Section 1 Rule application

1.1.1 The Rules, in general, apply to steel units of all welded construction. The use of other materials in the structure will be specially considered. For concrete structures, see Pt 9 Concrete Unit Structures. The Rules apply to the unit types defined in Pt 1 Regulations and Pt 3 Functional Unit Types and Special Features. Units of unconventional design will receive individual consideration based on the general standards of the Rules.

1.2.1 The Rules are framed on the understanding that units will be properly loaded and operated. Units are to be operated in accordance with an Operations Manual which is to contain all the necessary information for the safe loading and operation of the unit, see Pt 3, Ch 1, 3 Operations manual.

1.2.2 All ship units and other surface type units are to be provided with loading guidance information containing sufficient information to enable the loading, unloading and ballasting operations and inspection/maintenance of the unit within the stipulated operational limitations. The loading guidance information is to include an approved Loading Manual and Loading Computer System complying with the requirements given in Pt 3, Ch 4, 8 Loading guidance information of the Rules and Regulations for the Classification of Ships (hereinafter referred to as the Rules for Ships). See also Pt 1, Ch 2, 1.4 General 1.4.5 and Pt 1, Ch 2, 1.4 General 1.4.6.

1.2.3 Where an onboard computer system having a longitudinal strength or a stability computation capability is provided, the system is to be certified in accordance with LR’s Approval of Longitudinal Strength and Stability Calculation Programs.

1.3.1 The Rules do not cover certain technical characteristics such as stability, trim, vibration, docking arrangements, etc. The Classification Committee cannot assume responsibility for these matters, but is willing to advise upon them on request.

1.4.1 New units will be assigned class only after it has been demonstrated that the level of intact and damage stability is adequate, see Pt 1, Ch 2, 1 Conditions for classification.

1.4.2 For classification purposes, the minimum requirements for watertight and weathertight integrity are to comply with Pt 4, Ch 7 Watertight and Weathertight Integrity and Load Lines.