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Introduction
Overall length, also called length overall (LOA), is used as a parameter in the legislation, and the Norwegian Maritime Authority wants a uniform understanding of the term. We have in some cases seen that the term is understood in different ways, which could lead to differential treatment and "undermining" of the legislation.
These guidelines shall elaborate on the definition in section 2 of the Regulations on measurement and on the term in general when otherwise used in the NMA's set of regulations.
What to measure for overall length:
Overall length is in principle measured from the outboard side of the foremost part of the vessel to the outboard side of the aftermost part of the vessel when the vessel is untrimmed. Decks and bulwarks along with all permanent components shall also be included irrespective of attachment method and material. Rudder, fittings and removable details not affecting the capacity of the vessel, however, may be omitted from the measurement.
Components to be omitted when measuring overall length:
Weather-exposed/open parts of steering and propulsion arrangements/machinery, such as:
- rudder (see drawing 3 in appendix)
- stern drives and outboard engines with mounting brackets (see drawing 4 in Appendix)
Weather-exposed/open devices and equipment filling particular functions, but which at the same time do not increase capacities nor protect against weather, such as:
- loose fenders and fenders only placed around the ends of the hull (see drawing 2 in Appendix)
- fittings, e.g. bow reel and mizzen boom (see drawing 7 in Appendix)
- rigging, e.g. bowsprit (see drawing 14 in Appendix)
Weather-exposed/open devices with the exclusive purpose of preventing persons from falling over board and which are not used for storage and stowage, such as:
- pulpit in both ends of the vessel (see drawing 15 in Appendix)
- railings (see drawing 15 in appendix)
Weather-exposed/open devices to ensure people access for necessary exterior maintenance or access to sea, such as:
- diving platforms (see drawing 4 in appendix)
- swimming platforms (see drawing 15 in appendix)<
Components to be included when measuring overall length:
- hull (see drawing 1 in appendix)
- decks
- bulwarks
- fixed fenders/belting (see drawing 12 in appendix)
- permanent components attached to hull, deck, deckhouse/superstructure or bulwark (see drawings 5, 8 and 9 in Appendix)
- structural elements forming part of the hull and affecting its design, capacities and properties (e.g. bow port, loading ramp, etc., see drawing 6 in Appendix)
- structural element for storage of appliances and/or tools irrespective of attachment method (see drawing 10 in Appendix)
- parts functioning as hydrostatic or dynamic support when the vessel is stationary or underway (see drawing 8 in appendix)
- volumes, such as bulb, appended "crate" for mounting of steering gear, connected to hull, deck, bulwark or deckhouse/superstructure, irrespective of fixing method (see drawings 1, 9 and 10 in Appendix)