and this is the mode of classing now in force. But to go back a few years:—In 1841 another register society was constituted at Liverpool, which existed for four years, and was in 1845 amalgamated with 'Lloyd's Register.' In 1863 Lloyd's Register Book was enlarged, and the registered length, breadth, and depth of the ships were given in addition to other particulars. In 1870, its size was still further increased. The book in 1874 received great additions, and is about four times the size of that issued in 1834. It now contains all British ships classed and unclassed of 100 tons and above, in addition to many vessels of smaller size, and those of other nations which have obtained classification therein, or others of sufficient importance to be inserted. The rules for shipbuilding were in 1874 also carefully revised, and issued with the enlarged book.
The information it contains may now be said to be very complete, for few particulars are omitted which are likely to be required in the ordinary course of business. Steps have been taken to publish the rules in the principal European languages, and I learn that already translations into the French, German, and Italian languages have been completed, and are in the press.
From the current Register Book it will be seen that there are now nearly 3000 subscribers, and there are about 8000 vessels classed, in addition to those of which the class is temporarily suspended, pending repairs or survey, or for some other cause. At the present time nearly the whole of the shipbuilding in the
- [Footnote: Sections 54 to 58 provide for the Continuation or Restoration of the
Character A 1 for further periods.
Ships Classed A 1 in Red.—Section 60 provides for the Survey and Classing of Ships A 1 in Red, which is also a Class of vessels fit for the safe conveyance of dry and perishable goods to and from all parts of the world. They are allowed to retain this Character upon Special Survey, for terms in no case exceeding two-thirds the periods originally assigned to them.
They are also subject to Annual Survey, and to the half-time Survey prescribed in Section 34.
Ships Classed Æ, for the conveyance of dry and perishable goods on shorter voyages, and for the conveyance of cargoes not in their nature subject to sea damage on any voyage.
Section 61 requires that they should be submitted to Annual Survey, and to Special Survey within periods not exceeding four years.
Ships Classed E.—For the conveyance of cargoes not subject to sea damage on any voyage.
Section 65 requires that they should be submitted to Annual Survey, and to Special Survey within periods not exceeding three years.
Provision is made in the Rules for the Classification of Composite Ships; also of Foreign-built Ships constructed not in accordance with the Rules.
As all vessels are required to be surveyed periodically, the date of Survey is the criterion of their state of efficiency at that time only.]
