RINA amends the Rules for the Classification of Ships Part A

Classification Society RINA has published the Amendments to Part A of the “Rules for the Classification of Ships” (REP.1): ranging and gauging of anchor chains at class renewal survey.

This document was published on April 28th, 2023, and will enter into force on May 1st, 2023.

The requirements in amended Section 5 apply to class renewal surveys of all ships.

The specific requirements for class renewal surveys related to service notations and additional class notations assigned to ships are addressed in Chapter 4 and Chapter 5, respectively.

The class renewal survey is to include, in addition to the requirements of the annual survey, examination, tests and checks to show that the hull structures, main and auxiliary machinery, systems, equipment and related piping, as required in [2.2.8], are in satisfactory condition or restored to such condition as to allow the ship to operate for the new period of class to be assigned, provided that the ship is properly maintained and operated and other surveys for maintenance of class are duly carried out during this period.

The examinations of the hull are to be supplemented by thickness measurements and testing as required in [2.4.3], [2.4.4], and [2.5.1], to ensure that the structural integrity remains effective.

The aim of the examination is to discover substantial corrosion, significant deformation, fractures, damages, or other structural deterioration.

The anchors and chain cables are to be ranged and examined, and the required complement and condition verified.

The chain locker, holdfasts, hawse pipes, and chain stoppers are to be examined, and the pumping arrangements of the chain locker tested.

At class renewal surveys of ships more than 5 years of age, chain cables are to be gauged and renewed in cases where their mean diameter is worn below the limits allowed.

In case the bottom survey due in conjunction with the renewal survey is allowed to be carried out afloat, consideration may be given to the acceptance of the anchors and anchor chain cables ranging and gauging as well as of the internal examination of the chain locker previously carried out, provided that they were performed and reported within the current class period.