Section 1 General

1.1.1 This Chapter applies to sea-going ships designed primarily for the carriage of general cargo. The requirements are intended to cover the midship region, but may also apply with suitable modification to the taper regions forward and aft in way of cargo spaces.

1.2.1 The Rules provide for a basic structural configuration of a multi-deck or a single deck hull which includes a double bottom, or a single bottom arrangement. The structural configuration may also include a single or multiple arrangement of cargo hatch openings, and side tanks.

1.2.2 Individual consideration may be required where the ship incorporates double hull construction, large deck openings or other special design features.

1.2.3 Longitudinal framing is, in general, to be adopted at the strength deck outside line of openings and at the bottom, but special consideration will be given to proposals for transverse framing in these regions.

1.3.1 In general, ships complying with the requirements of this Chapter will be eligible to be classed 100A1.

1.3.2 Where a ship has been specially strengthened for heavy cargoes in accordance with the requirements listed in Pt 4, Ch 7, 8.2 Carriage of heavy cargoes, it will be eligible to be classed 100A1 strengthened for heavy cargoes. Ships with length L greater than 150 metres are also to comply with:

• Pt 4, Ch 7, 3.5 Additional requirements for ships not built to the IACS Common Structural Rules,
• Pt 4, Ch 7, 5.4 Additional requirements for ships not built to the IACS Common Structural Rules,
• Pt 4, Ch 7, 6.4 Additional requirements for ships not built to the IACS Common Structural Rules and
• Pt 4, Ch 7, 10.7 Additional requirements for ships not built to the IACS Common Structural Rules.

1.3.3 The following additional notations and annotations can be appended to the main class notation giving further detailed description of the loading criteria incorporated into the design:

1. RD (Relative density):

   Where a ship has tanks appraised for a maximum permissible relative density greater than 1,025, the notation RD(specified tank names, density) may be added.

2. WDL(+) (Weather deck load):

   The notation WDL(+) may be added. If requested, the maximum permissible weather deck load and extent can be identified in the notation, e.g. WDL(5,0 t/m² from Aft to Fr. 26) .

1.3.4 Ships intended to be operated only in suitable areas or conditions which have been agreed by the Committee, as defined in Pt 1, Ch 2, 2.3 Class notations (hull) 2.3.6 to 2.3.10, will receive individual consideration on the basis of the Rules with respect to the environmental conditions agreed for the design basis and approval.

1.3.5 The ShipRight notations SDA (Structural Design Assessment) and subsequently CM (Construction Monitoring) are mandatory for general cargo ships greater than 100 m in length having a cargo hold of length greater than 50 per cent of the length of the cargo hold area see Pt 4, Ch 1, 11 Direct calculations.

1.3.6 The Regulations for classification and the assignment of class notations are given in Pt 1, Ch 2 Classification Regulations, to which reference should be made.

1.4.1 For the information required, see Pt 3, Ch 1, 5 Information required. In addition the following are to be supplied:

1. Cargo loadings on decks, hatchways and inner bottom if these are to be in excess of Rule. Where concentrated or point loads occur, their magnitude and points of application are to be defined.

2. The maximum pressure head in service on tanks, also details of any double bottom tanks interconnected with side tanks.

3. Details of the proposed depths of any partial fillings where water ballast or liquid cargo is intended to be carried in the holds, or large deep tanks.

1.5.1 The following symbols and definitions are applicable to this Chapter unless otherwise stated: