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Unrestricted ocean classification

Discussion in 'General Yachting Discussion' started by Pizzazz7, Nov 11, 2023.

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  1. Pizzazz7

    Pizzazz7 New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 15, 2019
    Messages:
    23
    Location:
    Sozopol
    Following recent threads on yacht classification, I started thinking what it would take to classify my boat for unrestricted service, i.e. capable of operating more than 200 nm away from safe heaven. The boat in question is a Riva Superamerica 48, a fairly solid boat with good reputation. Putting aside the question of having enough fuel to get more than 200 nm away from port, I came up with the following list, based on local requirements in the EU (boat is registered in BG) and UK requirements for motor boats. What do you guys think, shall try to get the boat approved? How do local requirements in your countries compare?

    Requirements for unrestricted service (BG category V, UK category 0):

    - Watertight main deck (i.e. excludes open boats). Check.

    - Efficient drainage for recessed areas (cockpit). BG further requires than vessel floats with full cockpit. Check.

    - BG requires LOA > 12 meters. UK suggests > 15 meters but has no restriction. Check.

    - BG requires at least 3 watertight bulkheads. UK does not specify number of bulkheads but requires enough bulkheads so that flooding in any compartment will leave at least 7.5 cm freeboard. Problem.

    This could be a challenge. I have two water tight bulkheads, one between the crew cabin at the bow and the owner's cabin, one in front of the fuel tanks and there is a third one between the lazarette and the engine compartment that can be made water tight with minimal effort. But then, how many boats of this size have three proper water tight bulkheads? May be I should try to talk my way out of this requirement.

    - Watertight hatches and portlights with storm covers/deadlights. Check. I have nice stainless steel covers integral to all portlights.

    - UK requires that portable blanks that can be secured in place of a broken window for half of the windows unless windows use glazing material of sufficient strength. Check.

    - Bilge pumps in every water tight compartment. UK further requires bilge alarm in machine area. Check.

    - Minimum freeboard according to formula, easily satisfied by most boats but questionable if my boat was overloaded with additional fuel. Currently, I have 660 gallons and spare displacement (since the boat was re-engined with lighter Cummins 6CTAs vs original 903s) for about 340 gallons more. This could give me 800 nm planing range and 2,000 nm displacement range.

    - Two anchors, main and backup, 50 meters chain. Need to add a backup anchor but Check.

    - BG has some specific requirements such as engine > 75 kW, ventilation to all compartments, fixed and backup running lights, alternative electricity source above main deck. Check.

    - Radio equipment (2x VHF+DSC, AIS, HF+DSC, Navtex, EPIRB). I guess it is typical. Check.

    - Other categories such life-saving means, fire safety and navigation items are extensive but easily satisfied by most current boats. The key items are liferaft, life jackets, immersion or dry suits, signaling, etc. Check.

    Is there anything significant that I am missing? What are good examples of boats <60 ft that are certified for unrestricted passages to compare to? I am mostly interested in fast boats, capable of >20 knots cruise not trawlers like Nordhavn.
  2. ranger58sb

    ranger58sb Senior member

    Joined:
    Aug 20, 2013
    Messages:
    895
    Location:
    Chesapeake Bay, USA

    Why? What are you trying to solve? Or accomplish?

    -Chris
  3. mapism

    mapism Senior Member

    Joined:
    Aug 9, 2008
    Messages:
    2,160
    Location:
    Sardinia
    I was wondering exactly the same.
    BTW, the point related to bulkheads and/or capability to withstand flooding is something for which I can't think of ANY 50 footer (and also larger) planing boat that would comply.
    But I'd be curious to hear if anyone can name some.