Chapter 16 Stabilization Systems
16.3 Lateral and height control systems
16.3.1 Craft fitted with an automatic control system shall be provided with an automatic safety control. Probable malfunctions shall have only minor effects on automatic control system operation and shall be capable of being readily
counteracted by the operating crew.
16.3.2 The parameters and levels at which any automatic control system gives the command to decrease speed and put the craft safely into the displacement or other safe mode shall take account of the safety levels as given in section 2.4 of annex 3 and of the safe values of motions appropriate to the particular craft and service.
16.4 Demonstrations
16.4.1 The limits of safe use of any of the stabilization control system devices shall be based on demonstrations and a verification process in accordance with annex 9.
16.4.2 Demonstration in accordance with annex 9 shall determine any adverse effects upon safe operation of the craft in the event of an uncontrollable total deflection of any one control device. Any limitation on the operation of the craft as may be necessary to ensure that the redundancy or safeguards in the systems provide equivalent safety shall be included in the craft operating manual.
Chapter 17
Handling, Controllability and Performance
17.1 General
The operational safety of the craft in normal service conditions and in equipment failure situations of a craft to which this Code applies shall be documented and verified by full-scale tests, supplemented by model tests where appropriate, of the prototype craft. The objective of tests is to determine information to be included in the craft operating manual in relation to:
.1 operating limitations;
.2 procedures for operation of the craft within the limitations;
.3 actions to be taken in the event of prescribed failure; and
.4 limitations to be observed for safe operation subsequent to prescribed failures.
Operational information shall be available on board for guidance, or the craft shall have an instrument system for on-line check of operational performance which shall be approved by the Administration taking into account the standards for the processing and presentation of measurements developed by the Organization. As a minimum, the system shall measure accelerations in three axes close to the craft longitudinal centre of gravity.
17.2 Proof of compliance
17.2.1 The information on controllability and manoeuvrability which shall be contained in the craft operating manual shall include the characteristics under 17.5 as applicable, the list of parameters of the worst intended conditions affecting the controllability and manoeuvrability according to 17.6, information on safe maximum speeds as described in 17.9 and the performance data verified in accordance with annex 9.
17.2.2 The information on operating limitations which shall be contained in the route operational manual shall include the characteristics under 17.2.1, 17.5.4.1 and 17.5.4.2.
17.3 Weight and centre of gravity
Compliance with each of the handling, controllability and performance requirements shall be established for all combinations of weight and centre of gravity position significant for the operational safety in the range of weights up to the maximum permissible weight.
C17.3 For the purpose of classification, controllability is to be established in the way defined in 17.3.
17.4 Effect of failures
The effect of any likely failure in handling and control devices, services or components (e.g. power operation, power assistance, trimming and stability augmentation) shall be assessed in order that a safe level of craft operation can be maintained. Effects of failure identified as being critical according to annex 4 shall be verified in accordance with annex 9.
17.5 Controllability and manoeuvrability
17.5.1 Instructions to crew members shall be provided in the craft operating manual regarding required actions and craft limitations subsequent to prescribed failures.
17.5.2 It is necessary to ensure that the effort required to operate the controls in the worst intended conditions is not such that the person at the control will be unduly fatigued or distracted by the effort necessary to maintain the safe operation of the craft.
17.5.3 The craft shall be controllable and be capable of performing those manoeuvres essential to its safe operation up to the critical design conditions.
17.5.4.1 When determining the operating limitations of a craft, particular attention shall be paid to the following aspects during normal operation and during failures and subsequent to failures:
.1 yawing;
.2 turning;
.3 automatic pilot and steering performance;
.4 stopping in normal and emergency conditions;
.5 stability in the non-displacement mode about three axes and in heave;
.6 trim;
.7 roll;
.8 plough in;
.9 lift power limitations;
.10 broaching;
.11 slamming; and .12 bow diving.
17.5.4.2 The terms in 17.5.4.1.2, .6, .7 and .11 are defined as follows:
.1 "Turning" is the rate of change of direction of a craft at its normal maximum operating speed in specified wind and sea conditions.
.2 "Plough in" is an involuntary motion involving sustained increase in drag of an air-cushion vehicle at speed, usually associated with partial collapse of the cushion system.
.3 "Lift power limitations" are those limitations imposed upon the machinery and components which provide the lift.
.4 "Slamming" is the water impact on the underside of the hull in the bow area of the craft.
17.6 Change of operating surface and mode
There shall be no unsafe change in the stability, controllability or attitude of the craft during transition from one type of operating surface or mode to another. Information on change in the behaviour characteristics of the craft during transition shall be available to the master.
17.7 Surface irregularities
Factors which limit the ability of the craft to operate over sloping ground and steps or discontinuities shall be determined, as applicable, and made available to the master.
17.8 Acceleration and deceleration
The Administration shall be satisfied that the worst likely acceleration or deceleration of the craft, due to any likely failure, emergency stopping procedures or other likely causes, would not hazard the persons on the craft.
17.9 Speeds
Safe maximum speeds shall be determined, taking account of the limitations from 4.3.1, modes of operation, wind force and direction and the effects of possible failures of any one lift or propulsion system over calm water, rough water and over other surfaces, as appropriate to the craft.
17.10 Minimum depth of water
The minimum depth of water and other appropriate information required for operations in all modes shall be determined.
17.11 Hard structure clearance
For amphibious craft, when cushion-borne, clearance of the lowest point of the hard structure above a hard flat surface shall be determined.
17.12 Night operation
The schedule of tests shall include sufficient operation to evaluate the adequacy of internal and external lighting and visibility under conditions of normal and emergency electrical power supply during service, cruising and docking manoeuvres.
Chapter 18 Operation Requirements
Part A - General
C18.0 Documents to be submitted
The craft operating manuals and route operational manual are to be submitted to the Society for information.
18.1 Craft operational control
18.1.1 The High-Speed Craft Safety Certificate, the Permit to Operate High-Speed Craft or certified copies thereof, and copies of the route operational manual, craft operating manual, and a copy of such elements of the maintenance manual as the Administration may require shall be carried on board.
C18.1.1 Classification certificates and attached documents issued by the Society for the craft are to be kept on board in a safe location and made available on request to the Society Surveyor.
18.1.2 The craft shall not be intentionally operated outside the worst intended conditions and limitations specified in the Permit to Operate High-Speed Craft, in the High-Speed Craft Safety Certificate, or in documents referred to therein.
C18.1.2 When the craft is operated under conditions not covered by the service and navigation notations described in the classification certificate, class is normally suspended in accordance with Society Rules.
18.1.3 The Administration shall issue a Permit to Operate High-Speed Craft when it is satisfied that the operator has made adequate provisions from the point of view of safety generally, including the following matters specifically, and shall revoke the Permit to Operate if such provisions are not maintained to its satisfaction:
.1 the suitability of the craft for the service intended, having regard to the safety limitations and information contained in the route operational manual;
.2 the suitability of the operating conditions in the route operational manual;
.3 the arrangements for obtaining weather information on the basis of which the commencement of a voyage may be authorized;
.4 provision in the area of operation of a base port having functions and facilities in accordance with the requirements of this Code;
.5 the designation of the person responsible for decisions to cancel or delay a particular voyage, e.g. in the light of the weather information available;
.6 sufficient crew complement required for operating the craft, deploying and manning survival craft, the supervision of passengers, vehicles and cargo in both normal and emergency conditions as defined in the Permit to Operate. The crew complement shall be such that two officers are on duty in the operating compartment when the craft is under way, one of whom may be the master;
.7 crew qualifications and training, including competence in relation to the particular type of craft and service intended, and their instructions in regard to safe operational procedures;
.8 restrictions with regard to working hours, rostering of crews and any other arrangements to prevent fatigue, including adequate rest periods;
.9 the training of crew in craft operation and emergency procedures;
.10 the maintenance of crew competence in regard to operation and emergency procedures;
.11 safety arrangements at terminals and compliance with any existing safety arrangements, as appropriate;
.12 traffic control arrangements and compliance with any existing traffic control, as appropriate;
.13 restrictions and/or provisions relating to position fixing and to operation by night or in restricted visibility, including the use of radar and/or other electronic aids to navigation, as appropriate;
.14 additional equipment which may be required, due to the specific characteristics of the service intended, for example, night operation;
.15 communication arrangements between craft, coast radio stations, base ports radio stations, emergency services and other ships, including radio frequencies to be used and watch to be kept;
.16 the keeping of records to enable the Administration to verify:
.16.1 that the craft is operated within the specified parameters, .16.2 the observance of emergency and safety drills/procedures;
.16.3 the hours worked by the operating crew;
.16.4 the number of passengers on board;
.16.5 compliance with any law to which the craft is subject;
.16.6 craft operations; and
.16.7 maintenance of the craft and its machinery in accordance with approved schedules;
.17 arrangements to ensure that equipment is maintained in compliance with the Administration's requirements, and to ensure co-ordination of information as to the serviceability of the craft and equipment between the operating and maintenance elements of the operator's organization;
.18 the existence and use of adequate instructions regarding:
.18.1 loading of the craft so that weight and centre of gravity limitations can be effectively observed and cargo is, when necessary, adequately secured;
.18.2 the provision of adequate fuel reserves;
.18.3 action in the event of reasonable foreseeable emergencies; and
.19 provision of contingency plans by operators for foreseeable incidents including all land-based activities for each scenario. The plans shall provide operating crews with information regarding search and rescue (SAR) authorities and local administrations and organizations which may complement the tasks undertaken by crews with the equipment available to them.
18.1.4 The Administration shall determine the maximum allowable distance from a base port or place of refuge after assessing the provisions made under 18.1.3.
18.1.5 The master shall ensure that an effective system of supervision and reporting of the closing and opening of accesses referred to in 2.2.4.2 and 2.2.4.3 is implemented.
18.2 Craft documentation
The company shall ensure that the craft is provided with adequate information and guidance in the form of technical manual(s) to enable the craft to be operated and maintained safely. The technical manual(s) shall consist of a route operational manual, craft operating manual, training manual, maintenance manual and servicing schedule.
Arrangements shall be made for such information to be updated as necessary.
18.2.1 Craft operating manual
The craft operating manual shall contain at least the following information:
.1 leading particulars of the craft;
.2 description of the craft and its equipment;
.3 procedures for checking the integrity of buoyancy compartments;
.4 details arising from compliance with the requirements of chapter 2 likely to be of direct practical use to the crew in an emergency;
.5 damage control procedures (e.g. information in a damage control plan required by SOLAS regulation II-1/23 or II-1/25-8.2, as appropriate);
* Refer to the IMO Search and Rescue Manual (IMOSAR), adopted by the Organization by resolution A.439 (XI), and Use of Radar Transponders for Search and Rescue Purposes, adopted by resolution A.530 (13).
.6 description and operation of machinery systems;
.7 description and operation of auxiliary systems;
.8 description and operation of remote control and warning systems;
.9 description and operation of electrical equipment;
.10 loading procedures and limitations, including maximum operational weight, centre of gravity position and distribution of load, including any cargo or car securing arrangement and procedures depending on operational restrictions or damaged conditions. Such arrangement and procedures shall not be included as a separate Cargo Securing Manual as required by chapter VI of the Convention;
.11 description and operation of fire-detection and fire-extinguishing equipment;
.12 drawings indicating the structural fire protection arrangements;
.13 description and operation of radio equipment and navigational aids;
.14 information regarding the handling of the craft as determined in accordance with chapter 17;
.15 maximum permissible towing speeds and towing loads, where applicable;
.16 procedure for dry-docking or lifting, including limitations;
.17 in particular, the manual shall provide information, in clearly defined chapters, relating to:
.17.1 indication of emergency situations or malfunctions jeopardizing safety, required actions to be taken and any consequential restrictions on operation of the craft or its machinery;
.17.2 evacuation procedures;
.17.3 the worst intended conditions;
.17.4 limiting values of all machinery parameters requiring compliance for safe operation.
In regard to information on machinery or system failures, data shall take into account the results of any FMEA reports developed during the craft design.
18.2.2 Route operational manual
The route operational manual shall include at least the following information:
.1 evacuation procedures;
.2 operating limitations, including the worst intended conditions;
.3 procedures for operation of the craft within the limitations of .2;
.4 the elements of applicable contingency plans for primary and secondary rescue assistance in the case of foreseeable incidents, including land-based arrangements and activities for each incident;
.5 arrangements for obtaining weather information;
.6 identification of the "base port(s)";
.7 identification of the person responsible for decisions to cancel or delay voyages;
.8 identification of crew complement, functions and qualifications;
.9 restrictions on working hours of crew;
.10 safety arrangements at terminals;
.11 traffic control arrangements and limitations, as appropriate;
.12 specific route conditions or requirements relating to position fixing, operations by night and in restricted visibility, including the use of radar or other electronic aids to navigation; and
.13 communication arrangements between craft, coast radio stations, base ports radio stations, emergency services and other ships, including radio frequencies to be used and watch to be kept.
C18.2.2 18.2.2.2 is to be in accordance with assumptions made for the purpose of classification.
18.2.3 Training manual
The training manual, which may comprise several volumes, shall contain instructions and information, in easily understood terms, illustrated wherever possible, on evacuation, fire and damage control appliances and systems and on the best methods of survival. Any part of such information may be provided in the form of audio-visual aids in lieu of the manual. Where appropriate, the contents of the training manual may be included in the craft operating manual. The following shall be explained in detail:
.1 donning lifejackets and immersion suits, as appropriate;
.2 muster at the assigned stations;
.3 boarding, launching and clearing the survival craft and rescue boats;
.4 method of launching from within the survival craft;
.5 release from launching appliances;
.6 methods and use of devices for protection in launching areas, where appropriate;
.7 illumination in launching areas;
.8 use of all survival equipment;
.9 use of all detection equipment;
.10 with the assistance of illustrations, the use of radio life-saving appliances;
.11 use of drogues;
.12 use of engine and accessories;
.13 recovery of survival craft and rescue boats, including stowage and securing;
.14 hazards of exposure and the need for warm clothing;
.15 best use of the survival craft facilities in order to survive;
.16 methods of retrieval, including the use of helicopter rescue gear (slings, baskets, stretchers), breeches-buoy and shore life-saving apparatus and craft's line –throwing apparatus;
.17 all other functions contained in the muster list and emergency instructions;
.18 instructions for emergency repair of the life-saving appliances;
.19 instructions in the use of fire protection and fire-extinguishing appliances and systems;
.20 guidelines for use of firefighter's outfit in a fire, if fitted;
.21 use of alarms and communications associated with fire safety;
.22 methods for surveying damage;
.23 use of damage control appliances and systems, including operation of watertight doors and bilge pumps; and .24 for passenger craft, control of and communication with passengers in an emergency.
18.2.4 Maintenance and servicing manual/system
The craft maintenance and servicing manual /system shall contain as a minimum:
.1 detailed, illustrated description of all craft structure, machinery installations and all installed equipment and systems required for safe operation of the craft;
.2 specifications and quantities of all replenishable fluids and of structural materials which may be required for repairs;
.3 operational limitations of machinery in terms of values of parameters, vibration and consumption of replenished fluids;
.4 limitations of wear of structure or machinery components, including lives of components requiring calendar or operating time replacement;
.5 detailed description of procedures, including any safety precautions to be taken or special equipment required, to remove and install main and auxiliary machinery, transmissions, propulsion and lift devices and flexible structure components;