations;
RS Refrigeration systems;
SOx Emissions of sulphur oxides;
UWN Underwater noise.

3.10.19  SD Special Duties Notation. A special duties notation will be recorded in the vessel’s Classification record indicating that the ship has been designed, modified or arranged for special duties other than those implied by the type notation. Ships with special duties notations are not thereby prevented from performing any other duties for which they may be suitable.

3.10.20  PCWBT This notation will be assigned to naval ships, at the Owner’s request, when protective coating systems have been applied during construction to all sea-water ballast tanks having boundaries formed by the hull envelope in accordance with the ShipRight Protective Coatings in Water BallastTanks procedure, and that the coating remains efficient and is maintained in good condition.

3.10.21  ACS (). This notation will be assigned to naval ships, at the Owner’s request, when protective coating systems have been applied during construction in accordance with the ShipRight Anti-Corrosion Notations procedure and that the coating remains efficient and is maintained in good condition. The ACS () notation, with the extension of one or more of the following associated supplementary characters shown in brackets, detailing the specified protected area or areas, may be assigned as follows:
  • B Water Ballast Tanks
  • V Void Spaces

3.10.22  *IWS. This notation (In-water Survey) may be assigned to a ship where the applicable LR requirements are complied with, see Vol 1, Pt 1, Ch 2, 7 Classification of ship with *IWS notation and Vol 1, Pt 1, Ch 3, 4.3 In-water Surveys.

3.10.23 Where it can be demonstrated that the vessel meets all of the buoyancy, stability and controllability performance requirements of the latest edition of Chapter III of the ANEP-77 NATO Naval Ship Code (NSC), a ship will be eligible to be assigned the STAB notation.

3.10.24  SMS (Safety Management System). This notation will be assigned to a Naval Vessel where the safety management and operational procedures have been implemented, assessed and accepted by LR. The safety management and operational procedures are to incorporate objectives and requirements of the International Safety Management Code (ISM Code). This notation provides support in demonstrating that a Naval Vessel has a functioning Safety Management System in place, as required by the ANEP-77 NATO Naval Ship Code (NSC) and equivalent standards.

3.10.25 DWA This notation (Deep Water Anchoring) may be assigned to a ship with a Rule length LR not less than 135 m, subject to the Rules in Vol 1, Pt 3, Ch 5, 10 Anchoring equipment in deep and unsheltered water, which has increased equipment for anchoring in deep water with a depth up to 120 m.

3.10.26 HCD1(). This ShipRight notation will be assigned when the development and operation of specified ship system(s) has been carried out in accordance with the process for ‘Level 1 – Reactive’ detailed in the ShipRight Procedure for Human-centred Design. The names of the systems which meet the requirements will be listed as a suffix to the character, e.g. HCD1(mooring area, ECDIS).

3.10.27 BOATS, Boat Operations at Sea. This optional notation will be assigned to naval vessels where the onboard arrangements for the launch, recovery and carriage of small boats, and the interfacing of the vessel with waterborne craft alongside or persons in the water, are demonstrated to be in accordance with the Functional Objectives and Performance Requirements of ANEP-77 NATO Naval Ship Code (NSC) and accepted by LR in accordance with requirements specified in Vol 3, Pt 1, Ch 7 Boat and Waterborne Operations.

Copyright 2022 Clasifications Register Group Limited, International Maritime Organization, International Labour Organization or Maritime and Coastguard Agency. All rights reserved. Clasifications Register Group Limited, its affiliates and subsidiaries and their respective officers, employees or agents are, individually and collectively, referred to in this clause as 'Clasifications Register'. Clasifications Register assumes no responsibility and shall not be liable to any person for any loss, damage or expense caused by reliance on the information or advice in this document or howsoever provided, unless that person has signed a contract with the relevant Clasifications Register entity for the provision of this information or advice and in that case any responsibility or liability is exclusively on the terms and conditions set out in that contract.