1.1 The following explanatory note is offered to assist those
concerned in the application of these Rules and Regulations.
1.3 Unit classification may be regarded as the development and
worldwide implementation of published Rules and Regulations which,
in conjunction with proper care and conduct on the part of the Owner
and Operator, will provide for:
1.4 the structural strength of (and where necessary
the watertight integrity of) all essential parts of the hull and its
appendages;
1.5 the safety and reliability of the propulsion
and steering systems; and
1.6 the effectiveness of those other features and
auxiliary systems which have been built into the unit in order to
establish and maintain basic conditions on board whereby appropriate
cargoes and personnel can be safely carried whilst the unit is at
sea, at anchor, or moored in harbour.
1.7 Clasifications Register Group Limited (LR) maintains these provisions
by way of the periodical visits by its Surveyors to the unit as defined
in the Regulations in order to ascertain that the vessel currently
complies with those Rules and Regulations. Should significant defects
become apparent or damages be sustained between the relevant visits
by the Surveyors, the Owner and Operator are required to inform LR
without delay. Similarly any modification which would affect Class
must receive prior approval by LR.
1.8 A unit is said to be in Class when the Rules and Regulations
which pertain to it have, in the opinion of LR, been complied with,
or when special dispensation from compliance has been granted by LR.
1.9 It should be appreciated that, in general, classification
Rules and Regulations do not cover such matters as the unit's floatational
stability, life-saving appliances, pollution prevention arrangements,
and structural fire protection, detection and extinction arrangements
where these are covered by the International Convention for
the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, its Protocol of 1978, and
the amendments thereto, nor do they protect personnel on board from
dangers connected with their own actions or movement around the unit.
This is because the handling of these aspects is the prerogative of
the National Authority with which the unit is registered. A great
many of these authorities, however, delegate such responsibilities
to the Classification Societies who then undertake them in accordance
with agreed procedures.