PART I
GENERAL
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1.1 Introduction
1.1.1 Object of Instructions
1.1.1.1 These Instructions give guidance on and where necessary clarification of the current Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) standards and policies that should be applied by marine surveyors when considering constructional arrangements and conducting surveys related to the construction of domestic passenger ships of Classes III to VI(A) under the provisions of the Merchant Shipping Acts and requirements of the Merchant Shipping (Passenger Ship Construction: Ships of Classes III to VI(A)) Regulations 1998, referred to in these Instructions as "the Regulations".
1.1.1.2 Where the requirements of the Regulations need no comment or explanation, no reference to them will be found in these Instructions. The Regulations and these Instructions should be read in conjunction with the appropriate Merchant Shipping Notices forming part of the requirements for ships of Classes III to VI(A) and in conjunction with the other volumes of the MCA’s Instructions to Surveyors.
1.1.2 Classes of passenger ships
Passenger ships to which these Instructions refer are divided into Classes III, IV, V, VI and VI(A) according to the voyages which they may undertake. The definition of such classes are contained in Regulation 2(6).
1.2 Declarations
1.2.1 Period covered by declarations
The surveyor must limit his declaration to the period for which the hull, machinery and equipment of the ship will be sufficient, in his opinion, for the service on which the ship is intended to be engaged. This period must not exceed 12 months from completion of survey or, in the case of ships other than new ships, 12 months from the last examination of the hull or underwater fittings in dry dock, whichever is the sooner.
1.2.2.1 Merchant Shipping Notice MSN No. M.1504 provides the application of Category A, B, C and D waters to vessels of Classes IV and V. Sea does not include any waters of Category A, B, C or D.
1.2.2.2 When an owner applies for a certificate to carry passengers in more than one set of limits, the surveyor should show all the limits in his declaration.
1.3 Miscellaneous
1.3.1 Alteration of passenger spaces
1.3.1.1 When the passenger accommodation of a ship is increased while a passenger certificate or passenger and safety certificate is in force, and the owners wish to have the increased number of passengers inserted in the certificate before the next survey, the ship is to be re-measured. If the increase in the number of passengers is approved, the existing certificate will be cancelled and a new certificate issued. An increase in the number of passengers will, however, be subject to any limitation imposed by subdivision, stability and life-saving appliances.
1.3.1.2 If the passenger accommodation is decreased while a passenger certificate or passenger and safety certificate is in force, the ship should be re-measured to determine the revised passenger number and a new certificate issued.
1.3.1.3 Where the alteration of passenger spaces effects a modification to the Net tonnage of a vessel reference should be made to the 1997 Merchant Shipping (Tonnage) Regulations.
1.3.2 Exemptions and equivalents
1.3.2.1 Exemption from the requirements of the Regulations may be given in exceptional circumstances where such a requirement is impractical or where an equivalent arrangement is provided. In considering acceptance of equivalent arrangements, the surveyor should examine the relevant supporting drawings and or documents and recommendations as appropriate should be included. Where surveyors accept equivalent arrangements locally, their decisions and supporting documents should be recorded in the appropriate files.
1.3.2.2 These Instructions are a live document and shall be updated over a period of time. Therefore if surveyors recommend or suggest clarification or amendments, they should forward recommendations in suitable detail to the Headquarters.
Note: Exemption from Regulation requirements can only be granted by the Secretary of State.
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