Recent updates: Seven rule change notices from the Indian Register of Shipping

Indian Register of Shipping (IRClass) has released seven rule change notices.

We bring you the overview of it here:

Rules and Regulations for the Construction and Classification of Steel Ships

Rules Change Notice No. 3, issued in February 2024, presents amendments to the 'Rules and Regulations for the Construction and Classification of Steel Ships', specifically focusing on Part 3, applicable to ships contracted for construction on or after July 1, 2024.

The changes involve a comprehensive revision, particularly in General Hull Requirements, introducing a more sophisticated set of rules. Key amendments include shifting from gross scantlings to net scantlings approach, incorporating advanced criteria for buckling assessment, fatigue evaluation, and integrating Finite Element Analysis (FEA).

Chapters have been reorganized and renamed to align with these changes, with updates across various aspects such as General and Structural Arrangements, Materials, Stability, Design Loads, and Hull Girder Strength.

Rules and Regulations for the Construction and Classification of Steel Ships

In March 2024, Rules Change Notice No. 4 introduced amendments to the 'Rules and Regulations for the Construction and Classification of Steel Ships', aligning with the July 2023 edition and previous change notices. The revisions cover various aspects such as general provisions, periodical surveys, mechanical testing procedures, rolled plates, steels and bars, rudders, pumping and piping, prime movers and propulsion shafting systems, control engineering, chemical carriers, offshore support vessels, polar class ships, and gaseous fuel or low flash point fueled ships. Notable changes include additions to classification conventions, new requirements for cyber resilience surveys and approval processes, clarifications on rudder construction, and updates on fuel transfer piping requirements. Additionally, corrigenda were issued to rectify oversights in the previous edition concerning bio-fuel blends for chemical carriers.

Rules and Regulations for the Construction and Classification of Pleasure Crafts and Large Yachts

In March 2024, Rules Change Notice No. 1 introduced amendments to the 'Rules and Regulations for the Construction and Classification of Pleasure Crafts and Large Yachts', aligning with the July 2023 edition. The revisions cover various aspects such as general provisions. Notable changes include the deletion of rule provisions related to laying up crafts after being suspended. These amendments will come into force on July 1, 2024.

Rules and Regulations for the Construction and Classification of Inland Waterways Vessels

In March 2024, Rules Change Notice No. 1 introduced amendments to the 'Rules and Regulations for the Construction and Classification of Inland Waterways Vessels', aligning with the July 2023 edition. The revisions involve general provisions, with notable changes including the deletion of rule provisions related to laying up vessels after being suspended. These amendments will become effective on July 1, 2024.

Rules and Regulations for the Construction and Classification of Floating Offshore Units

In March 2024, Rules Change Notice No. 1 introduced amendments to the 'Rules and Regulations for the Construction and Classification of Floating Offshore Units', in line with the July 2023 edition. The revisions primarily focused on regulations and surveys, with notable changes including the deletion of rule provisions related to laying up Floating Offshore Units (FOUs) after suspension and the addition of references to IRS Guidelines on 'Risk Based Inspections for Hulls of Floating Offshore Units' and a new additional class notation RBI-HULL. These amendments will become effective on July 1, 2024. Additionally, corrigenda were issued to rectify errors in the chapter on Mooring Systems and Equipment, Major Structures, Structural Foundations, and Riser Systems.

Rules and Regulations for the Construction and Classification of High Speed Crafts and Light Crafts

In March 2024, Rules Change Notice No. 2 introduced amendments to the 'Rules and Regulations for the Construction and Classification of High Speed Crafts and Light Crafts', aligning with the July 2023 edition. The revisions primarily focus on general provisions. Notable changes include the addition of the Industrial Personnel Code (IP Code) to the list of Conventions/Codes prerequisite for Classification and the deletion of rule provisions related to laying up vessels after suspension. These amendments will become effective on July 1, 2024.

Rules for Bulk Carriers and Oil Tankers - Volume 1

In April 2024, Rules Change Notice No. 3 introduced amendments to the 'Rules for Bulk Carriers and Oil Tankers – Volume 1', aligning with the July 2023 edition. The revisions primarily focus on general provisions. Notable changes include the deletion of rule provisions related to laying up vessels after suspension. These amendments will become effective on July 1, 2024. ​

For more information, please see the documents below (available only to subscribers):

Rules and Regulations for the Construction and Classification of Steel Ships - RCN No. 3

Rules and Regulations for the Construction and Classification of Steel Ships - RCN No. 4

Rules and Regulations for the Construction and Classification of Pleasure Crafts and Large Yachts - RCN No. 1

Rules and Regulations for the Construction and Classification of Inland Waterways Vessels - RCN No. 1

Rules and Regulations for the Construction and Classification of Floating Offshore Units - RCN No. 1

Rules and Regulations for the Construction and Classification of High Speed Crafts and Light Crafts - RCN No. 2

Rules for Bulk Carriers and Oil Tankers - Volume 1 - RCN No. 3