Section
3 Surveys — General
3.1 Statutory surveys
3.1.1 The Classification Committee will act, when authorised on behalf of
National Administrations, in respect of national and international statutory safety
and other requirements for offshore units.
3.1.2 The Classification Committee will also act, when authorised, in respect
of national safety, coastal state regulations relating to offshore units used for
the exploration and exploitation of hydrocarbons.
3.2 New construction surveys
3.2.1 When it is intended to build a unit for classification with LR,
constructional plans and all necessary particulars relevant to the hull/structure,
equipment and machinery, as detailed in the Rules, are to be submitted for the
approval of LR before the work is commenced. Any subsequent modifications or
additions to the scantlings, arrangements or equipment shown on the approved plans
are also to be documented and submitted for approval.
3.2.2 Where the proposed construction of any part of the hull/structure 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 assigned.
3.2.3 The materials used in the construction of the hull/structure and
machinery intended for classification are to be of good quality and free from
defects and are to be tested in accordance with the requirements of the Rules for
Materials. The steel is to be manufactured by an approved process at an approved
works. Alternatively, tests will be required to demonstrate the suitability of the
steel.
3.2.5 New units intended for classification are to be built under LR’s Special
Survey. From the commencement of work until the completion of the unit, the
Surveyors are to be satisfied that the materials, workmanship and arrangements are
satisfactory and 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 to be unsatisfactory, are to be rectified.
3.2.7 Copies of approved plans (showing the unit as built), essential
certificates and records, the Operations Manual and loading and other instruction
manuals are to be readily available for use when required by the attending
Surveyors.
3.2.8 When the machinery and drilling/process plant of a unit are 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.
3.2.9 When remote and/or automatic control equipment, alarms and safeguards
are fitted to the machinery and drilling/process plant, and riser systems the
equipment is to be arranged, installed and tested in accordance with LR’s Rules and
Regulations.
3.2.10 The date of completion of the Special Survey during construction of units
built under LR’s inspection will normally be taken as the date of build to be
entered on the Class Direct website. If the period between launching and
completion or commissioning is, for any reason, unduly prolonged, the dates of
launching and completion or commissioning may be separately indicated on the
Class Direct website.
3.2.11 When a unit, upon completion, is transferred/towed to its operating location to be
commissioned, the Classification Committee, upon application by the Owner prior to
the unit being commissioned, will direct an examination to be made on site by the
Surveyors. If, as a result of such survey, the structure, equipment and machinery
are reported in all respects to be in accordance with applicable Rule requirements,
the subsequent Special Survey and Complete Survey of the machinery will date from
the time of such examination.
3.2.12 The requirements for the testing and commissioning are outlined in LR Rules. These
commissioning activities should be clearly defined by the Owners and accepted by LR
to ensure compliance with requirements of the Rules and any applicable statutory
requirements. For instance a unit may leave the building yard with the notation
N and after witness of the mooring will be assigned the notation
T.
3.2.13 It is required by LR Rules that the equipment is to be tested in ‘as installed’
condition. Though similar tests may have been carried out during a factory
acceptance test (FAT) or at the building yard, a new test in installed condition
would be required. The tests shall give evidence as to satisfactory operation and
performance in accordance with the Rules. When testing control systems and safety
systems, failure modes shall be simulated as realistically as possible. See
also
Pt 3, Ch 21 Guidelines on Scope of Survey Certification of Safety Critical Equipment.
3.2.14 When a unit, upon completion, is not immediately commissioned but is
laid up for a period, the Classification Committee, upon application by the Owner
prior to the unit being commissioned, will direct an examination to be made on site
or in dry dock by the Surveyors. If, as a result of such survey, the structure,
equipment and machinery are reported in all respects in accordance with applicable
Rule requirements, the subsequent Special Survey and Complete Survey of the
machinery will date from the time of such examination.
3.3 Existing units
3.3.1
Classification of units not built under survey. The requirements of the
Classification Committee for the classification of units which have not been built
under LR’s Survey are indicated in Pt 1, Ch 3, 19 Classification of units not built under survey. Special consideration will be given to
units transferring class to LR from another recognised Classification Society.
3.3.2
Reclassification. When reclassification or class reinstatement is desired for
a unit for which the class previously assigned by LR has been withdrawn or
suspended, the Classification Committee will direct that a survey appropriate to the
age of the unit and the circumstances of the case be carried out by the Surveyors.
If, at such survey, the unit is found or placed in a condition in accordance with
the requirements of the Rules and Regulations, the Classification Committee will be
prepared to consider reinstatement of the original class or the assignment of such
other class as may be deemed necessary.
3.3.3 The Classification Committee reserves the right to decline an
application for classification or reclassification where the prior history of
condition of the unit indicates this to be appropriate.
3.3.4
Unscheduled surveys. Where the Classification Committee has concern about the
condition of the unit and/or the equipment, an unscheduled survey may be required at
any time to determine the actual condition.
3.4 Damages, repairs and alterations
3.4.1 All repairs to hull/structure, equipment, machinery and drilling/process
plant which may be required in order that a unit may retain its class, see
Pt 1, Ch 2, 1.4 General 1.4.6, are to be carried out to the satisfaction of
the Surveyors. Alternatively, the Classification Committee may agree, in exceptional
cases, that quality control can be enforced by the Owner or repairer, on site, in
which case the repairs are to be surveyed by the Surveyors at the earliest
opportunity thereafter.
3.4.2 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
Classification Committee by the Surveyors.
3.4.3 When, at any survey, it is found that any damage, defect or breakdown,
see Pt 1, Ch 2, 1.4 General 1.4.6, 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 Classification Committee for
consideration.
3.4.4 If a unit which is classed with LR is damaged to such an extent as to
necessitate towage outside port limits whilst in a damaged condition to a suitable
repair facility, it shall be the Owner’s responsibility to notify LR at the first
practicable opportunity.
3.4.5 Plans and particulars of any proposed alterations to the approved
scantlings and arrangements of hull/ structure, equipment, machinery or
drilling/process plant are to be submitted for approval, and such alterations are to
be carried out to the satisfaction of the Surveyors.
3.5 Existing installations – Periodical
Surveys
3.5.1 Annual Surveys are to be held on all units within three months, before
or after each anniversary of the completion, commissioning or Special Survey, in
accordance with the requirements given in Chapter 3. The date of the last Annual
Survey will be recorded on the Class Direct website.
3.5.2 Intermediate Surveys are to be held on all units instead of the second or
third Annual Survey after completion, commissioning or Special Survey, in accordance
with the requirements given in Pt 1, Ch 3, 3 Intermediate Surveys – Hull and machinery requirements. The Intermediate Survey may be commenced at
the second Annual Survey and progressed with completion at the third Annual Survey.
The date of the last Intermediate Survey will be recorded on the Class
Direct website. The concurrent crediting of items towards both Intermediate
Survey and Special Survey is not permitted.
3.5.3 The Owner should notify LR whenever a unit 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. A Bottom Survey is an examination of the outside of the
units’s bottom and related items and is normally to be carried out with the unit in
dry dock. However, the Classification Committee will accept In-Water Surveys in lieu
of Bottom Surveys in dry dock on units assigned an OIWS (In-Water Survey)
notation upon the agreement of the Administration, see
Pt 1, Ch 3, 4.3 In-Water surveys.
3.5.4 One of the two Bottom Surveys required in each five-year period is to
coincide with the Special Survey. A Bottom Survey is considered to coincide with the
Special Survey when held within the 15 months prior to the due date of the Special
Survey. Consideration may be given in exceptional circumstances to an extension of
this interval not exceeding three months beyond the due date. In this context
‘exceptional circumstances’ means unavailability of dry-docking facilities, repair
facilities, essential materials, equipment or spare parts or delays incurred by
action taken to avoid severe weather conditions.
3.5.5 The date of the last Bottom Survey will be recorded on the Class Direct
website.
3.5.6 Attention is to be given to all relevant statutory requirements of the
National Authority of the country in which the unit is registered and the Coastal
State Authority in which the unit operates.
3.5.7 All units classed with LR are also to be subjected to Special Surveys in
accordance with the requirements given in Pt 1, Ch 3, 5 Special Survey – Hull requirements. 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 on the Class Direct website, and thereafter five years
from the date recorded for the previous Special Surveys. See also
Pt 1, Ch 2, 3.2 New construction surveys 3.2.11. Consideration can be given at the discretion of the
Classification 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 date
of the Special Survey before the extension was granted. A definition of ‘exceptional
circumstances’ is given in Pt 1, Ch 2, 3.5 Existing installations – Periodical Surveys 3.5.5.
3.5.8 Special surveys may be commenced at the fourth Annual Survey 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. As
part of the preparation for the Special Survey, the thickness determination, where
applicable, may be dealt with in connection with the fourth Annual Survey.
3.5.9 Special Surveys which are commenced prior to their due date are not to
extend over a period greater than 15 months, if such work is to be credited towards
the Special Survey. 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 all other cases, the date recorded will be the fifth anniversary. In
cases where the unit has been laid up or has been out of service because of a major
repair or modification and the Owner elects to only carry out the overdue surveys,
the existing Special Survey date will be maintained. If the Owner elects to carry
out the next due Special Survey, the new record of the Special Survey will be the
final date of survey.
3.5.10 At the request of an Owner, it may be agreed that the Special Survey of
the hull/structure be carried out on the Continuous Survey basis, where all
compartments of the hull are to be 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 Special Survey of the hull/structure must be
completed by 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 Structure and equipment 2.2.10, Pt 1, Ch 3, 2.2 Structure and equipment 2.2.11, Pt 1, Ch 3, 2.6 Inert gas systems and Pt 1, Ch 3, 3.2 Intermediate Surveys 3.2.3, Pt 1, Ch 3, 3.2 Intermediate Surveys 3.2.4, Pt 1, Ch 3, 3.2 Intermediate Surveys 3.2.6, Pt 1, Ch 3, 3.2 Intermediate Surveys 3.2.8, Pt 1, Ch 3, 3.2 Intermediate Surveys 3.2.9 and Pt 1, Ch 3, 3.2 Intermediate Surveys 3.2.11, the intervals for inspection will require to be
specially agreed. Units which have satisfactorily completed the cycle will have the
date of completion entered on the Class Direct website, which will not be later than
five years from the last assigned date of complete Survey of the hull/structure. The
agreement for surveys to be carried out on Continuous Survey basis may be withdrawn
at the discretion of the Classification Committee.
3.5.11 The Owner is to prepare a planned survey programme for the inspection of
the hull/structure after each Special Survey, before the next Annual Survey is due.
The survey programme is to cover the requirements for Annual Surveys, Intermediate
Surveys, Special Periodical Surveys, Special Continuous Surveys and Bottom Surveys
(in dry dock and in-water) and is to be submitted to LR for review. A copy is to be
kept on board and made available to the Surveyor. The survey programme should
include plans, etc., for identifying the areas to be surveyed, the extent of hull
cleaning, locations for non-destructive examination (including NDE methods),
nomenclature, and methods for the recording of any damage or deterioration found.
The planned survey programme, as agreed by LR, will be subject to revision if it is
found to be necessary at subsequent surveys, or when required by the Surveyor.
See
Pt 1, Ch 3, 1.6 Planned survey programme
3.5.12 The requirements for survey and the schedule of surveyable items may be
amended when any variation in service duties, usage or change in type notation is
proposed, by agreement between the Owner and the Classification Committee.
3.5.15 Complete Surveys of machinery and drilling/ process plant become due at
five-yearly intervals, the first one from the date of build or date of first
classification as recorded on the Class Direct website and thereafter five years
from the date recorded in the Survey records 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
the 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. On satisfactory completion of a survey, an
appropriate entry will be made in the Survey Records. Where the survey is completed
more than three months before the due date, the new date recorded will be the final
date of survey. In all other cases, the date recorded will be the fifth
anniversary.
3.5.16 Upon application by an Owner, the Classification Committee may agree to
the extension of the survey requirements for main engines which, by the nature of
the unit’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
3.5.16.
3.5.17 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.
3.5.18 When, at the request of an Owner, it has been agreed by the
Classification Committee that the Complete Survey of the machinery and/or
drilling/process plant may be carried out on the Continuous Survey basis, the
various items of machinery and plant 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 and plant is to be examined each year. A record indicating the date of
satisfactory completion of the Continuous Survey cycle will be made in the Survey
Records.
3.5.19 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 the Surveyor’s satisfaction.
3.5.20 Upon application by an Owner, the Classification Committee may agree to
an arrangement whereby, subject to certain conditions, some items of machinery may
be examined by the Chief Engineer of the unit followed by a limited confirmatory
survey carried out later by an Exclusive Surveyor. Particulars of this arrangement
may be obtained from LR. Where an approved planned maintenance scheme is in
operation, the confirmatory surveys 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 LR.
3.5.21 Where condition monitoring equipment is fitted, the Classification
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.
3.5.24 Where any inert gas system is fitted for the protection of storage tanks
on board a unit intended for the storage of crude oil in bulk, the system is to be
surveyed annually in accordance with the requirements of Pt 1, Ch 3, 2.6 Inert gas systems. In addition, on units to which an
IGS notation has been assigned, a Special Survey of the inert gas plant
is to be carried out at intervals not exceeding five years, in accordance with the
requirements of Pt 1, Ch 3, 18 Inert gas systems.
3.5.26 Where the Committee has agreed to an Owner’s request to assign the
notation ‘laid-up’, the unit may be retained in class provided a satisfactory
general examination of the hull and machinery is carried out at the Annual Survey
due date and 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. In order to reactivate a unit from lay up and
return it into service, the Owner must make an application to the Classification
Committee. They will consider the application and decide on the extent of surveys to
be carried out, based on surveys overdue and the duration of lay up.
3.6 Surveys for novel/complex systems
3.6.1 Where novel/complex 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:
- Plan appraisal submissions;
- Risk based analysis documentation where required by the
Rules;
- Equipment manufacturer recommendations;
- Relevant recognised national or international standards.
3.7 Certificates
3.7.1 When the required reports, on completion of the survey of new or
existing units which have been submitted for classification, the required reports
have been received from the Surveyors and classification has been agreed by the
Classification Executive, a certificate of Classification may be issued by an
authorised Surveyor. After approval by the Classification Committee, a certificate
of First Entry of Classification, signed by LR's Chairman or the Chairman of the
Classification Committee, will be issued to Builders or Owners.
3.7.2 A Certificate of Class valid for five years subject to endorsement for
Annual and Intermediate Surveys will also be issued to the Owners.
3.7.3 LR Surveyors are permitted to issue provisional (interim) certificates to
enable an offshore unit classed with LR to proceed on its voyage or to continue in
service, provided that, in their opinion, the unit is in a fit and efficient
condition. Such certificates will embody the Surveyor’s recommendations for
continuance of class, but in all cases are subject to confirmation by the
Classification Committee.
3.7.4 The full class notation and abbreviated descriptive notes shall be
stated on the Certificate of Class and the provisional (interim) certificates.
3.7.5 Under no circumstances is the extension of validity of a class
certificate to be granted beyond the due date of a Periodical Survey without the
essential inspection (including NDE) having been completed for all prescribed parts
of the primary structure.
3.8 Notice of surveys
3.8.1 It is the responsibility of the Owner 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 Classification Committee. Information is
available to Owners on the Class Direct website.
3.8.2 LR will give timely notice to an Owner about forthcoming surveys. 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.
3.9 Temporary suspension of class
3.9.1 When an Owner intends to move a classed unit, whether self-propelled or
not, to a new operating area and, due to the unit’s significant design criteria, it
is not suitable for exposed sea passages outside its normal operating area, the
certificate of class will automatically be suspended during sea voyages. This
includes units being transported on a heavy lift vessel as a cargo. Class will be
reinstated provided that the environmental criteria for the new area do not exceed
the design criteria, and that an inspection by LR Surveyors when the unit arrives in
the new area establishes that the hull/structure has suffered no damage in transit
and remains in an efficient condition.
3.9.2 Self-propelled units which are disconnectable in order to avoid severe
storm conditions or hazards will automatically remain in class and the certificate
of class will be endorsed accordingly provided the environmental criteria for the
proposed sea voyages do not exceed the design criteria. Reinstallation is to be
subject to inspection by LR Surveyors.
3.9.3 When it is contemplated to tow a unit to an area which is outside the
normal operating area of the unit, the towing arrangements are to be approved and
certified by a competent authority for the particular voyage.
3.9.4 Although it is not generally a condition of class that the assessment of
a unit as being fit for a particular sea passage should be undertaken by LR, when
requested, LR is prepared to advise on the measures to be adopted for such a voyage,
to supervise their execution and to issue the appropriate certificates.
3.9.5 All units will remain in class during location moves (i.e. moves within
the same operational area) provided that:
- approved procedures stated in the unit’s Operations Manual are
adhered to;
- the towing arrangements and equipment on nonpropelled units are
to comply with Pt 4, Ch 9, 2 Towing arrangements; and
- reports of any inspections of critical areas carried out during
such moves are retained for review, where appropriate, by the
Surveyors.
3.10 Withdrawal/suspension of class
3.10.1 When the class of a unit, for which the Regulations with regard to
surveys on hull/structure, equipment and machinery have been complied with, is
withdrawn by the Classification Committee as a result of a request from the Owner,
the notation ‘Class withdrawn at Owner’s request’ (with date) will be assigned.
3.10.2 When the Regulations with regard to survey on the hull/structure,
equipment, machinery or the drilling/process plant have not been complied with and
the unit thereby is not entitled to retain class, the class will be suspended or
withdrawn, at the discretion of the Classification Committee, and a corresponding
notation will be assigned.
3.10.3 Class will be automatically suspended and the Certificate of Class will
become invalid if the Annual or Intermediate Survey is not completed within three
months of the due date of the survey.
3.10.4 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 3.5.8, or is not under
attendance by the Surveyors with a view to completion prior to resuming
operations.
3.10.5 When, in accordance with 3.4.3 of the Regulations, a condition of class
is imposed, this will be assigned a due date for completion and the unit’s class may
be suspended if the condition of class is not dealt with, or postponed by agreement,
by the due date.
3.10.6 If it is found, from the reported condition of the hull or equipment or
machinery or the drilling/process plant of a unit that an Owner has failed to comply
with Pt 1, Ch 2, 1.4 General 1.4.6, Pt 1, Ch 2, 1.4 General 1.4.10, Pt 1, Ch 2, 1.3 Mobile offshore units 1.3.4, Pt 1, Ch 2, 1.4 General 1.4.11, Pt 1, Ch 2, 3.4 Damages, repairs and alterations 3.4.1, Pt 1, Ch 2, 3.4 Damages, repairs and alterations 3.4.4 or Pt 1, Ch 2, 3.4 Damages, repairs and alterations 3.4.5, the class will be liable to be suspended or
withdrawn, at the discretion of the Classification Committee, and a corresponding
notation assigned. If 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 units controlled by the same Owner, at the discretion of
the Classification Committee.
3.10.7 If the Classification Committee is satisfied that a unit has been
operated in a manner contrary to that agreed at the time of classification, or is
being operated in environmental conditions which are more onerous than, or in areas
other than, those agreed by the Classification Committee, the class will be
withdrawn or suspended in relation to those operations.
3.10.8 If the Classification Committee is satisfied that a unit proceeded to sea
with less freeboard than that approved by the Classification Committee, or that the
freeboard marks are placed higher on the sides of the unit than the position
assigned or approved by the Classification Committee, or, in cases where units do
not have freeboards assigned, the draught is greater than that approved by the
Classification Committee, the class of the unit will be withdrawn or suspended in
relation to the above voyages.
3.10.9 In all instances of class withdrawal or suspension, the assigned
notation, with date of application, will be published by members of the LR Group. In
cases where class has been suspended by the Classification Committee and it becomes
apparent that the Owners are no longer interested in retaining LR’s Class, it will
be withdrawn.
3.10.10 When a unit is intended for a demolition voyage with any Periodical
Survey overdue, the unit's class suspension may be held in abeyance and
consideration may be given to allow the unit 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 unit in a satisfactory condition to proceed for the
intended voyage, at the discretion of the Classification Committee.
3.10.11 When a unit is intended for a single voyage from ‘laid-up’ position to
repair yard with any Periodical Survey overdue, the unit's class suspension may be
held in abeyance and consideration may be given to allow the unit 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 unit is found in a satisfactory condition by
surveys, the extent of which are to be based on surveys overdue and duration of
lay-up.
3.11 Force majeure
3.11.1 If due to circumstances reasonably beyond the Owner’s or LR’s control
(limited to such cases as damage to the offshore unit or structure, unforeseen
inability of LR to attend the offshore unit due to the governmental restrictions on
right of access or movement of personnel, unforeseeable delays in port due to
unusually lengthy periods of severe weather, strikes, civil strife, acts of war, or
other cases of force majeure) the unit is not in a port where the overdue surveys
can be completed at the expiry of the periods allowed, the Classification Committee
may allow the unit to sail, in class, directly to an agreed facility and, if
necessary, then, in ballast, to an agreed facility at which the survey will be
completed, provided that LR:
- Examines the unit’s records; and
- Carries out the due and/or overdue surveys
and examination of recommendations at the first port of call when there is
an unforeseen inability of LR to attend the unit in the present port,
and
- Has satisfied itself that the unit is in a
condition to sail for one trip to a facility and subsequent ballast voyage
to a repair facility if necessary. (Where there is unforeseen inability of
LR to attend the unit or structure in the present port, the master is to
confirm that the unit is in condition to sail to the nearest port of
call.)
3.11.2 In circumstances of global disruption to normal maritime operations, such as
experienced during the global COVID-19 pandemic, where Flag or other National
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:
- a confirmatory LR examination of the ship or offshore unit’s
records; and,
- 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,
- receipt of a confirmatory statement from the Master / OIM
advising that the ship or offshore unit 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,
- 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, or other offshore opportunity,
where LR Surveyors can reasonably attend to complete the overdue surveys.
3.12 Appeal against Surveyor’s
recommendations
3.12.1 If the recommendations of the Surveyors are considered in any case to be
unnecessary or unreasonable, appeal may be made to the Classification Committee, who
may direct a Special Examination to be held.
3.13 Ownership details
3.13.1 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.
3.14 Conversion surveys
3.14.1 The requirements in 3.1 are to be complied with.
3.14.3 All critical locations in the existing structure which may be prone to
fatigue cracking are to be examined by MPI or other suitable NDE methods at the time
of conversion, see
Pt 10, Ch 1, 6.3 Fatigue analysis.
3.15 Life extension
3.15.1 A unit may remain in Class after the end of its design life, provided a
life extension programme is approved and the appropriate surveys completed to the
satisfaction of LR. Such extensions are to be for the minimum of least one Special
Survey cycle.
3.15.2 The life extension programme is to be submitted to LR for approval.
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