Section 6 Naval Authority
Clasification Society 2024 - Version 9.40
Clasifications Register Guidance Information - Naval Survey Guidance for Steel Ships, January 2001 - Chapter 1 Introduction - Section 6 Naval Authority

Section 6 Naval Authority

6.1 Naval Ships are required to comply with many regulatory needs. None (or very few) of these are imposed by a Flag Administration as happens in the merchant fleet. Therefore, the regulations are imposed by ‘Naval Authorities’ who will also have the responsibility to ensure that compliance is maintained. As defined in Part 1 of the Rules for Naval Ships, a Naval Authority may be a ‘Government Department, a Statutory Authority, LR or other body.’

6.2 The regulation of ships by LR or other Naval Authority does not necessarily ensure that the ship is safe for its full range of duties. Ultimate responsibility rests with the operator, and some navies will choose to reassure themselves that this responsibility has been fully addressed by undertaking a full Safety Case assessment. A Safety Case will be supported by Naval Class and all the other regulations applicable to a particular ship.

Table 1.6.1 Illustrative examples of Naval Authority responsibilities

Naval Authority could be responsible for:
Government department
  • intact and damage stability
  • magazine safety
  • navigation safety
Flag state
  • MARPOL
  • collision regulations
Lloyd’s Register
  • structure
  • intact stability
  • fire
  • other IMO Regulations
Independent Organization
  • propulsion plant
  • lifting appliances
Parent topic: Chapter 1 Introduction
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