Section 4 Engineering system classification principles

4.1.1 Engineering system classification principles apply to all systems, equipment and components in order to achieve the provisions of classification. There are five groups of principles:

1. Design principles.

2. Construction principles.

3. Installation, integration and test principles.

4. Trials principles.

5. Through life operation principles.

4.2.1 Systems are to be designed, constructed and installed to minimise the risk of:

1. harm to personnel

2. damage to the platform

3. damage to the environment

4.2.2 Systems and equipment are to be designed in accordance with the requirements of the relevant parts of the Rules.

4.2.3 Systems or components to be integrated into a higher level system are to be designed such that all their interfaces, electrical, mechanical, software or environmental, are clearly defined and compatible.

4.2.4 System integration is to be managed by a single designated party, and is to be carried out in accordance with a defined procedure identifying the roles, responsibilities and requirements for all parties involved. This procedure is to identify validation and verification activities to be undertaken and is to be submitted for consideration.

4.2.5 Systems are to be designed for the operating conditions defined in the Concept of Operations, see Vol 1, Pt 1, Ch 2, 2.2 Definitions, that are to include static and dynamic loads.

4.2.6 Mobility category and Ship Type category engineering systems are to be provided with means to monitor and identify potential failures that could lead to catastrophic, hazardous or major consequences and to notify users of degradation in systems performance that could lead to failures.

4.2.7 Mobility category and Ship Type category engineering systems are to be provided with means to detect failures that could lead to catastrophic, hazardous or major consequences and to notify users of such failures.

4.2.8 Systems are to remain in, or revert to, a safe state when failure occurs.

4.2.9 Systems and equipment are to be so designed such that they can be maintained and repaired effectively and safely.

4.2.10 Systems are to be so designed that a single failure will not result in the flooding of a watertight compartment from the sea.

4.2.11 Systems are to be arranged so that a single failure in equipment or loss of an associated sub-system will not result in failure, contamination or degradation of another system leading to a dangerous situation or loss of a Mobility or Ship Type category system.

4.2.12 Mobility and Ship Type category systems are to be such that key functions can be maintained in the event of a single failure in an operational sub-system.

4.2.13 Systems are to be provided with effective means of operation and control for all intended functions under all normal and abnormal operational modes.

4.3.1 The place of construction is to have suitable facilities for the construction, integration and testing of engineering equipment and systems.

4.3.2 Construction is to be in accordance with plans approved by Clasifications Register (hereinafter referred to as 'LR') in accordance with the requirements of the relevant parts of the Rules.

4.3.3 Where required by the Rules, items are to be constructed under survey.

4.3.4 Materials are to be approved, manufactured and tested in accordance with a standard acceptable to LR.

4.3.5 Satisfactory operation and load testing is to be witnessed by LR where required by the Rules.

4.4.1 Installation and integration are to be carried out in accordance with documentation approved by LR and relevant LR requirements.

4.4.2 Installation and integration are to be carried out under LR Survey.

4.4.3 Tests are to be conducted in accordance with LR requirements.

4.4.4 Integration tests are to verify that the integrated sub-systems and components operate correctly at the higher system level.

4.4.5 Any alterations to approved documentation are to be approved by LR.

4.4.6 Surveyable items not complying with approved documentation or LR requirements are to be replaced or rectified.

4.5.1 A trials schedule is to be agreed between the Builder, Naval Administration and LR and is to address LR Rule requirements.

4.5.2 The trials are to be conducted at agreed operating conditions and are to demonstrate the functional capability of engineering systems.

4.5.3 Emergency trips and emergency operating modes are to be demonstrated.

4.5.4 Where a Risk Assessment report, (see Vol 2, Pt 1, Ch 3, 18 Risk Assessment (RA)), has identified the need to prove the conclusions, testing and trials are to be carried out as necessary to investigate the following:

1. The effect of a specific component failure.

2. The effectiveness of automatic/manual isolation systems.

3. The behaviour of any interlocks that may inhibit operation of Mobility or Ship Type systems.

4.5.5 The trials records are to be documented with sufficient detail to ascertain that the specified functional requirements of engineering systems have been satisfied. The records are to be available to enable any future trials to verify any significant degradation after in-service operation.

4.6.1 Engineering systems and equipment are to be operated and maintained such that the provisions of classification are achieved throughout the life of the vessel.

4.6.2 Modifications that may affect the provisions of classification are to be approved by LR.

4.6.3 Verification and validation activities are to be employed throughout the life of the ship to ensure compliance with the provisions of classification.

4.6.4 Suitable documentation is to be available to ensure that the provisions of classification can be performed effectively.

4.6.5 Persons with responsibilities for activities that may affect the provisions of classification are to be competent/ qualified to discharge those responsibilities.

4.6.6 The configuration of the vessel shall be identified and controlled throughout its life.

4.6.7 Operating and maintenance manuals for all engineering systems are to be provided on board and submitted to LR for information where requested and are to include the following information:

1. Particulars of engineering systems.

2. Operating instructions for all engineering systems, including recommended continuous operating design limits.

3. Maintenance instructions for engineering systems and equipment.

4. Instructions for normal and reversionary modes of operation for machinery and equipment in mobility and ship type engineering systems, see Vol 2, Pt 1, Ch 3, 3.3 Calculations and specifications 3.3.18.

4.6.8 The operating and maintenance manuals required by Vol 2, Pt 1, Ch 1, 4.6 Through life operation principles 4.6.7 are to be presented in a language and format that can be understood by the Operator.