3.1 General
3.1.1 When a craft is assigned a specific Character of Class by Indian Register of Shipping, it implies that IRS has been satisfied that the said craft meets, for this particular class, with these Rules and Regulations or requirements equivalent thereto. The craft will continue to be classed with IRS so long as it is found, upon examination at the prescribed annual and periodical surveys, to be maintained in a fit and efficient condition and in accordance with the Periodical Survey requirements of these Rules.
Classification will be conditional upon compliance with IRS requirements and assignment of character of class for both hull and machinery.
3.1.2 The Rules are framed on the understanding that:
− the crafts will be properly loaded, they do not, unless stated in the class notation, provide for special distributions or concentrations of loading.
− the crafts will not be operated outside the design parameters corresponding to the class notation assigned as per 3.6 and 3.7.
− the crafts will be properly handled, in particular the reduction of speed in heavy weather which has been assumed during design, incorporated in the operational manual and appended to the certificate of class, is applied. See Chapter 4
‘Design Loads’ for details.
3.1.3 Compliance to the following International Conventions and Codes of IMO, as applicable, and any National requirements is a prerequisite of classification:
- International Code of Safety of High Speed Craft (HSC Code);
- International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS);
- International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL);
- International Convention on Loadlines (ILLC);
- Fire Test Procedures Code (FTP Code) - International Convention on the Control of
Harmful Antifouling Systems on Ships (AFS Convention).
In addition, the Unified Interpretations of IACS (International Association of Classification Societies) related to the above IMO Conventions and Codes are also to be complied with, unless the flag Administration has provided its own interpretation in writing. For the purposes of the application of the IMO Conventions and Codes for Fibre-Reinforced Plastic (FRP) Craft, the term “the keels of which are laid or which are at a similar stage of construction” should be interpreted as the date that the first structural reinforcement of the complete thickness of the approved hull laminate schedule is laid either in or on the mould.
3.1.4 Where a craft holds dual classification with IRS and another Society and the periodical survey requirements of the corresponding Society differ from IRS Rule requirements, IRS may permit the requirements of the corresponding Society being applied, in so far as they are equivalent in purpose or are no less stringent than the IRS rule requirements.
3.1.5 The classification of a craft with IRS does not exempt the owners from compliance with any additional and/or more stringent requirements issued by the Administration of the state whose flag the craft is entitled to fly and provision for their application.
3.1.6 It is the responsibility of the Owners to ensure that the operating and maintenance instructions / manuals for the crafts machinery equipment essential to the safe operation of the crafts are available in a language understandable by those officers and crew members who are required to understand such information / instructions in the performance of their duties.
Indian Register of Shipping
3.1.7 Operating manuals - For vessels required to comply with the HSC Code, the Administration would require that the management of the company operating the craft has provided the craft with adequate information and guidance in the form of manuals to enable the craft to be operated and maintained safely. These manuals should include a route operational manual, craft operating manual, maintenance manual, servicing schedule and as a minimum the information specified in Chapter 18 of the HSC Code.
3.2 Application of Rules
3.2.1 Unless directed otherwise by IRS, no new Regulation or amendment to the existing regulation relating to the character of classification or class notation is to be applied to existing crafts.
3.2.2 Unless directed otherwise by IRS, no new Rules and Regulations or amendments to the existing Rules & Regulations become applicable within 6 months after the date of issue nor after the approval of original midship section or equivalent structural plans. Where it is proposed to use existing previously approved plans for a new contract, written application is to be made to IRS.
3.3 Scope of classification
3.3.1 Classification covers craft’s hull, appendages and machinery including electrical systems to the extent as specified in these Rules and Regulations.
3.4 Interpretation of the Rules
3.4.1 The correct interpretation of the requirements contained in the Rules and Regulations is the sole responsibility and at the sole discretion of IRS.
3.5 Character of classification
3.5.1 The following Characters and symbols are assigned by IRS to indicate classification of High Speed Crafts and Light Crafts.
a) Character SUL assigned to sea-going crafts indicates that the hull and its appendages and equipment (i.e. anchors, chain cable and hawsers) meet the Rule requirements for assignment of this Character of Class.
Guidance Note : Appendages to the hull referred to in 3.5.1 a), b) and c) means the
rudder & rudder stock, rudder horn, sole pieces, propeller nozzles, shaft brackets, skeg etc.
which are covered by the rule requirements.
b) Character SU- assigned to sea-going crafts indicates that the hull and its appendages meet the Rule requirements but equipment (i.e.
anchors, chain cable and hawsers) is not supplied or maintained as per the relevant Rules but is considered by the Board to be acceptable for their particular service.
c) Character SU assigned to sea-going crafts indicates that the hull and its appendages meet the Rule requirements but in respect of the equipment, IRS has agreed that the normal equipment is not necessary in view of their particular service.
d) Character IY assigned to self-propelled seagoing crafts indicates that the machinery meets the rule requirements for assignment of this Character of Class.
3.5.2 The distinguishing mark inserted before Characters of Class (SUL, SU-, SU, IY as appropriate) is assigned to new crafts where the hull and its appendages, equipment and the machinery, as appropriate are constructed under special survey of IRS in compliance with the Rules to the satisfaction of IRS.
3.6 Class notations – Hull
3.6.1 When requested by an Owner and agreed to by IRS or when considered necessary by IRS, relevant class notation(s) as detailed in 3.6.2 to 3.6.4 below will be appended to the character of classification assigned to the craft e.g.
SUL, HSC, RS 0, Patrol.
3.6.2 Main Notations:
Depending on the type of craft one of the following main notations would be assigned:
a) Notation ‘HSC’ – to crafts for which the HSC Code is applicable as defined in 2.1.1a.
b) Notation ‘LC’ – to other fast crafts of light construction as defined in 2.1.1b. Where such crafts satisfy the high speed criteria given in 2.2.27, notation ‘HSLC’ would be assigned.
Indian Register of Shipping
Page 13 of 19 3.6.3 Service area restriction notations:
a) Depending on the sea conditions in service area for which the craft has been approved and constructed, or appropriate service restriction notation would be assigned from those given in the Table 3.6.3.
Table 3.6.3
Notation Design significant wave height [m]
RS 0 Hs ≥ 4.0 m RS 1 2.5 ≤ Hs < 4.0 m RS 2 0.6 < Hs < 2.5 m RS 3 Hs ≤ 0.6 m
b) In addition to the above, crafts may be assigned a service range notation limiting the distance in nautical miles from the place of refuge or coast, if requested : for example ‘for operation within 20 Nm from place of refuge’ or ‘for operation within 20 Nm from the coast’.
3.6.4 Service type notation:
Depending on the primary nature of service provided by the crafts, one of the following notations would be assigned:
a) Passenger b) Cargo c) Supply d) Workboat e) Pilot f) Patrol g) Rescue.
3.7 Class notations – Machinery
3.7.1 The notation SYJ assigned to crafts indicates that the control engineering equipment required for unattended machinery spaces has been provided, installed and tested in accordance with the requirements given in Chapter 14.
3.8 Materials, components, equipment and machinery
3.8.1 The materials used in the construction of hull and machinery of crafts intended for classification, or in the repair of crafts already classed, are to be of good quality and free from defects and are to be tested in accordance with the relevant Rules. The
materials are to be manufactured at works recognized* by IRS for the type of product being supplied. Alternatively, tests to the satisfaction of IRS will be required to demonstrate the suitability of the proposed material.
Consideration may be given by IRS to accept the works approved by IACS Member Societies with whom IRS currently has Cooperation Agreements for this purpose.
3.8.2 Certification of materials, components, equipment and machinery is carried out on basis of the following, considering IRS and/or IMO requirements, as applicable:
a) Type approval carried out by IRS b) Unit certification by IRS,
c) Alternative Certification Scheme by IRS (Refer to IRS Rules and Regulations for the Construction and Classification of Steel Ships Pt 1, Ch 1, Sec 4),
d) Mutual recognition of certificates, if type approved by an IACS Member Society or European Union recognized organization based on commonly agreed design requirements between IRS and the recognized organization.
3.9 Request for surveys
3.9.1 It is the responsibility of the Builders or Owners, as applicable, to inform the Surveyors of IRS in the port at which the surveys for supervision during new construction or crafts in service are to be undertaken and to ensure that all surveys for issue of class certificate for new construction, and maintenance of class for crafts in service are carried out.
3.10 Repairs
3.10.1 Any repairs to the hull, machinery and equipment either as a result of damage or wear and tear which are required for the maintenance of the craft’s class are to be carried out under the inspection of and to the satisfaction of the Surveyors.
3.10.2 Where a craft is damaged to an extent resulting in towage outside port limits, it shall be
Indian Register of Shipping
Owner’s responsibility to notify IRS at the first practicable opportunity.
3.10.3 Where such repairs are effected at a port where there is no Surveyor of IRS, the craft is to be surveyed by one of its Surveyors at the earliest opportunity.
3.10.4 Where repairs to hull, machinery or equipment, which affect or may affect classification, are to be carried out by a riding crew, they are to be planned in advance. A complete repair procedure including the extent of proposed repairs and the need for Surveyor’s attendance during the voyage is to be submitted to and agreed upon by the Surveyor reasonably in advance. Failure to notify IRS, in advance of the repairs, may result in suspension of the craft’s class.
Where in any emergency circumstance, emergency repairs are to be effected immediately, the repairs should be documented in the craft’s log and submitted thereafter to IRS for use in determining further survey requirements.
3.11 Alterations
3.11.1 Any alterations proposed to be carried out to approved scantlings and arrangements of the hull, machinery or equipment are to meet with the approval of IRS and for this purpose plans and technical particulars are to be submitted for approval in advance. Such approved alterations are to be carried out under the inspection of, and to the satisfaction of the Surveyors. If such alterations are carried out on items which may affect the classification of the craft without informing IRS, the class of the craft will be liable to be suspended except in the case of emergency repairs mentioned in 3.10.4
3.12 Date of contract for construction
3.12.1 The date of “contract for construction” of a craft is the date on which the contract to build the craft is signed between the prospective owner and the builder. This date and the construction numbers (i.e. hull numbers) of all the crafts included in the contract are to be declared to IRS by the party applying for the assignment of class to a new building. (Also refer to Rules and Regulations for the Construction and Classification of Steel Ships Pt1, Ch 1, 2.14).
3.13 Date of build
3.13.1 The date of completion of the special survey inspection will normally be taken as the date of build to be entered in the Register Book.
Where there is a substantial delay between completion of construction survey and the craft commencing service, the date of commissioning may be specified on the classification certificate.
When modifications are carried out on a craft, the initial date of build remains assigned to the craft.
3.13.2 When a complete replacement or addition of a major portion of the craft (e.g. fwd.section, midship section or aft section) is involved, the following applies:
- Date of build assigned to each portion of the craft will be indicated on the classification certificate, and the date of modification will be indicated in the Register Book.
- Survey requirements shall be based on the date of build associated with each major portion of the craft.
3.14 Appeal from Surveyor’s recommendations 3.14.1 If the recommendations of the Surveyors are considered in any case to be unnecessary or unreasonable, appeal may be made to IRS, who may direct a special examination to be held.
3.15 Certificates
3.15.1 Certificates of Class will be issued to Builders or Owners when the required reports on completion of Special Surveys of new crafts or of existing crafts submitted for classification have been received from the Surveyors and approved by IRS.
3.15.2 Certificates of class maintenance in respect of completed periodical special surveys of hull and machinery will also be issued to Owners.
3.15.3 The Surveyors are permitted to issue Interim Certificates to enable a craft, classed with IRS, to proceed on her voyage provided that, in their opinion, it is in a fit and efficient condition. Such Certificates will contain Surveyors’ recommen- Indian Register of Shipping
Page 15 of 19 dations for continuance of Class, but in all cases are
subject to confirmation by IRS.
3.15.4 Individual Certificates can also be issued for propelling machinery, boilers, equipments and fittings which have been manufactured under IRS Survey and in accordance with these Regulations.
3.16 Suspension, withdrawal and deletion of class 3.16.1 Suspension
3.16.1.1 The class of a craft will be automatically suspended from the expiry date of the Certificate of Class or by the expiry date of any extension granted, if the special survey has not been completed by the due date and an extension has not been agreed to, or the vessel is not under attendance by the Surveyor with a view to complete the surveys prior to resuming service.
3.16.1.2 The class of a craft will also be automatically suspended if the annual, intermediate survey become overdue.
3.16.1.3 Classification will be reinstated upon satisfactory completion of overdue survey. The scope of the overdue surveys will be based on the survey requirements applicable to the craft at the original due date and not based on the age of the vessel when the survey is carried out. Such surveys will be credited from the date originally due.
However, the craft will remain dis-classed from the date of suspension until the date class is reinstated.
The Owners and the Flag State, where applicable, would be informed in writing, of the suspension and reinstatement of Classification.
3.16.1.4 When the surveys relating to specific additional notations of hull or equipment or machinery have not been complied with and thereby the craft is not entitled to retain that notation, then the specific notation will be suspended till the related surveys are completed.
3.16.1.5 The class of craft will be subject to a suspension procedure if an item of continuous survey is overdue at the time of annual survey, unless the item is dealt with or postponed by agreement.
3.16.1.6 The class of the craft will also be subject to a suspension procedure if recommendations and/or
conditions of class are not dealt with by the due date or postponed by agreement, by the due date.
3.16.1.7 The class of a craft is liable to be withheld or, if already granted, may be withdrawn in case of any nonpayment of fees or expenses chargeable for the service rendered.
3.16.1.8 Where any craft proceeds to sea with a less freeboard than that approved by IRS or when the freeboard marks are placed higher on the ship’s sides than the position assigned or approved by IRS, the ship’s class will be suspended.
3.16.1.9 When it is found that a craft is being operated in a manner contrary to that agreed at the time of classification, or is being operated in conditions or in areas more onerous than those agreed, the class will be suspended.
3.16.1.10 The class of a craft will be liable to be suspended if the Owner fails to notify IRS of any damage to the craft‘s hull, machinery or equipment, which may adversely affect classification of the vessel or subsequently fails to arrange for the survey as may be advised by IRS.
3.16.1.11 The class of a craft will be suspended after a major casualty to the craft, such as grounding, sinking or breaking up, if the Owner is unable to arrange for the craft’s survey by IRS and commence repairs within a reasonable period of the occurrence of the casualty, unless otherwise agreed to with IRS.
3.16.1.12 Crafts laid up in accordance with the Rules prior to surveys becoming overdue will not be suspended when surveys addressed above become overdue.
However, crafts which are laid up after being suspended as a result of surveys becoming overdue, will remain suspended until the overdue surveys are completed.
3.16.2 Withdrawal
3.16.2.1 Craft’s class will be withdrawn, at the end of six months of suspension, if the Owner has not commenced any action to reinstate the craft’s class.
A longer suspension period may be granted when the craft is not trading or in cases of lay-up awaiting attendance for reinstatement or disposition, in the event of a casualty.
3.16.2.2 When the class of a craft holding IRS class, is withdrawn by IRS in consequence of a request Indian Register of Shipping
from the Owners, the notation "Class withdrawn at Owners' request" (with date) will be made in the subsequent reprints of the Register Of Ships. This entry will continue till the craft’s class is reinstated or deleted.
3.16.2.3 When the Regulations as regards surveys on the hull or equipment or machinery have not been complied with and the craft thereby is not entitled to retain her class, the class will be withdrawn and the notation "Class withdrawn" (with date) will be made in the subsequent reprints of the Register Of Ships.
This entry will continue till the craft’s class is reinstated or deleted.
3.16.2.4 The withdrawal of a craft will be confirmed in writing to the Owner and the Flag State, where applicable
3.16.3 Deletion of Class
3.16.3.1 A craft will be considered to “cease to exist” when it is destroyed by scrapping or by sinking to unsalvageable depths or abandoned by the owner.
3.16.3.2 A craft can also be considered to “cease to exist” when it is broken up either by grounding or due to structural failure or due to actions of war or sabotage.
3.16.3.3 Craft’s class will be deleted when it ceases to exist.
3.17 Reclassification of crafts
3.17.1 When Owners request for reclassification of a craft for which the class previously assigned has been withdrawn, IRS will require a Special Survey for Reclassification to be held by the IRS Surveyors.
The extent of the survey will depend upon the age of the craft and the circumstances of each case.
3.17.2 If the craft is found or placed in good and efficient condition in accordance with the requirements of the Rules and Regulations at the Special Survey for Reclassification, IRS may decide to reinstate her original class or assign such other class as considered appropriate.
3.17.3 The date of reclassification will appear in the supplement to the Register Of Ships and the subsequent issue of Register Of Ships.
3.18 Transparency of Classification and Statutory information
3.18.1 The classification and statutory information which may be released to Shipowners, Flag State, Port State, Insurance company and Shipyards as relevant and the conditions for their release are indicated in Rules and Regulations for the Construction and Classification of Steel Ships, Pt1, Ch1, Table 2.21.1.