Unified requirements for strength and securing of small hatches on the exposed fore deck (UR S26) and strength requirements for fore deck fittings and equipment (UR S27) have been established based on the investigation for the resistance to green sea forces for fore deck fittings and equipment by IACS AHG/FDF (Ad Hoc Group/Fore Deck Fittings). The unified requirements are now in the process of being incorporated into ClassNK rules.

The amendments of rules are applicable to bulk carriers, general dry cargo ships (excluding container vessels, vehicle carriers, Ro-Ro ships and wood chip carriers) and combination carriers (e.g. OBO ships, Ore/Oil Carriers, etc.) of length 100m or more, which are contracted for construction prior to
1 January 2004, except for the requirements for windlass and winches, as well as new ships. These ships, which have been identified as NOTE on survey status, need to complete the confirmatory survey in accordance with the implementation scheme specified in the attached guidance.

Preliminary examinations for the related drawings are not required but the completion of the required reinforcement for small hatches, air pipes and ventilator pipes aboard need to be confirmed by surveyors in accordance with the attached guidance.

For any questions about the above, please contact:

NIPPON KAIJI KYOKAI (ClassNK)
Survey Department, Administration Center, Head Office
Address: 4-7 Kioi-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-8567, Japan
Tel.: +81-3-5226-2027
Fax: +81-3-5226-2029
E-mail: svd@classnk.or.jp
Attachment: Guidance of retroactive requirements for Fore Deck Fittings