Regulatory Approval
Island Boats will construct aluminum vessels to many different
class societies. This includes, but is not limited to the following:
Typically, the following process is involved with the classing of a vessel:
- Plan Preparation and Submittal: Typical plan preparation includes the design
and prepration of engineering information to substantiate the structural,
mechanical and hydrostatic properties of the vessel. This phase of the process
can take from 6 to 12 weeks, dependent upon the complexity of the vessel.
- Plan Submittal and Review: Once the class society receives the plan package,
they typically will spend 6 to 8 weeks to review and approve or comment on
the acceptability of the plans.
- Plan Approval: The class society will issue a letter stating the acceptance
of the plans submitted.
- Construction Inspection: Local inspectors for the class society will observe
the construction process to ensure that the approved plans are followed and
quality marine practice is exercised. Our local USCG MSO typically visits
our yard weekly and sometimes will inspect the vessel 18 to 24 times during
the course of construction.
- Sea Trials: After construction is complete, the local inspector will accompany
the vessel on a sea trial to observe the proper operation of the vessel under
a number of different modes and ensure that all systems are functional and
all safety gear is present. An inspection certificate is typically issued
after successful sea trials and final inspection.
- Stability Testing: After sea trials, the stability of the vessel is typically
verified through one of three generally accepted methods, 1.) deadweight survey,
2.) inclining test, 3.) simplified stability test.
Along with the review and inspection process, the yard must have the following
procedures and qualifications in place:
- Approved Welding Procedures to demonstrate that the methods of welding the
aluminum meets minimum acceptable criteria.
- Qualification of Welders to demonstrate that welders performing the work
have adequate skill to perform the approved welding procedures.
- Material Testing Reports (MTR's) and class society approvals must be tracked
and maintained to ensure minimum acceptable standards.
- Non Destructive Testing: Certified testing labs must be employed to verify
quality of welding at the direction of the class society.