Section 1 Conditions for classification

1.1.1 The Rules and Regulations for the Classification of Special Service Craft, (hereinafter referred to as the Rules for Special Service Craft), are applicable to those types of craft which are defined in Pt 1, Ch 2, 2.1 Applicable craft types. Where the word craft is used in the text of the Rules, it is to be taken as being applicable to yachts and other craft as stated herein unless specifically indicated otherwise.

1.1.2 The Rules are framed on the understanding:

1. that the craft will at all times be properly loaded. They do not, unless stated or implied in the class notation, provide for special distributions or concentrations of loading associated with the operation of the craft. Clasifications Register (hereinafter referred to as 'LR') may require additional strengthening to be fitted in any craft, which, in their opinion, would otherwise be subjected to severe stresses due to particular features in the design or operation, or where it is desired to make provision for exceptional loading conditions. In such cases particulars and details of the required loadings are to be submitted for consideration,

2. that the craft will at all times be properly handled, with particular reference to the placing on board of persons and equipment and the reduction of speed in heavy weather,

3. that compliance with the Rules does not relieve the designer of his responsibilities to his client for compliance with the specification and the requirements for the overall design and in service performance of the craft,

4. that the craft will not be operated outside of the parameters specified in any operational envelope which may have been assigned, without the prior agreement of LR.

1.1.3 New craft built in accordance with the Rules, or in accordance with requirements equivalent thereto, will be assigned a class in the appropriate Register Book and will continue to be classed so long as they are found, upon examination at the prescribed surveys, to be maintained in accordance with the requirements of the Rules. Classification will be conditional upon compliance with LR's requirements for both hull and machinery.

1.1.4 The class notations of yachts will be recorded on the Class Direct website. The class notations of other craft will be recorded on the Class Direct website in the Register of Ships.

1.1.5 LR, in addition to requiring compliance with the Rules, will, in general, require to be satisfied that craft are suitable for the geographical or other limits or conditions of the service contemplated.

1.1.6 Loading conditions and any other preparations required to permit a craft with a notation specifying some service limitation to undertake a sea-going voyage, either from port of building to service area or from one service area to another, are to be in accordance with arrangements agreed by LR prior to the voyage.

1.1.7 Any damage, defect, breakdown or grounding, which could invalidate the conditions for which a class has been assigned, is to be reported to LR without delay. Any detention or arrest is also to be reported to LR without delay.

1.1.8 Where the provision of loading or stress monitoring equipment has been required by LR as the result of local, longitudinal or transverse strength calculations and the imposition of operating limitations, the necessary loading guidance information and operating instructions are to be incorporated in the relevant manuals supplied to the Master.

1.1.9 Where an onboard computer system having a longitudinal strength computation capability, which is required by the Rules, is provided on a new craft, or newly installed on an existing craft, then the system is to be certified in respect of longitudinal strength in accordance with LR's document entitled Approval of Longitudinal Strength and Stability Calculation Programs.

1.1.10 Where an onboard computer system having stability computation capability is provided on a new craft, then the system is to be certified in respect of stability aspects in accordance with LR's document entitled, Approval of Longitudinal Strength and Stability Calculation Programs. When provided, an onboard computer system having stability computation capability is to carry out the calculations and checks necessary to assess compliance with all the stability requirements applicable to the craft on which it is installed.

1.1.11 For craft, the arrangements and equipment of which are required to comply with the requirements of the:

• International Convention on Load Lines;
• International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea,;
• International Code of Safety for High Speed Craft (HSC Code);
• International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from ships.
• International Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti-Fouling Systems on Ships;
• International Convention on Tonnage Measurement of Ships;
• Maritime Labour Convention.

The Classification Committee requires the applicable Convention and Code Certificates to be issued by authorities as follows:

- Cargo Ship Radio Certificates, Safety Management Certificates, International Ship Security Certificates and Maritime Labour Certificates, if required, must have been issued by a recognised organisation authorised by the National Administration with which the ship is registered.

- all other mandatory statutory certificates must have been issued by LR or by a National Administration or by an IACS Member when so authorised by the National Administration with which the ship is registered.

In the event of a National Administration withdrawing any ship’s Convention Certificate (referred to in this Section), then the Classification Committee may suspend the ship’s class. If a ship is removed from the National Administration’s Registry for the non-compliance with the Conventions or Classification Requirements referred to herein, then the Classification Committee will suspend the ship’s class. In the event of ISM Code certification being withdrawn from a ship or Operator, then the Classification Committee will suspend the ship’s class.

1.1.12 In the case of dual classed craft, Convention certificates may be issued by the other classification society with which the craft is classed provided this is recognised in a formal Dual Class Agreement with LR and provided the other classification society is also authorised by the National Authority.

1.1.13 Yachts with a load line length of 24 m and above will be assigned a service type notation Yacht only after it has been demonstrated that the stability of the yacht complies with the stability requirements of the National Administration.

1.2.1 Except in the case of a special directive by the Committee, no new Regulation or alteration to any existing Regulation relating to character of classification or to class notations is to be applied to existing craft.

1.3.1 The interpretation of the Rules is the sole responsibility, and at the sole discretion, of LR.

1.4.1 Classification covers the structural design, watertight integrity and standard of construction of the hull and construction, installation and testing of the propulsion machinery, essential auxiliary machinery, essential piping and electrical systems to the extent indicated within these Rules.

1.4.2 Outfit, other than that covered by Pt 1, Ch 2, 1.4 Scope of classification 1.4.1, general finish, noise levels, vibration (other than shaft vibration where applicable), trim, design speed and stability, except as mentioned in Pt 1, Ch 2, 1.1 General 1.1.11 and Pt 1, Ch 2, 1.1 General 1.1.13 are outside the scope of classification.

1.4.3 Where a craft is so badly damaged that class has to be suspended, LR is prepared to assist the Owner with advice if requested.

1.4.4 The attention of Owners and Builders is drawn to statutory requirements which may be imposed by the relevant National Administration and which may not be within the scope of classification.

1.5.1 The Client is to give LR's Surveyors every facility and necessary access to carry out their survey duties. The Client should familiarise himself with the relevant LR Rules and, where appropriate, arrange that all sub-contractors, suppliers of components, materials or equipment do the same.

1.5.2 The survey procedures undertaken by LR when providing services are on the basis of periodical visits involving both monitoring and direct survey, and LR's Surveyors will not be in continual attendance at LR's Client's premises. As construction and outfitting are continuous processes, the Builder has the overall responsibility to his client to ensure and document that the requirements of the Rules, approved drawings and any agreed amendments made by the attending LR Surveyors have been complied with.