Section 1 General

1.1.1 This Chapter applies, in general, to manned or unmanned non-self-propelled ships defined as follows:

1. Barges for the carriage of general dry cargoes in cargo holds.

2. Barges for the carriage of liquid cargoes in bulk.

3. Pontoons designed specifically for the carriage of non-perishable cargo on deck.

4. Shipborne barges for the carriage of general dry cargo in cargo holds and intended to operate afloat only within specified geographical limits, and suitable for regular carriage on board a larger ship.

1.1.2 Manned or unmanned barges for the carriage of liquid chemicals in bulk and barges for the carriage of liquefied gases will receive individual consideration on the basis of the Rules, see Table 5.1.1 Applicable Rules.

1.1.3 The scantlings and arrangements, except where otherwise specified in this Chapter, are to comply with the Rules as indicated in Table 5.1.1 Applicable Rules.

1.1.4 The Rules assume that the structural arrangements of barges carrying cargo in holds will generally approximate to normal ship shape and construction. Barges of this type not doing so will receive individual consideration on the basis of the Rules.

1.1.5 The Rules also assume that barges and pontoons are homogeneously loaded. Barges or pontoons with other types of loading, e.g. crane pontoon, will receive individual consideration.

1.1.6 All barges and pontoons are to be fitted with adequate arrangements for towing. In general, such arrangements are to consist of, or be equivalent to, not less than two sets of bollards, each of which shall be suitable for accepting a towline of suitable breaking strength.

1.2.1 In general, ships complying with the requirements of this Chapter will be eligible for one of the following classes:

1. 100A1 barge. This class will be assigned to non-self-propelled sea-going ships as defined in Pt 4, Ch 5, 1.1 Application 1.1.1.

2. 100A1 oil barge. This class will be assigned to non-self-propelled sea-going ships as defined in Pt 4, Ch 5, 1.1 Application 1.1.1.(b).

3. 100A1 pontoon. This class will be assigned to non-self-propelled sea-going ships as defined in Pt 4, Ch 5, 1.1 Application 1.1.1.(c).

1.2.2 Barges and pontoons 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 Pt 1, Ch 2, 2.3 Class notations (hull) 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. In particular, shipborne barges as defined in Pt 4, Ch 5, 1.1 Application 1.1.1.(d) complying with the requirements of this Chapter will be eligible to be classed 100A1 shipborne barge extended protected water service.

1.2.3 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.

1.3.1 In addition to the information and plans required by Pt 3, Ch 1, 5 Information required, the following are to be submitted:

• Details of structure and fittings to which deck cargo securing lashings, etc. are attached.
• Details of the bollards and their supporting structure.
• Where pusher tugs or integral tug/barge systems are proposed, full details and data of the attachment and support arrangements.
• Details of the intended service areas required for barges or pontoons designed to operate within specified geographical limits.
• Longitudinal strength and lifting arrangements for ship-borne barges.

1.4.1 The Rule length, L, for vessels with swim ends is to be measured as shown in Figure 5.1.1 Definition of Rule length. Where a swim end is arranged aft but no rudder is fitted, L need not exceed 97 per cent of the extreme length on the summer load waterline. For tugs and barge units having rigid connections, the length, L, is to be taken as the combined length of the tug and barge.

Figure 5.1.1 Definition of Rule length