Section 1 General

1.1.1 The requirements of this Chapter are applicable to shiplift platform and transfer systems, also called mechanical lift docks, as defined in Ch 5, 1.2 Scope of the Rules.

1.1.2 The requirements are based on the understanding that:

1. The shiplift will, at all times, be properly loaded in accordance with the designer’s instructions and the loading conditions approved by Lloyd’s Register (LR). Concentrations of loading greater than that indicated by the specified maximum distributed load, or for any loading situations or weather conditions which may result in the rated capacity of individual hoists being exceeded are not allowed for.

2. Where the installation is to be certified but not classed, the design criteria specified assume that Periodical Survey procedures, at least equivalent to LR’s, will be adhered to by the Owner. This is of particular importance with respect to ropes and chains used to raise the platform.

3. The shiplift will at all times be properly operated by trained and authorised personnel.

4. The shiplift will be maintained by qualified and authorised personnel.

5. Compliance with the requirements does not relieve the designers and/or Builders/contractors of their contractual responsibilities to the client with regard to the specification and the overall design and in-service performance of the shiplift.

1.2.1 The requirements of this Chapter are applicable to shiplift and transfer system installations in which vessels are raised and lowered by means of winches or jacks when docked on an articulated or rigid platform structure.

1.2.2 The vessel may be docked on a system of blocks, cradles or an air/hydraulic cushion arrangement for subsequent transfer.

1.2.3 Docking systems which incorporate a combination of both mechanical lift dock and floating dock principles will be specially considered on the basis of these requirements and LR’s Rules and Regulations for the Construction and Classification of Floating Docks.

1.2.4 When specifically requested, end and side transfer arrangements will be examined and included in the class notation or certification issued. However, where the design concept of the platform involves an interaction or interdependence between the platform and transfer system, as in the case of a rigid platform with flexible ship support system, the transfer system will be considered as an essential and integral aspect of class or certification.

1.2.5 All civil engineering interface works, including hoist foundations, piling and associated sea-bed conditions, shore transfer pits and dockside structures, are excluded from LR’s involvement.

1.2.6 These requirements do not apply to hoisting platforms used on vessels or to mechanical elevators used to lift people.

1.3.1 Classification covers the design, construction, testing and subsequent Periodical Surveys of Shiplift and Transfer Systems to the extent indicated within these requirements and is achieved by way of the intervention of LR Surveyors at the appropriate stages of design, construction, installation, commissioning, and periodical examinations during service. The following procedure is to be adopted where LR classification is required:

1. Approval of plans covering structural, electrical, mechanical, hydraulic and control engineering aspects of the installation.

2. The material for primary structural steel adopted for a classed installation is required to comply with Ch 5, 3.2 Materials for classed installations of these requirements.

3. Fabrication under Survey of steelwork, hoists and hydraulic cylinders at the place of manufacture, including verifying that approved materials and suitably qualified welders using approved weld procedures are employed in the fabrication.

4. Survey at the factory to include the control panel (or MCC) and load pin for the load monitoring system.

5. Certification on the appropriate forms of wire ropes and chains which are to be manufactured at a works approved by LR.

6. Survey of the platform structure, hoists, electrical, control and hydraulic systems during installation and on-site assembly.

7. Proof load and initial operational testing of the facility, as specified in Ch 5, 7.2 Load tests and 7.6.

8. Periodical Surveys and tests, as specified in Ch 5, 8.7 Classification of installations not built under Survey.

1.5.1 The interpretation of the Rules is the sole responsibility, and at the sole discretion, of LR. Any uncertainty in the meaning of the Rules is to be referred to LR for clarification.

1.6.1 It is the responsibility and the duty of the Builder or main contractor to enable the Surveyors to satisfy themselves that the materials, workmanship and arrangements comply with the classification requirements, by arrangement for the Surveyors to be present at appropriate stages during the work and for presenting the items to be surveyed in such a way that the Surveyors are readily able to establish that all component/ sub-component items have been manufactured, assembled and tested in accordance with the appropriate requirements.

1.6.2 Surveys undertaken by LR, when providing services, are on the basis of periodical visits involving both monitoring and direct survey. It should be noted that LR’s Surveyors will not, generally, be in continual attendance. Since construction and installation are continuous processes, the Builder has the overall responsibility to ensure and document that the construction meets LR’s requirements, is in accordance with the approved drawings, and that any amendments agreed with LR’s Surveyors have been complied with.

1.6.3 It is the responsibility of the Owners, Operators, designers, building contractors and any repairers to acquaint themselves fully with the scope of these requirements and associated obligations, and satisfy themselves that these requirements are sufficient for their purposes.

1.6.4 The attention of the Owner, Operators, Builders and designers is drawn to statutory requirements which may be imposed by the relevant National Authorities that may not be within the scope of classification or certification. If there is any conflict between local statutory requirements and those of LR then the local requirements will take priority without necessarily affecting LR classification/certification, provided the structural strength and safety aspects are not compromised.