Section 2 General requirements

2.1.1 Limitations with regard to the application of these Rules are indicated in the various Chapters for differing craft types.

2.2.1 LR is not concerned with the general arrangement, layout and appearance of the craft; the responsibility for such matters remains with the Builders and/or designers to ensure that the agreed specification is complied with. LR is however concerned with the quality of workmanship, in this respect the acceptance criteria as required by the Rules are to be complied with.

2.3.1 The Rules provide for the basic structural configurations for both single and multi-deck mono and multi-hull craft with multi-deck or single deck hulls which include a double bottom, or a single bottom arrangement. The structural configuration may also include a single or multiple arrangement of cargo hatch openings and side tanks.

2.3.2 The Rules provide for longitudinal and transverse framing systems.

2.3.3 Novel or other types of framing systems will be considered on the basis of the Rules.

2.4.1 Plans covering the following items are to be submitted:

• Midship sections showing longitudinal and transverse material.
• Profile and decks.
• Shell expansion.
• Oiltight and watertight bulkheads.
• Propeller brackets.
• Double bottom construction.
• Pillars and girders.
• Aft end construction.
• Engine room construction.
• Engine and thrust seatings.
• Fore end construction.
• Hatch cover construction.
• Deckhouses and superstructures.
• Sternframe.
• Rudder, stock and tiller.
• Equipment.
• Loading Manuals, preliminary and final (where applicable).
• Scheme of corrosion control (where applicable).
• Ice strengthening.
• Welding schedule.
• Hull penetration plans.
• Support structure for masts, derrick posts or cranes.
• Bilge keels showing material grades, welded connections and detail design.
• Any special arrangements (e.g. anchor deployment systems, submarine anchor pockets).

2.4.2 The following supporting documents are to be submitted:

• General arrangement.
• Capacity plan.
• Modes of operation for which the craft is designed (speeds corresponding to displacement and non-displacement mode as applicable).
• Lines plan or equivalent.
• Dry-docking plan.
• Towing and mooring arrangements.
• Sail/rigging plan, indicating loadings (as applicable to sailing craft).

2.4.3 The following supporting calculations are to be submitted:

• Equipment Number.
• Hull girder still water and dynamic bending moments and shear forces as applicable.
• Midship section modulus.
• Structural items in the aft end, midship and fore end regions of the craft.
• Preliminary freeboard calculation.

2.5.1 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 LR, 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 Register Book.

2.6.1 Where the Owner decides to increase the scantling of the bottom shell, side shell and deck plating of a newbuilding, then the craft will be eligible to be assigned the description note ES, see Pt 1, Ch 2, 3.12 Descriptive notes. For example, the descriptive note ES+1 would indicate that an extra 1 mm of aluminium has been fitted to bottom shell, side shell and deck plating.

2.7.1 Direct calculations may be specifically required by the Rules and may be required for craft having novel design features or in support of alternative arrangements and scantlings. LR may, when requested, undertake calculations on behalf of designers and make recommendations with regard to suitability of any required model tests.

2.7.2 Where direct calculations are proposed then the requirements of Pt 3, Ch 1, 2 Direct calculations of the Rules are, in general, to be complied with.

2.8.1 Craft of unusual form, proportions or speed, intended for the carriage of special cargoes, or for special or restricted service, not covered specifically by the Rules, will receive individual consideration based on the general requirements of the Rules.

2.9.1 The Rules do not cover certain technical characteristics, such as stability except as mentioned in Pt 1, Ch 2, 1.1 General 1.1.11 and Pt 1, Ch 2, 1.1 General 1.1.13, trim, vibration (other than local stiffened flat panels, see Pt 7, Ch 7, 5 Vibration control), docking arrangements, etc. The Committee cannot assume responsibility for these matters but is willing to advise upon them on request.