Section 1 General

1.1.1 This Chapter applies to craft that are fitted with a rig used for propulsion by wind force.

1.1.2 This Chapter applies to the rig insofar as this structure is used for propulsion purposes. The actual propulsion force may be generated by sails that are hoisted on the mast (e.g. fore-and-aft rig), rotation of the mast structure itself (e.g. Flettner rotors), or other means that capture wind force and transfer it to the hull (e.g. DynaRig).

1.1.3 Other elements of wind propulsion systems such as sails and running rigging are excluded from this Chapter.

1.1.4 Rigs, from an arrangement point of view, that do not fit into the assessment structure as laid out in this Chapter, will be considered on an equivalence basis.

1.1.5 Attention is drawn to the requirements of the Flag Administration regarding the application of certain materials, systems, criteria or practices.

1.2.1 ‘The rig’ in this Chapter is defined as all the structure and equipment essential for the safe operation of a wind propulsion system.

1.3.1 RIGGING. The RIGGING notation will be assigned where a new craft is fitted with a rig used for propulsion by wind force which is in accordance with the Rules.

1.3.2 RIGGING*. Upon request, the RIGGING* notation will be assigned where an existing craft is fitted with a rig used for propulsion by wind force where:

• the rig design complies with requirements of this Chapter;
• maintenance records starting at the time of first stepping are available and assessed;
• service history is available and assessed; and
• a rig behaviour trial is carried out. See Pt 3, Ch 7, 6 Rig behaviour trial.

1.4.1 In addition to submissions required by Pt 3, Ch 1, 5 Information required, plans and information are to be submitted as required in Table 7.1.1 Plans and particulars to be submitted as applicable.

1.5.1 A Technical Construction File (TCF) is to be maintained during the design, construction, stepping and commissioning phases.

1.5.2 The TCF will be the basis for appraisal.

The TCF will include a:

• Global design description which is to include a sail plan(s) with standing and running rigging shown. The sails that are carried on board and that can be used in the sailing conditions are to be described.
• Methodology description which gives the methods used for calculations and predictions, and explains the computational approach applied to the rig scantling design.
• Load case definition. A list of load cases for which the rig is designed. As a minimum, the applied load cases will be limit cases. The load case definition is to include:
  • operation at sea;
  • manufacture (if considered applicable);
  • transport;
  • stepping;
  • maintenance (if considered applicable); and
  • survival.
• Structural design definition, which is a collection of documents and plans showing dimensions, materials, and cross-sections of all elements making up the structural integrity of the rig. Limit loads are to be defined for each of the elements. See also Pt 3, Ch 7, 2.3 Stress factors (SF).
• Design evaluation report, which is to show that, in any of the design load cases, the loads on elements do not exceed permissible values. Rig foundation loads (e.g. mast step, chain plates, winch foundations and strong points) are part of the hull appraisal but may be taken into consideration in the design evaluation report.
• Materials certification report, which includes a declaration from the manufacturer that all construction materials are compliant with the structural design definition and will be examined using spot checks.
• Rig stepping report, which is to include the transport and stepping procedure as provided by the manufacturer and is to be to the satisfaction of the attending Surveyor.
• Rig behaviour report, which is to include a minimum of three sailing conditions which are included in the rig operation manual. It is a factual statement of observations made during trials with particular focus on agreement between predicted condition and actual performance. The report and observations are to be to the satisfaction of the attending Surveyor.
• Rig maintenance manual which is, as a minimum, to include maintenance instructions from the manufacturers of parts affecting safety and durability, clearly scheduled maintenance tasks that can be recorded in the ship’s logbook and descriptions of the procedures for inspection. Attention is drawn to the Code of safe working practices for merchant seafarers (COSWP).