Rules for the Classification of Offshore...

Rules for the Classification of Offshore Units

NR 445

Consolidated edition for documentation only

December 2016 with amendments February 2019

This document is an electronic consolidated edition of the Rules for the Classification of Offshore Units, edition December 2016 with amendments February 2019.

This document is for documentation only. The following published Rules and amendments are the reference text for classification:

• NR445 DT Amd 002 E Amendments to Parts A to D February 2019

• NR445.A1 DT R05 E Part A Classification and Surveys December 2016

• NR445.B1 DT R05 E Part B Structural Safety December 2016

• NR445.C1 DT R05 E Part C Facilities December 2016

• NR445.D1 DT R07 E Part D Service Notations December 2016

BUREAU VERITAS MARINE & OFFSHORE

GENERAL CONDITIONS

1. INDEPENDENCE OF THE SOCIETY AND APPLICABLE TERMS1.1 The Society shall remain at all times an independent contractor and neither the Society nor any of its officers,employees, servants, agents or subcontractors shall be or act as an employee, servant or agent of any other partyhereto in the performance of the Services.1.2 The operations of the Society in providing its Services are exclusively conducted by way of random inspectionsand do not, in any circumstances, involve monitoring or exhaustive verification.1.3 The Society acts as a services provider. This cannot be construed as an obligation bearing on the Society toobtain a result or as a warranty. The Society is not and may not be considered as an underwriter, broker in Unit’s saleor chartering, expert in Unit’s valuation, consulting engineer, controller, naval architect, designer, manufacturer,shipbuilder, repair or conversion yard, charterer or shipowner; none of them above listed being relieved of any of theirexpressed or implied obligations as a result of the interventions of the Society.1.4 The Society only is qualified to apply and interpret its Rules.1.5 The Client acknowledges the latest versions of the Conditions and of the applicable Rules applying to theServices’ performance.1.6 Unless an express written agreement is made between the Parties on the applicable Rules, the applicable Rulesshall be the Rules applicable at the time of entering into the relevant contract for the performance of the Services.1.7 The Services’ performance is solely based on the Conditions. No other terms shall apply whether express orimplied.

2. DEFINITIONS2.1 “Certificate(s)” means classification or statutory certificates, attestations and reports following the Society’sintervention.2.2 “Certification” means the activity of certification in application of national and international regulations orstandards, in particular by delegation from different governments that can result in the issuance of a Certificate.2.3 “Classification” means the classification of a Unit that can result or not in the issuance of a classificationCertificate with reference to the Rules. Classification is an appraisement given by the Society to the Client, at a certaindate, following surveys by its surveyors on the level of compliance of the Unit to the Society’s Rules or to thedocuments of reference for the Services provided. They cannot be construed as an implied or express warranty ofsafety, fitness for the purpose, seaworthiness of the Unit or of its value for sale, insurance or chartering.2.4 “Client” means the Party and/or its representative requesting the Services.2.5 “Conditions” means the terms and conditions set out in the present document.2.6 “Industry Practice” means international maritime and/or offshore industry practices.2.7 “Intellectual Property” means all patents, rights to inventions, utility models, copyright and related rights,trade marks, logos, service marks, trade dress, business and domain names, rights in trade dress or get-up, rights ingoodwill or to sue for passing off, unfair competition rights, rights in designs, rights in computer software, databaserights, topography rights, moral rights, rights in confidential information (including know-how and trade secrets),methods and protocols for Services, and any other intellectual property rights, in each case whether capable ofregistration, registered or unregistered and including all applications for and renewals, reversions or extensions ofsuch rights, and all similar or equivalent rights or forms of protection in any part of the world.2.8 “Parties” means the Society and Client together.2.9 “Party” means the Society or the Client.2.10 “Register” means the public electronic register of ships updated regularly by the Society.2.11 “Rules” means the Society’s classification rules and other documents. The Society’s Rules take into accountat the date of their preparation the state of currently available and proven technical minimum requirements but arenot a standard or a code of construction neither a guide for maintenance, a safety handbook or a guide of professionalpractices, all of which are assumed to be known in detail and carefully followed at all times by the Client.2.12 “Services” means the services set out in clauses 2.2 and 2.3 but also other services related to Classificationand Certification such as, but not limited to: ship and company safety management certification, ship and port securitycertification, maritime labour certification, training activities, all activities and duties incidental thereto such asdocumentation on any supporting means, software, instrumentation, measurements, tests and trials on board. TheServices are carried out by the Society according to the applicable referential and to the Bureau Veritas’ Code ofEthics. The Society shall perform the Services according to the applicable national and international standards andIndustry Practice and always on the assumption that the Client is aware of such standards and Industry Practice.2.13 “Society” means the classification society ‘Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore SAS’, a company organizedand existing under the laws of France, registered in Nanterre under number 821 131 844, or any other legal entity ofBureau Veritas Group as may be specified in the relevant contract, and whose main activities are Classification andCertification of ships or offshore units.2.14 “Unit” means any ship or vessel or offshore unit or structure of any type or part of it or system whether linkedto shore, river bed or sea bed or not, whether operated or located at sea or in inland waters or partly on land, includingsubmarines, hovercrafts, drilling rigs, offshore installations of any type and of any purpose, their related and ancillaryequipment, subsea or not, such as well head and pipelines, mooring legs and mooring points or otherwise as decidedby the Society.

3. SCOPE AND PERFORMANCE3.1 Subject to the Services requested and always by reference to the Rules, the Society shall:• review the construction arrangements of the Unit as shown on the documents provided by the Client;• conduct the Unit surveys at the place of the Unit construction;• class the Unit and enter the Unit’s class in the Society’s Register;• survey the Unit periodically in service to note whether the requirements for the maintenance of class are met.The Client shall inform the Society without delay of any circumstances which may cause any changes on theconducted surveys or Services.3.2 The Society will not:• declare the acceptance or commissioning of a Unit, nor its construction in conformity with its design, suchactivities remaining under the exclusive responsibility of the Unit’s owner or builder;• engage in any work relating to the design, construction, production or repair checks, neither in the operation ofthe Unit or the Unit’s trade, neither in any advisory services, and cannot be held liable on those accounts.

4. RESERVATION CLAUSE4.1 The Client shall always: (i) maintain the Unit in good condition after surveys; (ii) present the Unit for surveys;and (iii) inform the Society in due time of any circumstances that may affect the given appraisement of the Unit orcause to modify the scope of the Services.4.2 Certificates are only valid if issued by the Society.4.3 The Society has entire control over the Certificates issued and may at any time withdraw a Certificate at itsentire discretion including, but not limited to, in the following situations: where the Client fails to comply in due timewith instructions of the Society or where the Client fails to pay in accordance with clause 6.2 hereunder.4.4 The Society may at times and at its sole discretion give an opinion on a design or any technical element thatwould ‘in principle’ be acceptable to the Society. This opinion shall not presume on the final issuance of any Certificateor on its content in the event of the actual issuance of a Certificate. This opinion shall only be an appraisal made bythe Society which shall not be held liable for it.

5. ACCESS AND SAFETY5.1 The Client shall give to the Society all access and information necessary for the efficient performance of therequested Services. The Client shall be the sole responsible for the conditions of presentation of the Unit for tests,trials and surveys and the conditions under which tests and trials are carried out. Any information, drawing, etc.required for the performance of the Services must be made available in due time.5.2 The Client shall notify the Society of any relevant safety issue and shall take all necessary safety-relatedmeasures to ensure a safe work environment for the Society or any of its officers, employees, servants, agents orsubcontractors and shall comply with all applicable safety regulations.

6. PAYMENT OF INVOICES6.1 The provision of the Services by the Society, whether complete or not, involve, for the part carried out, thepayment of fees thirty (30) days upon issuance of the invoice.

Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore Genera

6.2 Without prejudice to any other rights hereunder, in case of Client’s payment default, the Society shall be entitledto charge, in addition to the amount not properly paid, interests equal to twelve (12) months LIBOR plus two (2) percent as of due date calculated on the number of days such payment is delinquent. The Society shall also have theright to withhold Certificates and other documents and/or to suspend or revoke the validity of Certificates.6.3 In case of dispute on the invoice amount, the undisputed portion of the invoice shall be paid and an explanationon the dispute shall accompany payment so that action can be taken to solve the dispute.

7. LIABILITY7.1 The Society bears no liability for consequential loss. For the purpose of this clause consequential loss shallinclude, without limitation:• Indirect or consequential loss;• Any loss and/or deferral of production, loss of product, loss of use, loss of bargain, loss of revenue, loss of profitor anticipated profit, loss of business and business interruption, in each case whether direct or indirect.The Client shall defend, release, save, indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Society from the Client’s ownconsequential loss regardless of cause.7.2 Except in case of wilful misconduct of the Society, death or bodily injury caused by the Society’s negligenceand any other liability that could not be, by law, limited, the Society’s maximum liability towards the Client is limitedto one hundred and fifty per-cents (150%) of the price paid by the Client to the Society for the Services having causedthe damage. This limit applies to any liability of whatsoever nature and howsoever arising, including fault by theSociety, breach of contract, breach of warranty, tort, strict liability, breach of statute.7.3 All claims shall be presented to the Society in writing within three (3) months of the completion of Services’performance or (if later) the date when the events which are relied on were first discovered by the Client. Any claimnot so presented as defined above shall be deemed waived and absolutely time barred.

8. INDEMNITY CLAUSE8.1 The Client shall defend, release, save, indemnify and hold harmless the Society from and against any and allclaims, demands, lawsuits or actions for damages, including legal fees, for harm or loss to persons and/or propertytangible, intangible or otherwise which may be brought against the Society, incidental to, arising out of or inconnection with the performance of the Services (including for damages arising out of or in connection with opinionsdelivered according to clause 4.4 above) except for those claims caused solely and completely by the grossnegligence of the Society, its officers, employees, servants, agents or subcontractors.

9. TERMINATION9.1 The Parties shall have the right to terminate the Services (and the relevant contract) for convenience aftergiving the other Party thirty (30) days’ written notice, and without prejudice to clause 6 above.9.2 In such a case, the Classification granted to the concerned Unit and the previously issued Certificates shall remainvalid until the date of effect of the termination notice issued, subject to compliance with clause 4.1 and 6 above.9.3 In the event where, in the reasonable opinion of the Society, the Client is in breach, or is suspected to be inbreach of clause 16 of the Conditions, the Society shall have the right to terminate the Services (and the relevantcontracts associated) with immediate effect.

10. FORCE MAJEURE10.1 Neither Party shall be responsible or liable for any failure to fulfil any term or provision of the Conditions if andto the extent that fulfilment has been delayed or temporarily prevented by a force majeure occurrence without the faultor negligence of the Party affected and which, by the exercise of reasonable diligence, the said Party is unable toprovide against.10.2 For the purpose of this clause, force majeure shall mean any circumstance not being within a Party’sreasonable control including, but not limited to: acts of God, natural disasters, epidemics or pandemics, wars, terroristattacks, riots, sabotages, impositions of sanctions, embargoes, nuclear, chemical or biological contaminations, lawsor action taken by a government or public authority, quotas or prohibition, expropriations, destructions of the worksite,explosions, fires, accidents, any labour or trade disputes, strikes or lockouts.

11. CONFIDENTIALITY11.1 The documents and data provided to or prepared by the Society in performing the Services, and the informationmade available to the Society, are treated as confidential except where the information:• is properly and lawfully in the possession of the Society;• is already in possession of the public or has entered the public domain, otherwise than through a breach of thisobligation;• is acquired or received independently from a third party that has the right to disseminate such information;• is required to be disclosed under applicable law or by a governmental order, decree, regulation or rule or by astock exchange authority (provided that the receiving Party shall make all reasonable efforts to give prompt writtennotice to the disclosing Party prior to such disclosure.11.2 The Parties shall use the confidential information exclusively within the framework of their activity underlyingthese Conditions.11.3 Confidential information shall only be provided to third parties with the prior written consent of the other Party.However, such prior consent shall not be required when the Society provides the confidential information to asubsidiary.11.4 Without prejudice to sub-clause 11.1, the Society shall have the right to disclose the confidential information ifrequired to do so under regulations of the International Association of Classifications Societies (IACS) or any statutoryobligations.

12. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY12.1 Each Party exclusively owns all rights to its Intellectual Property created before or after the commencementdate of the Conditions and whether or not associated with any contract between the Parties.12.2 The Intellectual Property developed by the Society for the performance of the Services including, but not limitedto drawings, calculations, and reports shall remain the exclusive property of the Society.

13. ASSIGNMENT13.1 The contract resulting from to these Conditions cannot be assigned or transferred by any means by a Party toany third party without the prior written consent of the other Party.13.2 The Society shall however have the right to assign or transfer by any means the said contract to a subsidiaryof the Bureau Veritas Group.

14. SEVERABILITY14.1 Invalidity of one or more provisions does not affect the remaining provisions.14.2 Definitions herein take precedence over other definitions which may appear in other documents issued by theSociety.14.3 In case of doubt as to the interpretation of the Conditions, the English text shall prevail.

15. GOVERNING LAW AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION15.1 These Conditions shall be construed and governed by the laws of England and Wales.15.2 The Parties shall make every effort to settle any dispute amicably and in good faith by way of negotiation withinthirty (30) days from the date of receipt by either one of the Parties of a written notice of such a dispute.15.3 Failing that, the dispute shall finally be settled under the Rules of Arbitration of the Maritime Arbitration Chamberof Paris (“CAMP”), which rules are deemed to be incorporated by reference into this clause. The number of arbitratorsshall be three (3). The place of arbitration shall be Paris (France). The Parties agree to keep the arbitrationproceedings confidential.

16. PROFESSIONAL ETHICS16.1 Each Party shall conduct all activities in compliance with all laws, statutes, rules, economic and trade sanctions(including but not limited to US sanctions and EU sanctions) and regulations applicable to such Party including butnot limited to: child labour, forced labour, collective bargaining, discrimination, abuse, working hours and minimumwages, anti-bribery, anti-corruption, copyright and trademark protection, personal data protection (https://personaldataprotection.bureauveritas.com/privacypolicy).Each of the Parties warrants that neither it, nor its affiliates, has made or will make, with respect to the mattersprovided for hereunder, any offer, payment, gift or authorization of the payment of any money directly or indirectly, toor for the use or benefit of any official or employee of the government, political party, official, or candidate.16.2 In addition, the Client shall act consistently with the Bureau Veritas’ Code of Ethics.https://group.bureauveritas.com/group/corporate-social-responsibility

l Conditions – Edition September 2018

RULES FOR THE CLASSIFICATION OF OFFSHORE UNITS

Part AClassification and Surveys

Chapters 1 2

Chapter 1 CLASSIFICATION

Chapter 2 MAINTENANCE OF CLASS

December 2016 with Amendments February 2019

Electronic consolidated edition for documentation only. The published Rulesand amendments are the reference text for classification..

2 Bureau Veritas - Rules for Offshore Units December 2016 with Amendments February 2019

CHAPTER 1CLASSIFICATION

Section 1 General Principles of Classification

1 Principles of classification 17

1.1 Purpose of the Rules1.2 General definitions1.3 Meaning of classification, scope and limits1.4 Request for services1.5 Register1.6 Design Criteria Statement1.7 Design life1.8 Non-permanently installed equipment1.9 Attachments of appurtenances

2 Rules 19

2.1 Rule application2.2 Effective date2.3 Equivalence2.4 Novel features2.5 Disagreement and appeal2.6 Risk assessment and Rule application

3 Duties of the Interested Parties 20

3.1 International and national regulations3.2 Surveyor’s intervention3.3 Operation and maintenance of units3.4 Operating Manual3.5 Flag and Port State Control inspections3.6 Use of measuring equipment and of service suppliers3.7 Spare parts

4 Definitions 22

4.1 Offshore units4.2 Propulsion4.3 Units’ structural types4.4 Units’ services4.5 Units’ operation4.6 Temporary mooring and position anchoring4.7 Dimensions and characteristics4.8 Other definitions

Section 2 Classification Notations

1 General 25

1.1 Purpose of the classification notations1.2 Types of notations assigned

2 Class symbol 25

2.1 General

December 2016 with Amendments February 2019 Bureau Veritas - Rules for Offshore Units 3

3 Construction marks 26

3.1 General3.2 List of construction marks

4 Structural type notations and associated additional service features 26

4.1 General

5 Service notations and corresponding additional service features 27

5.1 General5.2 Oil and gas production and related services5.3 Drilling and drilling assistance units5.4 Offshore service vessels5.5 Offshore buoys5.6 Marine Renewable Energy Converters5.7 Special service ( )

6 Additional service features applicable to several structural type or service notations 30

6.1 Station keeping (POSA)6.2 Inert gas systems (INERTGAS)

7 Site, transit and navigation notations 30

7.1 Site notation7.2 Transit notation7.3 Navigation notations7.4 List of navigation notations

8 Additional class notations 31

8.1 General8.2 VeriSTAR and STAR notations8.3 Equipment and facilities8.4 Other additional class notations

9 Other class notations 36

9.1 General

Section 3 Assignment of Class

1 General 37

1.1

2 New building procedure 37

2.1 Units surveyed by the Society during construction2.2 Other cases2.3 Documentation2.4 Construction portfolio

3 Units classed after construction 38

3.1 General3.2 Surveys and documentation

4 Date of initial classification 39

4.1 Definitions


5 Reassignment of class 39

5.1

Section 4 Required Documentation

1 General 40

1.1 Principle1.2 Time of submission1.3 Contents of documentation

2 New built units 40

2.1 Design data2.2 Design calculations2.3 Plans and drawings2.4 Operating manual2.5 Construction portfolio

3 Units classed after construction 44

3.1 General3.2 Operating manual3.3 Structure3.4 Machinery and equipment3.5 Electrical systems3.6 Safety3.7 Drilling equipment (if any)3.8 Oil and gas production equipment (if any)3.9 Additional class notation AUTO3.10 Other additional class notations

Appendix 1 Former Classification Notations

1 General 45

1.1 Correspondence between former and current class notations


CHAPTER 2MAINTENANCE OF CLASS

Section 1 General Provisions Concerning Surveys

1 General principles of surveys 49

1.1 Survey types1.2 Change of periodicity, postponement or advance of surveys1.3 Extension of scope of survey1.4 General procedure of survey1.5 Appointment of another Surveyor1.6 Access for surveys1.7 Remote inspection techniques (RIT)

2 Definitions and procedures related to surveys 50

2.1 General

3 Certificate of Classification: issue, validity, endorsement and renewal 51

3.1 Issue of Certificate of Classification3.2 Validity of Certificate of Classification, maintenance of class3.3 Endorsement of Certificate of Classification3.4 Status of surveys and recommendations

4 Class renewal survey 51

4.1 General principles4.2 Normal survey system (SS)4.3 Continuous survey system (CS)4.4 Planned maintenance survey system for machinery (PMS)

5 Other periodical surveys 53

5.1 Annual surveys5.2 Intermediate surveys5.3 Bottom survey5.4 propeller shaft survey5.5 Boiler survey5.6 Links between anniversary dates and annual surveys, intermediate surveys and

class renewal surveys

6 Occasional surveys 54

6.1 General6.2 Damage survey6.3 Repairs6.4 Reactivation surveys6.5 Alterations6.6 Welding and replacement of materials

7 Change of ownership 55

7.1

8 Lay-up and re-commissioning 55

8.1 General principles

9 Conversions - Feasibility study 56

9.1 General


Section 2 Annual Survey

1 General 57

1.1 Application

2 Hull 57

2.1 Hull and hull equipment

3 Machinery and systems 58

3.1 General machinery installations3.2 Boilers3.3 Electrical machinery and equipment3.4 Column stabilized units and TLP3.5 Fire protection, detection and extinction3.6 Hazardous areas3.7 Other safety equipment

Section 3 Intermediate Survey

1 General 61

1.1 Application

2 Hull 61

2.1 Survey2.2 Units with particular structure2.3 Units including hazardous areas

Section 4 Class Renewal Survey

1 General 63

1.1 Application

2 Hull and hull equipment 63

2.1 Bottom survey 2.2 Decks, hatch covers and equipment2.3 Internal spaces2.4 Tanks2.5 Thickness measurements2.6 Critical areas2.7 Lightweight survey

3 Machinery and systems 69

3.1 General3.2 Main and auxiliary engines and turbines3.3 Reduction gears, main thrust and intermediate shaft(s)3.4 Pumps and other machinery items 3.5 Systems in machinery spaces3.6 Electrical equipment and installations3.7 Controls3.8 Safety instrument, Gas and Fire detection, protection and extinction3.9 Other systems


Section 5 Scope of Surveys for Offshore Drilling Units

1 General 73

1.1 Application1.2 Definition1.3 Repairs

2 Annual survey 74

2.1 Schedule2.2 Scope2.3 Annual survey - Hull, structure and equipment2.4 Annual survey - Machinery2.5 Annual survey - Electrical equipment2.6 Annual survey - Shipboard automatic and remote control systems2.7 Annual survey - Special features

3 Intermediate survey 75

3.1 Schedule3.2 Scope3.3 Ballast spaces3.4 Critical areas3.5 Electrical equipment in hazardous areas

4 Class renewal survey 77

4.1 Schedule4.2 Scope4.3 Class renewal survey No.1 - Hull structure and equipment4.4 Class renewal survey No.2 and subsequent class renewal surveys - Hull,

structure and equipment4.5 Class renewal surveys - Machinery4.6 Class renewal survey - Electrical equipment4.7 Class renewal survey - Shipboard automatic and remote control systems4.8 Class renewal survey - Special features (all types)

5 Continuous Survey (CS) 81

5.1 General5.2 Scope

6 Alternative 82

6.1

7 Survey of the outside of unit’s bottom (bottom survey) and related items 82

7.1 Schedule7.2 Parts to be examined7.3 Specific requirements for in-water survey in lieu of drydocking survey for

mobile offshore drilling units

8 Items related to drilling equipment 83

8.1 Application8.2 Annual survey and class renewal survey

9 Propulsion system surveys (propeller shaft surveys) 83

9.1 General9.2 Extension of intervals of propeller shaft surveys9.3 Other propulsion systems


10 Boilers survey 84

10.1 General10.2 Scope

11 Survey preplanning and record keeping 84

11.1 General11.2 Survey program11.3 Plans and procedures

12 Occasional surveys 84

12.1 General12.2 Lay-up and reactivation surveys12.3 Damage survey12.4 Repairs12.5 Alterations12.6 Welding and replacement of materials

13 Preparation for survey 85

13.1 Conditions for survey13.2 Access to structures13.3 Equipment for survey13.4 Survey offshore or at anchorage

Section 6 Additionnal Surveys Related to Storage Area of Oil Storage Units

1 General 86

1.1 Application1.2 Documentation on board

2 Annual survey - Hull items 86

2.1 Weather decks2.2 Crude oil storage pump rooms 2.3 Ballast tanks

3 Annual survey - Crude oil storage machinery items 87

3.1 Storage area and crude oil pump rooms3.2 Instrumentation and safety devices3.3 Fire-fighting systems in storage area

4 Intermediate survey - Hull items 88

4.1 Units 15 years of age or less4.2 Units over 15 years of age

5 Intermediate survey - Crude oil storage machinery items 88

5.1 Storage area and crude oil pump rooms

6 Class renewal survey - Hull items 89

6.1 Survey program and preparation for hull survey6.2 Scope of survey6.3 Overall and close-up surveys6.4 Thickness measurements6.5 Tank testing6.6 Storage area and crude oil pump rooms


7 Class renewal survey - Crude oil storage machinery items 98

7.1 Storage area and crude oil pump rooms7.2 Fire-fighting systems in crude oil storage area

Section 7 Additional Surveys Related to Storage Area of Gas Storage Units

1 General 99

1.1 Application

2 Annual survey - Hull items 99

2.1 General2.2 Weather decks and storage handling rooms2.3 Other arrangements or devices2.4 Ballast tanks

3 Annual survey - Storage machinery items 100

3.1 Storage area and pump rooms3.2 Instrumentation and safety devices3.3 Fire-fighting systems in storage area

4 Intermediate survey - Hull items 100

4.1 General4.2 Weather decks and storage installation4.3 Storage tanks and salt water ballast tanks

5 Intermediate survey - Storage machinery items 101

5.1 Storage area and pump rooms5.2 Instrumentation and safety devices

6 Class renewal survey - Hull items 102

6.1 Survey programme6.2 Scope of survey6.3 Overall and close-up surveys6.4 Thickness measurements6.5 Tank testing6.6 Storage tank structure6.7 Weather decks and storage handling rooms

7 Class renewal survey - Storage machinery items 105

7.1 Storage area, storage pump rooms, storage compressor rooms7.2 Fire-fighting systems in storage area

Section 8 Survey of Underwater Parts and Temporary Mooring Equipment

1 Scope of survey 107

1.1 Structure and appurtenances1.2 Temporary Mooring equipment1.3 Propulsion and manoeuvring

2 In-water surveys 108

2.1 General2.2 Arrangements for in-water surveys


Section 9 Other Surveys

1 Survey of inert gas and hydrocarbon blanketing installations 109

1.1 General1.2 Annual survey1.3 Intermediate survey1.4 Class renewal survey

2 Survey of additional class notation AUTO 110

2.1 Annual survey2.2 Class renewal survey

3 Survey of additional service feature POSA, POSA-HR, POSA JETTY and POSA MU 110

3.1 Periodical surveys

4 Survey of production units 110

4.1 Application4.2 Survey requirements for units assigned with service notation oil production unit4.3 Survey requirements for additional class notation PROC, PROC-GL and PROC-

GP

5 Survey of swivels and production riser systems 111

5.1 Application5.2 Swivel systems5.3 Production riser systems

6 Survey of additional class notations COMF HEALTH-NOISE-g-SIS and COMF HEALTH-VIB-g-SIS 112

6.1 General6.2 Annual survey6.3 Class renewal survey

7 Survey of additional class notation DRILL 112

7.1 Application

8 Survey of additional class notation OHS 112


9 Survey of service notation Lifting 112

9.1 General9.2 Annual survey9.3 Class renewal survey

10 Survey of additional class notation HEL 112

10.1 Application10.2 Annual survey

11 Survey of additional class notation OAS 113



Section 10 Suspension and Withdrawal of Class

1 General 114

1.1 Discontinuance of class1.2 Suspension of class1.3 Withdrawal of class1.4 Suspension/withdrawal of additional class notations

Appendix 1 Thickness Measurements: Extent, Determination of Locations, Acceptance Criteria

1 General 116

1.1 Aim of the Appendix1.2 Scope of the Appendix

2 Extent of measurements 116

2.1 General

3 Number and locations of measurements 117

3.1 General3.2 Locations of points

4 Acceptance criteria for thickness measurements 125

4.1 General4.2 Criteria4.3 Longitudinal strength criteria for surface unit4.4 Yield criteria for column stabilized units and TLP4.5 Yield criteria for self-elevating units4.6 Yield criteria for critical area4.7 Buckling strength criterion4.8 Pitting


Part AClassification and Surveys

CHAPTER 1

CLASSIFICATION

SECTION 1 GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF CLASSIFICATION

SECTION 2 CLASSIFICATION NOTATIONS

SECTION 3 ASSIGNMENT OF CLASS

SECTION 4 REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

APPENDIX 1 FORMER CLASSIFICATION NOTATIONS


Pt A, Ch 1, Sec 1

SECTION 1 GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF CLASSIFICATION

1 Principles of classification

1.1 Purpose of the Rules

1.1.1 The present Rules give the requirements for theassignment and the maintenance of classification for off-shore units.

Note 1: The general conditions of classification are laid down inthe Marine & Offshore Division General Conditions.

1.1.2 The application criteria of the different parts of thepresent Rules are the following:

• Part A - Classification Surveys, which applies to all units

• Part B - Structural Safety, Part C - Facilities, Part D - Ser-vice Notations, which apply to offshore units of weldedsteel construction. Where necessary, the extent of appli-cation is more precisely defined in each chapter of theseparts.

The classification of units other than those dealt with in theabove-mentioned Part B, Part C and Part D is covered byspecific Rules published by the Society.

1.2 General definitions

1.2.1 The following general definitions are used in theseRules:

• Society means the Classification Society with which theunit is classed

• Rules means the present Rules for the Classification ofOffshore Units and documents issued by the Societyserving the same purpose

• Ship Rules means the Rules for the Classification of SteelShips (NR467)

• Surveyor means the technical staff acting on behalf ofthe Society to perform tasks in relation to classificationand survey duties

• Survey means an intervention by the Surveyor forassignment or maintenance of class, or interventions bythe Surveyor within the limits of the tasks delegated bythe Administrations

• Administration means the Government of the Statewhose flag the unit is entitled to fly or the State underwhose authority the unit is operating in the specific case

• Interested Party means a party, other than the Society,having responsibility for the classification of the unit,such as the Owners of a unit and his representatives, orthe Shipbuilder, or the Engine Builder, or the Supplier ofparts to be tested

• Owner means the Registered Owner or the DisponentOwner or the Manager or any other party having theresponsibility to keep the unit seaworthy, having par-ticular regard to the provisions relating to the mainte-nance of class laid down in Part A, Chapter 2

• Approval means the review by the Society of documents,procedures or other items related to classification, verify-ing solely their compliance with the relevant Rulesrequirements, or other referentials where requested.

• Type approval means an approval process for verifyingcompliance with the Rules of a product, a group ofproducts or a system, and considered by the Society asrepresentative of continuous production.

• Essential services mean services necessary for a unit tooperate at site, be steered or manoeuvred, or undertakeactivities connected with its operation, and for the safetyof life, as far as class is concerned.

1.2.2 Date of “contract for construction”The date of “contract for construction” of a unit is the dateon which the contract to build the unit is signed betweenthe Owner and the Shipbuilder. This date is normally to bedeclared to the Society by the Interested Party applying forthe assignment of class to a new unit.

1.3 Meaning of classification, scope and limits

1.3.1 Classification processThe classification process consists of:

• the development of Rules, guidance notes and otherdocuments relevant to the structure, material, equip-ment, machinery and other items covered by such docu-ments

• the review of plans and calculations and the surveys,checks and tests intended to demonstrate that the unitmeets the Rules (refer to Ch 1, Sec 3)

• the assignment of class (see Ch 1, Sec 2) and issue of aCertificate of Classification, where compliance with theabove Rules is found

• the periodical, occasional and class renewal surveys per-formed to record that the unit in service meets the condi-tions for maintenance of class (see Part A, Chapter 2).

1.3.2 Other partiesThe Rules, surveys performed, reports, certificates and otherdocuments issued by the Society, are in no way intended toreplace or alleviate the duties and responsibilities of otherparties such as Administrations, Designers, Shipbuilders,Manufacturers, Repairers, Suppliers, Contractors or Sub-contractors, actual or prospective Owners or Operators,Charterers, Brokers, Cargo-owners and Underwriters.


Pt A, Ch 1, Sec 1

The activities of such parties which fall outside the scope ofthe classification as set out in the Rules, such as design,engineering, manufacturing, operating alternatives, choiceof type and power of machinery and equipment, numberand qualification of crew or operating personnel, lines ofthe unit in case of a surface unit, trim, hull vibrations, spareparts including their number, location and fasteningarrangements, life-saving appliances (except if LSA addi-tional class notation, as defined in Ch 1, Sec 2, [8.3.5], isassigned), and maintenance equipment, remain thereforethe responsibility of those parties, even if these matters maybe given consideration for classification according to thetype of unit or additional class notation assigned.

1.3.3 Certificate of Classification

The class assigned to a unit by the Society following itsinterventions is embodied in a Certificate of Classificationand noted in the appropriate Register.

At a certain date the class of a unit is maintained or regularwhen no surveys are overdue, when the conditions for sus-pension of class are not met and when the class is not with-drawn nor suspended. Otherwise the class is irregular.Attention is drawn on the fact that a unit holding a validCertificate of Classification may be in an irregular classposition.

1.3.4 Site conditions and related operating procedures

• It is incumbent to the Owners/Operators to perform thenecessary investigations, including environmental andgeotechnical surveys, prior to operating the unit at agiven site.

• For permanent units, Owner/Operator is to provide sup-porting information to give evidence to the Society thatthe proposed design criteria are an adequate representa-tions of the actual conditions on site, including bothenvironmental and soil conditions.

• For other units, these investigations are to be conductedin order to ascertain that the actual conditions met atthe contemplated operating site remain on the safetyside when compared to design data and assumptions,particularly those listed in the Design Criteria Statement.

Such site assessment is however not part of classifica-tion, which also does not cover the assessment of seabottom conditions and geotechnical investigations orthe assessment of possible sea floor movement.

• The procedures to be used for the unit's positioning,anchors setting and retrieving, legs lowering and jack-ing, preloading, jetting and other related operations arenot part of Classification. It is the responsibility of theOwner, or of the Operator if distinct from the Owner, toascertain that the said procedures and their implementa-tion satisfy the design criteria of the unit and the designof the related equipment.

For permanent units, above procedures are only consid-ered in so far as they could affect the safety or integrityof completed installation on site.

• For other classification limits applicable to operatingprocedures, refer to Part B, Chapter 2.

1.3.5 Classification restrictionsWhen the design data and assumptions specified by theparty applying for classification do not comply with theapplicable Rule requirements, restrictions may be placedupon the unit's class.

When deemed necessary, restrictions may be placed on theduration of the operating life of the unit.

Class restrictions, if any, are to be endorsed as a Memoran-dum and are to be incorporated in the Operating Manualprescribed in [3.4].

1.4 Request for services

1.4.1 Requests for interventions by the Society, such as sur-veys during construction, surveys of units in service, tests,etc., are in principle to be submitted in writing and signedby the Interested Party. Such request implies that the appli-cant will abide by all the relevant requirements of the Rules,including the Marine Division General Conditions.

The Society reserves the right to refuse or withdraw the classof any unit for which any applicable requirement of theRules is not complied with.

1.5 Register

1.5.1 A Register is published periodically by the Society.This publication, which is updated by the Society, containsthe names of units which have received the Certificate ofClassification, as well as particulars of the class assignedand information concerning each unit.

1.6 Design Criteria Statement

1.6.1 GeneralClassification is based upon the design data or assumptionsspecified by the party applying for classification.

A Design Criteria Statement is to list the service(s) per-formed by the unit and the design conditions and otherassumptions on the basis of which class is assigned to theunit.

The Design Criteria Statement is issued by the Society,based on information provided by the party applying forclassification.

The Design Criteria Statement is to be referred to in a Mem-orandum.

The Design Criteria Statement is to be incorporated in theOperating Manual as prescribed in [3.4].

1.6.2 Unit’s activitiesThe Design Criteria Statement is to list the main services forwhich the unit is designed, the service notation and othernotations assigned to the unit.

The nature of the unit's activity is to be duly accounted forin the application of the present Rules, as far as classifica-tion is concerned.

The Design Criteria Statement is to mention when the unitis, or is part of, a permanent unit, and will make referenceto the applicable site data.


Pt A, Ch 1, Sec 1

1.6.3 Structural design criteria

The Design Criteria Statement is to list the necessary datapertaining to the structural design of the unit for the differ-ent conditions of operation of the unit, according to provi-sions of Part B, Chapter 2.

Note 1: Transit of non self-propelled units is covered by classifica-tion as regards only the unit's structural overall and local strengthas well as stability. All other aspects relating to towing are reviewedonly on special request for a towage survey.

Note 2: As regards design of the foundations of equipment, classifi-cation is based upon the data submitted by the party applying forclassification, under the format called for by the Rules.

1.6.4 Machinery, electrical and other system design conditions

The party applying for classification is to submit the necessarydescription, diagrammatic plans, design data of all systems,including those used solely for the service (drilling, pipelay-ing, lifting, etc.) performed by the unit and, where applicable,their cross connections with other systems. The submitteddata are to incorporate all information necessary to theassessment of the unit for the purpose of the assignment ofclass or for the assignment of additional class notations.

In accordance with [1.6.1] the party applying for classifica-tion is to give an estimation of electric balance for the differ-ent conditions of operation of the unit. The specificationsare to list all important equipment and apparatus, their rat-ing and the power factors as applicable.

1.7 Design life

1.7.1 Definition

For classification, a “design life” for structural strength andintegrity assessment of unit hull and mooring is to be speci-fied by the Party applying for classification at the time ofdesign and construction. The default and minimum valueusually considered is 20 years.

In particular, the “design life” should be taken into accountin the predictions of corrosion protection and fatiguestrength, in conjunction with appropriate safety factors.

1.7.2 Unit modification

Unit modification may be required during the unit life. Insuch a case, the Owner and/or the operator are/is to carry outan assessment of the impact of modifications on the existingunit. The assessment is to be submitted to the Society.

The review of the assessment may result in requirement fora more comprehensive re-assessment due to the extent andimpact of the modification and taking into account the unitage and condition.

1.7.3 Unit re-assessment

A complete re-assessment of the unit condition may berequired in the following cases:

• if operating life is expected beyond “design life”

• deficiencies revealed during operation

• major modification.

The re-assessment is to address the actual situation (condi-tion, modifications) of the unit and the current knowledgein site environmental conditions.

Classification requirements as result of the re-assessment,given in terms of required repair/renewal work, surveys,plan approval, possible limited class period, etc., will beevaluated on a case by case basis.

1.8 Non-permanently installed equipment

1.8.1 General

Non-permanent equipment means equipment not remain-ing on board during the operation of the offshore unit butinstalled periodically for the purpose of specific works.

1.8.2 Classed equipment

The Owner is to inform the Society about any classedequipment or part of classed equipment which is returnedonshore for storage, modifications, repair or maintenance.

As a rule, the classed equipment is to be tested onshore aftermodifications, repair or maintenance, in accordance withthe rules applicable for the classification of the equipment.

A release statement (attestation) is to be issued upon satis-factory completion of tests and visual examination.

The release statement is to be maintained on board the unitfor verification during classification surveys.

1.8.3 Non-classed equipment

Unless otherwise specified, non-classed equipment whichis not permanently installed and is used solely for opera-tional activities is not covered by the rules.

1.9 Attachments of appurtenances

1.9.1 The attachments of appurtenances to the hull arewithin the scope of classification if the supported equip-ment is either within the scope of classification or essentialfor the safety of the unit.

Otherwise, the interface between classed and non-classedparts is to be defined on a case-by-case basis.

2 Rules

2.1 Rule application

2.1.1 The requirements of the present Rules are applicableto all offshore units, as defined in [4], unless a specific state-ment to the contrary is made.

Requirements of the present Rules may be made applicableto other units, when deemed appropriate by the Society.

The designer is to contact the Society for information aboutany amendments to these Rules.

The present Rules are not applicable to bottom foundedfixed platforms.


Pt A, Ch 1, Sec 1

2.2 Effective date

2.2.1 The effective date of entry into force of any amend-ments to the Rules is indicated on the inside front page ofthe Rules or in the relevant Section.

2.2.2 In principle, the applicable Rules for assignment ofclass to a new unit are those in force at the date of contractfor construction.

2.2.3 Special consideration may be given to applying newor modified rule requirements which entered into force sub-sequent to the date of contract for construction, at the dis-cretion of the Society and in the following cases:

• when a justified written request is received from theparty applying for classification

• when the keel is not yet laid and more than one year haselapsed since the contract for construction was signed

• where it is intended to use existing previously approvedplans for a new contract.

2.2.4 The above procedures for application of the Rulesare, in principle, also applicable to existing units in the caseof major conversions and, in the case of alterations, to thealtered parts of the unit.

2.2.5 The rule requirements related to assignment, mainte-nance and withdrawal of the class of units already in opera-tion are applicable from the date of their entry into force.

2.3 Equivalence

2.3.1 The Society may consider the acceptance of alterna-tives to these Rules, provided that they are deemed to beequivalent to the Rules to the satisfaction to the Society.

The Society may accept surveys and approval done byAdministration or by a recognised organisation, concerningfire prevention, ventilation systems, means of escape inaccommodation and service spaces. In such a case, sup-porting documents are to be transmitted to the Society.

2.3.2 Risk Based Inspection (RBI) may be considered as anelement in application of [2.3.1].

2.3.3 On a case by case basis and upon request from theOwner, a specific in-service inspection programme may beapproved by the Society, as an alternative to these Rules.

2.4 Novel features

2.4.1 The Society may consider the classification of unitsbased on or applying novel design principles or features, towhich the Rules are not directly applicable, on the basis ofexperiments, calculations or other supporting informationprovided to the Society. Specific limitations may then beindicated on a memorandum.

2.5 Disagreement and appeal

2.5.1 Any technical disagreement with the Surveyor in con-nection with the performance of his duties should be raisedby the Interested Party as soon as possible.

The Interested Party may appeal in writing to the Society,which will subsequently consider the matter and announceits decision according to its established procedure.

2.6 Risk assessment and Rule application

2.6.1 As an alternative to the full application of the presentprescriptive rules, a hazard analysis approach may be used tojustify deviations or modifications from Rule requirements.

2.6.2 This alternative approach is authorised and encour-aged as far as the class is concerned, under reserve of theagreement of the Owner when it leads to deviation from theRules. Regarding the application to statutory requirements,attention is drawn upon the necessary agreement of the flagand/or coastal Authorities.

2.6.3 The risk levels obtained by the arrangement resultingfrom the analysis are to be as low as reasonably practicable.

2.6.4 It is to be noted that the use of prescriptive rules is notcontradictory with the use in parallel of analytical methods,the rules deriving from collection and analysis of past expe-rience.

2.6.5 The analysis is to be documented and a complete fileis to be submitted to the Society for agreement.

3 Duties of the Interested Parties

3.1 International and national regulations

3.1.1 The classification of a unit does not relieve the Inter-ested Party from compliance with any requirements issuedby Administrations.

3.1.2 Where requirements of International Conventions,such as SOLAS, ILLC, MARPOL, ILO or of IMO AssemblyResolutions, are quoted as excerpts, they are printed in italictype replacing the word “Administration” by “Society”.

These requirements are quoted for ease of reference.

3.1.3 When authorised by the Administration concerned,the Society will act on its behalf within the limits of suchauthorisation. In this respect, the Society will take intoaccount the relevant national requirements, survey the unit,report and issue or contribute to the issue of the corre-sponding certificates.

The above surveys do not fall within the scope of the classi-fication of units, even though their may overlap in part andmay be carried out concurrently with surveys for assign-ment or maintenance of class.


Pt A, Ch 1, Sec 1

3.1.4 In the case of a discrepancy between the provisionsof the applicable international and national regulations andthose of the Rules, normally, the former take precedence.However, the Society reserves the right to call for the neces-sary adaptation to preserve the intention of the Rules or toapply the provisions of [1.4.1].

3.2 Surveyor’s intervention

3.2.1 Surveyors are to be given free access at all times tounits which are classed or being classed, shipyards andworks, to carry out their interventions within the scope ofassignment or maintenance of class, or within the scope ofinterventions carried out on behalf of Administrations,when so delegated.

Free access is also to be given to auditors accompanying theSurveyors of the Society within the scope of the audits asrequired in pursuance of the Society’s internal Quality Sys-tem or as required by external organizations.

3.2.2 Interested Parties are to take the necessary measuresfor the Surveyors’ inspections and testing to be carried outsafely. Interested Parties - irrespective of the nature of theservice provided by the Surveyors of the Society or othersacting on its behalf - assume with respect to such Surveyorsall the responsibility of an employer for his workforce suchas to meet the provisions of applicable legislation. As a rule,the Surveyor is to be constantly accompanied during sur-veys by personnel of the Interested Party.

Interested Parties are to inform promptly the Surveyor ofdefects or problems in relation to class.

Refer also to the Ship Rules, Pt A, Ch 2, Sec 2, [2.5] to Pt A,Ch 2, Sec 2, [2.8].

3.2.3 The Certificate of Classification and/or other docu-ments issued by the Society remain the property of the Soci-ety. All certificates and documents necessary to theSurveyor’s interventions are to be made available by theInterested Party to the Surveyor on request.

3.2.4 During the phases of unit design and construction,due consideration should be given to rule requirements inrespect of all necessary arrangements for access to spacesand structures with a view to carrying out class surveys.Arrangements of a special nature are to be brought to theattention of the Society.

3.3 Operation and maintenance of units

3.3.1 The classification of a unit is based on the under-standing that the unit is loaded and operated in a propermanner by competent and qualified crew or operating per-sonnel according to the environmental, loading, operatingand other criteria on which classification is based.

In particular, it will be assumed that the draught of the unitin operating conditions will not exceed that correspondingto the freeboard assigned or the maximum approved for theclassification, that the unit will be properly loaded takinginto account both its stability and the stresses imposed onits structures and that cargoes will be properly stowed and

suitably secured and that the speed and course of the unitare adapted to the prevailing sea and weather conditions,according to the normal prudent seamanship.

In the same way, it will be assumed that the draught of theunit in operating conditions will not be lower than the min-imum draught approved for the classification.

3.3.2 Units are to be maintained at all times, at the dili-gence of the Owners, in proper condition complying withinternational safety and pollution prevention regulations.

3.3.3 Any document issued by the Society in relation to itsinterventions reflects the condition of the unit as found atthe time and within the scope of the survey. It is the Inter-ested Party’s responsibility to ensure proper maintenance ofthe unit until the next survey required by the Rules. It is theduty of the Interested Party to inform the Surveyor when heboards the unit of any events or circumstances affecting theclass.

3.4 Operating Manual

3.4.1 An Operating Manual, which includes instructionsregarding the safe operation of the unit and of the systemsand equipment fitted on the unit, is to be placed onboardthe unit.

The Operating Manual is to incorporate a dedicated sectioncontaining all information relating to classification, particu-larly environmental, loading and other design criteria aswell as classification restrictions. The Operating Manual isto be, at all times, placed on board the unit and made avail-able to all concerned. A copy of the Operating Manual is tobe retained ashore by the Owners of the unit or their repre-sentatives.

It is the responsibility of the Interested Party to prepare thecontents of the Operating Manual.

3.4.2 The Operating Manual is to be submitted for review tothe Society, this review being limited to checking that theclassification related material contained in the dedicated sec-tion mentioned in [3.4.1] is consistent with data given in theDesign Criteria Statement (see [1.6] and Part B, Chapter 2).

3.4.3 When a construction portfolio is not required accord-ing to Ch 1, Sec 3, [2.4], the Operating Manual is to containall reviewed drawings relative to structural strength, stabil-ity, fire and explosion safety.

3.5 Flag and Port State Control inspections

3.5.1 Where defects are found further to an inspection byan Administration in pursuance of Port State Control or sim-ilar programmes, Owners are to:

• immediately report the outcome of this inspection to theSociety, and

• ask the Society to perform an occasional survey in orderto verify that the deficiencies, when related to the classof the unit or to the statutory certificates issued by theSociety on behalf of the flag Administration, are recti-fied and/or the necessary repair work is carried outwithin the due time.


Pt A, Ch 1, Sec 1

3.6 Use of measuring equipment and of ser-vice suppliers

3.6.1 General

Firms providing services on behalf of the Interested Party,such as measurements, tests and servicing of safety systemsand equipment, the results of which may form the basis forthe Surveyor’s decisions, are subject to the acceptance ofthe Society, as deemed necessary.

The equipment used during tests and inspections in work-shops, shipyards and on board units, the results of whichmay form the basis for the Surveyor’s decisions, is to be cus-tomary for the checks to be performed. Firms are to individ-ually identify and calibrate to a national or internationalstandard each piece of such equipment.

3.6.2 Simple measuring equipment

The Surveyor may accept simple measuring equipment (e.g.rulers, tape measures, weld gauges, micrometers) withoutindividual identification or confirmation of calibration, pro-vided it is of standard commercial design, properly main-tained and periodically compared with other similarequipment or test pieces.

3.6.3 Onboard measuring equipment

The Surveyor may accept measuring equipment fitted onboard a unit (e.g. pressure, temperature or rpm gauges andmeters) and used in examination of onboard machineryand/or equipment based either on calibration records orcomparison of readings with multiple instruments.

3.7 Spare parts

3.7.1 It is the Owner’s responsibility to decide whether andwhich spare parts are to be carried on board.

3.7.2 As spare parts are outside the scope of classification,the Surveyor will not check that they are kept on board,maintained in a satisfactory condition, or suitably protectedand lashed.

However, in the case of repairs or replacement, the spareparts used are to meet the requirements of the Rules as faras practicable.

4 Definitions

4.1 Offshore units

4.1.1 For the purpose of the application of the presentRules, an offshore unit is defined as a unit fulfilling simulta-neously the following conditions:

• to be designed for use in connection with offshorerecovery of subsea resources including but not limitedto hydrocarbons

• to be of a normally floating type, or to be so designed asto be capable of being moved from one operating site toanother in a floating mode.

Other units, not fulfilling the above, may be also consideredas offshore units, where deemed appropriate by the Society.

The present Rules are not applicable to bottom foundedfixed platforms.

4.2 Propulsion

4.2.1 Self-propelled units

A self-propelled unit is a unit capable of unassisted transitbetween different geographic locations.

Note 1: Units capable of short moves from one operating locationto another close one are not considered as self-propelled units.

4.2.2 National and international regulations

The Owners' attention is drawn to different national orinternational regulations applicable to self-propelled units.

4.3 Units’ structural types

4.3.1 Surface units

Surface units, for the application of the present Rules, arefloating units designed with a displacement-type single hull.

A ship is a self-propelled surface unit.

A barge is a non propelled surface unit.

Note 1: This structural type generally excludes the self-elevatingunits.

4.3.2 Submersible units

A submersible unit is a unit capable of being designed torest on the sea bed under working condition and capable,when deballasted to be kept afloat in a semi-submergedposition.

4.3.3 Column stabilized units

Column stabilized units are designed with their main deck,which supports most of the equipment, connected to under-water hulls or footings by columns. Bracings may be pro-vided between the lower hulls or footings, the columns andthe deck structure.

4.3.4 Self-elevating units

Self-elevating or jack-up units are designed with legs capa-ble of being lowered to the sea bed and of raising the unithull, which supports the equipment, above the sea surface.

The unit's legs may be of a shell (cylindrical) or truss (tubu-lar or structural sections) type. The legs may be equippedwith a lower mat or with footings designed to penetrate thesea bed.

The unit's legs may be vertical or slanted.

4.3.5 SPAR

A SPAR is a floating structure consisting of a large diametersingle vertical cylinder supporting fixed platform topside.

4.3.6 Tension Leg Platform (TLP)

Tension leg platforms (TLP) are buoyant structures verticallymoored, wherein the excess buoyancy of the platformmaintains tension in the mooring system (tether, tendon).


Pt A, Ch 1, Sec 1

4.3.7 BuoysA buoy is a floating body, not normally manned, generallyof a cylindrical shape, and fitted with mooring equipmentas necessary to perform the mooring of a vessel and ensur-ing fluid transfer between production and/or storage unit oronshore installation and the moored vessel.

It is composed of the following main parts:

• a hull providing buoyancy and stability

• a rotating part to which the vessel is moored and thatallows weathervaning

• a fixed part to which the mooring lines and underbuoypipes are connected.

Note 1: The hull may be either the rotating part or the fixed part.

4.3.8 Other structural typesUnits of other structural types will be given special consid-eration.

4.3.9 Structural type notationsThe structural type notations corresponding to the structuraltypes described in [4.3] are defined in Ch 1, Sec 2, [4].

4.4 Units’ services

4.4.1 Drilling and drilling assistanceFor the purpose of the present Rules, drilling includes drill-ing activities for the exploration of the seabed and/orexploitation of subsea resources including but not limited tohydrocarbons.

For the purpose of the present Rules, drilling assistanceincludes activities related to drilling without involving theuse of a drilling derrick, such as mud treatment, tendering,well remedial or other servicing activities, etc.

The following types of drilling units are considered:

• Self-elevating drilling units

Self-elevating drilling units have hulls with sufficientbuoyancy to safely transport the unit to the desired loca-tion, after which the hull is raised to a predeterminedelevation above the sea surface on its legs, which aresupported on the sea bed. Drilling equipment and sup-plies may be transported on the unit, or may be addedto the unit in its elevated position. The legs of such unitsmay penetrate the sea bed, may be fitted with enlargedsections or footings to reduce penetration, or may beattached to a bottom pad or mat.

• Column stabilized drilling units

Column stabilized drilling units depend upon the buoy-ancy of widely spaced columns for flotation and stabil-ity for all afloat modes of operation or in the raising orlowering of the unit, as may be applicable. The columnsare connected at their top to an upper structure support-ing the drilling equipment. Lower hulls or footings maybe provided at the bottom of the columns for additionalbuoyancy or to provide sufficient area to support theunit on the sea bed. Bracing members of tubular orstructural sections may be used to connect the columns,lower hulls or footings and to support the upper struc-ture. Drilling operations may be carried out in the float-ing condition, in which condition the unit is described

as a semi-submersible, or when the unit is supported bythe sea bed, in which condition the unit is described asa submersible. A semi-submersible unit may bedesigned to operate either floating or supported by thesea bed, provided each type of operation has beenfound to be satisfactory.

• Surface type drilling units

- Ship type drilling units are seagoing ship-shapedunits having a displacement-type hull or hulls, of thesingle, catamaran or trimaran types, which havebeen designed or converted for drilling operations inthe floating condition. Such types have propulsionmachinery.

- Barge type drilling units are seagoing units having adisplacement type hull or hulls, which have beendesigned or converted for drilling operations in thefloating condition. These units have no propulsionmachinery.

• Other types of drilling units

Units which are designed as mobile offshore drillingunits and which do not fall into the above mentionedcategories will be treated on an individual basis and beassigned an appropriate classification designation.

4.4.2 Oil and gas production and related servicesFor the purpose of the present Rules:

• production means processing of oil/gas well effluentsprior to exporting or storage

• storage means storage (in significant quantities) ofhydrocarbons (oil, gas), or other subsea resources, priorto exporting

• offloading means facilities to transfer stored hydrocar-bons to shuttle ships or to pipelines.

4.4.3 Other servicesOther services are purposes other than drilling, productionand related activities, i.e.:

• construction, maintenance and support activities: lifting,pipe laying, diving support, accommodation and jacketlaunching

• other services which may be defined by the party apply-ing for classification.

4.4.4 Service notationsThe service notations corresponding to the servicesdescribed in [4.4] are defined in Ch 1, Sec 2, [4].

4.5 Units’ operation

4.5.1 Nature of the unit

a) Permanent unit

A permanent unit is a unit performing its service for aduration of not less than 5 years on a single site. A per-manent unit is to be assigned with a site notation.

b) Disconnectable permanent unit

A disconnectable permanent unit is a permanent unitable of disengaging from its mooring and riser systemsin extreme environmental or emergency conditions.


Pt A, Ch 1, Sec 1

c) Mobile unit

A mobile unit is a unit which does not correspond todefinitions of items a) and b).

4.5.2 Conditions of operations

a) Working conditions

Working conditions are conditions wherein a unit is onlocation and performs its service(s), as defined by its ser-vice notation, operational and environmental loadsremaining within design limits corresponding to this(these) service(s). The unit may be floating or supportedby the sea-bed, as applicable.

b) Severe storm conditions

Severe storm conditions are the most severe environ-mental conditions which the unit is designed to with-stand, this unit being floating or supported by the sea-bed, as applicable. These conditions may discontinuethe activities of the unit (for drilling units, the riser maybe disconnected; for pipelaying units, the pipe may bedisconnected and the stinger raised; for crane barges,the boom may be laid down in its cradle, etc.).

c) Transit conditions

Transit condition is condition wherein a unit is movingfrom one location to another.

Transit includes short duration field moves, betweenlocations in close proximity, and ocean transit, forwhich a specific preparation of the unit is generallyneeded.

The unit may be self-floating or supported by a transpor-tation barge or vessel, as applicable. Some design limitsto environmental loads may be specified.

The initial transportation to site of a permanent unit isalso considered as a transit condition.

4.6 Temporary mooring and position anchoring

4.6.1 Temporary mooringSurface units may be provided with classical temporarymooring equipment.

The Owners' attention is drawn to applicable national regu-lations regarding mooring of surface units, particularly self-propelled units.

4.6.2 Station keepingStation keeping herein means deep sea or location mooringand/or dynamic positioning.

The purpose of positioning equipment and machinery is tomaintain the unit on location, within station keepingrequirements, in view of its designed functions.

Station keeping may be either passive, by means of catenaryequipment (position anchoring) or active (dynamic position-ing) or may involve a combination of these.

Additional class notations and service features correspond-ing to position anchoring and to dynamic positioning aredealt with in Ch 1, Sec 2, [6.1] and Ch 1, Sec 2, [8.4]respectively.

4.7 Dimensions and characteristics

4.7.1 Water depth

The nominal water depth is the vertical distance from thesea bed to a reference sea surface level (such as the ChartDatum).

The design maximum water depth is the vertical distancefrom the sea bed to the highest still water surface, includingastronomical tide and storm (wind and pressure differential)tide.

4.7.2 Dimensions

Except for surface units, all dimensions such as length,breadth, depth relate to overall dimensions, measured with-out taking into account locally protruding elements (forinstance stinger foundations, anchor racks, fenders, etc.).

For surface units, definitions of breadth, moulded depth andblock coefficient given in the Ship Rules are applicable.

4.7.3 Draughts

The moulded draughts are the vertical distances betweenthe moulded base line and the water lines in different afloatconditions.

Certain components of a unit’s structure, machinery orequipment may extend below the moulded base line.

4.7.4 Lightweight

Lightweight is defined as the weight of the complete unitwith all its permanently installed machinery, equipment andoutfit, including permanent ballast, spare parts normallyretained on board and liquids in machinery and piping totheir normal working level, but does not include liquids instorage or reserve supply tanks, items of consumable or var-iable loads, stores or crew and their effects.

4.7.5 Moulded base line

The moulded base line is a horizontal line extendingthrough the upper surface of the bottom plating.

4.8 Other definitions

4.8.1 International instruments

• SOLAS means the 1974 International Convention for theSafety Of Life At Sea, as amended

• ILLC means the 1966 International Convention on LoadLines, as amended

• MODU Code means the IMO Code for the Constructionand Equipment of Mobile Offshore Drilling Units, asamended

• MARPOL means the 1973 International Convention forPrevention of Pollution from Ships and its 1978 Proto-col, as amended

• COLREG means the 1972 Convention on the Interna-tional Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, asamended.


Pt A, Ch 1, Sec 2

SECTION 2 CLASSIFICATION NOTATIONS

1 General

1.1 Purpose of the classification notations

1.1.1 The classification notations give the scope accordingto which the class of the unit has been based and refer to thespecific rule requirements which are to be complied with fortheir assignment. In particular, the classification notationsare assigned according to the type, service and navigation ofthe unit and other criteria which have been+ provided bythe Interested Party, when applying for classification.

The Society may change the classification notations at anytime, when the information available shows that therequested or already assigned notations are not suitable forthe intended service, navigation and any other criteria takeninto account for classification.

Note 1: Reference should be made to Ch 1, Sec 1, [1.3] on the lim-its of classification and its meaning.

1.1.2 The classification notations assigned to a unit areindicated on the Certificate of Classification, as well as inthe Register published by the Society.

1.1.3 The classification notations applicable to existingunits conform to the Rules of the Society in force at the dateof assignment of class, as indicated in Ch 1, Sec 3. How-ever, the classification notations of existing units may beupdated according to the current Rules, as far as applicable.

1.2 Types of notations assigned

1.2.1 The types of classification notations assigned to a unitare the following:

• class symbol

• construction marks

• structural type notations with additional service fea-tures, as applicable

• service notations with additional service features, asapplicable

• site notation

• transit notation

• navigation notations

• additional class notations.

The different classification notations and their conditions ofassignment are listed in Articles [2] to [9], according to theirtypes.

1.2.2 As an example, the classification notations assigned toa unit may be as follow (the kind of notation shown in brack-ets does not form part of the classification notation indicatedin the Register and on the Certificate of Classification):

I { HULL { MACH(class symbol, construction marks)

offshore barge

(structural type notation)

oil production unit/oil storage

(service notations)

Dalissol field - unrestricted navigation

(site notation/navigation notation)

transit - unrestricted navigation

(transit notation/navigation notation)

{ POSA(additional service features)

{ AUTO { VeriSTAR-HULL { ALM(additional class notation)

2 Class symbol

2.1 General

2.1.1 The class symbol expresses the degree of complianceof the unit with the rule requirements as regards its con-struction and maintenance. There is one class symbol,which is compulsory for every classed unit.

2.1.2 The class symbol I is assigned to units built in accord-ance with the requirements of the Rules or other rules rec-ognised as equivalent, and maintained in a conditionconsidered satisfactory by the Society.

The period of class (or interval between class renewal sur-veys) assigned to class symbol I units is maximum 5 years.Note 1: The class symbol I is to be understood as being the highestclass granted by the Society.

2.1.3 The class symbol II is assigned to units which do notmeet all requirements for class symbol I, but are deemedacceptable to be entered into the Register.

The period of class assigned to class symbol II units is max-imum 3 years.

2.1.4 Except for special cases, class is assigned to a unitonly when the hull, propulsion and auxiliary machineryinstallations, and equipment providing essential serviceshave all been reviewed in relation to the requirements ofthe Rules.


Pt A, Ch 1, Sec 2

3 Construction marks

3.1 General

3.1.1 The construction mark identifies the procedure underwhich the unit and its main equipment or arrangementshave been surveyed for initial assignment of the class. Theprocedures under which the unit is assigned one of the con-struction marks are detailed in Ch 1, Sec 3.

3.1.2 One of the construction marks defined below isassigned separately to the hull of the unit and its append-ages, to the machinery installation, and to some installa-tions for which an additional classification notation isassigned.

The construction mark is placed before the symbol HULL forthe hull, before the symbol MACH for the machinery instal-lations, and before the additional class notation granted,when such a notation is eligible for a construction mark.

If the unit has no machinery installations covered by classi-fication, the symbol MACH is not granted and the construc-tion mark is to be only placed before the symbol HULL.

3.1.3 The construction marks refer to the original conditionof the unit. However, the Society may change the construc-tion mark where the unit is subjected to repairs, conversionor alterations.

3.2 List of construction marks

3.2.1 The mark { is assigned to the relevant part of theunit, when it has been surveyed by the Society during itsconstruction in compliance with the new building proce-dure detailed in Ch 1, Sec 3.

3.2.2 The mark [ is assigned to the relevant part of theunit, when the latter is classed after construction and ischanging class from an IACS Society at the time of theadmission to class.

3.2.3 The mark µ is assigned to the relevant part of the unit,where the procedure for the assignment of classification isother than those detailed in [3.2.1] and [3.2.2], but how-ever deemed acceptable.

4 Structural type notations and associated additional service features

4.1 General

4.1.1 The structural type notation of a unit identifies itsstructural type, as defined in Ch 1, Sec 1, [4.3] to which itbelongs.

At least one of the structural type notations listed in Tab 1 isto be assigned to every classed unit.

4.1.2 A structural type notation may be completed by oneor more additional service features, giving further precisionregarding the type of the unit for which specific rulerequirements are applied.

4.1.3 offshore shipThe structural type notation offshore ship is assigned to self-propelled surface units defined in Ch 1, Sec 1, [4.3.1].

For permanent units, one of the additional service featuresPOSA, POSA-HR or POSA JETTY is to be assigned inaccordance with [6.1]

Mobile units may be assigned the additional service featurePOSA MU as defined in [6.1].

4.1.4 offshore barge The structural type notation offshore barge is assigned to non-propelled surface units defined in Ch 1, Sec 1, [4.3.1].



4.1.5 offshore submersible unitThe structural type notation offshore submersible unit isassigned to units defined in Ch 1, Sec 1, [4.3.2].

4.1.6 column stabilized unitThe structural type notation column stabilized unit isassigned to units defined in Ch 1, Sec 1, [4.3.3].



4.1.7 self-elevating unitThe structural type notation self-elevating unit is assigned tounits defined in Ch 1, Sec 1, [4.3.4].

4.1.8 offshore SPARThe structural type notation offshore SPAR is assigned tounits defined in Ch 1, Sec 1, [4.3.5].

The notation is to be completed by one of the additionalservice features POSA or POSA-HR as defined in [6.1].

4.1.9 offshore TLPThe structural type notation offshore TLP is assigned to unitsdefined in Ch 1, Sec 1, [4.3.6].

The structural type notation offshore TLP is to be completedby one of the following additional service features, asdefined in NR578 Rules for the Classification of Tension LegPlatforms (TLP):

• TLS, Tension Leg SystemIn principle, the additional service feature TLS adoptsthe same level of safety as API RP 2T recommendations.

• TLS PLUS, Tension Leg System PLUS

In addition to the requirements applicable for TLS, theadditional service feature TLS PLUS requires the verifi-cation of tendon legs system under some additionalloading conditions for higher redundancy.

Note 1: The scope of TLS notation can be extended to tandem con-nection with a specific second unit.


Pt A, Ch 1, Sec 2

Table 1 : List of structural type notations and associated additional service features

4.1.10 offshore buoyThe structural type notation offshore buoy may be assignedto units defined in Ch 1, Sec 1, [4.3.7].

The notation is to be completed by one of the additionalservice features POSA or POSA-HR as defined in [6.1].

The specific service notations to be assigned to offshorebuoy are defined in [5.5].

4.1.11 offshore special type unit ( )The structural type notation offshore special type unit ( )may be assigned to units not belonging to any of the otherstructural types.

The mention between brackets is to be completed accord-ing to the specific type of the unit, in agreement with theSociety.For permanent units, one of the additional service featuresPOSA, POSA-HR or POSA JETTY is to be assigned inaccordance with [6.1]


5 Service notations and corresponding additional service features

5.1 General

5.1.1 The service notations define the service of the unitwhich have been considered for its classification, according

to the request for classification signed by the InterestedParty. At least one service notation is to be assigned to everyclassed unit.

Note 1: The service notations applicable to existing units conformto the Rules of the Society in force at the date of assignment ofclass. However, the service notations of existing units may beupdated according to the current Rules, as far as applicable, at therequest of the Interested Party.

5.1.2 The assignment of any service notation to a new unitis subject to compliance with general rule requirements laiddown in Part B and Part C of the Rules and in NR216 Mate-rials and Welding and, for some service notations, with theadditional requirements laid down in Part D or in separateRule Notes.

5.1.3 A unit may be assigned several different service nota-tions. In such case, the specific rule requirements applica-ble to each service notation are to be complied with.However, if there is any conflict in the application of therequirements applicable to different service notations, theSociety reserves the right to apply the most appropriaterequirements or to refuse the assignment of one of therequested service notations.

5.1.4 A service notation may be completed by one or moreadditional service features, giving further precision regard-ing the type of service of the unit, for which specific rulerequirements are applied.

Structural type notation [ref. in Part A] ReferenceRemarks

Additional service feature Reference

offshore ship [4.1.3]

POSA, POSA-HR or POSA JETTY [6.1.1] (1) NR493 mandatory for permanent units

POSA MU [6.1.2] (1) NR493

offshore barge [4.1.4]


POSA MU [6.1.2] (1) NR493

offshore submersible unit [4.1.5]

column stabilized unit [4.1.6] NR571


POSA MU [6.1.2] (1) NR493

self-elevating unit [4.1.7] NR534

offshore SPAR [4.1.8]

POSA or POSA-HR [6.1.1] (1) NR493 mandatory

offshore TLP [4.1.9] NR578

TLS or TLS PLUS [4.1.9] NR578 mandatory

offshore buoy [4.1.10] NR494

POSA or POSA-HR [6.1.1] (1) NR578 mandatory

offshore special type unit ( ) [4.1.11]


POSA MU [6.1.2] (1) NR493

(1) A construction mark is added to the additional service feature.


Pt A, Ch 1, Sec 2

5.1.5 The different service notations which may beassigned to a unit are listed in [5.2] to [5.7], according tothe category to which they belong. These service notationsare also listed in Tab 2.

Several service notations may be assigned, e.g.:

pipelaying / lifting / diving support-integrated

5.2 Oil and gas production and related services

5.2.1 Oil storage unit

The service notation oil storage may be assigned to unitsengaged in the storage of oil products (in significant quanti-ties). The requirements of Part D, Chapter 1 are applicableto these units.

The additional service feature INERTGAS as defined in [6.2] isto be assigned to units having the service notation oil storage.

5.2.2 Oil production unit

The service notation oil production unit may be assigned tounits equipped for oil production and related activities, asdefined in Ch 1, Sec 1, [4.4].

The requirements of Part D, Chapter 1 are applicable tothese units. Production equipment is not included in thescope of classification except when the additional classnotation PROC as defined in [8.3.3], is assigned to the unit.

The additional service feature INERTGAS, as defined in [6.2],is to be assigned to units assigned with the service notationoil production unit and fitted with integrated process tanksor with tanks cleaning procedure using crude oil washing.

5.2.3 Liquefied gas storage unit

The service notation liquefied gas storage may be assignedto units designed and equipped for the storage of liquefiedgases (i

Rules for the Classification of Offshore...

Documents

Transcript of Rules for the Classification of Offshore...