Section
1 Introduction
1.1 Scope
1.1.1 This
Chapter is intended for the classification of self-propelled or non-self-propelled
ships with specialised structures which have plant installed on board
for the processing of chemicals, liquefied gases and related products,
where permitted by the Flag Administration, and which fall into one
of the following environmental categories:
-
Ships
which have plants operable while navigating at sea.
-
Ships
which have plants operable at sea, but only while the ship is attached
to an offshore mooring facility.
-
Ships
which can navigate at sea, but whose plants are intended to be operated
only while the ships are in harbour or similarly protected waters.
-
Specialised
ships, including pontoons, barges and similar structures which are
designed as sea transportation vehicles to carry non-operative process
plants, but which are specially constructed to be fully supported
by the sea bed when the plants are operative.
1.1.2 Each
category in Pt 7, Ch 2, 1.1 Scope 1.1.1 may include
provision for the storage of the products used in the process or processes
concerned.
1.2 General
1.2.1 The
Rules are framed on the understanding that ships will not be operated
in environmental conditions more severe than those agreed for the
design basis and approval, without the prior agreement of Clasifications
Register (hereinafter referred to as 'LR').
1.2.2 Except
as indicated in this Chapter, the hull, propulsion machinery, auxiliary
machinery, equipment for essential services of the ship, electrical
installations and control engineering systems are to comply with the
relevant Sections of Parts Pt 3 Ship Structures (General), Pt 4 Ship Structures (Ship Types), Pt 5 Main and Auxiliary Machinery and Pt 6 Control, Electrical, Refrigeration and Fire, the Rules for Ships for the Carriage
of Liquid Chemicals in Bulk and the Rules for Ships for
Liquefied Gases, where applicable. Hulls made of reinforced
or prestressed concrete will be specially considered.
1.2.3 The
additional hull structural requirements for Category 3 ships to enable
them to be satisfactorily grounded on prepared foundations will be
specially considered. Full details of the intended foundations and
the local conditions at the site are to be submitted for use in assessing
the hull structural capability, etc.
1.2.4 Where
the process plant is intended to operate in close proximity to bulk
storage of feedstocks and/or products, further consideration may be
necessary in addition to that contained in this Chapter, particularly
with regard to the provision of effective separation, methods of storage,
loading and discharging arrangements.
1.2.5 For
ships of all categories in Pt 7, Ch 2, 1.1 Scope 1.1.1 except
Category 1A, provision is to be made for purging, gas freeing, inerting
or otherwise rendering safe the plant and process storage facilities
before the ship proceeds to sea or changes location. The provisions
to be adopted, if any, when a ship of Category 1A enters harbour will
be specially considered.
1.2.6 In addition
to the requirements for periodical surveys, a general examination
of the ship, machinery and process plant is to be carried out by LR's
Surveyors before and after a ship, of any category other than 1A,
changes location. Every precaution is to be taken to ensure safety
during such examination.
1.2.7 Requirements
additional to those of this Chapter may be imposed by the National
Authority with whom the ship is registered and/or by the Administration
within whose territorial jurisdiction the process plant is intended
to operate.
1.3 Classification of ship
1.3.1 A ship
built in accordance with the requirements of this Chapter, or in accordance
with requirements equivalent thereto, will be assigned an appropriate
class in the Register Book, as indicated in Pt 7, Ch 2, 2 Class notations, and will continue to be classed
so long as it is found, upon examination at the prescribed surveys,
to be maintained in a safe and efficient condition, see also
Pt 7, Ch 2, 1.4 Certification of process plant 1.4.6.
1.3.2 For
each category described in Pt 7, Ch 2, 1.1 Scope 1.1.1,
classification covers the hull, containment systems for stored products,
propulsion machinery, auxiliary machinery used for essential services,
and equipment necessary to maintain a suitable environment within
which the plant may safely operate.
1.3.3 In general,
classification will not be extended to the process plant itself, and
the classification requirements do not relate to the specialised machinery,
equipment and associated piping, etc. which is solely concerned with
the production operations, except where the design and/or arrangements
of such equipment and piping may affect the safety of the vessel.
1.4 Certification of process plant
1.4.1 Process
plant will be required to be certified by LR, and a note to the effect
that this has been carried out will be appended to the class notation
in the Register Book.
1.4.2 The
certificate will include a brief description of the process plant,
indicating the chemical(s) processed and the end products.
1.4.3 The
certificate of the plant will cease to be valid if a significant alteration
is made to the plant or the arrangements on board without the written
approval of LR. This provision does not exclude the direct replacement
of any item by a substitute part which has been approved and tested
by LR.
1.4.4 The
process plant will be required to be surveyed by LR's Surveyors at
intervals to be prescribed by the Committee, dependent on the process
involved.
1.4.5 The
class notation for the ship will, in general, state that the process
plant is not classed but certificated by LR and periodically surveyed
by LR's Surveyors.
1.4.6 The
maintenance of the class of the ship while the plant is in operation
will be dependent upon a valid certificate and the plant being found,
upon examination at the prescribed surveys, to be maintained in a
safe and efficient condition.
1.4.7 The
plant certificate is not to be taken as a recommendation for, or an
approval of, the process or processes.
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