Section 4 Surveys - General

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

4.1.2 The Committee will also act, when authorised, in respect of National safety and other requirements relating to craft used for offshore mineral exploration and exploitation.

4.2.1 When it is intended to build a craft for classification with LR, constructional plans and all particulars relevant to the hull, equipment and machinery, as detailed in the Rules, are to be submitted for the approval of the Committee before the work is commenced. Proposals for any subsequent modifications or additions to the scantlings, arrangements or equipment shown on the approved plans are also to be submitted in writing and on plans for approval.

4.2.2 Where the proposed construction of any part of the hull or machinery is of novel design, or involves the use of unusual material, or where experience, in the opinion of the Committee, has not sufficiently justified the principle or mode of application involved, special tests or examinations before and during service may be required. In such cases a suitable notation may be entered in the appropriate Register Book.

4.2.3 The materials used in the construction of hulls and machinery intended for classification are to be of good quality and free from defects and are to comply with the requirements of the Rules.

4.2.4 The Surveyor is to be satisfied that the capability, organisation and facilities of the Builder are such that acceptable standards can be obtained both for the construction of the craft and the installation of machinery, electrical and control equipment.

4.2.5 In addition to Pt 1, Ch 2, 4.2 New construction surveys 4.2.4, the hull construction of craft manufactured from composite materials is to be controlled by a documented quality control system covering the Builder's management, organisation and relevant construction processes and inspection procedures, see Pt 8, Ch 2 Construction Procedures.

4.2.6 New craft intended for classification are to be built under LR's Special Survey. The Surveyors are to be satisfied that the materials, workmanship and arrangements are in accordance with the Rules. Any items found not to be in accordance with the Rules or the approved plans, or any material, workmanship or arrangements found be to so, are to be rectified.

4.2.7 For compliance with Pt 1, Ch 2, 4.2 New construction surveys 4.2.6 LR is prepared to consider methods of survey and inspection for hull construction which formally include procedures involving the shipyard management, organisation and quality systems as defined in Chapter 2 of Pt 6, Ch 2 Construction Procedures, Pt 7, Ch 2 Construction Procedures and Pt 8, Ch 2 Construction Procedures, for steel, aluminium alloy and composite construction respectively.

4.2.8 Copies of approved plans (showing the craft as built), essential certificates and records, required loading and other instruction manuals are to be readily available for use when required by LR's Surveyors and may be required to be kept on board.

4.2.9 After completion, the craft is to be examined afloat, and trials are to be conducted as specified in the Rules.

4.2.10 When the machinery is constructed under LR's Special Survey, this survey is to relate to the period from the commencement of the work until the final test under working conditions. Any items found not to be in accordance with the Rules or the approved plans, or any material, workmanship or arrangements found to be unsatisfactory, are to be rectified.

4.2.11 When arrangements are such that essential machinery can be operated by remote and/or automatic control equipment, the control equipment is to be arranged, installed and tested in accordance with the Rules, as applicable.

4.2.12 The date of completion of the Special Survey during construction of craft built under LR's inspection will normally be taken as the date of build to be entered in the appropriate Register Book. If the period between launching and commissioning is, for any reason, unduly prolonged, the dates of launching and completion or commissioning may be separately indicated in the appropriate Register Book.

4.2.13 When a craft, upon completion, is not immediately commissioned but is laid-up for a period, the Committee, upon application by the Owner, prior to the craft proceeding to sea, will direct an examination to be made by LR's Surveyors which may include a survey in dry-dock. If, as the result of such survey, the hull and machinery be reported in all respects free from deterioration, the subsequent Special Survey and Complete Survey of the machinery will date from the time of such examination.

4.3.1  Classification of craft not built under survey. The requirements of the Committee for the classification of craft which have not been built under LR's Survey are indicated in Pt 1, Ch 3, 12 Classification of craft not built under survey or Pt 1, Ch 4, 12 Classification of yachts not built under survey as applicable. Special consideration will be given to craft transferring class to LR from another recognised Classification Society.

4.3.2  Reclassification. When reclassification or class reinstatement is desired for a craft 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 craft and the circumstances of the case, be carried out by LR's Surveyors. If, at such survey, the craft be found or placed in a good and efficient condition in accordance with the requirements of the Rules and Regulations, the Committee will be prepared to consider reinstatement of the original class or the assignment of such other class as may be deemed necessary.

4.3.3 In the case of existing yachts over 15 years of age, the requirements for classification of craft not built under survey or for reclassification will be specially considered.

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

4.4.1 All repairs to hull, equipment and machinery which may be required in order that a craft may retain her class, see Pt 1, Ch 2, 1.1 General 1.1.7, are to be carried out to the satisfaction of LR's Surveyors. When repairs are effected at a port, terminal or location where the services of a Surveyor to LR are not available, the repairs are to be surveyed by one of LR's Surveyors at the earliest opportunity thereafter.

4.4.2 When at any survey the Surveyors consider repairs to be immediately 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.

4.4.3 Where repairs are to be carried out by a riding crew during a voyage then these must be planned in advance. A complete repair procedure, including the extent of proposed repair and the need for Surveyor’s attendance during the voyage, is to be submitted reasonably in advance to the Surveyor for agreement. Failure to notify LR in advance of the repairs may result in the class of the ship being specially considered by the Classification Committee. Where emergency repairs are effected immediately due to an emergency circumstance, the repairs should be documented in the ship’s log and submitted thereafter to LR for use in determining further survey requirements.

4.4.4 When at any survey it is found that any damage, defect, or breakdown (see Pt 1, Ch 2, 1.1 General 1.1.7) is of such a nature that it does not require immediate permanent repair, but is sufficiently serious to require rectification by a prescribed date in order to maintain class, a suitable condition of class is to be imposed by the Surveyors and recommended to the Committee for consideration.

4.4.5 If a craft which is classed with LR is to leave harbour limits or protected waters under tow, the Owner is to advise LR of the circumstances prior to her departure.

4.4.6 If a craft which is classed with LR is taken in tow whilst at sea, the Owner is to advise LR of the circumstances at the first practicable opportunity.

4.4.7 Plans and particulars of any proposed alterations to the approved scantlings and arrangements of hull, equipment, or machinery are to be submitted for approval by Owners or Builders or their representatives and such alterations are to be carried out to the satisfaction of LR's Surveyors.

4.4.8 The Owners should notify LR whenever a craft can be examined in dry-dock or on a slipway.

4.5.1 Service craft are to be submitted to the periodical survey requirements as defined in Pt 1, Ch 3 Periodical Survey Regulations for Service Craft.

4.5.2 Yachts are to be submitted to the periodical survey requirements defined in Pt 1, Ch 4 Periodical Survey Regulations for Yachts, except in the case where LR issues Statutory Loadline SAFCON certification or Certificate of Compliance to 'Code of Practice' as a requirement of the National Authority of the country in which the yacht is registered. In these cases they are to be submitted to the periodical survey requirements as defined in Pt 1, Ch 3 Periodical Survey Regulations for Service Craft.

4.5.3 Annual Surveys are to be held on all craft other than yachts within three months, before or after each anniversary of the completion, commissioning or Special Survey. The date of the last Annual Survey will be recorded on the Class Direct website.

4.5.4 Intermediate Surveys are to be held on all craft other than yachts instead of the second or third Annual Survey after completion, commissioning or Special Survey. The date of the last Intermediate Survey will be recorded on the Class Direct website.

4.5.5 Intermediate Surveys are to be held on yachts between the second and third anniversary after completion, commissioning or Special Survey.

4.5.6 The Owner should notify the Surveyors whenever a craft can be examined in dry-dock or on a slipway. A minimum of two Bottom Surveys are to be held in each five-year Special Survey period and the maximum interval between successive Bottom Surveys is not to exceed three years. One of the two Bottom Surveys required in each five-year period is to coincide with the Special Survey. Consideration may be given at the discretion of the Classification Committee to any special circumstances justifying an extension of the Bottom Survey, not exceeding three months, provided the interval between successive surveys does not exceed 36 months. A Bottom Survey is considered to coincide with the Special Survey when held within the 15 months prior to the date of the Special Survey.

A Bottom Survey is an examination of the outside of the craft’s bottom and related items and is normally to be carried out with the craft in dry-dock. However, the Classification Committee may give consideration to alternate examination while the craft is afloat as an In-Water Survey, subject to provisions of Pt 1, Ch 3, 4.3 In-Water Surveys and Pt 1, Ch 4, 3.3 In-Water Surveys.

Bottom Surveys are to be carried out in accordance with the requirements of Pt 1, Ch 3, 4 Bottom Surveys – In Dry-Dock and In-Water Surveys - Hull and machinery requirements and Pt 1, Ch 4, 3 Bottom Surveys and In-Water Surveys - Hull and machinery requirements.

4.5.7 The interval between Bottom Surveys for craft operating in fresh water and for certain non self-propelled craft may, at the discretion of the Committee, be greater than that given in Pt 1, Ch 2, 4.5 Existing service craft and yachts - Periodical Surveys 4.5.6.

4.5.8 Attention is to be given to any relevant statutory requirements of the National Authority of the country in which the craft is registered.

4.5.9 The date of the last Bottom Survey will be recorded on the Class Direct website.

4.5.10 Survey requirements for In-Water Surveys are given in Pt 1, Ch 3, 4.3 In-Water Surveys and Pt 1, Ch 4, 3.3 In-Water Surveys as appropriate. The date of the last In-Water Survey will be recorded on the Class Direct website.

4.5.11 All craft classed with LR are also to be subjected to Special Surveys. These Surveys become due at five-yearly intervals, the first one five years from the date of build or date of Special Survey for Classification as recorded in the appropriate Register Book, and thereafter five years from the date recorded for the previous Special Survey. Consideration can be given at the discretion of the Committee to any exceptional circumstances justifying an extension of the hull classification to a maximum of three months beyond the fifth year. If an extension is agreed the next period of hull classification will start from the due date of the Special Survey before the extension was granted.

4.5.12 Special surveys may be commenced at the fourth Annual Survey or fourth anniversary, as appropriate, after completion, commissioning, or previous Special Survey, and be progressed during the succeeding year with a view to completion by the due date of the Special Survey.

4.5.13 Special Surveys which are commenced prior to their due date are not to extend over a period greater than 15 months, except with the prior approval of the Committee.

4.5.14 Craft which have satisfactorily passed a Special Survey will have a record entered indicating the date. Where the Special Survey is completed more than three months before the due date, the new record of Special Survey will be the final date of survey. In the case of yachts, this information will be recorded on the Class Direct website.

4.5.15 In all other cases, with the exception of Pt 1, Ch 2, 4.5 Existing service craft and yachts - Periodical Surveys 4.5.16, the date recorded will be the fifth anniversary of the previous Special Survey.

4.5.16 For craft registered with Flag Administrations that have neither implemented the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS 1974) Harmonised System of Survey and Certification (HSSC) under the Protocol of 1988, nor adopted HSSC under IMO Resolution A.883(21) – Global and Uniform Implementation of the Harmonized System of Survey and Certification (HSSC) – (Adopted on 25 November 1999), where the Special Survey is completed before the due date, the new record will be the final date of survey.

4.5.17 In cases where the ship has been laid-up, or has been out of service for a considerable period because of a major repair or modification and the Owner elects to only carry out the overdue surveys, the next period of class will start from the expiry date of the last Complete Survey of machinery. If the Owner elects to carry out a Complete Survey, the period of class will start from the completion date of this survey.

4.5.18 At the request of an Owner, the Committee may agree that the Special Survey of the hull be carried out on the Continuous Survey basis, all compartments of the hull being opened for survey and testing, in rotation, with an interval of five years between consecutive examinations of each part. In general, approximately one fifth of the Special Survey is to be completed each year and all the requirements of the particular hull Special Survey must be completed at the end of the five year cycle. If the examination during Continuous Survey reveals any defects, further parts are to be opened up and examined as considered necessary by the Surveyor. For examination of items listed in Pt 1, Ch 3, 2.2 Annual Surveys 2.2.19, Pt 1, Ch 3, 2.2 Annual Surveys 2.2.21, Pt 1, Ch 3, 3.2 Intermediate Surveys 3.2.2, Pt 1, Ch 3, 3.2 Intermediate Surveys 3.2.3, Pt 1, Ch 3, 3.2 Intermediate Surveys 3.2.4 or Pt 1, Ch 4, 2.2 Intermediate Surveys 2.2.11, Pt 1, Ch 4, 2.2 Intermediate Surveys 2.2.12, Pt 1, Ch 4, 2.2 Intermediate Surveys 2.2.13 as applicable, the intervals for inspection will require to be specially agreed. Craft which have satisfactorily completed the cycle will have a record entered in the Register Book indicating the date of completion which will not be later than five years from the last assigned date of Complete Survey of the hull. The agreement for surveys to be carried out on Continuous Survey basis may be withdrawn at the discretion of the Committee.

4.5.19 In cases where the craft has been laid up or has been out of service for a considerable period because of a major repair or modification and the Owner elects to only carry out the overdue surveys, the next period of class will start from the expiry date of the Special Survey. If the Owner elects to carry out the next due Special Survey, the period of class will start from the survey completion date.

4.5.20 Complete Surveys of machinery become due at five-yearly intervals, the first one five years from the date of build or date of first classification as recorded in the appropriate Register Book, and thereafter five years from the date recorded for the previous Complete Survey. Consideration can be given at the discretion of the Classification Committee to any exceptional circumstances justifying an extension of machinery class to a maximum of three months beyond the fifth year. If an extension is agreed to, the next period of machinery class will start from the due date of Complete Survey of machinery before extension was granted. Surveys which are commenced prior to their due date are not to extend over a period greater than 15 months, except with the prior approval of the Classification Committee. Where the complete survey is completed more than three months before the due date, the recorded date of completion will be the final date of survey.

1. In all other cases, with the exception of Pt 1, Ch 2, 4.5 Existing service craft and yachts - Periodical Surveys 4.5.20.(b), the date recorded will be the fifth anniversary of the previous Complete Survey of machinery.

2. For craft registered with Flag Administrations that have neither implemented the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS 1974) Harmonised System of Survey and Certification (HSSC) under the Protocol of 1988, nor have adopted HSSC under IMO Resolution A.883(21) – Global and Uniform Implementation of the Harmonized System of Survey and Certification (HSSC) – (Adopted on 25 November 1999), where the Survey is completed before the due date, the new record will be the final date of survey.

4.5.21 Upon application by an Owner, the Committee may agree to the extension of the survey requirements for main engines, which, by the nature of the craft's normal service, do not attain the number of running hours recommended by the engines' manufacturer for major overhauls within the survey periods given in Pt 1, Ch 2, 4.5 Existing service craft and yachts - Periodical Surveys 4.5.20.

4.5.22 If it is found desirable that any part of the machinery should be examined again before the due date of the next survey, a certificate for a limited period will be granted in accordance with the nature of the case.

4.5.23 When, at the request of an Owner, it has been agreed by the Committee that the Complete Survey of the machinery may be carried out on the Continuous Survey basis, the various items of machinery are to be opened for survey in rotation, so far as is practicable, to ensure that the interval between consecutive examinations of each item will not exceed five years. In general, approximately one-fifth of the machinery is to be examined each year.

4.5.24 If any examination during Continuous Survey reveals defects, further parts are to be opened up and examined as considered necessary by the Surveyor, and the defects are to be made good to his satisfaction.

4.5.25 Upon application by an Owner, the Committee may agree to an arrangement whereby, subject to certain conditions, some items of machinery may be examined by the Chief Engineer of the craft at ports where LR is not represented, or, where practicable, at sea, followed by a limited confirmatory survey carried out at the next port of call where an Exclusive Surveyor is available. Particulars of this arrangement may be obtained from LR's Headquarters.

4.5.26 Where an approved planned maintenance scheme is in operation the confirmatory surveys of machinery as required by Pt 1, Ch 2, 4.5 Existing service craft and yachts - Periodical Surveys 4.5.24 may be held at annual intervals, at which time the records will be checked and the operation of the scheme verified. Particulars of this arrangement may be obtained from any of LR's Offices.

4.5.27 Where condition monitoring equipment is fitted, the Committee, upon application by the Owner, will be prepared to amend applicable Periodical Survey requirements where details of the equipment are submitted and found satisfactory. Where machinery installations are accepted for this method of survey, it will be a requirement that an Annual Survey be held, at which time monitored records will be analysed and the machinery examined under working conditions. An acceptable lubricating oil trend analysis programme may be required as part of the condition monitoring procedures.

4.5.28 Screwshaft and Waterjet Unit Surveys are to be carried out as stated in Pt 1, Ch 3, 11 Screwshafts, tube shafts, propellers and water jet units for service craft and Pt 1, Ch 4, 10 Screwshafts, tube shafts, propellers and water jet units for yachts.

4.5.29 Boiler surveys and steam pipe surveys, where applicable, are to be carried out as stated in accordance with Pt 1, Ch 3, Pt 1, Ch 3, 15 Boilers and Pt 1, Ch 3, 16 Steam pipes of the Rules for Ships.

4.5.30 Craft of unusual design, type or arrangement may be subject to exceptional survey requirements. Such survey requirements will be detailed at the assignment of classification.

4.5.31 Where the Committee has agreed to an Owner’s request to assign the Laid-up notation, the vessel may be retained in class provided a satisfactory general examination of the hull and machinery is carried out at the Annual Survey/Intermediate Survey due date and in addition an Underwater Examination (UWE) is carried out at the Special Survey due date. The general examination may be carried out within three months before or after the Annual Survey due date.

4.6.1 Amphibious Air Cushion Vehicles are to be submitted to the periodical survey requirements as defined in Pt 1, Ch 5 Periodical Survey Regulations for Amphibious Air Cushion Vehicles (ACV).

4.7.1 Where novel/complex systems, machinery and equipment have been accepted by LR, and for which existing survey requirements are not considered to be suitable and sufficient then, appropriate survey requirements are to be derived as part of the design approval process. In deriving these requirements LR will consider, but not be limited to, the following:

1. Plan appraisal submissions;

2. Risk Assessment documentation where required by the Rules;

3. Equipment manufacturer recommendations;

4. Relevant recognised national or international standards.

4.8.1 When the required reports, on completion of the survey of new or existing craft which have been submitted for classification, have been received from the Surveyors and approved by the Committee, a certificate 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 Builders or Owners.

4.8.2 A Certificate of Class valid for five years subject to endorsement for Annual and/or Intermediate Surveys, as appropriate, will also be issued to the Owners.

4.8.3 LR's Surveyors are permitted to issue provisional (interim) certificates to enable a craft classed with LR to proceed on her voyage provided that in their opinion it is in a fit and efficient condition. Such certificates will embody the Surveyors' recommendations for continuance of class, but in all cases are subject to confirmation by the Committee.

4.9.1 It is the responsibility of the Owners to ensure that all surveys necessary for the maintenance of class are carried out at the proper time and in accordance with the instructions of the Committee. Information is available to Owners on the Class Direct website.

4.9.2 LR will give timely notice to an Owner about forthcoming surveys by means of a letter or a computer print-out of a craft’s Quarterly Listing of Surveys, Conditions of Class and Memoranda. The omission of such notice, however, does not absolve the Owner from his responsibility to comply with LR's survey requirements for maintenance of class, all of which are available to Owners on the Class Direct website.

4.10.1 When the class of a craft, for which the Regulation as regards surveys on hull, equipment and machinery have been complied with, is withdrawn by the Committee in consequence of a request from the Owner the notation `Class withdrawn at Owner's request' (with date) will be assigned.

4.10.2 When the Regulations as regards surveys on the hull, equipment or machinery have not been complied with and the craft is thereby not entitled to retain class, the class will be suspended or withdrawn, at the discretion of the Committee, and a corresponding notation will be assigned.

4.10.3 Class will be automatically suspended and the Certificate of Class will become invalid if the Annual or Intermediate Survey, as appropriate, is not completed within three months of the due date of the survey.

4.10.4 Class will be automatically suspended from the expiry date of the Certificate of Class in the event that the Special Survey has not been completed by the due date and an extension has not been agreed (see Pt 1, Ch 2, 4.5 Existing service craft and yachts - Periodical Surveys 4.5.11), or is not under attendance by the Surveyors with a view to completion prior to resuming trading.

Classification will be reinstated from suspension of class upon satisfactory completion of the surveys due. The surveys to be carried out are to be based upon the survey requirements at the original date due and not on the age of the craft when the survey is carried out. Such surveys are to be credited from the date originally due. However, the craft’s Class remains suspended from the date of suspension until the date Class is reinstated.

4.10.5 When in accordance with Pt 1, Ch 2, 4.4 Damages, repairs and alterations 4.4.4 a condition of class is imposed, this will be assigned a due date for completion and the craft's class will be subject to a suspension procedure if the condition of class is not dealt with, or postponed by agreement, by the due date.

4.10.6 When it is found, from the reported condition of the hull or equipment or machinery of a craft, that an Owner has failed to comply with Regulations Pt 1, Ch 2, 1.1 General 1.1.7, Pt 1, Ch 2, 1.1 General 1.1.11, Pt 1, Ch 2, 4.4 Damages, repairs and alterations 4.4.1 or Pt 1, Ch 2, 4.4 Damages, repairs and alterations 4.4.6 above, the class will be liable to be suspended or withdrawn, at the discretion of the Committee, and a corresponding notation assigned. When it is considered that an Owner's failure to comply with these requirements is sufficiently serious the suspension or withdrawal of class may be extended to include other craft controlled by the same Owner, at the discretion of the Committee.

4.10.7 When any craft proceeds to sea with less freeboard than that approved by the Committee, or when the freeboard marks are placed higher on the sides of the craft than the position assigned or approved by the Committee, or, in cases of craft where freeboards are not assigned, the draught is greater than that approved by the Committee, the class will be liable to be withdrawn or suspended.

4.10.8 When it is found that a craft is being operated in a manner contrary to that agreed at the time of classification, i.e. out with the parameters of the operational envelope, the class will be liable to be automatically withdrawn or suspended.

4.10.9 In all instances of class withdrawal or suspension, the assigned notation, with date of application, will appear in the Register Book. In cases where class has been suspended by the Committee and it becomes apparent that the Owners are no longer interested in retaining LR's class, the notation will be amended to withdrawn status. After class withdrawn status has been established in the appropriate Register Book for one year, it will be automatically amended to `classed LR until' (with date). In the case of yachts this information will be recorded on the Class Direct website.

4.10.10 When a vessel is intended for a demolition voyage with any Periodical Survey overdue, the vessel's class suspension may be held in abeyance and consideration may be given to allow the vessel to proceed on a single direct ballast voyage from the lay up or final discharge port to the demolition yard, provided the attending Surveyor finds the vessel in a satisfactory condition to proceed for the intended voyage, at the discretion of the Classification Committee.

4.10.11 When a vessel is intended for a single voyage from ‘laid-up’ position to repair yard with any Periodical Survey overdue, the vessel's class suspension may be held in abeyance and consideration may be given to allow the vessel to proceed on a single direct ballast voyage from the site of lay up to the repair yard, upon agreement with the Flag Administration, at the discretion of the Classification Committee. This is provided the vessel is found in a satisfactory condition by surveys, the extent of which are to be based on surveys overdue and duration of lay-up.

4.10.12 For reclassification and reinstatement of class, see Pt 1, Ch 2, 4.3 Existing craft 4.3.2, Pt 1, Ch 2, 4.3 Existing craft 4.3.3 and Pt 1, Ch 2, 4.10 Withdrawal/Suspension of class 4.10.4.

4.11.1 The classification requirements for laid up vessels will be specially considered. Surveys for continuation of class may be required at the discretion of the Committee.

4.12.1 If the recommendations of LR's Surveyors are considered in any case to be unnecessary or unreasonable, appeal may be made to the Committee, who may direct a Special Examination to be held.

4.13.1 If due to circumstances reasonably beyond the Owner’s or LR’s control, as defined below, the vessel is not in a port when surveys become overdue the Classification Committee may allow the vessel to sail, in class, directly to an agreed discharge port and then, if necessary, in ballast to an agreed repair facility at which the survey can be completed. In this context, ‘Force Majeure’ means damage to the vessel, unforeseen inability of Surveyors to attend the vessel due to governmental restrictions on right of access or movement of personnel, unforeseen delays in port or inability to discharge cargo due to unusually lengthy periods of severe weather, strikes, civil strife, acts of war or other force majeure.

4.13.2 In circumstances of global disruption to normal maritime operations, such as experienced during the global COVID-19 pandemic, where Flag Administrations adopt extraordinary measures permitting postponements to scheduled statutory surveys beyond the due dates, the Classification Committee may allow corresponding postponements to scheduled class surveys provided the following measures to confirm the continued compliance of the vessel with LR classification requirements are undertaken:

1. a confirmatory LR examination of the ship’s records; and,
2. an LR review of evidence submitted by the Owner that confirms that the vessel is in a condition to satisfactorily continue in class for the agreed period of postponement; this may include an LR remote survey, and provision to LR of acceptable photographic, video or other evidence of condition of structure or equipment; and,
3. receipt of a confirmatory statement from the Master advising that the ship is, in their opinion, in compliance with LR’s Rules and Regulations and in a condition to satisfactorily continue in service for the agreed period; and,
4. any due and/or overdue surveys and examination of Conditions of Class, Actionable Items and Statutory Findings are to be carried out at the first port of call with available facilities where LR Surveyors can reasonably attend to complete the overdue surveys.

4.14.1 The Owner will ensure a member of the LR Group - Marine and Offshore division is promptly informed in writing of any change to their contact details and, in the event of a vessel/asset transfer or sale, is to supply details of the new Owner in writing. The new Owner is to promptly inform a member of the LR Group - Marine and Offshore division in writing of their contact details. If the new Owner fails to do so and if LR cannot verify the ownership record, then the class of that vessel/asset will be specially considered by the Classification Committee.