The January 2004 issue of the Ship rules were published on 20 January. Some 50 rule proposals that have been processed leading up to this edition. The most important changes are related to the following areas:

General Regulations

• Entering into force and application of the rules

Hull and Equipment - Main Class

• Hull structural design ships with length 100 metres and above

• Hull girder strength

• Stern frames, rudders and steering gear

• Longitudinal strength

Machinery and Systems – Main Class

• Design principles concerning arrangement, fire protection and probability of ignition

• Electrical installations

• Control and monitoring systems

• Refrigeration plants

• Documentation requirements for control and monitoring systems

• Rotating machinery, drivers diesel engines

Special Service and Type – Additional Class

• Fire fighters

• Ferries – bow doors

• Side structures in single side skin bulk carriers

• Longitudinal strength of hull girder in flooded condition for bulk carriers

• Evaluation of scantlings of hatch covers and hatch coamings of cargo holds of bulk carriers, ore carriers and combination carriers

• Requirements for the fitting of a forecastle for bulk carriers, ore carriers and combination carriers

• Dry bulk cargo carriers - water ingress detection and drainage of forward spaces

• Heavy cargo class notations

Special Equipment and Systems - Additional Class

• Dynamic positioning systems

• Periodically unattended machinery spaces

• De-icing and anti-icing systems

• Integrated computer systems (ICS)

• Bridge design on seagoing ships, bridge control console

Ships in Operation

• Existing bulk carriers - detection of water ingress and availability of drainage

• Retroactive rules side frames of bulk carriers

• General requirements and periodical survey requirements

• Machinery survey arrangements