Updated DNV Rules for Classification will enter into force 1 July 2003. The most important changes are:

Rules for Classification of Ships
DNV is removing Convention (Statutory requirements) text from the rules.

The most critical safety requirements, focusing on requirements closely connected to the traditional scope of classification, have been retained. The revised rules clearly define what is included in the scope of class and statutory services.

Some previous practices in the rules have also been changed:

• Statutory text that has been adopted in the rules will now be written in normal font (non-italics), however a reference corresponding to the statutory regulation will be given.
• Adopting statutory requirements by reference alone will not be used.
• Some statutory requirements outside the new scope of class, but important to consider in accordance with rules, are referred to in Guidance Notes.

The different sections of the rules have been revised accordingly:

• Stability: Intact and damage stability requirements have been retained in the rules, with some amendments to align with current practice.
• Fire safety: The scope of the class rules has been extensively reduced, focusing on fire zones, protection of stairways and lift trunks and escape routes.
• Lifesaving: Revised class rules focus on mustering of crew and passengers, embarkation and launching of survival craft.
• Safety of Navigation: The requirements have been removed.
• Radio Communication: The requirements have been removed.
• Ships in Operation: In the rules for ships in operation in Pt.7 Ch.1 and Pt.7 Ch.2, only the most critical additional survey requirements for conventional ships remain.
• Safety Management: The ISM requirements were not within the scope of class and have been removed.
• Operational Requirements: Since the operational requirements are not subject to survey or inspections they have been removed from the rules.

The new rules adopt several regulations found in the International Maritime Conventions. Compliance with the rules does not necessarily ensure that all relevant statutory regulations have been complied with. However, when issuing certificates on behalf of the flag administration, DNV will verify compliance of all relevant statutory requirements.

Special Service and Type - Additional Class

Standby Vessels
DNV has received market feedback regarding current requirements for vessels operating in waters less severe than the North Sea.

The rules for standby vessels have been re-arranged. Requirements for the strengthening of the superstructure and deckhouses are noted in a new sub-section for a new Standby Vessel-S class notation. Some minor corrections, deletions and clarifications have been made.

Fuel Treatment and Conditioning System
An additional class notation Fuel has been introduced. The new rules provide a total system approach. The most important changes are:

• sizing and efficiency of purifiers
• arrangements of fuel bunker tanks to enable bunkering without risk of mixing incompatible fuels
• arrangement and sizing of settling tanks to ensure good separation of water and sludge
• capacity of fuel heaters
• requirements for performance of temperature and viscosity controls.

Naval and Naval Support Vessels
The rules for naval craft have been extended to cover both naval vessels and naval support vessels. Depending on operational objectives, navy vessels may be classed according to the Rules for Classification of Ships and the Rules for Classification of High Speed, Light Craft and Naval Surface Craft (HS, LC and NSC). Part 5 Chapter 7 has been replaced by Part 5 Chapter 14, which is a common booklet.

Rules for Classification of
High Speed, Light Craft and Naval Surface Craft

Hull structural Design Ð Fibre Composite and Sandwich Constructions
The chapter on fibre composite and sandwich constructions is completely revised to incorporate dramatic changes in materials, calculation methods and manufacturing methods for composites.
The changes cover:

• structural principles
• manufacturing
• materials
• sandwich panels
• stiffened single skin construction
• stiffeners, web frames and girders
• bonded joints
• bolted connections
• buckling.