With reference to the above mentioned subject, New Class Notations & Descriptive Notes were established by Amendments, on 27 December 2002 (Rule No. 65), to Part A of the RULES FOR THE SURVEY AND CONSTRUCTION OF STEEL SHIPS. The amendments should be dealt with as follows;

1. The Aim of the Amendment
These amendments, have been made to clarify the class notations to be affixed to vessels, to which special requirements or lighting have been applied, with regards to "Service Area", "Structural Materials for Main Hull", "Hull & Equipment", "Ice Strengthening", "Structural Analysis", and/or "Special Survey Scheme". That is to say, the kind of notation to be affixed in which case was revised so that the relationship between the class notation and conformity with regulations would become clearer. It follows therefore, that many kinds of class notations were re-examined. Furthermore, in addition to the "Class Notations" showing a better relationship with the regulations, there is also a new system to be displayed in combination, called "Descriptive Note" for describing special structures, the kind of cargo, etc.

2. Application of New Class Notations & Descriptive Notes
(1) For New Ships
According to these amendments, the New Class Notations & Descriptive Notes (for New Ships) apply to vessels which will-be registered after 1 January 2004 when making "Application for Classification and Statutory Services During Construction". Consequently, please choose the New Class Notations & Descriptive Notes carefully when you submit the an Application. Please find attached a table for "Comparison of Old and New Notations" for your reference.
(2) For Existing Ships & New Ships under constructing
For existing ships, with the owner's consent (after having verified with the owner), the old Class Notations will be changed to New Class Notations & Descriptive Notes. The same applies to new ships under construction (for applications received before 31 December 2003). The initial Class Notation will be substituted with New Class Notations & Descriptive Notes with the owner's consent after delivery.
(3) For Existing Ships(registered after construction) & Re-classed Ships
The New Class Notations & Descriptive Notes must be used after 1 January 2004 when making "Application for Classification and Statutory Services for an Existing Ship".

(To be continued)