Guide for Building and Classing
International Naval Ships
Notices and General Information
July 2022
GUIDE FOR BUILDING AND CLASSING
INTERNATIONAL NAVAL SHIPS
JULY 2022
NOTICES AND
GENERAL INFORMATION
American Bureau of Shipping
Incorporated by Act of Legislature of
the State of New York 1862
2022 American Bureau of Shipping. All rights reserved.
ABS Plaza
1701 City Plaza Drive
Spring, TX 77389 USA
Notices and General Information
CONTENTS
Introduction ..................................................................................................................... 1
TABLE 1 Applicable Editions of Booklets Comprising July 2022
International Naval Ships Guide ............................................... 3
TABLE 2 Division and Numbering of Rules and Guides.......................... 4
Change Notice (1 July 2022) .......................................................................................... 5
TABLE 3 Summary of Changes from the January 2022 Guide ............... 5
Definition of Terms Used Throughout the Guide ......................................................... 6
ABS GUIDE FOR BUILDING AND CLASSING INTERNATIONAL NAVAL SHIPS . 2022 ii
Notices and General Information
Introduction
1. The year 2022 edition of the Guide for Building and Classing International Naval Ships consists
of the Parts shown in Table 1. Content has been added as necessary to extend its applicability to
military vessels and other Government owned vessels in non-commercial service. The following
is provided for information regarding each Part:
a) Part 1: The purpose of the generic title ABS Rules for Conditions of Classification (Part 1)
is to reflect the expanded contents of PART 1, as a result of including consolidated
requirements for “Classification” applicable to all types of and sizes of vessels, barges and
specific shipboard arrangements/systems, etc., except for those in offshore service, as
specified in the Foreword to Part 1. Additional specific requirements are contained in
Chapter 11 of Part 1.
b) Part 2: The purpose of the generic title ABS Rules for Materials and Welding (Part 2) is to
reflect the common applicability of the requirements to all ABS-classed vessels, other
marine structures and their associated machinery, and thereby make PART 2 more readily
a common “PART” of various ABS Rules and Guides, as appropriate.
c) Part 3: The ABS Guide for Building and Classing International Naval Ships (Part 3) is
based upon other existing ABS Rules and Guides to inherently incorporate baseline standards
for hull design, construction, safety and environmental protection expected of all
commercial vessels worldwide.
d) Part 4: The ABS Guide for Building and Classing International Naval Ships (Part 4) is
based upon other existing ABS Rules and Guides to inherently incorporate baseline standards
for machinery design, construction, safety and environmental protection expected of all
commercial vessels worldwide.
e) Part 5: The ABS Rules for Building and Classing Marine Vessels (Part 5A, 5B, 5C)
contains structural requirements for specific vessel types (tankers, bulk carriers, container
carriers, liquefied gas carriers, passenger carriers, chemical carriers, and vessels intended
to carry vehicles) that are normally classed in accordance with ABS Rules for Building
and Classing Marine Vessels. The inclusion of this existing Part 5 in the ABS Guide for
Building and Classing International Naval Ships is mainly for its potential application to
certain naval ships (e.g., Oilers) and will require special consideration when applying its
requirements since they were intended for application to commercial vessels and are
therefore based heavily upon SOLAS and other IMO Convention standards; no
modifications have been made to it at this time to tailor its applicability to military vessels
or other Government-owned vessels in non-commercial service.
f) Part 6: The ABS Guide for Building and Classing International Naval Ships (Part 6)
provides requirements regarding those optional notations offered by ABS that are most
frequently requested and/or considered to be most applicable or unique to military vessels
and other Government owned vessels in non-commercial service. A complete listing of
available optional notations is on the ABS website (www.eagle.org). The requirements in
Part 6 apply in addition to the basic requirements for Classification, but only apply for
those optional notations that are requested.
g) Part 6: The ABS Guide for Building and Classing International Naval Ships (Part 6)
provides requirements regarding those optional notations offered by ABS that are most
frequently requested and/or considered to be most applicable or unique to military vessels
and other Government owned vessels in non-commercial service. A complete listing of
available optional notations is on the ABS website (www.eagle.org). The requirements in
Part 6 apply in addition to the basic requirements for Classification, but only apply for
those optional notations that are requested.
ABS GUIDE FOR BUILDING AND CLASSING INTERNATIONAL NAVAL SHIPS . 2022 1
Notices and General Information
h) Part 7: The purpose of the generic title ABS Rules for Survey After Construction (Part 7)
is to reflect the common applicability of survey requirements to all ABS-classed vessels,
other marine structures and their associated machinery.
2. The numbering system applied in the Guide is shown in Table 2.
3. The primary changes from the January 2022 Guide are identified and listed in Table 3. The
effective date of the indicated Rule Changes is 1 July 2022, unless specifically indicated otherwise.
4. The effective date of each technical change since 1993 is shown in parenthesis at the end of the
subsection/paragraph titles within the text of each Part. Unless a particular date and month are
shown, the years in parentheses refer to the following effective dates:
(2000) and after 1 January 2000 (and subsequent years) (1996) 9 May 1996
(1999) 12 May 1999 (1995) 15 May 1995
(1998) 13 May 1998 (1994) 9 May 1994
(1997) 19 May 1997 (1993) 11 May 1993
For certain changes that have a major impact on shipyards, designers and vendors, ABS has
instituted a two-year Rule cycle to give the industry more time to prepare for these changes. The
text of these changes will appear in a box along with the effective date just under the existing
requirement.
5. The listing of CLASSIFICATION SYMBOLS AND NOTATIONS is available from the ABS
website www.eagle.org for download.
ABS GUIDE FOR BUILDING AND CLASSING INTERNATIONAL NAVAL SHIPS . 2022 2
Notices and General Information
TABLE 1
Applicable Editions of Booklets Comprising July 2022 International
Naval Ships Guide
Notices and General Information July 2022
Part 1: Rules for Conditions of Classification July 2022*
Part 2: Rules for Materials and Welding July 2022*
Rules for Testing and Certification of Materials
Rules for Welding and Fabrication
Part 3: Hull Construction and Equipment July 2022
Part 4: Vessel Systems and Machinery July 2022
Part 5A: Specific Vessel Types July 2022*
(Booklet 1) General Hull Requirements (IACS CSR Part 1) (on and after 1 July
2022)
Part 5B: Specific Vessel Types July 2022*
(Booklet 1) Ship Types (IACS CSR Part 2) (on and after 1 July
2022)
Part 5C: Specific Vessel Types July 2022*
Chapter 1 & 2 Oil Carrier
Chapter 3 & 4 Bulk Carrier
Chapter 5 & 6 Container Carrier
Part 5C: Specific Vessel Types July 2022*
Chapter 7 Passenger Carrier
Chapter 8 Liquefied Gas Carrier
Chapter 9 Chemical Carrier
Chapter 10 Vehicle Carrier
Chapter 11 Water Carrier
Chapter 12 Liquefied Gas Carrier with Membrane
Tanks
Chapter 13 Vessels Using Gases or other Low-
Flashpoint Fuels
Chapter 14 Fire Fighting Vessels
Chapter 15 Oil Recovery Vessels
Chapter 16 Escort Vessels
Chapter 17 Vessels Under 90m (295 ft) Intended
for Towing
Chapter 18 Fishing Vessels
Chapter 19 Vessels Intended to Carry Bulk Cargoes
without Upper Wing Tanks and Lower
Wing Tanks
Part 6: Optional Notations July 2022
Chapter 1 Strengthening for Navigation in Ice
Chapter 2 Bridge Design Notations (NBL,
NBLES, NIBS)
Chapter 3 Hull Girder Ultimate Strength
Assessment
Chapter 4 Naval Ship Safety Certificate
Chapter 5 Mission Threats Protection
Chapter 6 Underway Replenishment
Part 7: Rules for Survey After Construction July 2022*
ABS GUIDE FOR BUILDING AND CLASSING INTERNATIONAL NAVAL SHIPS . 2022 3
Notices and General Information
* Note: The latest edition of these Rules is to be referred to. These Rules may be downloaded from the ABS website at
www.eagle.org, Rules and Guides, Downloads or may be ordered separately from the ABS Publications online catalog
at www.eagle.org, Rules and Guides, Catalog.
Parts 5A, 5B, and 5C are parts of the ABS Rules for Building and Classing Marine Vessels.
TABLE 2
Division and Numbering of Rules and Guides
Division Number
Part Part 1
Chapter Part 1, Chapter 1
Section Section 1-1-1
Subsection (see Note 1) 1-1-1/1
Paragraph (see Note 1) 1-1-1/1.1
Subparagraph 1-1-1/1.1.1
Item 1-1-1/1.1.1(a)
Subitem 1-1-1/1.1.1(a)i)
Appendix Appendix 1-1-A1 or Appendix 1-A1-1
Note:
1 An odd number (1, 3, 5, etc.) numbering system is used for the Rules. The purpose is to permit future insertions of
even-numbered paragraphs (2, 4, 6, etc.) of text and to avoid the necessity of having to renumber the existing text and
associated cross-references, as applicable, within the Rules and associated process instructions, check sheets, etc.
ABS GUIDE FOR BUILDING AND CLASSING INTERNATIONAL NAVAL SHIPS . 2022 4
Notices and General Information
Change Notice (1 July 2022)
TABLE 3
Summary of Changes from the January 2022 Guide
EFFECTIVE DATE 1 July 2022 – shown as (1 July 2022)
(based on the contract date for new construction between builder and Owner)
Part/Para. No. Title/Subject Status/Remarks
PART 3 Hull Construction and Equipment
3-2-11/3.9 Superstructures, Deckhouses, and To clarify the applicable locations for the requirements of the deck
Helicopter Decks steps, which were originally prescribed in OSV Rules.
3-2-17/7.3.1 Bulwarks, Rails, Freeing Ports, To require sidescuttles deadlights to be watertight if fitted below the
Portlights, Windows, Ventilators, freeboard deck and weathertight if fitted above the freeboard deck, in
Tank Vents and Overflows line with ICLL Reg. 23(4).
3-2-4/19.3 Bottom Structures To update requirements for drain wells in accordance with SOLAS
Reg.II-1/9.3 amended by MSC.421(98).
3-2-9/1.9, 1.11, 9, Watertight Bulkheads and Doors To incorporate IACS UI SC156 Rev 2, to format the Tests and
9.9 and 9.11 Inspections into standard parts: materials, welding, testing at the plant
of manufacturer and installation tests, to require Unit certification of
WT doors including material certification and that prototype tests
need to be witnessed by ABS Surveyor, and to add a section for Plans
and Particulars to be submitted for consistency on engineering reviews
of WT doors.
3-5-1/3.1, Figure Anchoring and Mooring Equipment To correct and clarify the definition of "a" and to remove "a" from
1A Figure 1A, in line with IACS UR A1 rev.7/corr.1.
PART 4 Vessel Systems and Machinery
4-1-1/1.9.7 Classification of Machinery To incorporate a clarification for available services, in line with IACS
UR E17 (Rev.1 Feb.2021).
4-1-1/7.13 Classification of Machinery To keep consistent with IACS UR M75 Rev.1.
4-1-1/7.9 Classification of Machinery To provide clarification as to what documentation needs to be
submitted for the verification of the equipment/machinery capability
of operation under the inclinations listed in 4-1-1/9 Table 7 by
Engineering.
4-2-1/13.1.2(a), Diesel Engines To a allow for PDA/certification of mass produced high pressure fuel
Table 7 injection pipes based on the current practice by the manufacturers.
4-2-1A2/3 Appendix 2 – Type Testing To correct references to some of industry standards referred to from
Procedure for Crankcase Explosion IACS UR M66 REV. 4 CORR.(OCT.2021) as agreed by Machinery
Relief Valves Panel.
4-2-2/3.3, 11.1, Turbochargers To provide clarification for certification requirements for Category B
Table 2 Turbochargers.
4-3-2/1.5.1, Propulsion Shafting To address provisions or recommendations regarding EALs because
5.15.2(e) of their widespread use/adoption.
4-3-2/1.5.1, Propulsion Shafting To add new notation TCM-PS (i.e., Protective Seal).
5.15.2, 13.3.1,
13.5.1, 14, 15.1,
15.3, Table 5,
15.5
4-3-4/1.7 Steering Gears To clarify that the power units may be located outside of the
compartment containing the rudder actuators for vessels less than 90
meters in length.
4-6-2/5.7.1, 5.7.2, Metallic Piping To incorporate IACS UR P2.7.4 (Rev.10), IACS UR P2.11 (Rev.5),
5.7.5, 5.9.1(i), IACS UR P2.12 (Rev.3), and IACS UR P2.13 (Rev.1).
5.9.2(e)v)6), 9.1,
Table 10 and
Table 12
4-6-2/9.19 Metallic Piping To add the installation of the slip-on joints in areas outside the cargo
TABLE 10 tank to Footnote 11 in MVR 4-6-2/9.19 TABLE 10 to be in line with
Footnote 11 INSG 4-6-2/5.9.1(i).
ABS GUIDE FOR BUILDING AND CLASSING INTERNATIONAL NAVAL SHIPS . 2022 5
Notices and General Information
Part/Para. No. Title/Subject Status/Remarks
4-6-4/17.3.2(c) Ship Piping Systems and Tanks Since INSG 4-6-4/17 is for Oil Pollution Prevention as per MARPOL
as titled, and the double bottom requirement aligned with SOLAS
Reg. II-1/9.3 is available in INSG 3-2-4/19.3, the duplicate
requirements are removed from INSG 4-6-4/17.3.2 (c).
4-6-4/7.7 Ship Piping Systems and Tanks To correctly specify the application of the Ballast Water Treatment
Guide.
4-6-4/9.3.7(d)ii) Ship Piping Systems and Tanks To incorporate IACS UR P3 (Rev.5 Apr.2021).
4-6-5/3.3.6, Piping Systems for Internal To a allow for PDA/certification of mass produced high pressure fuel
3.3.7(d) Combustion Engines injection pipes based on the current practice by the manufacturers.
4-8-1/5.5.1(a) General Provisions To provide additional documentation requirements covering
permanent magnet inline shaft generators on single screw vessels.
4-8-2/11.17.5 System Design To add charging requirements for VRLA and AGM batteries used for
engine starting.
4-8-2/5.7.3, System Design To provide guidance to ABS requirements where lithium-ion batteries
11.5.4 are utilized as an emergency power source and to further clarify the
requirement for separate power source of audible device of navigation
lighting panel.
4-8-3/3.14, 3.15.1 Electrical Equipment To specify additional design requirements for permanent magnet shaft
and 3.15.12 generators on single screw vessels.
4-8-3/9.17 Electrical Equipment To clarify that in accordance with MVR 4-1-1/Table 3 item 20, cables
are required to be type approval Tier 2.
4-8-4/25.3.2, Shipboard Installation and Tests To align the 4-8-4/25.5.3 with the subject requirement in 4-8-4/27.5.3
25.5.2 and 4-8-4/27.5.5 of the ABS Marine Vessel Rules.
4-8-4/5.1.6, Shipboard Installation and Tests To add requirement for replacement of batteries with VRLA or AGM
5.3.2(a), 5.3.2(b) batteries and to add requirements for air circulation between batteries
and for personnel protection.
4-9-7 Special Systems To incorporate IACS UI SC156 Rev 2 changes for watertight doors.
Definition of Terms Used Throughout the Guide
Naval Vessel: This term is used to broadly refer to Government owned vessels in non-commercial service;
primarily vessels whose purpose is for safety, security and/or defense. As such, it applies to vessels of the
Navy, the Coast Guard, or other Government agency of a country; the main differences from commercial
vessels being: (1) such vessels are not required by law to comply with national or international codes or
standards with which commercial vessels must comply, and (2) in many cases such vessels are equipped and
outfitted for combat or related military missions which requires vessel systems, functions, and capabilities
to address operational scenarios not encountered by commercial vessels.
The criteria in this Guide was developed around the following features/characteristics/assumptions with regard
to the vessels to which this Guide applies: surface vessels, non-nuclear, welded steel construction, welded
aluminum construction, areas of composite structure (other than primary structure), mono-hull, displacement
type (however, the Guide does address dynamically supported vessels), no restrictions on length, IMO/SOLAS
not mandatory (if invoked in whole or in part it is invoked by choice/policy of the Naval Administration),
unrestricted service (but criteria is included to allow for lesser service routes), fitted with systems that
support aircraft operations, combat operations, or other military-unique missions.
Naval Administration: The department, directorate, bureau or command to whom the National Government
has delegated authority over the acquisition, acceptance, maintenance and technical requirements of naval
vessels, and who acts on the Government’s behalf in all matters relating to the procurement and support of
the vessels. In the case where these authorities are invested in separate departments within the naval
organization, the term “Naval Administration” means the ensemble of departments having those authorities,
or the command that overarches these departments.
ABS GUIDE FOR BUILDING AND CLASSING INTERNATIONAL NAVAL SHIPS . 2022 6
Notices and General Information
Special Consideration: Where the term “special consideration” is used in this Guide, it is intended to indicate
that ABS will consider a particular specified arrangement, detail, or proposed alternative or equivalency, or that
application of the criteria in the Guide may require modification from what is prescribed in order to satisfy the
intent of the requirements. Arrangements, details and proposed alternatives or equivalency determinations that
require special consideration for ABS classification will be reviewed in conjunction with submitted
calculations and other supporting documentation in accordance with sound engineering practice.
Recognized Standard: A document developed and maintained by an organization whose functions include
the development and maintenance of specifications and standards, and designated as applicable for use in
marine applications or made suitable by the addition of supplemental criteria. Acceptance of a recognized
standard and any required supplemental criteria are subject to review and approval by ABS.
HM&E System: Hull, mechanical and electrical (HM&E) systems are those systems relating to the safety
of vessel and crew in the basic operation and navigation of the vessel (i.e., aspects of the platform other than
mission systems and mission-related or military-unique aspects that are the domain of other designated
authorities).
Mission System: The systems, subsystems and individual equipment directly dedicated to carrying out the
mission of the ship as opposed to those systems needed for crew and vessel safety regarding basic operation
and navigation of the vessel. Mission systems include combat systems (weapons and sensors), C4ISR
systems (including information security), and those systems and features related to military-unique aspects
that are required for operation in a military environment (aspects such as signatures, shock, survivability,
weapons effects, etc.).
ABS GUIDE FOR BUILDING AND CLASSING INTERNATIONAL NAVAL SHIPS . 2022 7