5.1.1 In general,
repairs at sea should be kept to a minimum apart from routine maintenance.
When it is found that repairs are required for continuance of class
and there are strong grounds for effecting these by the use of ship’s
staff, this should be agreed when the following criteria have been
satisfied.
5.1.2 Prior to accepting
a proposal that voyage repairs be undertaken, all aspects are to be
fully discussed with the Owner and, when appropriate, the repairer.
The procedures governing such repairs are to be fully documented,
be available to all parties and should include a review of:
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The intended repair.
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Welding techniques.
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Supervision and quality
control.
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Working conditions (i.e.
access, lighting, ventilation, etc.)
5.1.3 Surveyors
are to be fully satisfied on technical grounds that the repairs may
be deferred to allow these to be carried out at sea and also that
the proposed schedule of work would not impair the watertight integrity
of the hull or adversely affect the longitudinal or transverse strength.
The necessity for a Surveyor to attend on board for the duration of
the repair should be considered.
5.1.4 When it is
apparent that repairs cannot be completed during a single voyage and
it is intended to extend these over a number of voyages, before any
proposal is agreed, full details of the Surveyor’s findings
and recommendations should be communicated to the LR Naval liaison
office for consideration.
5.1.5 All recommendations
regarding the nature and scope of repair work intended during the
voyage should be specific to provide a clear understanding to the
Surveyors at the completion port.
5.1.6 The Surveyors
should be satisfied that, from the technical point of view, their
recommendations can be properly effected whilst the ship is at sea.
Repairs are to be of a similar standard to that which would be achieved
at a ship repair yard.
5.1.7 The Surveyors
should be satisfied that, in terms of qualifications and experience,
the personnel to be employed in the repair are capable of achieving
a satisfactory standard of workmanship. Consideration should also
be given to the physical limitations in tanks and other enclosed spaces
which can lead to unacceptable repairs.
5.1.8 The Surveyors
should satisfy themselves that all relevant plans are available and
that the materials are acceptable in respect of identity, grade and
scantlings. The suitability of the welding electrodes, operators,
equipment, and supervision are to be established.
5.1.9 Repairs are
to be examined at the earliest opportunity after completion, preferably
at the next port of call, and prior to departure, a suitably worded
Condition of Class should be imposed to ensure this.