Applicability: Ships that are supplied with computer software capable of calculating stability

The International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) has revised its Unified Requirements for Loading Computer Stability Software (UR L5 Revision 3).
 
Changes introduced in UR L5 Revision 3 are to be uniformly applied by IACS on ships contracted for construction on or after 1 July 2018.
 
Type 4 stability software requirements, for the purpose of providing operational information for safe return to port (SRtP), have been introduced in UR L5.
 
Some of the other changes inserted in UR L5 Revision 3 are as follows: 

  • Acceptable tolerances and their notes have been revised.
  • Definitions of types of stability software have been amended.
  • It is required for damage stability of both Type 3 and Type 4 stability software to be based on a hull form model – that is, directly calculated from a full, three-dimensional geometric model.

Lloyd´s Register’s (LR’s) Loading Computer Software Procedures have been revised to reflect the new revised requirements and will be released before 1 July 2018.

For Type 4 stability software, LR’s General Approval process is available; it is based on IACS requirements and IMO guidance (circulars MSC.1/Circ.1400 and MSC.1/Circ.1532).

What should owners, operators and loading instrument suppliers do now? 

Owners, operators and loading instrument suppliers should take into account new IACS UR L5 requirements, as well as the revised LR Procedures for Loading Computer Software.

For further information
Speak to one of our experts at your local Lloyd's Register Group office, or contact madrid-technical-support@lr.org