In view of the amendments to the Merchant Shipping Code of the Russian Federation introduced by the Federal Law No. 36-FZ of April 23, 2012 classification and survey of small craft used for commercial purposes is performed by Russian Maritime Register of Shipping or Russian River Register, depending on navigation area.
Under the amendments, RS is authorised to perform classification and survey of small craft (with maximum length of 20 m and passenger capacity of maximum 12 persons) used for commercial purposes as well to issue relevant documents. In line with the implementation of the Federal Law No. 36-FZ of April 23, 2012 and the relevant instruction of the Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation RS developed Provisional Guidelines on Classification and Survey of Small Craft. The requirements of the Provisional Guidelines will be revised after pilot implementation and upon the obtained practical experience on classification and survey of small craft as well as upon comments and suggestions of the parties concerned. In the near term it is planned to replace the Provisional Guidelines by a permanent RS regulatory document.
According to the Provisional Guidelines a small craft will be assigned a category in compliance with possible wind and wave conditions and maximum distance from place of refuge depending on design of the small craft, its deadweight tonnage and passengers capacity allowance as well as the actual technical condition of the hull, machinery, fire protection, electrical and other equipment. Life-saving appliances and signal means regulations are also subject to RS consideration.
[mappress]
RS, November 13, 2012