Section 1 Introduction

1.1.1 This Part of the Rules contains the particular requirements for the construction and classification of yachts with an overall length, L _OA (as defined in Pt 3, Ch 1, 6.2 Principal particulars 6.2.4), of 24 m or greater, where these differ from the general Rule requirements indicated in Parts 1 to 17.

1.1.2 The regulations for the construction, classification and Periodical Survey of yachts are given in Pt 1 Regulations.

1.1.3 The minimum requirements in respect of intact stability for yachts are indicated in Pt 1, Ch 2, 1.1 General.

1.1.4 Where a Load Line is to be assigned the yacht is to comply with the appropriate requirements of the National Authority or, in the absence of these, in accordance with the requirements of Pt 4, Ch 2, 1 General to Pt 4, Ch 2, 6 Protection of openings and Pt 1, Ch 2, 1.1 General.

1.1.5 The requirements for fire protection detection and extinction are to be in accordance with Pt 17 Fire Protection, Detection and Extinction.

1.1.6 Yachts may be the subject of National or International regulations concerning construction, safety and manning and compliance with these regulations is the responsibility of the Owners and Builders. Lloyds Register is able to advise on such matters and to issue applicable certificates where so authorised by the National Authority with which the yacht is registered.

1.1.7 A yacht may take any hull form and method of propulsion described in Pt 1 Regulations of these Rules. Other hull forms or methods of propulsion will be specially considered.

1.1.8 The scantling requirements for yachts constructed from steel, aluminium alloy and composite materials are given in Pt 6 Hull Construction in Steel, Pt 7 Hull Construction in Aluminium and Pt 8 Hull Construction in Composite respectively. Where it is proposed to construct a yacht in wood or other material not specifically covered by the Rules, such proposals will be subject to special consideration on the basis of the Rules.

1.2.1  Freeboard deck is as defined in Pt 3, Ch 1, 6.3 Freeboard deck 6.3.1. When a lower continuous deck is designated as the freeboard deck, that part of the hull which extends above the freeboard deck is treated as superstructure so far as concerns the application of the conditions of assignment and the calculation of freeboard. It is from this lower continuous deck that the assigned freeboard is calculated.

1.2.2  Virtual freeboard deck is an imaginary continuous deck which, if fitted, would enable a freeboard, calculated in accordance with the Load Line requirements, and measured from the virtual freeboard deck, that would result in a draught not less than that corresponding to the assigned freeboard. That part of the enclosed hull which extends above the virtual freeboard deck may be treated as superstructure so far as concerns the application of the conditions of assignment provided it is not less than one standard superstructure height. (See also Pt 3, Ch 2, 7.2 Definition of tiers).