Section 3 Surveys - General

3.1.1 The Classification Committee will act, when authorised on behalf of Governments, in respect of National and International statutory safety and other requirements for passenger and cargo ships.

3.1.2 The Classification Committee will also act, when authorised, in respect of National Safety and other requirements relating to ships used for offshore mineral exploration and exploitation.

3.2.1 When it is intended to build a ship for classification with LR, constructional plans and all necessary particulars relevant to the hull, equipment and machinery, as detailed in the Rules, are to be submitted for approval before the work is commenced. Proposals for any subsequent modifications or additions to the scantlings, arrangements or equipment shown on the approved plans are also to be submitted in writing and on plans for approval.

3.2.2 Where the proposed construction of any part of the hull or machinery is of novel design, or involves the use of unusual material, or where experience, in the opinion of the Classification Committee, has not sufficiently justified the principle or mode of application involved, special tests or examinations before and during service may be required. In such cases a suitable notation may be assigned.

3.2.3 The materials used in the construction of hulls and machinery intended for classification are to be of good quality and free from defects and are to be tested in accordance with the requirements of the Rules for the Manufacture, Testing and Certification of Materials, July 2022. The steel is to be manufactured by an approved process at an approved works. Alternatively, tests will be required to demonstrate the suitability of the steel.

3.2.4 New ships intended for classification are to be built under LR's Special Survey. From the commencement of the work until the completion of the ship, the Surveyors are to be satisfied that the materials, workmanship and arrangements are satisfactory and in accordance with the Rules. Any items found not to be in accordance with the Rules or the approved plans, or any material, workmanship or arrangements found to be unsatisfactory, are to be rectified.

3.2.5 For compliance with Pt 1, Ch 2, 3.2 New construction surveys 3.2.4, LR is prepared to consider methods of survey and inspection for hull construction which formally include procedures involving the shipyard management, organisation and quality systems. The minimum requirements for the approval of any such proposed Quality Assurance methods are laid down in Pt 3, Ch 15 Quality Assurance Scheme for the Hull Construction of Ships.

3.2.6 Each offshore supply ship, offshore tug/supply ship, dredger, hopper dredger, sand carrier, hopper barge or reclamation craft, proceeding to sea is to comply with the draught and stability requirements of the National Authority and is to have on board sufficient stability data to enable it to be properly loaded and handled, or, where appropriate, to be properly towed. This data is to take full account of any intended special distribution or concentration of loading. In the case of an unmanned ship under tow, the data is to be made available to the tug master.

3.2.7 Copies of approved plans (showing the ship as built), essential certificates and records, required loading and other instruction manuals are to be readily available for use when required by the attending Surveyors, and may be required to be kept on board.

3.2.8 When the machinery is constructed under LR's Special Survey, this survey is to relate to the period from the commencement of the work until the final test under working conditions. Any items found not to be in accordance with the Rules or the approved plans, or any material, workmanship or arrangements found to be unsatisfactory, are to be rectified.

3.2.9 When arrangements are such that essential machinery can be operated by remote and/or automatic control equipment, the control equipment is to be arranged, installed and tested in accordance with LR's Rules and Regulations.

3.2.10 The date of completion of the Special Survey during construction of ships built under LR's inspection will normally be taken as the date of build to be entered in the LR Publication Record. If the period between launching and commissioning is, for any reason, unduly prolonged, the dates of launching and completion or commissioning may be separately indicated in the LR Publications.

3.2.11 When a ship, upon completion, is not immediately commissioned but is laid-up for a period, the Classification Committee, upon application by the Owner, prior to the ship proceeding to sea, will direct an examination to be made by the Surveyors which may include a survey in dry-dock. If, as the result of such a survey, the hull and machinery be reported in all respects in accordance with applicable Rule requirements, the subsequent Special Survey and Complete Survey of the machinery will date from the time of such examination.

3.3.1  Classification of ships not built under survey. The requirements of the Classification Committee for the classification of ships which have not been built under LR's Survey are indicated in Pt 1, Ch 3, 19 Classification of ships not built under survey. Special consideration will be given to ships transferring class to LR from another recognised Classification Society.

3.3.2  Reclassification. When reclassification or class reinstatement is desired for a ship for which the class previously assigned by LR has been withdrawn or suspended, the Classification Committee will direct that a survey, appropriate to the age of the ship and the circumstances of the case, be carried out by the Surveyors. If, at such a survey, the ship be found or placed in a condition in accordance with the requirements of the Rules and Regulations, the Classification Committee will be prepared to consider reinstatement of the original class or the assignment of such other class as may be deemed necessary.

3.3.3 A similar arrangement will apply in the case of reclassification of refrigerated cargo installations.

3.3.4 The Classification Committee reserves the right to decline an application for classification or reclassification where the prior history or condition of the ship indicates this to be appropriate.

3.3.5  Unscheduled surveys. Where the Classification Committee has concern about the condition of a ship and/or the equipment an unscheduled survey may be required at any time to determine the actual condition.

3.4.1 All repairs to hull, equipment and machinery which may be required in order that a ship may retain her class (see Pt 1, Ch 2, 1.1 General 1.1.5), are to be carried out to the satisfaction of the Surveyors. When repairs are effected at a port, terminal or location where the services of a Surveyor to LR are not available, the repairs are to be surveyed by one of the Surveyors at the earliest opportunity thereafter.

3.4.2 When, at any survey, the Surveyors consider repairs to be immediately necessary, either as a result of damage, or wear and tear, they are to communicate their recommendations at once to the Owner, or his representative. When such recommendations are not complied with, immediate notification is to be given to the Classification Committee by the Surveyors.

3.4.3 Where repairs are to be carried out by a riding crew during a voyage then these must be planned in advance. A complete repair procedure, including the extent of proposed repair and the need for Surveyor’s attendance during the voyage, is to be submitted reasonably in advance to the Surveyor for agreement. Failure to notify LR in advance of the repairs may result in the class of the ship being specially considered by the Classification Committee. Where emergency repairs are effected immediately due to an extreme emergency circumstance, the repairs should be documented in the ship’s log and submitted thereafter to LR for use in determining further survey requirements.

3.4.4 When, at any survey, it is found that any damage, defect or breakdown (see Pt 1, Ch 2, 1.1 General 1.1.5) is of a nature that does not require immediate permanent repair, but is sufficiently serious to require rectification by a prescribed date in order to maintain class, a suitable condition of class is to be imposed by the Surveyors and recommended to the Classification Committee for consideration.

3.4.5 If a ship which is classed with LR is to leave harbour limits or protected waters under tow, the Owner is to advise LR of the circumstances prior to her departure.

3.4.6 If a ship which is classed with LR is taken in tow whilst at sea, the Owner is to advise LR of the circumstances at the first practicable opportunity.

3.4.7 Plans and particulars of any proposed alterations to the approved scantlings and arrangements of hull, equipment, or machinery are to be submitted for approval, and such alterations are to be carried out to the satisfaction of the Surveyors.

3.4.8 Where a complete replacement or addition of a major portion of the ship is involved, as defined in Pt 1, Ch 2, 3.4 Damages, repairs and alterations 3.4.9, consideration may be given to assignment of a separate date of build for the new structure. The Survey requirements shall be based on the date of build associated with each major portion of the ship. Special Survey due dates may be aligned at the discretion of the Committee.

3.4.9 A major portion of the ship may include a complete forward or after section, a complete main cargo section (which may include a complete hold/tank of a cargo ship), a complete block of deck structure of a passenger ship or a structural modification of a single hull to a double hull ship.

3.5.1 Annual Surveys are to be held on all ships within three months, before or after each anniversary of the completion, commissioning or Special Survey in accordance with the requirements given in Pt 1, Ch 3 Periodical Survey Regulations. The date of the last Annual Survey will be recorded on the Class Direct website.

3.5.2 Intermediate Surveys are to be held on all ships instead of the second or third Annual Survey after completion, commissioning or Special Survey. The Intermediate Survey may be commenced at the second Annual Survey and progressed with completion at the third Annual Survey. The date of the last Intermediate Survey will be recorded on the Class Direct website. The concurrent crediting of items towards both Intermediate Survey and Special Survey is not permitted.

3.5.3 The Owner should notify LR whenever a ship can be examined in dry-dock or on a slipway. A minimum of two Bottom Surveys are to be held in each five-year Special Survey period and the maximum interval between successive Bottom Surveys is not to exceed three years. One of the two Bottom Surveys required in each five-year period is to coincide with the Special Survey. Consideration may be given in exceptional circumstances to an extension of the Bottom Survey, not exceeding three months, provided the interval between successive surveys does not exceed 36 months. A definition of ‘exceptional circumstances’ is given in Pt 1, Ch 2, 3.5 Existing ships – Periodical Surveys 3.5.9.

A Bottom Survey is an examination of the outside of the ship’s bottom and related items, and is normally to be carried out with the ship in dry-dock. However, the Classification Committee may give consideration to alternate examination while the ship is afloat as an In-Water Survey, subject to provisions of Pt 1, Ch 3, 4.3 In-Water Surveys. An In-Water Survey shall not be permitted for ships of 15 years of age and over that are assigned the notation ESP. For a SOLAS passenger ship which is not a Ro-Ro passenger ship, where an In-Water Survey has been agreed at alternate Bottom surveys, the requirements of Pt 1, Ch 2, 3.5 Existing ships – Periodical Surveys 3.5.3 are to be complied with but, in addition, the interval between consecutive inspections in dry-dock is not to exceed 60 months.

For general dry cargo ships, for gas carriers and for ships with class notation ESP, the Bottom Survey in conjunction with the Special Survey must be carried out with the ship in dry-dock.

For ships over 15 years of age, with the class notation ESP, the Bottom Survey is to be held in dry-dock; in addition, a Bottom Survey in dry-dock is to be held as part of the Intermediate Survey.

Bottom Surveys are to be carried out in accordance with the requirements of Pt 1, Ch 3, 4 Bottom Surveys – In Dry-Dock and In-Water - Hull and machinery requirements

A Bottom Survey is considered to coincide with the Special Survey when held within the 15 months prior to the due date of the Special Survey.

Where the Special Survey of the hull is carried out on a Continuous Survey basis, as given in Pt 1, Ch 2, 3.5 Existing ships – Periodical Surveys 3.5.14, the survey in Dry Dock may be held at any time within the five-year cycle.

3.5.4 The interval between Bottom Surveys for ships operating in fresh water and for certain non-self-propelled craft may be greater than that given in Pt 1, Ch 2, 3.5 Existing ships – Periodical Surveys 3.5.3.

3.5.5 Attention is to be given to any relevant statutory requirements including any specific instruction of the National Authority of the country in which the ship is registered. The maximum age at which a ship is permitted to undertake a Bottom Survey by means of an In-Water Survey may be limited by the National Authority.

3.5.6 The date of the last Bottom Survey will be recorded on the Class Direct website.

3.5.7 As an alternative to Annual Surveys and Bottom Surveys, according to Pt 1, Ch 2, 3.5 Existing ships – Periodical Surveys 3.5.1 and Pt 1, Ch 2, 3.5 Existing ships – Periodical Surveys 3.5.3 respectively, ships classed `100A1 shipborne barge' may be subjected to Intermediate Surveys. These surveys become due 30 months after the previous Special Survey. The survey is to be in accordance with the requirements given in Pt 1, Ch 3, 2 Annual Surveys - Hull and machinery requirements, as applicable. Intermediate Surveys are to be completed within three months of the due date.

3.5.8 Survey requirements for In-Water Surveys are given in Pt 1, Ch 3, 4.3 In-Water Surveys. The date of the last In-Water Survey will be recorded on the Class Direct website.

3.5.9 All ships classed with LR are also to be subjected to Special Surveys in accordance with the requirements given in Pt 1, Ch 3 Periodical Survey Regulations. These Surveys become due at five-yearly intervals, the first one five years from the date of build or date of Special Survey for Classification as recorded in the Register Book, and thereafter five years from the date recorded for the previous Special Survey. Consideration may be given at the discretion of the Committee to any exceptional circumstances justifying an extension of the hull classification to a maximum of three months beyond the fifth year. If an extension is agreed the next period of hull classification will start from the due date of the Special Survey before the extension was granted. In this context ‘exceptional circumstances’ means unavailability of dry-docking facilities, repair facilities, essential materials, equipment or spare parts or delays incurred by action taken to avoid severe weather conditions.

3.5.10 Where, on shipborne barges, Intermediate Surveys are permitted as an alternative to Annual and Bottom Surveys, Special Surveys become due five years after the previous Special Survey.

3.5.11 Special Surveys may be commenced at the fourth Annual Survey after completion, commissioning, or previous Special Survey, and be progressed during the succeeding year with a view to completion by the due date of the Special Survey.

3.5.12 When Special Surveys are commenced prior to the fourth Annual Survey, the entire survey is to be completed within 15 months if such work is to be credited towards the Special Survey.

3.5.13 Ships which have satisfactorily passed a Special Survey will have a record entered in the Register Book indicating the date and the notation ESP if this is applicable see Pt 1, Ch 2, 2.3 Class notations (hull) 2.3.12. Where the Special Survey is completed more than three months before the due date, the new record of Special Survey will be the final date of survey.

1. In all other cases, with the exception of Pt 1, Ch 2, 3.5 Existing ships – Periodical Surveys 3.5.13.(b), the date recorded will be the fifth anniversary of the previous Special Survey.

2. For ships registered with Flag Administrations that have neither implemented the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS 1974) Harmonised System of Survey and Certification (HSSC) under the Protocol of 1988, nor adopted HSSC under IMO Resolution A.883(21) – Global and Uniform Implementation of the Harmonized System of Survey and Certification (HSSC) – (Adopted on 25 November 1999), where the Special Survey is completed before the due date, the new record will be the final date of survey.

3.5.14 At the request of an Owner, it may be agreed that the Special Survey of the hull, for ships other than general dry cargo ships, bulk carriers, combination carriers, chemical tankers and oil tankers, be carried out on the Continuous Survey basis, all compartments of the hull being opened for survey and testing, in rotation, with an interval of five years between consecutive examinations of each part. In general, approximately one fifth of the Special Survey is to be completed each year and all the requirements of the particular hull Special Survey must be completed at the end of the five-year cycle. For examination of items listed in Pt 1, Ch 3, 2.2 Annual Surveys 2.2.28, Pt 1, Ch 3, 2.2 Annual Surveys 2.2.33 and Pt 1, Ch 3, 3.3 Intermediate Surveys 3.3.6, Pt 1, Ch 3, 3.3 Intermediate Surveys 3.3.7 and Pt 1, Ch 3, 3.3 Intermediate Surveys 3.3.9, the intervals for inspection will require to be specially agreed. For ships more than 10 years of age, an examination of the ballast tanks is to be carried out twice in each five year cycle, i.e. once within the scope of the Intermediate Survey and once within the scope of the Continuous Survey. Ships which have satisfactorily completed the cycle will have a record entered in the Class Direct indicating the date of completion which will not be later than five years from the last assigned date of Complete Survey of the hull. The agreement for surveys to be carried out on Continuous Survey basis may be withdrawn at the discretion of the Classification Committee.

3.5.15 In cases where the ship has been laid up or has been out of service for a considerable period because of a major repair or modification and the Owner elects to only carry out the overdue surveys, the next period of class will start from the expiry date of the Special Survey. If the Owner elects to carry out the next due Special Survey, the period of class will start from the survey completion date.

3.5.16 Machinery is to be submitted to the surveys detailed in Pt 1, Ch 3, 11 Machinery surveys - General requirements to Pt 1, Ch 3, 17 Screwshafts, tube shafts and propellers.

3.5.17 In cases where the ship has been laid-up, or has been out of service for a considerable period because of a major repair or modification and the Owner elects to only carry out the overdue surveys, the next period of class will start from the expiry date of the last Complete Survey of machinery. If the Owner elects to carry out a Complete Survey, the period of class will start from the completion date of this survey.

3.5.18 Complete Surveys of machinery become due at five-yearly intervals, the first one five years from the date of build or date of first classification as recorded in Class Direct , and thereafter five years from the date recorded for the previous Complete Survey. Consideration can be given at the discretion of the Classification Committee to any exceptional circumstances justifying an extension of machinery class to a maximum of three months beyond the fifth year. If an extension is agreed, the next period of machinery class will start from the due date of Complete Survey of machinery before extension was granted. Surveys which are commenced prior to their due date are not to extend over a period greater than 15 months, except with the prior approval of the Classification Committee. Where the survey is completed more than three months before the due date, the recorded date of completion will be the final date of survey.

1. In all other cases, with the exception of Pt 1, Ch 2, 3.5 Existing ships – Periodical Surveys 3.5.18.(b), the date recorded will be the fifth anniversary of the previous Complete Survey of machinery.

2. For ships registered with Flag Administrations that have neither implemented the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS 1974) Harmonised System of Survey and Certification (HSSC) under the Protocol of 1988, nor adopted HSSC under IMO Resolution A.883(21) – Global and Uniform Implementation of the Harmonized System of Survey and Certification (HSSC) – (Adopted on 25 November 1999), where the Survey is completed before the due date, the new record will be the final date of survey.

3.5.19 Upon application by an Owner, the Classification Committee may agree to an extension of the survey requirements for main engines, which, by the nature of the ship's normal service, do not attain the number of running hours recommended by the engines' manufacturer for major overhauls within the survey periods given in Pt 1, Ch 2, 3.5 Existing ships – Periodical Surveys 3.5.18.

3.5.20 If it is found desirable that any part of the machinery should be examined again before the due date of the next survey, a certificate for a limited period will be granted in accordance with the nature of the case.

3.5.21 When, at the request of an Owner, it has been agreed by the Classification Committee that the Complete Survey of the machinery may be carried out on the Continuous Survey basis, the various items of machinery are to be opened for survey in rotation, as far as practicable, to ensure that the interval between consecutive examinations of each item will not exceed five years. In general, approximately one-fifth of the machinery is to be examined each year.

3.5.22 If any examination during Continuous Survey reveals defects, further parts are to be opened up and examined as considered necessary by the Surveyor, and the defects are to be made good to his satisfaction.

3.5.23 Upon application by an Owner, the Classification Committee may agree to an arrangement whereby, subject to certain conditions, some items of machinery may be examined by the Chief Engineer of the ship at ports where LR is not represented, or, where practicable, at sea, followed by a limited confirmatory survey carried out at the next port of call where an Exclusive Surveyor is available. Particulars of this arrangement may be obtained from LR. Where an approved planned maintenance scheme is in operation, the confirmatory surveys may be held at annual intervals, at which time the records will be checked and the operation of the scheme verified. Particulars of this arrangement may be obtained from any LR Office.

3.5.24 Where condition monitoring equipment is fitted, the Classification Committee, upon application by the Owner, will be prepared to amend applicable Periodical Survey requirements where details of the equipment are submitted and found satisfactory. Where machinery installations are accepted for this method of survey, it will be a requirement that an Annual Survey be held, at which time monitored records will be analysed and the machinery examined under working conditions. An acceptable lubricating oil trend analysis programme may be required as part of the condition monitoring procedures.

3.5.25 Boiler Surveys, examination of steam pipes and Screwshaft Surveys are to be carried out as stated in Pt 1, Ch 3, 15 Boilers to Pt 1, Ch 3, 17 Screwshafts, tube shafts and propellers.

3.5.26 Where any inert gas system is fitted for the protection of cargo tanks on board a ship intended for the carriage of oil or liquid chemicals in bulk, the system is to be surveyed annually in accordance with the requirements of Pt 1, Ch 3, 2.2 Annual Surveys 2.2.36. In addition, on ships to which an IGS notation has been assigned, a Special Survey of the inert gas plant is to be carried out at intervals not exceeding five years, in accordance with the requirements of Pt 1, Ch 3, 18 Inert gas systems.

3.5.27 Where the ship is fitted with a dynamic positioning system, the system is to be examined and tested annually in accordance with the requirements of Pt 1, Ch 3, 2.2 Annual Surveys 2.2.27. In addition, a Special Survey is to be carried out at intervals not exceeding five years in accordance with Pt 1, Ch 3, 11.2 Complete Surveys 11.2.10.

3.5.28 Where the ship is fitted with a classed refrigerated cargo installation, the installation is to be surveyed annually in accordance with the requirements of Pt 1, Ch 3, 20.1 Annual Surveys. In addition, a Special Survey is to be carried out at intervals not exceeding five years in accordance with the requirements of Pt 1, Ch 3, 20.2 Special Surveys. At the request of the Owner, consideration will be given to the Survey of the installation being carried out on the Continuous Survey basis.

3.5.29 Where the ship is fitted with a classed refrigerated cargo installation, a Loading Port Survey, as detailed in Pt 1, Ch 3, 20.4 Loading Port Surveys, may be carried out at the request of the Owner. On completion, a certificate will be issued recording, in addition to other details, the temperatures in the various refrigerated spaces at the time of the survey. The certificate issued by LR is not in respect of the cargo to be loaded or the manner in which it is to be stowed. A Loading Port Survey is not mandatory for classification, but may be carried out concurrently with the Annual, Continuous or Special Surveys if so desired.

3.5.30 At the request of an Owner, the Classification Committee may give special consideration to the application of the periodical survey requirements given in Pt 1, Ch 3 Periodical Survey Regulations to military ships or commercial ships owned or chartered by Governments, which are utilised in support of military operation or service.

3.5.31 Where the ship has been assigned an OPS notation, the on-shore power supply arrangements are to be examined annually in accordance with the requirements of Pt 1, Ch 3, 2.2 Annual Surveys 2.2.30. In addition, a Special Survey is to be carried out at intervals not exceeding five years in accordance with Pt 1, Ch 3, 14.2 Complete Surveys 14.2.15

3.5.32 Where the Committee has agreed to an Owner’s request to assign the notation ‘laid-up’, the ship may be retained in class provided a satisfactory general examination of the hull and machinery is carried out at the Annual Survey due date and an Underwater Examination (UWE) is carried out at the Special Survey due date. The general examination may be carried out within three months before or after the Annual Survey due date.

3.6.1 Where novel/complex systems, machinery and equipment have been accepted by LR and for which existing survey requirements are not considered to be suitable and sufficient then appropriate survey requirements are to be derived as part of the design approval process. In deriving these requirements LR will consider, but not be limited to, the following:

1. Plan appraisal submissions;

2. Risk Assessment documentation where required by the Rules;

3. Equipment manufacturer recommendations;

4. Relevant recognised national or international standards.

3.7.1 When the required reports, on completion of the survey of new or existing ships which have been submitted for classification, have been received from the Surveyors and classification has been agreed by the Classification Executive a Certificate of Classification may be issued by an authorised surveyor. After approval by the Classification Committee, a certificate of First Entry of Classification, signed by LR's Chairman or the Chairman of the Classification Committe, will be issued to Builders or Owners.

3.7.2 A Certificate of Class valid for five years subject to endorsement for Annual and Intermediate Surveys will also be issued to the Owners.

3.7.3 LR's Surveyors are permitted to issue provisional (interim) certificates to enable a ship classed with LR to proceed on her voyage (or to continue her service in the case of a fixed or tethered ship) provided that in their opinion it is in a fit and efficient condition. Such certificates will embody the Surveyors' recommendations for continuance of class, but in all cases are subject to confirmation by the Classification Committee.

3.7.4 The full class notation and abbreviated descriptive notes shall be stated on the Certificate of Class and the provisional (interim) certificate.

3.8.1 It is the responsibility of the Owners to ensure that all surveys necessary for the maintenance of class are carried out at the proper time and in accordance with the instructions of the Classification Committee. Information is available to Owners on the Class Direct website.

3.8.2 LR will make available to an Owner timely notice about forthcoming surveys by means of Quarterly Listing of Surveys, Conditions of Class and Memoranda. The omission of such notice, however, does not absolve the Owner from his responsibility to comply with LR's survey requirements for maintenance of class, all of which are available to Owners on the Class Direct website.

3.9.1 When the class of a ship, for which the Regulations as regards surveys on hull, equipment and machinery have been complied with, is withdrawn by the Classification Committee in consequence of a request from the Owner the notation `Class withdrawn at Owner's request' (with date) will be assigned.

3.9.2 When the Regulations as regards surveys on hull, equipment or machinery have not been complied with and the ship is thereby not entitled to retain class, the class will be suspended or withdrawn, at the discretion of the Classification Committee, and a corresponding notation will be assigned.

3.9.3 Class will be automatically suspended and the Certificate of Class will become invalid if the Annual or Intermediate Survey is not completed within three months of the due date of the survey and an extension has not been agreed (see Pt 1, Ch 2, 3.11 Force majeure 3.11.1), or the vessel is not under attendance by the Surveyors with a view to completion prior to resuming trading.

3.9.4 Class will be automatically suspended from the expiry date of the Certificate of Class in the event that the Special Survey has not been completed by the due date and an extension has not been agreed (see Pt 1, Ch 2, 3.5 Existing ships – Periodical Surveys 3.5.9), and Pt 1, Ch 2, 3.11 Force majeure 3.11.1) or the vesselor is not under attendance by the Surveyors with a view to completion prior to resuming trading.
Classification will be reinstated from suspension of class upon satisfactory completion of the surveys due. The surveys to be carried out are to be based upon the survey requirements at the original date due and not on the age of the ship when the survey is carried out. Such surveys are to be credited from the date originally due. However, the ship’s Class remains suspended from the date of suspension until the date Class is reinstated.

3.9.5 When, in accordance with Pt 1, Ch 2, 3.4 Damages, repairs and alterations 3.4.4 of the Regulations, a condition of class is imposed, this will be assigned a due date for completion and the ship's class may be suspended if the condition of class is not dealt with, or postponed by agreement, by the due date.

3.9.6 When it is found, from the reported condition of the hull equipment machinery or arrangements of a ship, that an Owner has failed to comply with Pt 1, Ch 2, 1.1 General 1.1.5, Pt 1, Ch 2, 1.1 General 1.1.9, Pt 1, Ch 2, 3.4 Damages, repairs and alterations 3.4.1 or Pt 1, Ch 2, 3.4 Damages, repairs and alterations 3.4.6, the class will be suspended or withdrawn, at the discretion of the Classification Committee, and a corresponding notation assigned. When it is considered that an Owner's failure to comply with these requirements is sufficiently serious, the suspension or withdrawal of class may be extended to include other ships controlled by the same Owner, at the discretion of the Classification Committee.

3.9.7 When the Classification Committee is satisfied that a ship proceeded to sea with less freeboard than that approved by the Classification Committee, or that the freeboard marks are placed higher on the sides of the ship than the position assigned or approved by the Classification Committee, or, in cases of ships where freeboards are not assigned, the draught is greater than that approved by the Classification Committee, the ship's class will be withdrawn or suspended in relation to the above voyage(s) concerned.

3.9.8 When the Classification Committee is satisfied that a specialised ship has been operated in a manner contrary to that agreed at the time of classification, or is being operated in environmental conditions which are more onerous or in areas other than those agreed by the Classification Committee, the ship's class will be withdrawn or suspended in relation to those operations.

3.9.9 Where a ship has been

• detained following a Flag State or Port State Control inspection on one or more occasions with serious deficiencies found, or
• been subject to an unscheduled survey (see Pt 1, Ch 2, 3.3 Existing ships 3.3.5) with serious deficiencies found,

then class will be liable to be suspended or withdrawn, at the discretion of the Classification Committee, and a corresponding notation will be assigned. In these cases, a period of notice, but not exceeding 3 months, may be given prior to any suspension or withdrawal of class.

3.9.10 When a client fails to pay all undisputed portions of invoices for the services by the contractual due date then class will be liable to be suspended or withdrawn at the discretion of the Classification Committee and a corresponding notation will be assigned. In these cases, a period of notice not exceeding 3 months may be given, prior to any suspension or withdrawal of class.

3.9.11 In all instances of class withdrawal or suspension, the assigned notation, with date of application, will be published by members of the LR Group. In cases where class has been suspended by the Classification Committee and it becomes apparent that the Owners are no longer interested in retaining LR’s class it will be withdrawn.

3.9.12 When a ship is intended for a demolition voyage with any Periodical Survey overdue, the ship's class suspension may be held in abeyance and consideration may be given to allow the ship to proceed on a single direct ballast voyage from the lay up or final discharge port to the demolition yard, provided the attending Surveyor finds the ship in a satisfactory condition to proceed for the intended voyage, at the discretion of the Classification Committee.

3.9.13 When a ship is intended for a single voyage from ‘laid-up’ position to repair yard with any Periodical Survey overdue, the ship's class suspension may be held in abeyance and consideration may be given to allow the ship to proceed on a single direct ballast voyage from the site of lay up to the repair yard, upon agreement with the Flag Administration, at the discretion of the Classification Committee. This is provided the ship is found in a satisfactory condition by surveys, the extent of which are to be based on surveys overdue and duration of lay-up.

3.9.14 For reclassification and reinstatement of class, see Pt 1, Ch 2, 3.3 Existing ships 3.3.2 and Pt 1, Ch 2, 3.9 Withdrawal/Suspension of class 3.9.4.

3.10.1 If the recommendations of the Surveyors are considered in any case to be unnecessary or unreasonable, an appeal may be made to the Classification Committee, who may direct a Special Examination to be held.

3.11.1 If due to circumstances reasonably beyond the Owner's or LR's control, as defined below, the ship is not in a port when surveys become overdue the Classification Committee may allow the ship to sail, in class, directly to an agreed discharge port and then, if necessary, in ballast to an agreed repair facility at which the survey can be completed. In this context, 'Force Majeure' means damage to the ship, unforeseen inability of Surveyors to attend the ship due to governmental restrictions on right of access or movement of personnel, unforeseen delays in port or inability to discharge cargo due to unusually lengthy periods of severe weather, strikes, civil strife, acts of war or other force majeure.

3.11.2 In circumstances of global disruption to normal maritime operations, such as experienced during the global COVID-19 pandemic, where Flag Administrations adopt extraordinary measures permitting postponements to scheduled statutory surveys beyond the due dates, the Classification Committee may allow corresponding postponements to scheduled class surveys provided the following measures to confirm the continued compliance of the vessel with LR classification requirements are undertaken:

1. a confirmatory LR examination of the ship’s records; and,
2. an LR review of evidence submitted by the Owner that confirms that the vessel is in a condition to satisfactorily continue in class for the agreed period of postponement; this may include an LR remote survey, and provision to LR of acceptable photographic, video or other evidence of condition of structure or equipment; and,
3. receipt of a confirmatory statement from the Master advising that the ship is, in their opinion, in compliance with LR’s Rules and Regulations and in a condition to satisfactorily continue in service for the agreed period; and,
4. any due and/or overdue surveys and examination of Conditions of Class, Actionable Items and Statutory Findings are to be carried out at the first port of call with available facilities where LR Surveyors can reasonably attend to complete the overdue surveys.

3.12.1 The Owner will ensure a member of the LR Group - Marine and Offshore division is promptly informed in writing of any change to their contact details and, in the event of a vessel/asset transfer or sale, is to supply details of the new Owner in writing. The new Owner is to promptly inform a member of the LR Group - Marine and Offshore division in writing of their contact details. If the new Owner fails to do so and if LR cannot verify the ownership record, then the class of that vessel/asset will be specially considered by the Classification Committee.