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Feature 4 | CLASSIFICATION
ship,” Ashe stresses. Classification
requirements can then focus on the
design life of the ship, including fatigue
analysis requirements, redundancy of
propulsion systems, unique requirements
for fire-fighting and other auxiliary
systems, and any specific requirements
for outfitting and habitability.
“Continued development of naval rules
requires a close working relationship
between the subject matter experts at
the class society and the Naval Technical
Authority or Warrant Holder in the
navy, as well as input from industry
representatives,” says Ashe. “Our Naval
Technical Committee provides the forum
for us to do this.”
Since issuing its ABS High Speed Naval
Craft Guide in 2003, and the ABS Naval
Vessel Rules in 2004, ABS has issued
regular updates that have been developed
with the input and review of the Naval
Technical Committee. “The general goal
for ongoing rule development is to capture
new technology quickly, clarify and clearly
write requirements and incorporate
lessons learned,” Ashe explains. “In some
cases, rule changes may be the result of
risk and failure analysis investigations of The Italian Navy’s new aircraft carrier Cavour, built at Fincantieri to RINa class.
actual incidents aboard a ship.”
Continuous training Parts of the training programmes work, whenever possible. The matrix is
One of the major focus areas for the and seminars consisted of defining and most effective when it is developed in the
staff assigned to naval projects at ABS is clarifying the roles and responsibilities early stages of a programme and provided
continuous training and qualification. of each organisation and how that to the shipbuilder so that the responsibilities
This applies equally to the technical staff contributes to what Ashe calls a of each certification organisation are clearly
of engineers who conduct the plan reviews ‘certification matrix’. understood and unnecessary duplication of
and the field surveyors in the shipyards. As he explains: “Since the classification work can be avoided.
It zeros in on providing the necessary society will focus on hull structure,
understanding of the rules, processes and stability, machinery, propulsion systems, Lessons learned
procedures for the requirements to be auxiliary systems, fire-fighting systems Throughout the process of bringing a
applied in a clear, consistent manner. and habitability requirements, the vessel into class and maintaining the vessel
“It is very important to include personnel certification matrix will clearly define in class, ABS looks for ways to improve
from the various navy organisations in the technical requirements for each the rules, processes and procedures used
this training and familiarisation process element of the ship, using the ship work in the classification process.
wherever possible,” says Ashe. “It helps breakdown system, and will identify the A major component of this constant
build the relationships between the primary certification organisation. For improvement approach is to capture
two bodies and leads to a much clearer example, a naval organisation will certify lessons learned throughout the
understanding of what is required.” the weapon system. However, class will classification process, from initial
As an example, ABS recently held a be responsible for the standards for the concept design, throughout the life
Naval Vessel Classification Seminar in New supporting structure, hydraulic system cycle of the warship up to the time of
Delhi, India to further the understanding and electrical system loads and related fire its scrapping. This process requires a
of the application of the concept, both to fighting system.” commitment to open communication
Indian naval and Coast Guard vessels. The certification matrix will also identify by all parties, from the early stage
Representatives from Indian shipyards organisation points of contact to improve designers through fleet maintenance
also attended the seminar. communications and avoid duplication of organisations and every other body that
30 Warship Technology January 2009
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