The following explanatory note is offered to assist
those concerned in the application of these Rules and Regulations.
Ship 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:
-
the structural strength of (and where necessary
the watertight integrity of) all essential parts of the hull and its
appendages;
-
the safety and reliability of the propulsion
and steering systems; and
-
the effectiveness of those other features and
auxiliary systems which have been built into the ship in order to
establish and maintain basic conditions on board whereby appropriate
cargoes and personnel can be safely carried whilst the ship is at
sea, at anchor, or moored in harbour.
Clasifications Register (LR) maintains these provisions
by way of the periodical visits by its Surveyors to the ship 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.
A ship 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.
It should be appreciated that, in general, classification
Rules and Regulations do not cover such matters as the ship's floatational
stability, life-saving appliances, 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 cover
pollution prevention arrangements where these are covered by the International
Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973, 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 ship. This is because the handling of these aspects is
the prerogative of the National Authority with which the ship 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.