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Vessel Construction Regulations
Status Update

Canadian Marine Advisory Council
Fall 2011

PDF Format

Table of Contents

Vessel Construction Regulations Framework (Draft)

Chart of the Vessel Construction Regulations Framework

Vessel Construction Regulations / Application

SOLAS (Chapter I, Reg.3)

Ships engaged in international voyages, except;

  • Ships of war and troopships;
  • Cargo ships of less than 500 GT;
  • Ships not propelled by mechanical means;
  • Wooden ships of primitive build;
  • Pleasure yachts not engaged in trade;
  • Fishing vessels
  • Ships solely navigating the Great Lakes of North America and the river of St-Lawrence as far east as a straight line drawn from Cap des Rosiers to West Point, Anticosti Island and, on the north side of Anticosti Island, the 63rd meridian. (Inland waters of Canada)

Vessel Construction Regulations (VCR)

Canadian vessels everywhere, except;

  • Vessels that belongs to the Canadian Forces (CSA 2001);
  • Cargo vessels of less than 24 meters in length;
  • Vessels not propelled by mechanical means (to be considered);
  • Non-safety convention passengers vessels of less than 24 meters of length
  • Wooden vessels of primitive build;
  • Pleasure craft;
  • Fishing vessels;
  • High speed craft that meet the requirements of the IMO High Speed Craft Code

Existing Vessel?

  • The VCR in general will not apply, unless an existing vessel undergo;
  • As per SOLAS (Ch.II-1, R.1.3) "Repairs, alterations and modifications of a major Character and outfitting related thereto shall meet the requirements for ships constructed on or after the date on which any relevant amendments enter into force, insofar as the Administration deems reasonable and practicable."
  • Some specific provisions could be made applicable to existing vessels as per SOLAS (to be determined)

Major Character

  • Definition and scopes are defined in some chapters of the Convention
  • According to IMO (for the purpose of damage stability);
    • Modifications of main dimensions (ex: lengthening)
    • Modification of internal watertight subdivision where it effects on the level of subdivision of the vessel. (for the purpose of stability)
  • The proposed Fire Safety Regulations include a provision for major modifications (Limitations on Grandfathering), s.105
  • To be considered in the context of the VCR

VCR vs CHAPTER II-1

Part A - General

Contents

  • Application & definitions

Status

  • Adopt in general the application and definition of SOLAS Convention

Expectations (Canadian modifications)

  • Change the application for cargo vessels and consideration for unmanned barge
  • Exclusion of some types of vessels (Domestic passenger vessels of less than 24 m of length, HSC,..)
  • Inclusion of Lakers (Ships solely navigating the Great Lakes)
  • New definitions to align with CSA 2001 (Administration, ships, qualified person,…)

Part A-1 – Structure of ships

Contents

  • Structural, mechanical and electrical requirements for ships (reference to RO)
  • Protective coatings (ballast tanks & double-side skin of bulk carriers)
  • Safe access to tanker bows
  • Emergency towing arrangements on tankers
  • New installation of materials containing asbestos
  • Access within spaces in, and forward of, cargo area of oil tankers and bulk carriers
  • Construction drawings maintained on board and ashore
  • Towing and mooring equipment

Status

  • Adopt in general requirements of SOLAS
  • Adopt the guidelines referenced in SOLAS (MSC/ Circ.)

Expectations (Canadian modifications)

  • Certain retroactive measures might be omitted for domestic vessels (Non-Safety Convention)
  • Application dates could change for Domestic vessels
  • Include provisions for anchor and chains (Classification Society rules)
  • Include minimal set of conditions of assignment for vessels excluded to hold a LLC
  • SOR/2007-99, Conditions of assignment – Diamond Load Lines (Schedule I)

Part B – Subdivision and stability

Contents

  • General (damage stability)
  • Damage stability for cargo vessels of 80 m in length and upwards
  • All passenger vessels regardless of length

Status

  • Adopt in general requirements of SOLAS

Expectations (Canadian modifications)

  • Compliance with the standard TP10943 (part II) for passenger vessels (Domestic)
  • Compliance with SOLAS CH.II-1 part B for convention vessels
  • Optional compliance with CH.II-1 part B for domestic vessels

Part B-1 – Stability

Contents

  • Intact stability information
  • Stability information to be supplied to the master
  • Probabilistic damage stability calculation (Reg. 6 to 8)
  • System capabilities after flooding casualty on passenger ships (safe return to port)

Status

  • Adopt the code IS 2008 (intact stability)
  • Adopt probabilistic method for damage stability calculation

Expectations (Canadian modifications)

  • Adopt fully the IS 2008 (Parts A & B to be mandatory)
  • Some criteria could be reviewed for near coastal and sheltered voyages
  • Application of Reg.8-1 (safe return to port) should change for domestic vessels

Part B-2 – Subdivision, watertight and weathertight integrity

Contents

  • Double bottoms
  • Bulkheads (incl. Peaks and machinery spaces)
  • Openings below the bulkhead deck

Status

  • Good concordance between both regimes (HCR and TP10943)
  • Fully adopt this part

Expectations (Canadian modifications)

  • More analysis for double bottoms (smaller vessels on near coastal, sheltered voyages, vessel’s characteristics)
  • More analysis for watertight sliding doors (smaller vessels on near coastal, sheltered voyages)

Part B-3 – Assigning, marking and recording of subdivision load lines for passenger ships

Contents

  • Provisions about the marking of subdivisions load lines (for principal and alternative configurations)

Status

  • Equivalent to HCR (s.37)

Expectations (Canadian modifications)

  • Maintain the letter stating the maximum load draft?
  • Marking?

Part B-4 – Stability management

Contents

  • Damage control information (plans)
  • Loading of passenger ships
  • Periodical operation and inspection of watertight doors

Status

  • Mostly operational provisions
  • Good concordance to standard TP10943
  • Adopt SOLAS

Expectations (Canadian modifications)

  • Links with Vessel Inspection and Certification Regulations?

Part C – Mechanical installations

Contents

  • General provisions for;
  • Main machinery, steering gears, controls, boilers;
  • Means of going astern;
  • Systems (steam pipe, air pressure, boiler feed, ventilation, bilge,…);
  • Protection against noise (A.468(XII))

Status

  • Good concordance of SOLAS with MMR for high level functional requirements
  • Good concordance of Class Rules with MMR for detailed requirements

Expectations (Canadian modifications)

  • Operation in ice-covered waters (sea inlets)
  • Scantling of components
  • Introduce relaxations (limited services and characteristics)

Part D – Electrical installations

Contents

  • General provisions for;
  • Main source of electrical power and lighting systems;
  • Emergency source of electrical power (passenger ships, ro-ro and cargo)
  • Emergency generating sets
  • Precautions against shock, fire and other hazards (of electrical origin)

Status

  • Good concordance with the standard TP127 for functional requirements
  • Good concordance between IEC / IEEE and the standard TP127 for detailed requirements
  • IEC = IEEE (safety level)
  • Ongoing discussions

Expectations (Canadian modifications)

  • Upcoming workshop to finalize review
  • Emergency power for domestic vessels

Part E – Additional requirements for periodically unattended machinery spaces

Contents

  • Provide requirements to ensure safety sailing conditions equivalent to manned MS;
  • Fire precautions, protection against flooding
  • Control from the navigation bridge
  • Communication, alarms

Status

  • Concord fully with the Marine Machinery Regulations

Expectations (Canadian modifications)

  • None

VCR – Additional requirements (supplement)
Elevators and escalators

Contents

  • Provides general requirements for Elevators and escalators that carry persons
  • Refers to CSA code B-44

Status

  • Current Regulations C.1482 will be integrated as a separate part in the VCR
  • Ship Safety Bulletin 03/2010

Expectations (Canadian modifications)

  • No changes expected
  • Design and construction of elevators to comply with CSA or RO requirements

VCR – Additional requirements (supplement)
TUGS

Contents

  • Specific construction requirements

Status

  • Contract will start shortly for tugs of less than 24 metres
  • Consolidated document to reference all requirements applicable to tugs
  • Report will also include recommendations to modernize existing requirements that are specific to tugs
  • HCR, Part VIII vs VCR (24 m and +)

Expectations (Canadian modifications)

  • Requirements for large Tugs (>24 m) should align to SOLAS and Class rules
  • Outcomes of the study will be considered for possible specific requirements for tugs (VCR)

Comments / Questions

Send to:
Ousmane Alkaly
Project Manager
Regulatory Affairs & Quality Assurance
Telephone: 613-990-7673
Fax: 613-991-5670
E-mail: ousmane.alkaly@tc.gc.ca
Thank you

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Vessel Construction Regulations (590 KB) PDF

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Date Modified: 2012-02-28

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