IRClass: Notices on high-speed crafts, light crafts, and small crafts

Indian Register of Shipping (IRClass) has published a notice on the Rules and Regulations for the Construction and Classification of High Speed Crafts and Light Crafts, as well as a classification note regarding the Requirements for Small Crafts.

These documents were published on 1 March 2023 and will enter into force on 1 July 2023.

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

This notice provides changes to the 'Rules and Regulations for the Construction and Classification of High Speed Crafts and Light Crafts'.

These changes should be considered alongside the requirements specified in the July 2022 edition of the Rules.

The affected Parts/Chapters and their effective dates are outlined in TABLE 1.

The specific requirements, organized by Part/Chapter/Section/Sub-section/Clause, are provided thereafter.

Additionally, TABLE 2 includes any corrigenda issued with this notice.

Requirements for Small Crafts

The purpose of this Classification Note is to establish requirements for Small Crafts.

It is important to consider the specific requirements of the flag Administration, recognizing that statutory regulations for these crafts are not standardized across different flag Administrations due to their non-conventional nature.

Section 1.1.2 outlines the classification's scope and relevant procedural requirements.

Sections 2 to 13 detail the class requirements concerning the arrangement, strength, machinery, electrical systems, control and monitoring systems, and requirements specific to different types of crafts.

These Classification Notes are applicable to the design, construction, and surveys of Small Crafts, as defined in section 1.6.1.1.

However, the following are not covered by these Notes:

a) Vessels carrying more than 12 passengers

b) Vessels carrying more than 60 special Personnel

c) Vessels carrying more than 60 Industrial Personnel

d) Craft intended solely for racing

e) Canoes and kayaks

f) Surfboards, powered surfboards, and Sailing surfboards

g) Submersibles

h) SWATH Crafts

i) Air cushion vehicles

j) Hydrofoils

k) Steam-powered craft

l) Personal watercraft (such as jet skis, and water scooters)

m) Inflatable boats

n) Pleasure Crafts and Yachts

o) Open crafts


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


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

Requirements for Small Crafts


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