scope:

Purpose of the Code

The Code provides a Goal Based Structure against which a vessel can be certified by a Naval Administration to demonstrate that materially, the vessel is safe to operate in accordance with the navy's safety policy objectives. This chapter provides a detailed description of the philosophy of the Code; and guidance on how to apply it to a naval vessel in order to issue a Naval Ship Safety Certificate.

The Code is derived from international conventions that will allow a navy to demonstrate that a vessel is materially safe to operate, subject to the scope of the Code itself and the operational practices for the vessel. As such, it provides a tool for the management of material safety of naval surface ships. It recognises their operational usage which is different from those associated with vessels operated for commercial purposes.

It includes goals associated with both routine and foreseeable damage conditions associated with operations during peacetime and maritime security roles of a warship, it excludes damages inflicted from Extreme Threat Conditions¹ or when involved in Combat Operations. Links are contained in the Code such that a Naval Administration can extend the scope of the vessel's certification to cover these excluded areas if required.

¹ Extreme Threat Conditions and other capitalised terms are defined in Part 1 Definitions and Abbreviations