Section 2 Scope of the Rules

2.1.1 The Rules are applicable to the following craft types constructed from steel, aluminium alloy, composite materials or combinations of these materials:

1. High speed craft.

2. Light displacement craft.

3. Multi-hull craft.

4. Yachts of overall length, L _OA, 24 metres or greater.

5. Craft with draught to depth ratio less than or equal to 0,55.

2.1.2 The following craft types will be considered upon request on the basis of the Rules:

1. Amphibious air cushion vehicles.

2. Rigid inflatable boats.

3. Hydrofoil craft.

4. Foil assisted craft.

5. Craft with a Rule length, L _R, less than 24 metres and draught to depth ratio greater than 0,55.

2.1.3 Existing yachts, regardless of length, are subject to the survey requirements defined in Pt 1, Ch 4 Periodical Survey Regulations for Yachts.

2.1.4 The Rules incorporate those requirements of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974 as amended (SOLAS 74) Chapter X - Safety measures for high-speed craft - Safety Measures for High Speed Craft (International Code of Safety for High Speed Craft) hereinafter referred to as the HSC code, as applicable to the classification of such craft.

2.1.5 At the discretion of LR craft types which are specifically covered by LR’s Rules and Regulations for the Classification of Ships (hereinafter referred to as the Rules for Ships) or other LR Rules and Regulations for Classification may be considered for classification in accordance with these Rules and Regulations.

2.1.6 Where any aspect of the design or construction is not covered by the Rules, the relevant requirements of the Rules for Ships or the Rules and Regulations for the Classification of Naval Ships (hereinafter referred to as the Rules for Naval Ships) will be applied as considered necessary.

2.2.1 For the purpose of the Rules, the definitions given in Pt 1, Ch 2, 2.2 Definitions 2.2.2 will apply.

2.2.2  Air Cushion Vehicle. An Air Cushion Vehicle (ACV) is a craft such that the whole or a significant part of its weight can be supported, whether at rest or in motion, by a continuously generated cushion of air dependent for its effectiveness on the proximity of the surface over which the craft operates.

2.2.3  Assisted craft. An assisted craft is any craft operating on a route where it has been demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Administrations concerned that there is a high probability that in the event of an evacuation at any point of the route, all passengers and crew can be rescued safely within the time specified in the HSC Code.

2.2.4  Catamaran. A catamaran is a craft with twin-hulls linked by a bridging structure.

2.2.5  Composite materials. Composite materials are those construction materials consisting principally of fibre reinforced plastics.

2.2.6  Design waterline is the waterline corresponding to the maximum operational weight of the craft with no lift or propulsion machinery active.

2.2.7  Foil assisted craft. A foil assisted craft is a craft designed such that a significant part of its weight, whilst in motion, is supported by hydrodynamic lift generated by foils.

2.2.8  High speed craft. A high speed craft is a craft capable of maximum speed, V, see Pt 1, Ch 2, 2.2 Definitions 2.2.13 not less than

2.2.9  Hydrofoil craft. A hydrofoil craft is a craft which is supported above the water surface in non-displacement mode by hydrodynamic forces generated by foils.

2.2.10  Laid-up notation. A craft not under repair or not actively employed may be assigned the Laid-up notation in order to maintain the ship in class subject to agreement by the Classification Committee. A general examination of the hull and machinery is to be carried out in lieu of the Annual Survey/Intermediate Survey. A general examination of the hull and machinery and an Underwater Examination (UWE) is to be carried out in lieu of the Special Survey, see Pt 1, Ch 3, 2.1 General 2.1.3, Pt 1, Ch 3, 5.1 General 5.1.4 and Pt 1, Ch 3, 7.1 Annual, Intermediate and Bottom Surveys 7.1.3.

2.2.11  Light displacement craft. A light displacement craft is a craft with a displacement not exceeding:

2.2.12 Low wash catamaran. A low wash catamaran is a particular type of catamaran that has low wash wake characteristics for a specified operating envelope. These vessels are typically of a displacement or semi-displacement form.

2.2.13  Maximum speed. Maximum speed is the speed, in knots, achieved at the maximum continuous power for which the craft is certified at maximum operational weight and in smooth water.

2.2.14  Mono-hull craft. A mono-hull craft is a craft whose single hull may be of displacement form or of a semi-planing or planing form subject to some support by hydrodynamic lift.

2.2.15  Multi-hull craft. A multi-hull craft is a craft with two or more hulls linked by a bridging structure which may be of displacement form or of a semi-planing or planing form subject to some support by hydrodynamic lift.

2.2.16  Operational speed. Operational speed is the speed, in knots, corresponding to that permitted by the operational envelope. For High Speed Craft it is not more than 90 per cent of the maximum speed.

2.2.17  Operational envelope. The operational envelope defines the craft’s structural capability in terms of operational speeds, wave heights and displacements.

2.2.18  Passenger. A passenger is every person other than:

1. The Master and the members of the crew or other persons employed or engaged in any capacity on board a craft on the business of that craft, and

2. a child under one year of age.

2.2.19  Passenger craft. A passenger craft is a craft which carries more than twelve passengers.

2.2.20 Passenger yacht. A passenger yacht is a craft in commercial or non-commercial use for sport or pleasure and may be propelled mechanically, by sail, or by a combination of both.See also Pt 1, Ch 2, 1.1 General 1.1.14.

2.2.21  Patrol craft. A patrol craft is a craft which may be operated by the harbour, police, customs, military authorities, search and rescue or similar organisations.

2.2.22  Pilot launch. A pilot launch is a craft designed to come alongside ships whilst at sea to embark or disembark pilots.

2.2.23  Place of refuge. A place of refuge is any naturally or artificially sheltered area which may be used as a shelter by a craft under conditions likely to endanger its safety.

2.2.24  Range to refuge. Range to refuge is the maximum allowable distance in nautical miles, measured along the shortest safe navigational track from any point on the intended voyage route of the craft to the nearest accessible harbour or place of refuge.

2.2.25  Reasonable weather. Reasonable weather is defined as wind strengths of force six or less on the Beaufort scale, associated with:

1. Sea states within the operational envelope which are sufficiently moderate to ensure that green water is taken on board at infrequent intervals only or not at all.

2. Motions such as do not impair the efficient operation of the craft and do not significantly reduce passenger comfort or safety or impose any undue loads on any cargo carried.

2.2.26  Rigid Inflatable Boat. A Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) is a craft combining a rigid hull enclosed by a watertight self-draining deck situated above the deepest operational load waterline and provided with a gas, air or foam-filled flotation collar/fender at the edge of the deck above the hull to improve the stability and to augment the reserve of buoyancy and sea-keeping ability of the rigid hull.

2.2.27  Service craft. Service craft is any craft within the scope of the Rules other than a yacht or an amphibious air cushion vehicle.

2.2.28  Small Waterplane Area Twin Hull Ship. A Small Waterplane Area Twin Hull Ship (SWATH) is a twin-hulled craft characterised by bulbous lower hulls (torpedoes) and relatively narrow struts connecting them to the haunches and deck structure.

2.2.29  ShipRight notation. A notation indicating that one or more of LR’s ShipRight procedures have been satisfactorily followed. Class notations or descriptive notes will be assigned according to whether the ShipRight procedures are applied on a mandatory or voluntary basis.

2.2.30  Surface Effect Ship. A Surface Effect Ship (SES) is an air-cushion vehicle whose cushion is totally or partially retained by permanently immersed rigid structures.

2.2.31  Unassisted craft. An unassisted craft is any craft other than an assisted craft, with machinery and safety systems arranged such that, in the event of damage disabling any essential machinery and safety systems in one compartment, the craft retains the capability to navigate safely as defined in the HSC Code.

2.2.32  Wave piercing catamaran. A wave piercing catamaran is a particular type of catamaran which is designed such that the hulls provide positive freeboard when at rest in still water but which are expected to become partially submerged when advancing in waves.

2.2.33  Yacht. A yacht is a craft in commercial or non-commercial use for sport or pleasure and may be propelled mechanically, by sail, or by a combination of both.

2.2.34 Yacht support vessel. A yacht support vessel is designed and built to support a yacht. It provides equipment and facilities that would be too large or cumbersome on the yacht. It does not cover workboats that are occasionally hired to provide specialist services to yachts.

2.2.35  Wind Farm Service Vessel. A Wind Farm Service Vessel is a craft designed for duties specific to the maintenance and support of offshore wind farms.

2.2.36  Workboat. A workboat is a general purpose service craft which may be adapted for duties such as line handling, towing, tender, survey, fishing, oil spill recovery, or diving support.