New rules for inland vessels have been developed jointly by Germanischer Lloyd and Bureau Veritas. They have entered into force with effect from August 1, 2006, for all inland vessels with the French and German classification societies and contracted for construction on or after that date.
In addition, the rules will apply to existing vessels that have been technically updated and which comply with the necessary safety requirements for inland navigation vessels.
The new rules comprise four sections, dealing with: classification and surveys; hull design and construction; machinery, systems and electricity; and additional requirements for notations. They cover survey requirements, class verification and construction rules for modern inland navigation vessels, and make provision for continuing improvements in pushing units, double hulls and dangerous goods regulations.
The rules, which will be updated regularly, comply with statutory regulations and are compatible with the ADNR (Regulation for the Carriage of Dangerous Goods on the Rhine) rules.
The rules are published on the websites of Bureau Veritas and Germanischer Lloyd.