Rules for Construction of Sea-going Ships Engaged on Domestic Voyages (2023 Amendments) will take effect on 1 July 2023.

Main contents of revisions are as follows:

HULL

Adding the transition scenario where taper is not necessary for the butting of plates of different thicknesses and that single-sided continuous fillet welding may be acceptable for dry spaces in superstructure and deckhouse; adding the strength requirement target when additional transverse strengthening in the form of transverse wash bulkheads or web frames is provided; specifying the boundary conditions for hatch cover FE model; specifying the compulsory scope for strengthened for heavy cargoes to be loading rate no greater than 0.833m³/t and that strengthening loaded by steel coils are excluded; optimizing the structural strength requirements for ships loaded with steel coils comprehensively, specifying strengthening scope, corrosion addition and revising requirements for inner bottom platings and stifeners as well as bilge hopper sloping plates; specifying the design load and stress criteria for the calculation of hull supporting structure for life-saving appliances; adding the definition for launch barge; adding the empirical formulae for the dynamic load of deck hinges and specifying the amplification factor.

MACHINERY INSTALLATIONS

Adding the measurement requirement for slope at stern bearing in shaft alignment steps after the integrated stern tubes are poured and installed.

ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS

Clarifying the ship types for which analysis for coordination of protective devices is required to be submitted; revising the provisions for alarm and automatic shutdown of ventilation fans and oil pumps before the release of fire extinguishing media; adding the provisions for explosion groups and temperature class for the carriage of some dangerous goods.

Note: In the amendments, blue underline is to highlight new insertions, strikethrough line is to highlight deleted contents.