Class Notation

Class notation is a notion to state the vessel special capability and characteristic. It differs from one ship to another and are dependent on the class that are used by the vessel. However, generally different class have will have the same special function and characteristic but different notation. Examples of notation is as below as according to stated rules:

BV rules:

1. COMF-NOISE x: Comfort on board, noise level, "x" is 1,2 or 3. 1 being the most comfortable level for passenger.
2. COMF-VIB x: Comfort on board, vibration level, "x" is 1,2 or 3. 1 being the most comfortable level for passenger.
3. ICE: Ice class vessel. The structural strength of the vessel is strengthened to withstand the navigation on extreme weather in artic area. This notation also will be applied to ship that sails in the Baltic Sea during winter.
4. CLEANSHIP: Notation for ship that have sea and air pollution prevention system
5. CLEANSHIP SUPER: Notation given to ship that have at least 3 eligible pollution prevention system.
6. AWT: Advance wastewater system. Ship is fitted with advance wastewater treatment plant which clean filter both black water and grey water. Eligible for CLEANSHIP SUPER
7. BWT: Ship is fitted with ballast water treatment plant. Eligible for CLEANSHIP SUPER
8. EGCS-SRUBBER: Ship is fitted with exhaust gas cleaning system using scrubber. Eligible for CLEANSHIP SUPER
9. GWT: fitted with grey water treatment plant. Eligible for CLEANSHIP SUPER
10. OWS-x ppm: fitted with Oily water separator with "x" ppm. Eligible for CLEANSHIP SUPER
11. I: (roman numeral one). Assigned to ship that built to the BV class requirement or other recognized rules that are equivalent. The ship is also maintained as per class rules.
12. II: (roman numeral two). Assigned to ship that do not meet all requirement for class symbol, but are deemed acceptable to be entered into Register of Ships.
13. HULL: hull construction mark
14. MACH: Machinery installation construction mark

Construction Mark:

1. ✠ - (Maltese cross). The symbol is assigned to relevant part of ship (usually HULL and MACH) denoting that they have been surveyed during construction and are built according to the rules.
2. • - (Bullet). The symbol is assigned to relevant part of ship (usually HULL and MACH) denoting that they have been surveyed other than (1) above. Usually, this symbol means that the surveyor will check anything that they want.

Service notation:

1. Anchor Handling Vessel: Notation given to ship of suitable type
2. Barge:  Notation given to ship of suitable type
3. Bulk Carrier:  Notation given to ship of suitable type
4. Dredger:  Notation given to ship of suitable type
5. Fishing Vessel:  Notation given to ship of suitable type
6. General Cargo Ship:  Notation given to ship of suitable type
7. Oil Tanker:  Notation given to ship of suitable type
8. Tug:  Notation given to ship of suitable type

And many more. It is best to refer specific class for their notation. Notation can vastly differ and mutually same.

Example of vessel class notation:

I, ✠HULL, ✠MACH, OIL TANKER FP<60°C, BWT, OWS-15ppm,

Class built ship with hull and machinery approved by BV, Oil Tanker ship carrying product with flashpoint lower than 60°C, equipped with ballast water treatment system and oily water separator of 15ppm