Section 3 Character of classification and class notations

3.1.1 This Section details the character symbols and notations which comprise the class assigned to special service craft.

3.1.2 LR may require an operational envelope as defined in Pt 1, Ch 2, 2.2 Definitions 2.2.17 to be assigned to craft built and classed in accordance with the Rules; this will be dependent upon the scantlings, arrangements and the operating mode of the craft as specified by the builder, see Pt 5, Ch 1 General. When an operational envelope is assigned it will form an appendix to the Classification Certificate and is to be clearly displayed in the wheelhouse. The operational envelope is also to be included in the operational manual of the craft. A reference to the operational envelope will be made in the Classification Certificate.

3.1.3 Craft built and classed in accordance with the Rules for restricted service will have their geographical limits included in the Classification Certificate.

3.2.1 All craft, when classed, will be assigned a character of classification comprising one or more character symbols as applicable, e.g. 100A1 SSC.

3.2.2 A full list of character symbols for which craft may be eligible is as follows:

1. This distinguishing mark will be assigned, at the time of classing, to new craft constructed under LR’s Special Survey, in compliance with the Rules, and to the satisfaction of the Committee.

2. This distinguishing mark will be assigned, at the time of classing, to new craft constructed under LR’s Special Survey in accordance with plans approved by another IACS member society.

3. This distinguishing mark will be assigned to new craft built under supervision of another IACS member society and later assigned class with LR. For such craft the class notations will be reviewed separately and equivalent notations will be assigned.

4. 100 This character figure will be assigned to all craft considered suitable for sea-going service except those in Service Group G1, Zone 1, Zone 2 and Zone 3, see Pt 1, Ch 2, 3.5 Service area restriction notations 3.5.5.

5. A This character letter will be assigned to all craft which have been built or accepted into class in accordance with LR's Rules and Regulations, and which are maintained in good and efficient condition.

6. 1 This character figure will be assigned to:

   1. Craft having on board, in good and efficient condition, anchoring and/or mooring equipment in accordance with the Rules.

   2. Craft classed for a specific service, having on board, in good and efficient condition, anchoring and/or mooring equipment approved by the Committee as suitable and sufficient for the particular service.

7. N This character letter will be assigned to craft on which the Committee has agreed that anchoring and mooring equipment need not be fitted in view of their particular service.

8. T This character letter will be assigned to ships which are intended to perform their primary designed service function only while they are anchored, moored, towed or linked, and which have, in good and efficient condition, adequately attached anchoring, mooring, towing or linking equipment which has been approved by the Committee as suitable and sufficient for the intended service.

9. SSC These character letters will be assigned to craft indicating that the craft has been constructed or accepted into class on the basis of the Rules.

3.2.3 For classification purposes the character figure 1 or the character letter N is to be assigned.

3.2.4 In cases where the anchoring and/or mooring equipment is found to be seriously deficient in quality or quantity, the class of the craft will be liable to be withheld.

3.3.1 When considered necessary by the Committee, or when requested by an Owner and agreed by the Committee, a class notation will be appended to the character of classification assigned to the craft. The class notation will consist of one of, or a combination of:

1. a high speed craft notation;

2. a light displacement craft notation;

3. a service area restriction notation;

4. a service type notation;

5. a craft type notation;

6. other hull notations;

e.g.

3.3.2 A list of class notations (hull) for which a craft may be eligible is given in Pt 1, Ch 2, 3.4 High speed craft and light displacement craft notations.

3.4.1  HSC - High speed craft notation. This class notation will be assigned to high speed craft as defined in Pt 1, Ch 2, 2.2 Definitions 2.2.8.

3.4.2  LDC - Light displacement craft notation. This class notation will be assigned to light displacement craft as defined in Pt 1, Ch 2, 2.2 Definitions 2.2.11.

3.5.1 All craft classed under the Rules will be assigned a service area restriction notation G followed by a number e.g G1, or Zone followed by a number, e.g. Zone 1. Craft classed under the Rules for service groups G1 to G5 and Zone 1 to Zone 3 are not suitable for unrestricted service except as noted in the service area restriction notation, see Pt 1, Ch 2, 3.5 Service area restriction notations 3.5.5.

3.5.2 Service area restriction notations, given in Pt 1, Ch 2, 3.5 Service area restriction notations 3.5.5, are expressed in terms of range to refuge in nautical miles as defined in Pt 1, Ch 2, 2.2 Definitions 2.2.23.

3.5.3 Where craft are required to satisfy limitations in respect of the maximum duration of time to a place of refuge from any point during the voyage, this time is to be determined by dividing the range to refuge by the permitted operational speed of the craft (when fully laden) in the prevailing conditions as imposed by the operational envelope.

3.5.4 For craft that are designed in accordance with an operational envelope:

• these craft are to be operated at reduced speeds and are to seek calmer waters or refuge when the weather conditions deteriorate or are predicted to deteriorate in order that the craft is not exposed to a significant wave height and speed combination which exceeds the limits of the operational envelope.

For craft that are not assigned an operational envelope:

• these craft are to be operated at reduced speeds and are to seek calmer waters or refuge when the weather conditions deteriorate or are predicted to deteriorate.

All craft are to be aware of the weather forecast for the proposed and current areas of operation and area of refuge.

3.5.5 The following inland, coastal and seagoing service area restriction notations describe the service area restriction for which a craft has been approved and constructed.

1. Zone 3 covers craft intended for operation in inland waters where the maximum recorded significant wave height based on long-term significant wave height statistics excluding the highest five per cent of the recorded significant wave heights does not exceed 0,5 m. The geographical limits of the intended service are to be identified by the Builder and agreed with LR. Craft in this group are not considered as ‘seagoing’ and are not eligible for the assignment of the character figure 100.
2. Zone 2 covers craft intended for operation in inland waters and estuaries where the maximum recorded significant wave height based on long-term significant wave height statistics excluding the highest five per cent of the recorded significant wave heights does not exceed 1,0 m. The geographical limits of the intended service are to be identified by the Builder and agreed with LR. Craft in this group are not considered as ‘seagoing’ and are not eligible for the assignment of the character figure 100.
3. Zone 1 covers craft intended for operation in inland waters and estuaries where the maximum recorded significant wave height based on long-term significant wave height statistics excluding the highest five per cent of the recorded significant wave heights does not exceed 1,6 m. The geographical limits of the intended service are to be identified by the Builder and agreed with LR. Craft in this group are not considered as ‘seagoing’ and are not eligible for the assignment of the character figure 100.

4. G1 Service Group 1 covers craft intended for service in sheltered waters adjacent to sandbanks, estuaries, reefs, breakwaters or other coastal features and in similarly sheltered waters between islands in reasonable weather where the range to refuge is, in general, five nautical miles or less. The geographical limits of the intended service are to be identified by the Builder and agreed with LR. Craft in this group are not eligible for the assignment of the character figure 100.

5. G2 Service Group 2 covers craft intended for service in reasonable weather, in waters where the range to refuge is 20 nautical miles or less. This group will usually cover craft intended for service in coastal waters, for which geographical limits are to be identified by the Builder and agreed with LR.

6. G2A Service Group 2A covers craft intended for service in reasonable weather in waters where the range to refuge is 60 nautical miles or less. The geographical limits of the intended service are to be reported to LR. Craft in this group are eligible for assignment of the service type notation SRY.

7. G3 Service Group 3 covers craft intended for service in waters where the range to refuge is 150 nautical miles or less. The geographical limits of the intended service are to be reported to LR.

8. G4 Service Group 4 covers craft intended for service in waters where the range to refuge is 250 nautical miles or less. The geographical limits of the intended service are to be reported to LR.

9. G5 Service Group 5 covers craft intended for service in waters where the range to refuge is 350 nautical miles or less. The geographical limits of the intended service are to be reported to LR.

10. G6 Service Group 6 covers yachts and steel patrol craft having unrestricted service.

Non-seagoing craft are craft that are not eligible for the character figure 100. Seagoing craft are craft eligible for the character figure 100.

The above zone definitions, i.e. Zone 1, Zone 2 and Zone 3, are considered to be consistent with the EC resolution ECE/TRANS/SC.3/172/Rev.1 zone definitions.

3.5.6 Consideration may be given to requests for an increase in the permissible range to refuge subject to:

1. The specific geographic limits and the period over which the extended service is to be operated being defined.

2. Satisfactory statistical data in respect of wave height being provided to demonstrate that the craft will be suitable for the extended service.

3. Equipment consistent with that required for the extended service being provided onboard during the period of operation.

4. Any maximum duration of voyage limitations imposed by Pt 1, Ch 2, 3.5 Service area restriction notations 3.5.3 not being exceeded during the extended service.

3.6.1 The service type notation will be recorded in the appropriate Register Book indicating the primary purpose for which the craft has been designed and constructed.

3.6.2 A list of service type notations for which craft may be eligible is given below:

3.7.1 The craft type notation will be recorded in the appropriate Register Book indicating the type of hull form and mode of operation for which the craft has been designed and constructed.

3.7.2 A list of craft type notations for which craft may be eligible is given below:

3.7.3 Where craft indicated in Pt 1, Ch 2, 3.7 Craft type notations 3.7.2 are foil assisted the letters (FA) may be appended to the Craft Type Notation.

3.8.1  Ice Class. A class notation for navigation in first-year ice conditions will be specially considered.

3.8.2  *IWS. This notation (In-Water Survey) may be assigned to a craft where the applicable requirements of LR's Rules and Regulations are complied with. (See Pt 1, Ch 3, 4.3 In-Water Surveys and Pt 1, Ch 4, 3.3 In-Water Surveys, see also Pt 3, Ch 3, 2.37 In-water Survey requirements).

3.8.3  Special features notation. A notation indicating that the craft incorporates special features which significantly affect the design, e.g. movable decks.

3.8.4 Helicopter Landing Area. Assigned where a helicopter landing area is provided in compliance with Pt 6, Ch 5, 6 Helicopter landing areas (Steel), or Pt 7, Ch 5, 6 Helicopter landing areas (Aluminium), or Pt 8, Ch 5, 5 Helicopter landing areas (Composites).

3.8.5  LI. This notation will be assigned where an approved loading instrument has been installed as a classification requirement.

3.8.6  SRY. This notation will be assigned to Short-Range Yachts with service area restriction G2A and designed and built in accordance with the Red Ensign Group Yacht Code Part A requirements for Short-Range Yachts or an alternative National Code acceptable to LR.

3.8.7  ShipRight ACS (B). The ShipRight Anti-Corrosion System notation ShipRight ACS (B) will be assigned when protective coating system of water ballast tanks has been applied in accordance with the ShipRight Procedure Anti-Corrosion System Notation.

3.8.8 LA. This mandatory notation is assigned where one or more lifting appliances are considered to be an essential feature of the vessel, e.g. cranes on crane barges, lifting arrangements for diving on diving support vessels.

3.8.9 . This mandatory notation is assigned where one or more lifting appliances are considered to be an essential feature of the vessel and have been classed by a recognised classification society other than LR and later transferred into class with LR. In such cases, a new Register of Ship’s Lifting Appliances & Cargo Handling Gear (LA.1) will be issued in accordance with LR’s Code for Lifting Appliances in a Marine Environment, July 2022.

3.8.10 RIGGING. The RIGGING notation will be assigned where a new craft is fitted with a rig used for propulsion by wind force which is in accordance with the Rules. SeePt 3, Ch 7 Wind Propulsion Systems.

3.8.11 RIGGING*. Upon request, the RIGGING* notation will be assigned where an existing craft is fitted with a rig used for propulsion by wind force which is in accordance with the Rules. See Pt 3, Ch 7 Wind Propulsion Systems

3.9.1 The following class notations are associated with machinery construction and arrangements, and may be assigned as considered appropriate by the Committee:

3.9.2 The following class notations are associated with the machinery control and automation, and may be assigned as considered appropriate by the Classification Committee:

3.9.3 The following class notation is associated with vessels capable of being operated unmanned, and may be assigned as considered appropriate by the Classification Committee:

3.9.4 Machinery class notations will not be assigned to craft the hulls of which are not classed or intended to be classed with LR.

3.9.5 The notation LMC, LMC, LMC, LMC (without ) and MCH will in general not be assigned to non-propelled craft, but individual cases will be considered on their merits.

3.9.6 The following class notations are associated with hybrid electrical power systems and may be assigned as considered appropriate by the Classification Committee:

Hybrid Power Assigned to ships with an electrical power system utilising a combination of two or more different types of power source or utilising stored electrical energy to satisfy the ship’s main power demand. The system and its component parts are in accordance with the existing applicable requirements of the Rules and the requirements of Pt 16, Ch 2, 23 Hybrid electrical power systems.

Hybrid Power (+) Assigned to ships meeting the requirements for Hybrid Power and the additional optional requirements for Hybrid Power (+) specified within Pt 16, Ch 2, 23 Hybrid electrical power systems. The additional optional requirements aim to provide for enhanced performance of the electrical power system achieved through the consideration of system simulation, system integration and the dependability of the hybrid electrical power system during normal or reasonably foreseeable abnormal operation.

3.10.1 Propelling and essential auxiliary machinery includes machinery, equipment and systems installed for the craft/yacht to be under conditions as encountered in the defined sea area and that are necessary for the following:

1. Maintaining the watertight and weathertight integrity of the hull and spaces within the hull.

2. The safety of the craft/yacht, machinery and personnel on board.

3. The functioning and dependability of propulsion, steering and electrical systems.

4. The operation and functioning of control engineering systems for the monitoring and safety of propulsion, steering and electrical power systems.

5. The operation and functioning of emergency machinery and equipment.

3.10.2  Manufacturer's certificate for assignment of the LMC notation. Acceptance of the manufacturer's certificate for items of machinery for propulsion (including propulsion gearing with single input/output arrangements) and for electrical power generation and for other auxiliary machinery for essential services is subject to the following:

1. For a craft: The craft is intended for the carriage of cargo (not passengers), is less than 500 gross tonnage or is of 500 gross tonnage or greater and is not required to comply with international conventions applicable to a craft with unrestricted service.

2. For a yacht with:

   1. A gross tonnage of less than 500, and is not required to comply with international conventions.

   2. A gross tonnage of 500 or more and is not required to comply with international conventions applicable to a yacht with unrestricted service.

   3. A gross tonnage of 500 or more and its acceptance of manufacturer’s certificate as described above are specifically agreed by the administration of the country in which the yacht is registered.

3. Propulsion power is provided by oil engines or gas turbines which have been type approved to LR requirements for marine application.

4. Electrical power is provided by generators driven by oil engines or gas turbines which have been type approved to LR requirements for marine application.

5. The design and manufacturing standards for all machinery and associated systems are the applicable LR Rules.

6. The machinery and equipment is manufactured under a recognised quality control system.

7. Propellers, propulsion shafting and multiple input/output gearboxes are not included within the scope of propulsion arrangements for acceptance of a manufacturer's certificate.

3.10.3  Manufacturer's certificate for assignment of the MCH notation. Acceptance of the manufacturer's certificate for propelling and essential auxiliary machinery is subject to the following:

1. For a craft: The craft is intended for the carriage of cargo (not passengers), is less than 500 gross tonnage or is of 500 gross tonnage or greater and is not required to comply with international conventions applicable to a craft with unrestricted service.

2. For a yacht: The yacht is less than 500 gross tonnage or is of 500 gross tonnage or more and is not required to comply with international conventions applicable to a yacht with unrestricted service.

3. Propulsion power is provided by oil engines or gas turbines which have been type approved to LR requirements for marine application.

4. Electrical power is provided by generators driven by oil engines or gas turbines which have been type approved to LR requirements for marine application.

5. The power of any engine or gas turbine is less than 2,250 kW and the cylinder bore of any diesel engine is not greater than 300 mm.

6. The design and manufacturing standards for machinery and associated systems are the applicable LR Rules or other marine standards acceptable to LR.

7. The machinery and equipment is manufactured under a recognised quality control system.

3.11.1 The following class notations are associated with the design and operation of a Special Service Craft and may be assigned as considered appropriate by the Classification Committee, on application from the Owners:

3.12.1 In addition to any class notations, an appropriate descriptive note may be entered in column 6 of the appropriate Register Book indicating the type of craft in greater detail than is contained in the class notation, and/or providing additional information about the craft's design and construction. This descriptive note is not a LR classification notation and is provided solely for the information of users of the Register Book.

3.12.2 Screwshaft Condition Monitoring.

3.12.4  STV. Where a sailing vessel is used for the offshore training of cadets or trainee seamen, a sailing training vessel STV descriptive note may be entered in column 6 of the Register Book.

3.12.5 ESW. Where a low wash catamaran is capable of demonstrating low wash wake characteristics, an environmentally sensitive wake ESW descriptive note may be entered in column 6 of the Register book. The descriptive note will be assigned where specified wave wake requirements of a local authority are complied with. The descriptive note is to be appended in brackets with the name of the local authority and/or the specified service route, e.g. ESW(Port of London Authority).

3.12.6 IHM. This ShipRight descriptive note (Inventory of Hazardous Materials) will be assigned when the requirements in accordance with the relevant ShipRight procedures have been complied with.

3.12.7 HCD1() This ShipRight descriptive note (Human-Centred Design Level 1) will be assigned when the development and operation of specified ship system(s) has been carried out in accordance with the process for ‘Level 1 – Reactive’ detailed in the ShipRight Procedure for Human-centred Design. The names of the systems which meet the requirements will be listed as a suffix to the character, e.g. HCD1(mooring area, ECDIS).

3.12.8 READY(). When satisfactory preparation has been made at the time of completion and delivery or refit of the vessel for a structure, a system or equipment which is subject to classification then this descriptive note, showing the associated classification characters within brackets will, at the Owner’s request, be entered in the Register Book preceded by the word READY, e.g. READY(RIGGING).

If the asset is READY() for multiple notations the descriptive note will appear as READY(notation 1, notation 2).

Satisfactory preparation includes but is not limited to:

• Clear and comprehensive definition of the intended structure, system or equipment in line with classification requirements.
• The interface boundary delimiting the physical and operational boundary is clearly defined and sets out the components that are omitted during construction.
• A list of interface requirements even though these are not typically part of the requirements for classification. These are to be accompanied by technical solutions or reference to design features that show how each of the interface requirements is met. The interface location and requirements are to be jointly developed by the Client and LR.
• Interface requirements may be quantitative or qualitative. Suitable safety criteria are to be defined.
• The design of the asset fully incorporates the intended structure, system or equipment. This is to be verified during appraisal.
• As far as practicable, the fitting of the omitted structure, system or equipment is not to depend on the removal of other structures, systems or equipment but should only depend on the addition of the omitted structure, system or equipment.

Each of the design documents which are required for classification is assessed as if the structure, system or component is fitted. If details of the system are unknown at the time of application for the descriptive note, design constraints may, on occasion, be confirmed by an Approval in Principle (AiP). This course of action will be captured in the descriptive note in the following manner: READY(NOTATION(A)) where A indicates the AiP.

Additional interface documents are assessed with particular attention to the practicality and feasibility of the boundary definition.

Construction is carried out as per appraised plans omitting the structure, system or equipment set out by the interface boundary.

The READY() descriptive note is awarded based on the documented verification of the above requirements. Appraisal and Survey by LR will be carried out as far as practicable for the interface arrangements and, if applicable, the partially installed system.

Notations are included in the list of those eligible for the READY() descriptive note at the discretion of LR.