IACS PROCEDURES

Volume 4:

PROCEDURES FOR THE MAINTENANCE AND HARMONISATION OF THE COMMON STRUCTURAL RULES

Adopted July 2011

Volume 4: PROCEDURES FOR MAINTENANCE & HARMONISATION OF CSR

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CONTENTS

A
A1 A2

INTRODUCTIONS
INTRODUCTION TO IACS PROCEDURES
A2.1 A2.2 A2.3

INTRODUCTION TO VOLUME 4

COMMON STRUCTURAL RULES GENERAL DEFINITIONS

B
B1 B2

CSR ORGANISATION
ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE
B2.1 B2.2

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES RELATING TO CSR

COUNCIL SMALL GROUP ON CSR (SG/CSR) B2.2.1 Role of the SG/CSR B2.2.2 Membership B2.2.3 Terms of reference B2.2.4 Meetings and method of work GENERAL POLICY GROUP (GPG) HULL PANEL

B2.3 B2.4

C
C1 C2 C3

CSR MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES

INTRODUCTION COMPOSITION ADDITIONAL ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES FOR CSR MAINTENANCE
C3.1 C3.2 C3.3 C3.4 C3.5 C3.6 COUNCIL SMALL GROUP FOR CSR (SG/CSR) GENERAL POLICY GROUP (GPG) PERMANENT SECRETARIAT C3.4.1 CSR Secretariat C3.4.2 Rules Administrator HULL PANEL MAINTENANCE PROJECT MANAGER (MPM) C3.6.1 Terms of reference C3.6.2 Expenses and budgeting C3.6.3 Meetings and method of work CSR PT1 AND PT2

C3.7

C4 C5

COMPOSITION OF CSR PT1 AND PT2

C5.1

GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF CSR RULE MAINTENANCE

PRINCIPLES OF RULE MAINTENANCE C5.1.1 General Principles C5.1.2 Technical background C5.1.3 Information storage

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C6

C6.1

PROCEDURES FOR CSR MAINTENANCE

ENTRY C6.1.1 C6.1.2 C6.1.3 C6.1.4

POINT General request processing Detail Procedure for request processing Dialog for request processing Outcome of a request

C6.2

WORK PROCEDURES FOR AMENDMENTS TO THE CSR C6.2.1 Amendments to the CSRs C6.2.2 Procedures for CSR amendments
C6.2.2.1 C6.2.2.2 C6.2.2.3 C6.2.2.4 Rule changes Urgent Rule Changes Corrigenda Work flow for Rule Changes

C6.2.3 Milestones and interim dates for Rule Changes C6.3 WORK PROCEDURES FOR COMMON INTERPRETATIONS AND Q&A OF THE CSR C6.3.1 Common Interpretations and Q&A C6.3.2 Procedures for CI C6.3.3 Procedure for Q&A from/to Members C6.3.4 Procedure for Q&A from Industry C6.3.5 Public information C6.3.6 Periodical Review of Q&A and CI
C6.3.4.1 Initiation of Q&A from Industry C6.3.4.2 Completion of Q&A

D
D1 D2 D3

CSR HARMONISATION AND DEVELOPMENT PROCEDURES

INTRODUCTION COMPOSITION ROLE OF EACH GROUP FOR THE HARMONISATION AND FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF CSR
D3.1 D3.2 D3.3 COUNCIL SG/CSR PERMANENT SECRETARIAT D3.3.1 CSR Secretariat D3.3.2 Rules Administrator GPG HULL PANEL PMT PROJECT TEAMS

D3.4 D3.5 D3.6 D3.7

D4 D5

GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF CSR HARMONISATION AND FURTHER DEVELOPMENT PROJECT MANAGEMENT TEAM (PMT)
D5.1 D5.2 D5.3 MEMBERSHIP TERMS OF REFERENCE WORK METHODS D5.3.1 Meetings D5.4 DECISION MAKING D5.5 EXPENSES AND BUDGETING

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D6 D7

PROJECT TEAMS (PT) UNDER PMT PROCEDURE FOR INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL REVIEWS, ADOPTION AND ENTRY INTO FORCE OF THE IACS HARMONISED COMMON STRUCTURAL RULES
INTRODUCTION Harmonised CSR TIME SCHEDULE EXTERNAL REVIEW D7.3.1 External Advisory group D7.3.2 Technical presentations INTERNAL REVIEW BY INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS TECHNICAL COMMITTEES COMMENTS FROM OTHER SOURCES MANAGEMENT OF FEEDBACK AND COMMENTS OUTCOMES OF REVIEWS ADOPTION AND ENTRY INTO FORCE OF THE RULES D7.8.1 Council voting

D7.1 D7.2 D7.3

D7.4 D7.5 D7.6 D7.7 D7.8

ANNEX I Basic Principles for CSR Maintenance and Harmonisation

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A
A1

INTRODUCTIONS
INTRODUCTION TO IACS PROCEDURES

1 The purpose of the IACS Procedures is to codify the working procedures of the Association, its Council, General Policy Group, Quality Committee and working groups, together with their inter-relations and responsibilities. The Procedures also define the responsibilities of the Permanent Secretariat and define the extent and means of communications with external bodies. Composition 2 In entirety, the IACS Procedures comprise: Volume 1: IACS General Procedures; Volume 2: Procedures concerning requirements for Membership of IACS; Volume 3: IACS Quality System Certification Scheme (QSCS); Volume 4: Procedures for the maintenance and harmonisation of the Common Structural Rules (this document). 3 These are evolving documents and subject to periodical review and update by the General Policy Group or Quality Committee (as appropriate) for Council approval.

A2
A2.1

INTRODUCTION TO VOLUME 4
COMMON STRUCTURAL RULES

1 As defined in Annex 4 of the IACS Charter, IACS Common Structural Rules (CSR) are a comprehensive set of minimum requirements for the classification of the hull structures of double-hull oil tankers and bulk carriers, in relation to which the contract for construction was signed on or after 1 April 2006. 2 Additionally see IACS Procedures, Volume 1, Section C5.1.2. A2.2 GENERAL

1 The objectives of this Volume of the IACS Procedures are: (a) to document the IACS organisational structure, and (b) to specify work process and procedures pertaining to maintenance, harmonisation and further development of IACS CSR for Double Hull Oil Tankers and Bulk Carriers. 2 Other working procedures of the Association, its Council, General Policy Group (GPG), Hull Panel and Project Teams, and Permanent Secretariat, together with their inter-relations and responsibilities, are defined in the IACS Charter and IACS Procedures, Volume 1. A2.3 DEFINITIONS

1 For the purpose of this Volume of the IACS Procedures, unless explicitly provided otherwise, the following definitions apply. CI Common Interpretation; explanation to achieve a common understanding of the requirements of CSRs in line with the intent
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of the CSRs. CI is not to result in any change deviating from the original intent of CSRs. For the intent of the CSRs, refer to the background documents of each set of CSRs. Clarification Corrigenda CSRs CSR KC Explanation to an unclear expression of the requirements of CSRs. Collection of Editorial Corrections (Refer to C6.2.1). Common Structural Rules for Double Hull Oil Tankers, Common Structural Rules for Bulk Carriers and the harmonised CSR. Knowledge Centre Database consisting of Q&A and Common Interpretations. The primary objectives of the CSR KC are: to provide a system which enables CSR comments or requests for interpretations, from whatever source, to be centrally collected, categorised, answered, approved and readily shared by all IACS members for the purpose of issuing consistent replies. to provide traceability of replies and interpretations. to use the contents as a basis for Rule changes and future work.

CSR RTB

Rule Tracking Database for Common Structural Rules which are categorized as Rule Changes or Corrigenda according to their nature related to rule changes. The RTB stores Rule amendments, Implementation Date, Council Approval Date, etc. (For definitions of Rule Changes or Corrigenda, refer to C6.2.1). Technical error in the development or technical background of CSRs (Refer to C6.2.1). A general term used to describe both the CSR RTB and the CSR KC. www.iacs.org.uk Copies of the CSR texts, adopted amendments, CIs and Q&As may be found on this site under Publications > Common Structural Rules.

Error IACS CSR DB IACS website

Initiator Master Files

Anyone who raised questions, comments or requests leading to CSR maintenance activities. A set of files which contains not only the texts of CSRs adopted by IACS but also includes a record of the history including amendments, corrections and deletions. IACS Permanent Secretariat. Project Teams. Questions and Answers. Rule Changes which possibly affect scantling requirements or the technical background of CSRs (Refer to C6.2.1). Rule Change Proposal, proposed rule changes which are under review and not yet adopted. Rule Change Notice, adopted rule changes, or official notifications of rule changes, published between major printings of the

Permsec PT Q&A RC RCP RCN

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complete CSRs. Scantlings Scantlings refers to the dimensions of structural members, such as the thickness of plating or the section modulus of a stiffener. Classification Society (CS) which has embedded the IACS Common Structural Rules for Double Hull Oil Tankers and/or Bulk Carriers into their classification Rules.

Society

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B
B1

CSR ORGANISATION
ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE

1 The organisational structure for maintenance, harmonisation and development of IACS CSR for Double Hull Oil Tankers and Bulk Carriers is shown in the following diagram (Figure 1).

IACS Council

Permanent Secretariat
CSR Secretariat

GPG

SG/CSR

Hull Panel Rule Administrator

CSR Maintenance Project Manager (MPM)

CSR Harmonisation Project Management Team (PMT)

Responsibility

CSR Maintenance Project Teams

CSR Rule Harmonisation & Development Projects

Assistance Advisory Role

Figure 1:

Organisational structure

B2

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES RELATING TO CSR

1 Specific roles and responsibilities are further defined in Section C (CSR maintenance procedures) and Section D (CSR harmonisation and development procedures). B2.1 COUNCIL

1 Council is to approve responsibilities of the groups related to CSR and maintain effective oversight of the IACS policy on CSR. 2 Council is also to: (a) Establish or revise IACS policy on CSR, with the advice from the SG/CSR; (b) Nominate and approve Chairs and representatives of the SG/CSR, the Maintenance Project Manager (MPM) and the members of the Project Management Team (PMT).
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B2.2

SMALL GROUP ON CSR (SG/CSR)

B2.2.1 Role of the SG/CSR 1 The SG/CSR serves as an advisory body to Council on CSR matters. Its membership is to represent continuity and experience with the IACS policy on CSR issues. B2.2.2 Membership 1 The SG/CSR is to consist of 4 members from IACS Council, or representatives nominated by IACS Council. 2 Individuals proposed to become members and the Chair of the SG/CSR are to have had management responsibility within their Societys corporate functions, are to possess a degree of understanding of the maintenance, harmonisation, and further development of the CSR, and be committed to representing the long-term interests of IACS. 3 Members are to serve for a period of 3 years. Reappointment is allowed. B2.2.3 Terms of reference 1 The following are terms of reference for the SG/CSR: (a) Assist Council on communication with industry and other stakeholders on CSR matters; (b) Maintain close and proactive relationship with regulatory bodies and industry with participation of technical specialists when required. The SG/CSR Chairman is to attend the biannual IACS/Industry meetings where information on the status of the CSR Rule Change process is exchanged; (c) Maintain a linkage with other IACS Working Groups relevant to CSR issues; (d) Assess major challenges facing IACS in relation to CSR reviewing options for their mitigation; (e) Observe the CSR maintenance process and raise potential concerns with relevant groups and Council. B2.2.4 Meetings and method of work 1 The SG/CSR is to meet at the request of Council, and at such times as the SG/CSR considers necessary. 2 Permanent Secretariat is to assist the SG/CSR in preparing the information required for the work of the SG/CSR and arranging the meetings. The costs associated with the work of the SG/CSR are not to be borne by IACS members, but by the individual member of the SG/CSR. 3 SG/CSR is to try to reach a unanimous decision and should not vote for agreement. If it cannot reach a unanimous agreement, it will report to Council all Members opinions.

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4 The Hull Panel Chairman, MPM, PMT Managers, GPG Chairman/Vice Chairman and CSR Secretariat may be invited to attend and participate in meetings as observers. Likewise, the SG/CSR may attend the meetings of the Hull Panel and PMT, when necessary, as an observer. 5 After each meeting, the Chair of the SG/CSR is to prepare and distribute a brief summary report to all members of the group, with a copy to Council Members and the Permanent Secretariat. B2.3 GENERAL POLICY GROUP (GPG)

1 The terms of reference, membership composition, and work methods for the GPG, which are set out in IACS Procedures, Volume 1, Sections B2.2 and C3, apply. 2 In relation to the CSRs the GPG is to: (a) Approve the establishment of Project Teams relating to CSR maintenance, harmonisation and further development, their Form As and 1s (budget), and the managers and members of these Project Teams; (b) Support Council by maintaining direct control of CSR maintenance, harmonisation and further development; (c) Manage the CSR maintenance, harmonisation and further development activities and outcomes at policy level; (d) Review, implement and update, if necessary, this Volume of IACS Procedures; (e) Review the work plan and budget (after Hull Panels review and approval) for the CSR maintenance, harmonisation and development work for subsequent submission to Council; (f) Review the effectiveness of the implementation of this Volume of IACS Procedures; and (g) Supervise and ensure that each group carries out its designated functions satisfactorily regarding CSR maintenance, harmonisation and further development. B2.4 HULL PANEL

1 The terms of reference, membership composition, and work methods for the Hull Panel, which are set out in IACS Procedures, Volume 1, Sections B2.4.1 and C4, apply. 2 In relation to the CSRs the Hull Panel is responsible for: (a) Maintenance of the Rules as defined in Section C; and (b) Harmonisation and further development of the Rules as defined in Section D. 3 Hull Panel is to report to GPG quarterly on the status of the CSR maintenance, harmonisation and development work.

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C
C1

CSR MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES

INTRODUCTION

1 This Section specifies work process and procedures for the maintenance of the IACS CSRs. 2 This Section covers: (a) development and publication of Corrigenda, Rule Change Proposals (RCP), Rule Change Notice (RCN) and Consolidated texts of CSRs as amended; (b) development of Questions and Answers (Q&As), Clarification and Common Interpretations (CI); (c) communication with industry; and (d) operation of the CSR Knowledge Centre (KC).

C2

COMPOSITION

1 The following groups are to contribute to the CSR maintenance: (a) Council (b) Small Group on CSR (SG/CSR) (c) Permanent Secretariat (CSR Secretariat and Rules Administrator) (d) GPG (e) Hull Panel (f) Maintenance Project Manager (MPM) (g) Project Teams (PTs) for CSR maintenance under Hull Panel - PT/Bulk Carrier CSR Maintenance (hereinafter referred to as CSR PT1) - PT/Tanker CSR Maintenance (hereinafter referred to as CSR PT2) - Other PTs as approved by Council

C3
C3.1

ADDITIONAL ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES FOR CSR MAINTENANCE

COUNCIL (a) To decide on policy matters and controversial issues.

C3.2

SMALL GROUP FOR CSR (SG/CSR) (a) To report to Council on the proposals regarding CSR maintenance policy and controversial issues.

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C3.3

GENERAL POLICY GROUP (GPG) (a) To report to Council on the CSR maintenance; (b) To adopt amendments to the CSR and to instruct Permanent Secretariat to publish them as well as to update the master copy of the CSR text.

C3.4

PERMANENT SECRETARIAT

C3.4.1CSR Secretariat (a) To be responsible to GPG for the management of the Permanent Secretariat role in CSR maintenance, including day-to-day operation of the IACS CSR Databases; (b) To distribute to Project Teams as appropriate comments, requests for interpretation or amendments received directly from the industry; (c) To distribute policy inquiries from industry to Council; (d) To manage the processes associated with providing replies and making amendments including - monitor the reply schedule for compliance with the timeframe as specified in these procedures - provide support to Council, SG/CSR, GPG, Hull Panel, MPM, CSR PT1 and CSR PT2 for arranging meetings and administrative tasks such as coordinating answers to industry and preparation of bulky documents; (e) To maintain and operate the IACS CSR Databases (Knowledge Centre (CSR KC) and Rule Tracking (CSR RTB)). User manuals are to be developed and kept up-to-date; (f) To maintain master copy of the CSR text and the background documents; (g) To publish Corrigenda, Rule Change Notice and consolidated texts of the CSRs. C3.4.2 Rules Administrator (a) To provide assistance to the Hull Panel and CSR Maintenance Project Manager in relation to the maintenance of the CSR Rule Text; (b) To be a permanent position within the Permanent Secretariat in order to provide continuity when the Hull Panel Chair changes; (c) To be responsible for maintenance of the existing Rule Text; (d) To apply a good knowledge of English and a technical background in the application of structural rules and/or rule development to perform a sound technical review of amendments to the CSR text, checking that the amended CSR are internally coherent and with no conflicts between the parts developed by different PTs; (e) To help in the facilitation of non-IACS Classification Society participation on CSR maintenance activities.
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C3.5

HULL PANEL (a) To report to GPG on the issues associated with CSR maintenance; (b) To nominate Managers and members for the maintenance PTs; (c) To be responsible for the work of the MPM (maintenance project manager); (d) To be responsible for the work schedule and budget of the maintenance PTs; (e) To be responsible overall for rule amendments in terms of technical matters until the Rule Change Proposals are adopted by GPG; (f) To resolve controversial technical issues or issues leading to amendments to the CSRs, and to refer to GPG, SG/CSR and Council issues involving policy matters; (g) To oversee the CSR maintenance work in particular the consistency of technical replies; (h) To facilitate communication to all Societies on technical matters regarding common interpretations for uniform application of the CSR; (i) To be responsible for preparation of technical answers, common interpretations on technical issues.

C3.6

MAINTENANCE PROJECT MANAGER (MPM)

C3.6.1 Terms of reference (a) To report to the Hull Panel on the maintenance of the CSR; (b) To manage the maintenance of CSR in an efficient and timely manner; (c) To take responsibility for the Rule Change Process and to manage its execution according to the schedule shown in C6.2.3 adopted by Council and within approved budgets; This will involve managing the following aspects of the process: - Coordination between Maintenance Project Teams - Prioritization of Rule Maintenance work - Categorization of Rule Change Proposals, to demonstrate which changes are simply to clarify the text in order to get consistent interpretation of the rules and which changes amend the Rule criteria; (d) To review the quality of Maintenance PTs responses to TC comments and the quality of Technical Background documents for Rule Change Proposals; (e) To provide a key point of communication between the Maintenance PTs and the Hull Panel and to monitor that issues raised by the maintenance PTs are progressed within the Hull Panel; (f) To act as a liaison between the Harmonisation PMT and the Maintenance PTs;
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(g) To keep SG/CSR advised of CSR maintenance issues related to communication with the Industry as well as of other issues of policy nature that may require Councils attention; (h) To propose to the Hull Panel possible solutions to the problematic issues originating from the maintenance process. C3.6.2 Expenses and budgeting 1 The expenses associated with the MPM are to be borne by IACS members in accordance with the cost sharing principles as stipulated in IACS Procedures, Volume 1, Section C8.2. 2 In relation to the MPMs budgeting, cost monitoring and accounting the requirements for Project Team Managers should be followed. C3.6.3 Meetings and method of work 1 In general, the MPM shall carry out as much work as possible through correspondence. 2 In addition, the MPM is to attend Hull Panel and CSR PT meeting and may attend SG/CSR and PMT meeting at request. 3 The MPM may also hold a meeting to review the work of CSR PTs if deemed necessary. SG/CSR, the Hull Panel Chairman, CSR PT managers, the PMT may attend the MPM meeting at the request of the MPM. 4 The meeting venues are to be chosen with the aim to minimise overall travel costs. 5 The MPM will provide the Hull Panel with a summary of the meeting. C3.7 CSR PT1 AND PT2 (a) To prepare Rule Change Proposals (RCP) accompanied by unambiguous and detailed explanations (technical background) of the technical considerations that went into the proposal as well as the detailed assessment of the impact on the scantlings; (b) To respond to comments to RCPs or other technical inquires related to the CSRs with unambiguous and detailed explanations; (c) To provide technical expertise and prepare clear and detailed technical answers and interpretations; (d) To reply to the Initiator with unanimously agreed detailed technical answers, accompanied with clear and detailed technical explanations, where appropriate, with a copy to Permsec. Note the answer is available to other PTs and Hull Panel via the IACS KC; (e) To refer issues involving policy matters to Hull Panel for further referral to GPG;

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(f) To refer technical issues of controversial nature, or issues involving rule amendments to the MPM and Hull Panel accompanied by the technical assessment and a proposed resolution; (g) To ensure that the CSR - are kept free of known errors, inconsistencies and ambiguities - are updated on a continuous basis to reflect changes in IMO conventions.

C4

COMPOSITION OF CSR PT1 AND PT2

1 The PT representatives must have expertise on the Rules and their development background. 2 The CSR PT 1 consists of 3 members from the original IACS Joint Bulker Project (JBP) participants and a fourth member from the original IACS Joint Tanker Project (JTP) participants. The societies representing JBP will rotate every two years progressively maintaining at least one PT member among the 3 JBP society members from the previous cycle for continuity. The society representing JTP will change every two years. 3 The CSR PT 2 consists of 3 members from the original JTP participants and a fourth member from the original JBP participants. The societies representing JTP will rotate every two years progressively maintaining at least one PT member among the 3 JTP society members from the previous cycle for continuity. The society representing JBP will change every two years. 4 The nominations are to be endorsed by the Hull Panel and then approved by GPG.

C5

GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF CSR RULE MAINTENANCE

1 The following principles provide the framework for the governance of the work groups covered by these Procedures. These principles are to be used to guide planning and implementation of the rule changes, and rule maintenance. C5.1 PRINCIPLES OF RULE MAINTENANCE

C5.1.1 General Principles 1 For the general principles given by the IACS Council, refer to Annex I of this Volume which contains a copy of the Basic Principles for CSR Maintenance and Harmonisation. 2 All comments, questions and rule change requests shall be recorded and maintained within the internet based Knowledge Centre (CSR KC). For traceability purposes, modifications or amendments are to be based on a CSR KC entry. 3 Editorial corrections and Common Interpretations are not to result in any change to the required scantlings with respect to the ones obtained applying the CSR requirements in line with the original intention of the relevant Rule. 4 All rule changes are to result in an improvement or enhancement of the requirements defined by the Rules, reflecting a genuine advancement of knowledge, a reflection of operating experience, new technology and advances in design technology or harmonisation with other CSR or statutory (SOLAS, MARPOL and ILLC) requirements.

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5 All rule changes and common interpretations are to be fully evaluated to determine the consequences on a range of ship types and sizes as per this Section. 6 Where errors are detected in the published rules, corrections are to be developed and implemented as quickly as possible but only after these proposed changes have been fully evaluated and tested to ensure that the errors have been effectively dealt with. Effective dates are to be indicated for all corrections. C5.1.2 Technical background 1 Each rule change, corrigendum or common interpretation is to be provided with a technical background. A technical background is a document giving the intent of the modification, the concerned part and version of the rules. It also contains the technical analysis description of the applied change or interpretation and when needed, an assessment of the consequences on the resultant scantlings or application. It must contain all the elements needed for its understanding and checking, particularly for the scantling impacts. C5.1.3 Information storage 1 For traceability purpose, all the elements of maintenance requests, rule changes, editorial corrections or common interpretations are to be stored in a database (IACS CSR DB) made accessible to the authorised users through a web interface, with respect to the given authorisations. This includes the internal exchanges within project teams or Hull Panel, references to rules texts or technical backgrounds.

C6

PROCEDURES FOR CSR MAINTENANCE

1 Procedures for Amendments to the CSR, which include Editorial Corrections (Corrigenda), Corrections to Errors in the CSR and Rule Changes, are given in Section C6.2. Detailed procedures for Answers to Questions, Clarifications and Common Interpretations on the CSR are given in Section C6.3. 2 The procedures below describe the use of the IACS CSR Knowledge Centre Database (CSR KC), which will provide automatic notification of new inquiries and new replies to the PTs, Hull Panel and Permanent Secretariat: (a) Societies will communicate directly with the appropriate PT using the CSR KC. (b) CSR Secretariat is responsible for data entry into the IACS CSR KC Database on items sent directly to Permanent Secretariat and items sent directly to Societies or PTs. (c) Any communication relevant to the reply should use the dialogue facilities within the KC for transparency of the discussion within the PT. (d) Hull Panel members and the MPM are to have a read-only access to the PT dialogue and agreements in the KC system for monitoring the technical consistency of the replies. 3 Copies of all correspondence relating to CSR maintenance and amendment, including replies to initiators, draft Rule Change Proposals and CIs, are to be sent to the CSR Secretariat (csr@iacs.org.uk). C6.1 ENTRY POINT
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1 IACS Societies will communicate directly with the appropriate PT using the CSR KC. 2 For each IACS Society a single point of contact for IACS CSR KC is assigned for filtering and coordinating requests. 3 An initiator within IACS proposing or requesting CSR amendments, a CI or raising a Q&A shall fill in the Question / Interpretation Request / Rule Change Proposal Form in the CSR KC. An initiator outside IACS may also make a request via an IACS Society or Permanent Secretariat. Any requests should also include supporting materials. 4 Any request related to the CSR is to be processed by the relevant project team. In the case of CSR amendments the MPM together with the relevant PT(s) is to review the requested issue and to identify if it may result in a rule change or a common interpretation (see section C6.1.4). 5 For traceability purpose, the request, its treatment by IACS, the provided answer and the possible actions are stored in the KC. No modification to the CSR texts or their technical backgrounds can be made without a request stored into the KC. 6 The general scheme for dealing with a request is made using the following sections and as shown in the following Figure:

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Answermessage

Industry/Class
Newquestion

C6.1 C6.1.1

IACSPermSec IACSPermSec tosendthe existinganswer KCCheck

Answer alreadyexists Answerdoesnotexist

C6.1.2

NewKC Question

C3.4.1 C5.1 C62(b)

CSRPT
Nounanimousagreement ontheanswer

Answer
Policyanswer needed

Unanimously agreedanswer

C3.7 C5.1 C62(c) C6.1.3

Controversial Summary

Policy Summary

C6.3.3

HullPanel HPsprocedurefor ControversialIssues

HullPanel IACSsprocedureforPolicy Issues

C6.3.3 C6.3.4.2

CSRPT Answer ProceduresforCorrigenda orRuleChangeProposal

C6.1.4

answer message

Industry

IACSPermSec

ProcedureforPublication

C6.3.3 C6.3.5

C6.1.1 General request processing 1 The general scheme for dealing with a request is made using the following general steps: (a) The request is validated by the PermSec and stored in the KC. (b) The project team establish: - An unanimously agreed answer stored in the KC. - When needed, a list of subsequent modifications or documents to be issued for the CSR. (c) The answer is sent back to the initiator.

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(d) The PermSec is informed of the answer and takes appropriate actions accordingly to its procedures. (e) The request is marked as answered in the KC and cannot be modified. 2 When the project team is not able to establish an answer (due to a controversial or policy reason), the project teams request the Hull Panel to solve the issue and upon reception of the answer, takes the appropriate actions and send the answer to the initiator. 3 Each maintenance request should ideally contain the following elements: (a) The applicable CSR and its version (intermediate notices are to be clearly identified). (b) The complete reference of the questioned requirement. When several similar requirements are to be considered, all the references are to be given. (c) A complete description of the request. Propositions for amendments are to be given if found useful by the originator. (d) All the materials needed for the treatment of the request. 4 A request must be filled on a single subject: mixed questions are to be avoided. In case a request refers to distinct points, the PermSec has to fill as many new requests as needed. C6.1.2 Detail Procedure for request processing 1 For each request filled against CSR, the treatment uses the following path: (a) The request is sent to the IACS permanent Secretariat (PermSec). (b) The PermSec reviews the database for a similar question. In case it is found, the corresponding answer is sent to the originator. (c) Each new question is stored into the KC and passed through to the relevant project team. (d) The project team processes the request through a dialogue in order to decide a common answer. - Each element of the dialog is stored into the KC. This dialogue is not to be published outside IACS; - Additional documents can be added into the KC; - In case of controversy, or policy content of the request, the Hull Panel is asked to decide. (e) When unanimously agreed, - The answer is sent to the initiator and stored into the KC; - The PermSec is informed of the answer; - For non-confidential items, the PermSec makes the request and its answer public. (f) In case of controversy about the answer to be given, - The project team manager - Establishes a controversial summary of the request and the positions among its project team;

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- Transfers the request to the Hull Panel with the summary document. - The Hull Panel then - Processes the request accordingly to its own procedures; - Informs the project teams of its position. (g) Upon receipt reception of the Hull Panel position, the project team continue the normal processing of the request as per step (e) above. C6.1.3 Dialogue for request processing 1 The members of a project team exchange their position about a maintenance request in the dialogue facility provided by the KC. They can add any material they may need to illustrate their positions. For traceability reason, bilateral discussions (e.g. by emails) are to be avoided. 2 The dialogues are to be stored in sequential order and are not to be modifiable. All the elements needed for the identification of the dialogue are to be stored (member, date, attached documents) in each dialogue. The user interface should provide editorial facilities (formulas, special characters). The Hull Panel has to be able to read the dialogue and to enter its own one when the request is raised in its hands (exclusive ownerships are to be granted to Hull Panel and project team). 3 The dialogue has to remain private and thus specific access rights have to be granted. C6.1.4 Outcome of a request 1 For each new answer, the project team has to decide if rule changes are to be made to the rule text and/or the technical background, or to provide a common interpretation for clarifying the content of the CSR with respect to the initial request. 2 These modifications or unified interpretations are to be linked to the initial request in the KC for traceability and efficiency purposes. 3 Therefore the outcome can result in the form of the following: (a) (b) (c) (d) Rule change, Corrigenda (editorial correction), Common Interpretation, Simple Answer (additional explanation of a given requirement or rule application).

4 Each modification to the CSR or common interpretation has to be established and published with respect to the relevant procedure. 5 The answer has to be stored in a specific area of the request. The different versions of the answer are to be kept and linked to their different authors. When agreed, the final answer has to be made not editable. When needed, documents can be attached to the answer. C6.2 WORK PROCEDURES FOR AMENDMENTS TO THE CSR

1 The general scheme for dealing with amendments is shown in C6.2.2.4 and described in the following sections. 2 The overall schedule to be followed for the rule change cycle is as follows:
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(a) RCP agreed by HP prior to external review - CSR PTs send RCPs to the Hull Panel 15 February - Agreed by HP 15 February to 15 April (b) External review 30 April to 30 July (c) Replies to comments, final review, and TC agreement 30 September to 15 November (d) GPG adoption December (e) Publication January (f) Entry into force 1 July (the following year) C6.2.1 Amendments to the CSRs 1 The amendments to the Common Structural Rules (CSR amendments) are sorted out as follows: Rule Changes Rule changes which possibly affect scantling requirements or the technical background. This includes corrections to errors in the development or technical background of the requirement: corrections of such errors may be carried out using an accelerated schedule. Rule Changes outside the normal rule change schedule. Corrigenda do not affect the technical background nor intention of the requirement, they are not controversial, i.e. they correct an obvious editorial error. (If any clarification of CSRs text is needed, refer to Section C6.3 Procedures for Common Interpretations and Q&A of the IACS Common Structural Rules)

Urgent Rule Changes Corrigenda

2 Amendments to CSRs require explicit agreement of three-quarters of all GPG members entitled to vote with no possibility of reservation. C6.2.2 Procedures for CSR amendments
C6.2.2.1 Rule changes

1 A rule change is a modification of the CSR texts or technical background based on a maintenance request that has significant impact on the application of the rules by either (a) Changing the resultant scantlings (b) Changing the application of the rules. 2 A rule change improves the requirement or its application. It is intended to modify all the relevant requirements in addition to the one targeted in the initial maintenance request, provided the justifications are given in the technical background. 3 A rule change can be a result of an error found in the rules, a modification of referenced rules or regulations (SOLAS, MARPOL, ILLC, IACS recommendations), a technical improvement (genuine advancement of knowledge, new technology and
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advances in design technology), a reflection of operating experience, or harmonisation with other CSR or statutory documents. 4 The assigned PT(s) is to review the proposal or request for CSR amendments identified as Rule Changes and to decide whether or not it should proceed further. When not unanimously agreed, the issue is to be raised to the Hull Panel. If the PT deems the Proposal for Rule Change (RCP) necessary, the PT is to assess whether it shall propose to follow the normal rule change schedule or follow an urgent rule change schedule. If, while considering new RCPs, the PT believes that preparing a proposal will require more resources than the PT has, the PT is to raise the resource issue to the Hull Panel for resolution. For procedures for urgent rule changes, refer to Section C6.2.2.2. 5 If the PT(s) unanimously agrees that the proposal or request for RC is not accepted, the decision is to be conveyed to the MPM and Hull Panel with a draft reply to the initiator, describing unambiguously, in detail the reason why the proposal or request was not accepted by the PT(s). Unless the Hull Panel or MPM comments within 5 working days, the PT is to reply to the initiator. 6 When the PT(s) unanimously agrees to proceed with the proposal or request for RC, the PT(s) is to review the proposed RC or to draft a RC text according to the request. 7 The impact of the proposed RC on the required scantlings is to be estimated on three (3) reference ships of varying size, if considered appropriate. In addition the impact on typical designs (e.g. arrangements or steel weight) is to be estimated, if considered appropriate. 8 The PT(s) is to submit the draft Rule Change Proposal (RCP) with its technical background and report on impacts on required scantlings or design to the MPM and Hull Panel for comment and agreement. An effective date is to be proposed. The technical background document is to clearly describe the nature and the extent of impact on scantlings as well as the technical origins of the proposed amendments. 9 The Hull Panel is to review the RCP within three weeks. If Hull Panel considers that the technical justification is not sufficient, Hull Panel may request the PT(s) to submit further supporting materials on the proposal. 10 If Hull Panel decides that the proposal is not appropriate from the technical point of view, Hull Panel may reject the proposal. The rejected proposal will be sent back to MPM and the PT(s) for reconsideration. The initiator should be notified of the Hull Panels decision with the reason of rejection by the PT. 11 When Hull Panel agrees by at least majority, the RCP, including full documentation on the reason for the change, technical background, any implications on scantlings, and effective date is to be sent to IACS Societies for their Technical Committee process. A brief summary of dissenting Member(s) and reasons why the agreement was not unanimous are to be included in the technical background documents. 12 The RCPs are to be sent to the individual Societys Technical Committees by each Member. At the same time that RCPs are sent to the Technical Committees the IACS Permanent Secretariat is to advise the industry associations that the RCP has been sent to the Societies' Technical Committees for review and provides a copy of the RCPs for their information.

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13 Comments from Members Technical Committees will be provided to the PT. Taking into consideration these comments from the Technical Committees or Industry Associations, if any, the PT will revise the RCP and update the technical background document if appropriate and send it to the Hull Panel for review and agreement. 14 The Hull Panel is to review and agree to the final RCP as updated by the PT using at least a majority. 15 Hull Panel Chairman shall strive for a unanimous conclusion on the final RCP and shall avoid voting wherever possible. However, in case a unanimous conclusion within the Panel is unlikely due to repeated discussions, the Chair may finalize the issue on a three-quarter majority basis. The final RCP is to be handled in accordance with the overall schedule laid down in C6.2 and then forwarded to the GPG for review and adoption, together with identification of and explanation from dissenting Member(s) if applicable. 16 Final replies to the TC comments are to be assembled so that individual societies may send them to their respective TCs. 17 In case the final RCP is not agreed in the Hull Panel by a three-quarter majority, it will be sent back to MPM and the relevant PT with the dissenting Members(s) comments for further update of the RCP at the next round of rule changes or its closure. 18 The Rule Changes adopted by the GPG will be published once a year in early January with entry into force on the following 1st of July. Additional milestones and associated interim dates for the normal rule change schedule are shown in Section C6.2.3. 19 The effective date of Rule Changes shall be related to the date of contract for construction as defined in PR 29. 20 Permsec is to update Master File and CSR RTB when adopted by GPG.
C6.2.2.2 Urgent Rule Changes

1 GPG may decide on urgent Rule Changes outside of the normal rule change schedule. (a) Editorial Corrections may be published anytime under the direction of GPG as Corrigenda when deemed necessary. (b) Rule Changes may be published anytime under the direction of GPG as a Rule Change Notice (RCN) when deemed necessary, provided procedures in C6.2.2.1 above are followed to the extent possible. 2 At the time of the submission to GPG for adoption of the urgent Rule Change a statement is to be made whether or not the changes impact the scantlings. In the case of the identified impact the full set of unambiguous and sufficiently detailed technical background information is to accompany the submission.
C6.2.2.3 Corrigenda

1 A corrigenda is a modification of the rules text based on a maintenance request that does not affect the resultant scantlings or the application of the rules.

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2 The relevant PT is to review the requested editorial corrections. When unanimously agreed subject to further modifications as necessary, the assigned PT is to propose an effective date and send the Corrigenda to the Hull Panel for agreement to (a) the categorization, (b) the effective date, and, (c) the technical content. 3 The effective date of Corrigenda shall be applied relative to the submission date from the yard of the relevant documents or drawings. 4 After Hull Panels review, the PT is to update the CSR KC and notify the CSR Secretariat, the other PT, the MPM and the Hull Panel at their dedicated e-mail addresses. 5 CSR Secretariat is to publish the Corrigenda and give notice of the Corrigenda and its effective date to the societies and industry through the IACS Website. CSR Secretariat is to update the Master Files in accordance with the agreed schedule for each editorial correction and also update the CSR RTB.
C6.2.2.4 Work flow for Rule Changes

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C6.2.3 Milestones and interim dates for Rule Changes

CSR PT KC items Rule changes proposal Technical backgrounds 15th February YYYY Hull Panel Review Hull Panel HPs procedure for Controversial Issues No unanimous agreement Controversial Summary
Note: technical background contains the reasons for the change and the scantling impact study.

C6.2, C6.2.1 C6.2.2.1-1 to 8

C6.2.2.1-9

CSRPT Rejected changes to be reworked 1st draft of RCP & TB documents

C6.2.2.1-10

Hull Panel 30th April YYYY IACS Societies Technical Committees Review for comments 30 July YYYY HullPanel
th

IACS PermSec

C6.2.2.1-11

Industry Associations Review

C6.2.2.1-12

Note: even not envisaged for the moment, associations will send

C6.2.2.1-13

CSRPT 2 RC&TBproposal Answerstocomments

nd

C6.2.2.1-13 Nounanimous agreement ControversialSummary C6.2.2.1-14 to 17

HullPanel 30 SeptemberYYYY IACSSocietiesTechnicalCommittees FinalReview&agreement 15 NovemberYYYY HullPanel CompletionoftheRCP Approval RCPrefused

th th

IACSPermSec

IndustryAssociations Review

C6.2.2.1-16

Answerstocommentsassembled

C6.2.2.1-15

Unanimousor 3/4majority approval 1 DecemberYYYY

st

CSRPT GPG RCPtoberesubmittedat thenextcycle

C6.2.2.1-17 to 18 IACSSocieties TechnicalCommittees

Adopt

IACSPermSec

ProcedureforPublication Volume 4: PROCEDURES FOR MAINTENANCE & HARMONISATION OF CSR

PUBLICATIONOFRCN 1 JanuaryYYYY+1
st

1 JulyYYYY+1

st

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Entryintoforce

C6.3

WORK PROCEDURES FOR COMMON INTERPRETATIONS AND Q&A OF THE CSR

C6.3.1 Common Interpretations and Q&A 1 Common Interpretations are based on a maintenance request and intended to achieve a common understanding of the rules among Class Societies and rule users on a specific subject without changing the initial intent of the requirement. It does not have any impact on resultant scantlings or application of the rules. 2 In order to implement the CSRs in a consistent manner, Common Interpretation (CI) of the Rules requirements, Clarification and Answers to Questions should be developed in accordance with the procedures as specified below. C6.3.2 Procedures for CI 1 The relevant PT(s) is to review the proposed CI or develop a CI. PT may agree on the proposed CI or revise it. 2 The proposed CI is not to result in any change deviating from the original intent of CSRs. However it is noted that a CI is intended to correct misunderstandings in rule applications, if a party has a misunderstanding of the rules, then once the misunderstanding is corrected there would very likely be an impact to those parties that have to change their rule application. 3 When not unanimously agreed, the technical issue is to be raised to the Hull Panel. Policy issues should be raised by Hull Panel Chair to GPG, SG/CSR and Council. 4 If the PT(s) unanimously agree on CI, PT is to develop an unambiguous and sufficiently detailed Technical Background (TB) document in a clear language for the proposed CI. When the proposed CI and its TB are agreed by the PT, the PT is to invite the Hull Panel to agree on effective implementation date. 5 After the Hull Panel has agreed on an effective implementation date, the PT approves the CI in the IACS CSR KC and replies to the initiator. 6 The whole process is, in general, to be completed within twenty-five (25) working days. 7 CSR Secretariat should ensure that all records are kept in order. C6.3.3 Procedure for Q&A from/to Members 1 The relevant PT(s) is to prepare an unambiguous and appropriately detailed answer to the question. When not unanimously agreed on, the PT(s) is to raise the question with a draft answer, if available, to the Hull Panel. Policy issues should be raised by Hull Panel Chair to GPG, SG/CSR and Council. 2 When unanimously agreed to the answer, the PT(s) is to update the CSR KC and notify the CSR Secretariat, the other PT, the MPM and the Hull Panel, and send the reply to the initiator. 3 If any IACS Society disagrees with a reply unanimously agreed by the PT, the issue is to be raised to the Hull Panel. The Hull Panel may choose to resolve the issue or refer it back to the PT.

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4 The answer may include a simple answer, Clarification or CI, or an indication of future rule change. If the reply includes a Common Interpretation, the Hull Panel is to be advised and an effective application date is to be proposed to the Hull Panel. 5 The whole process is, in general, to be completed within fifteen (15) working days. 6 CSR Secretariat should ensure that all records are kept in order. C6.3.4 Procedure for Q&A from Industry
C6.3.4.1 Initiation of Q&A from Industry

1 Industry may communicate with IACS Permanent Secretary to initiate Q&A. 2 CSR Secretariat is to circulate the received questions/requests to Council or to the relevant PT(s) taking into account its policy or technical nature.
C6.3.4.2 Completion of Q&A

1 In case of a policy issue, Council with assistance of SG/CSR, as needed, is to prepare a reply to the policy issue. 2 When the draft reply to the question of a policy nature is unanimously agreed by Council, CSR Secretariat is to send the reply to Industry. 3 In the case of a technical issue, the procedures as described in C6.3.3 should be followed, with the exception that the reply will be sent by CSR Secretariat. C6.3.5 Public information 1 CSR Secretariat is to publish the approved simple Answers to Questions, Clarifications and CIs, upon confirmation by the PT Manager, on the IACS CSR Website. C6.3.6 Periodical Review of Q&A and CI 1 CSR Secretariat should produce a summary report on Q&As and CIs twice a year and send it to the MPM and PTs with a copy to the Hull Panel Chairman. 2 The PT(s) should carry out periodical review, at least twice a year, of the Q&A and CIs to determine the need for rule changes. 3 The above review results should be submitted by the MPM to Hull Panel for review.

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D
D1

CSR HARMONISATION AND DEVELOPMENT PROCEDURES

INTRODUCTION

1 This Section specifies work process and procedures for CSR harmonisation and further development. 2 This Section covers: (a) procedural information for the CSR harmonisation and further development; (b) general principles of CSR harmonisation for CSR working groups to follow; and (c) a feedback mechanism by which the procedural management system can be further improved.

D2

COMPOSITION

1 The following groups are to contribute to the CSR harmonisation and further development: (a) Council; (b) SG/CSR; (c) Permanent Secretariat (CSR Secretariat and Rules Administrator); (d) GPG; (e) Hull Panel; (f) Project Management Team (PMT); and (g) Project Teams (PT) established under the PMT.

D3

ROLE OF EACH GROUP FOR THE HARMONISATION AND FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF CSR

D3.1 COUNCIL (a) To approve General Action Plan; (b) To approve PMT; (c) To decide on policy matters and controversial issues; (d) To adopt the harmonised Common Structural Rules (harmonised CSR) and to instruct Permanent Secretariat to publish them as well as to update the master copy of the CSR text. D3.2 SG/CSR (a) To assist Council with communication with industry and other stakeholders;
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(b) To observe the CSR harmonisation process and raise potential concerns with relevant groups and Council; (c) To advise on CSR harmonisation and development related issues as requested by Council. D3.3 PERMANENT SECRETARIAT D3.3.1 CSR Secretariat (a) To provide administrative assistance to the groups; (b) To maintain records on the CSR harmonisation and further development program; (c) To facilitate communication between the groups; (d) To maintain communication with industry. D3.3.2 Rules Administrator (a) To be responsible for production of the harmonised CSR text such that the text is formed from the proposals in a technically and editorially consistent manner. (b) To provide assistance to the Hull Panel, CSR Maintenance Project Manager and CSR harmonisation Project Management Team in relation to the development and maintenance of the harmonised CSR. (c) To be a permanent position within the Permanent Secretariat in order to provide continuity when the Hull Panel Chair changes. (d) To be responsible for production and maintenance of harmonised CSR text. (e) To actively support and assist the CSR harmonisation Project Management Team in constructing a coherent and consistent, high quality, harmonised CSR text. (f) To apply a good knowledge of English and a technical background in the application of structural rules and/or rule development to perform a sound technical review of the harmonised CSR text, checking that the parts are internally coherent, with no conflicts between the parts developed by the different PTs. (g) To help in the facilitation of non-IACS Classification Society participation on CSR activities. D3.4 GPG (a) To report to Council on the harmonisation project. (b) To undertake overall responsibility of the CSR harmonisation program. (c) To report on CSR related issues as requested by Council including questions that involve policy matters in consultation with the SG/CSR.
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(d) To track the CSR harmonisation process and report to Council on its effectiveness. (e) To approve Project Teams, their Managers and members. (f) To approve the harmonised CSR for consideration for adoption by IACS Council. D3.5 HULL PANEL (a) To report to GPG on the progress and completion of the harmonisation project. (b) To review proposals for new PTs and nominations of Managers and members for the harmonisation PTs. (c) To be responsible for the work schedule and budget of the harmonisation PTs. (d) To be responsible for the development and review of the harmonised CSR compliant with IMO GBS and associated Background Documentation. (e) To be responsible to complete and agree the GBS compliant documentation (verification package) for the verification of harmonised CSR. (f) To resolve controversial technical issues. (g) To provide technical input to PMT when requested. (h) To oversee the CSR harmonisation work schedule and budget. (i) To facilitate communication to all Societies on technical matters regarding CSR harmonisation work. (j) To complete and agree the harmonised CSR for consideration for approval by GPG. D3.6 PMT (a) To manage the CSR harmonisation and further development program including the schedule, budget and the quality of the deliverables. (b) To identify the need to establish harmonisation Project Teams, and propose PTs to Hull Panel for review followed by GPGs approval. (c) To report to the Hull Panel on the status of PT work. (d) To develop and keep up-to-date the General Action Plan on CSR harmonisation and further development, including steps towards GBS compliance. (e) To keep SG/CSR advised of CSR harmonisation issues related to communication with the Industry as well as of other issues of policy nature that may require Councils attention.

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(f) To be responsible for the preparation of the GBS compliant documentation (verification package) for the verification of harmonised CSR. D3.7 PROJECT TEAMS (a) To carry out tasks assigned by the PMT within a set budget and deadlines. (b) To report on the progress and outcome of tasks to PMT.

D4

GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF CSR RULE HARMONISATION AND FURTHER DEVELOPMENT

1 Refer to Annex I of this procedure, Basic Principles for CSR Maintenance and Harmonisation for the general principles given by the IACS Council. 2 The following principles provide the framework for the governance of the working groups covered by these Procedures. These principles are to be used to guide planning and implementation of the harmonisation and further development of the two sets of CSRs. (a) The objective is to harmonise key technical areas (such as wave loads, FEA, buckling and fatigue) between the two sets of rules in accordance with the "Basic Principles for CSR Maintenance and Harmonisation" set out in Annex I. (b) All elements that are already common or can be developed into a common position in the current version of CSR are to be taken into a General Volume which is referred to from specific volumes of CSR for Double Hull Oil Tankers and CSR for Bulk Carriers. This General Volume will be expanded as common IACS methodologies are developed to cover other aspects which would apply to both bulk carriers and oil tankers. These would again be referred to from the CSR for Double Hull Oil Tankers and CSR for Bulk Carriers. (c) The harmonised rules are to be in compliance with IMO GBS where GBS Functional Requirements fall within the scope of the Rules, written in a technically and editorially consistent manner and accompanied by background documentation written in a clear and unambiguous manner and documenting compliance with the IMO GBS' Functional Requirements which fall within the scope of the Rules. (d) Before the Rule changes from the harmonisation process are introduced into the review process, the ramifications are to be determined and the impact is to be fully calibrated and industry is to be consulted.

D5

PROJECT MANAGEMENT TEAM (PMT)

D5.1 MEMBERSHIP 1 The Project Management Team (PMT) has two representatives. One CSR Oil Tankers and CSR Bulk Carriers expert are to be nominated. The nominations are to be approved by Council. 2 Managers are to be qualified professionals who have sufficient knowledge and experience in the development and maintenance of the CSRs.

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3 Project Managers are to serve for a period of 3 years. Reappointment is allowed. 4 Project Management of the CSR harmonisation is to be considered their primary duty. 5 Administrative support for the PMT is to be provided by the Permanent Secretariat (CSR Secretariat and Rule Administrator). D5.2 TERMS OF REFERENCE 1 In addition to the roles described in D3.6, the PMT is also to perform specific functions, including: (a) preparing technical responses to external organizations at the request of SG/CSR; (b) providing advice and oversight on the nomination and performance of the project team managers and members. 2 Outcome of the Project Teams established and controlled by the PMT is subject to technical review/agreement by the Hull Panel prior to submission to GPG for review and subsequently to Council for approval. D5.3 WORK METHODS 1 The PMT proposes to the Hull Panel to establish / disband Project Teams. For this purpose, the PMT is to develop a complete project package including background, objectives, work schedule, work specification items, budget estimates, PT membership together with detailed action plan. 2 The Project Package with Detailed Action Plan is to be submitted first to the Hull Panel for review, and then to the GPG for review. GPG is to submit them to Council for approval as part of the yearly budget approval process. 3 The PMT is to meet at such times as the PMT Managers consider necessary, and at the request of the Hull Panel. D5.3.1 Meetings 1 The PMT may discuss issues at meetings, by correspondence or by on-line conference, whichever is convenient for the PMT Managers. The PMT is to hold at least four scheduled meetings a year at which it is to review and discuss reports by the Project Team managers on the performance of the PTs, their project plans and prospects, outcome of the projects, as well as immediate technical and managerial issues. The CSR Secretariat is to provide the PMT with the required support. 2 SG/CSR, the Hull Panel Chairman, the MPM and the CSR Secretariat may attend the PMT meeting(s) at the request of the PMT. 3 The meeting venues are to be chosen with the aim to minimise overall travel costs. 4 The Project Management Team will provide the Hull Panel with a summary of their meetings. D5.4 DECISION MAKING

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1 The two managers are to consult each other and strive for mutual agreement in making decisions. In case where no agreement is found, the two managers are to bring the matter to the attention of the Hull Panel. The managers may consult the Hull Panel Chairman for advice or information from the Hull Panel, when necessary. D5.5 EXPENSES AND BUDGETING 1 The expenses associated with the PMT are to be borne by IACS members in accordance with the cost sharing principles as stipulated in IACS Procedures, Volume 1, Section C8.2. 2 For the PMTs budgeting, cost monitoring and accounting the requirements for Project Team Managers should be followed. The PMTs budget is to be approved by Council as part of the GPG early submission of the budget.

D6

PROJECT TEAMS (PT) UNDER PMT

1 The Project Teams under PMT are established by GPG in accordance with the budget agreed by IACS Council and on the initiative of the PMT following the review by the Hull Panel. 2 When establishing Project Teams, team managers and members are nominated by PMT, reviewed by Hull Panel, and approved by GPG. 3 The Project Teams are managed by the PMT following IACS procedures, Volume 1, Section C4.2.3.3 Establishment and administration of Project Teams where the PMT is in the role of the Panel referred to in Section C4.2.3.3. 4 The Project Teams report regularly to the PMT on their activity.

D7

PROCEDURE FOR INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL REVIEWS, ADOPTION AND ENTRY INTO FORCE OF THE IACS HARMONISED COMMON STRUCTURAL RULES

D7.1 INTRODUCTION 1 The objectives of this section are to: (a) provide a scheduling of tasks in view of Council adoption and entry into force of the Harmonised Common Structural Rules (Harmonised CSR). (b) indicate how to manage feedback information and comments on the draft Harmonised CSR received from: - External Advisory Group - Technical Presentations - Internal Review by IACS Members Technical Committees - Comments from Other Sources D7.2 Harmonised CSR TIME SCHEDULE 1 The schedule for Harmonised CSR review and adoption is as follows:

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Item Internal 1st draft Harmonised CSR Consequence assessment GBS self assessment docs preliminary External review- Round1 (include industry presentations) Rule re-work External review- Round2 (include industry presentations) Rule re-work Class TC review Final Rule clean up IACS Adoption GBS self assessment docs update Effective date Submit to IMO GBS D7.3 EXTERNAL REVIEW

Start End date 1-Mar-11 Jun-11 1-Mar-11 30-Jun-13 1-Sep-11 Dec-11 1-Jan-12 Jun-12 Jul-12 Sep-12 Oct-12 Dec-12 Jan-13 Feb-13 Mar-13 31-May-13 1-Jun-13 15-Jun-13 15-Jun-13 30-Jun-13 1-Jul-13 Oct-13 To be decided on adoption 31-Dec-13 31-Dec-13

1 An External Advisory Group (EAG) will participate in review meetings with IACS throughout the final development phase, to be informed about the progress and interim results. The review meetings will be held in time for the Project Teams to consider and act on its advice before finalizing the draft requirements. 2 The draft Rules will be made available for general review on the IACS website and in technical presentations. IACS will provide a feedback mechanism for additional comments from the industry and other stakeholders by correspondence within a deadline. Two rounds of external reviews will be done, including technical presentations to the industry. D7.3.1 External Advisory group 1 The purpose of the EAG is to create a channel for information about progress and interim results from the harmonisation project and to provide the harmonisation project with ongoing advice from experts in modern tanker and bulk carrier structural design, construction and operation. These experts will be selected based on experience and background in design, construction and/or operation of tankers and/or bulk carriers, and will be requested to make significant contributions to the harmonisation project. The individual members of the EAG act in their individual capacity, relying on their own experience and expertise. 2 The quarterly meetings of the External Advisory Group are convened and facilitated by the Hull Panel Chairman and attended by: (a) Members of External Advisory Group (b) Hull Panel Chairman (c) Harmonisation PMT (d) SG/CSR (at least one member) (e) Project Team Chairmen as invited by Hull Panel Chairman upon consideration on the matter(s) to be discussed by the EAG 3 Hull Panel members may also attend EAG meetings as observers. 4 Hull Panel Chairman and PMT are to manage any comments made during the EAG meetings and pass them to the relevant Project Teams for their consideration.

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5 Once the draft rules become available, comments from the EAG on specific sections of the rule text are to be managed in accordance with section D7.6. D7.3.2 Technical presentations 1 Hull Panel Chairman and PMT is to organise Technical Presentations to Industry representatives and other interested Parties (e.g. Administrations) in order to present the draft Rules and to gather comments, feedback information and recommendations. 2 Invitation to these Technical Presentations may be extended to IACS Members and Permanent Secretariat, as observers. 3 These Technical Presentations should include a session explaining the current status of development of the draft Rules and the foreseen Internal and External Reviews. 4 Hull Panel Chairman and PMT are to manage any comments made during these Technical Presentations or afterwards by correspondence in accordance with section D7.6. D7.4 INTERNAL REVIEW BY INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS TECHNICAL COMMITTEES 1 Hull Panel members are to circulate the draft Harmonised CSR to their Technical Committee members, advising the draft number and the deadline for receiving comments. 2 Each Hull Panel Member is responsible for: (a) providing the draft Harmonised CSR to their Technical Committees; (b) organising meetings of Technical Committees, as appropriate; (c) gathering comments from Technical Committees; (d) analysing these comments; (e) preparing a report with consolidated comments on the draft Harmonised CSR; (f) providing these reports to Hull Panel Chairman, with copy to PMT, Hull Panel and GPG for information, by requested deadline(1) for comments. Note (1): Comments made after the deadline will not be considered. 3 Comments from each IACS Members Internal Review are to be managed by Hull Panel Chairman in accordance with section D7.6. For each comment, an indication whether it is acceptable or reasons why it is not acceptable should be provided to Hull Panel and GPG, in order to allow each IACS Member to provide feedback information to its Technical Committees, as appropriate. D7.5 COMMENTS FROM OTHER SOURCES 1 Comments may be received by sources other than the ones in sections D7.3 to D7.4, including comments:

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(a) addressed to the IACS Council Chairman or Permanent Secretariat; (b) addressed to each IACS Member; 2 Any of the above comments are to be managed in accordance with section D7.6. D7.6 MANAGEMENT OF FEEDBACK AND COMMENTS 1 All comments are to be forwarded to the Hull Panel Chairman and PMT. The PMT, with assistance as necessary from the CSR Secretariat, should enter the comments into the CSR KC (Harmonisation database) and in the case of technical comments, advise the relevant PT. The PT should review the comments and consider whether they should be included in the Rules. Once the response has been agreed by PT, the PMT and Hull Panel Chairman should be advised. All responses to technical comments are to be reviewed by the Hull Panel. 2 In the case of comments relating to policy issues, after entry in the KC they should be forwarded to GPG, and if necessary Council. A note should be included in the KC advising what action was taken. D7.7 OUTCOMES OF REVIEWS 1 All comments and feedback information received from the internal and external reviews, as defined in sections D7.3 to D7.5, are to be discussed by the Hull Panel in the course of meetings and/or communications by correspondence, as soon as they arrive, in order to: (a) advise GPG of the amendments to the draft Rules necessary for harmonisation; (b) refer to Council matters which due to technical or political nature cannot be resolved, requesting PTs to provide Council with the relevant background documentation and/or to make a presentation, to take a decision as appropriate; D7.8 ADOPTION AND ENTRY INTO FORCE OF THE RULES 1 PTs are to finalise the draft text of the Harmonised CSR based on comments by industry, Hull Panel recommendations and Councils decision on unresolved issues. 2 Hull Panel Chairman should provide Council and each IACS Member with the final draft Harmonisation CSR in view of: (a) Councils adoption by 30 June 2013; (b) publication of the adopted rules on IACS website and by each Member; (c) reporting on approval of the Rules by each Members Governing Bodies; (d) preparation of final GBS self-assessment documents and submission to IMO; (e) entry into force. D7.8.1 Council voting 1 Adoption of Harmonised CSR by Council is to be by unanimous agreement.
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ANNEX I Basic Principles for CSR Maintenance and Harmonisation

A. Background
1. The IACS goal which led to the development of the Common Structural Rules (CSR) for Oil Tankers and Bulk Carriers (hereinafter called the Rules) was to develop common minimum structural requirements for the design and construction of robust ships, based on transparent methods, supported by published technical background documents and providing a rational link between the requirements for new buildings and ships in service. 2. IACS intends that the Rules be maintained and updated taking into account experience of application, feedback from service, research and technical development, in order to be recognized by the international community as the principal reference for the minimum structural requirements for oil tankers and bulk carriers.

B. Maintenance of the Rules

1. To manage the maintenance of the Rules, IACS has put in place an organization and process to answer questions and to provide common interpretations. Teams were also put in place to develop benchmark data to assist with verification of software and rule interpretation. 2. To maintain the originally intended level of structural safety provided by the Rule criteria, IACS has adhered and will continue to adhere to the following Rule maintenance principles: 2.1 Editorial corrections and Common Interpretations will not result in any change to the required scantlings in relation to the original intention of the relevant Rule. 2.2 Rule changes will result in an improvement or enhancement of the Rules, reflecting a genuine advancement of knowledge, a reflection of operating experience, new technology, advances in design technology or harmonisation with other relevant requirements. 2.3 Rule changes will be fully evaluated to determine the consequences on a representative range of ships. Common Interpretations will similarly be evaluated to confirm that they will not result in changes to the required scantlings as mentioned in 1 above. 2.4 Where errors are detected in the published rules, corrections will be developed and implemented as quickly as possible but only after these proposed corrections have been fully evaluated and tested to ensure that the errors have been effectively dealt with. 2.4.1 Effective dates will be indicated for all changes, i.e. CI and Rule Changes. 2.5 The Rule requirements will be clear and not open to different interpretations. Common Interpretations (CI) will be used only when necessary to provide detailed instructions on the application of an existing rule requirement in order to obtain a common application of that Rule requirement. After a period of time corresponding

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Rule changes will be considered based on the CIs such that the CIs are no longer necessary. 2.6 The Rules will be fully supported by technical background documentation. Technical background documentation is to contain unambiguous and detailed explanations of the technical considerations that went into the proposal as well as the detailed assessment of the impact on the scantlings. 2.7 The renewal requirements for ships in service will have a rational link with the scantling requirements for new buildings through the use of prescribed corrosion allowances. 2.8 The Rule Maintenance process will involve the Members Technical Committees, and allow for wider industry input and feedback.

C. Harmonisation of the Rules

1. The initially published versions of the Rules for oil tankers and bulk carriers were developed separately and were based on different technical approaches. Therefore, at the adoption of the original Rules, IACS Council made a commitment to harmonise them based on a consistent methodology. 2. The following principles will be adhered to during the harmonisation of the Rules: 2.1 The harmonisation of the Rules will involve extensive technical work, testing and calibration, and a period of industry and other stakeholder review and feedback. 2.2 IACS will have a technical and management organization and process in place to meet the harmonisation objectives and schedule. 2.3 The harmonised Rules will be in compliance with the IMO Goal Based Standards where GBS Functional Requirements fall within the scope of the Rules. 2.4 The harmonisation will result in a single set of Rules with sections for oil tankers and bulk carriers. 2.5 Initial adoption of the harmonised Rules requires a unanimous decision of Council. Initial approval of the proposed harmonised Rules requires a unanimous decision of GPG. Agreement on the proposed harmonised Rules requires a majority in the Hull Panel. Subsequent amendments to the harmonised Rules as a result of future maintenance will follow the voting arrangements agreed in IACS Procedures. 2.6 The level of the harmonised Rule criteria in relation to the current Rules1 will be equivalent to or higher than the current Rule criteria. This implies that the following objectives are met: 2.6.1 Objective 1: The harmonised Rules provide the same or higher level of structural safety for the ships built to the harmonised Rules as for the ships built to the current Rules.

The current Rules are defined as the consolidated versions of the Common Structural Rules for Oil Tankers and Bulk Carriers effective 1 July 2010.
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Background: Ship structure is evaluated for various criteria such as yielding, fatigue, buckling, and ultimate strength. In determining the level of structural safety consideration must be given to both the probability of failure and the consequence of failure relative to the above criteria. While this probabilistic approach is rational, quantitative structural design considering all failure criteria is not easy in practice. Therefore a proxy must be considered for the level of structural safety. 2.6.2 Objective 2: A ship designed to be in compliance with the harmonised Rule should have scantlings similar to that built to the current Rules where it has a completely same ship design and structural arrangement both globally and locally. Background: Technical justification will be given when a ship designed to be in compliance with the harmonised Rules has different scantlings from those of the same ship design and structural arrangement built to the current Rules. Due consideration will be given to the scantlings potentially affected by the compliance with IMO GBS. 2.6.3 Objective 3: Methodology and approach for loads, fatigue, buckling etc. should be the same for tankers and bulk carriers. This is the premise of the harmonised Rules. Background: Any methodology to analyze loads and structural response is based on an idealization that models the actual physical phenomenon. The physical realization is the actual ship structure with required scantlings. If the approach, i.e. the idealized model, is substantially changed, the change which may produce a different set of scantling requirements in the ship structure is to be justified.

D. Guiding principle for the development of the harmonised Rules

1. To meet these objectives, as a guideline, the scantlings will be used as a proxy for level of structural safety, i.e. the scantlings required by the harmonised Rules should be the same or higher for a given ship design and structural arrangement than are required to meet the current Rules. 2. If the harmonised Rules result in lower scantlings than the current Rules, the technical justification is to be provided to the Hull Panel, GPG, and Council for review.

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