A1 at Lloyd's

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A1 at Lloyd's is an expression that denotes utmost excellence which traces its origins to Lloyd's Register of British and Foreign Shipping, a prestigious society that sets standards for ship construction. Lloyd's highest classification assigned to iron and steel ships is "+100 A1", which represents the condition of the ship's hull as well as the efficiency of the equipment. The notation '100' refers to the Sea going capability. 'A' refers to the fact that the Hull was built or accepted into Class in accordance with Lloyds Rules and is in a good and efficient condition. The '1' indicates that the Anchoring and/or Mooring equipment is provided in accordance with Lloyds Rules and is in a good and efficient condition. Details of these and other notations are given in the Register book with precise definitions given in Lloyds Rules. These notations were in use originally to define the Class Notations of Sailing vessels but are still currently in use to define the Classification of Steel vessels.

[edit] Clarification of the above as follows:

All ships, when classed, will be assigned one or more character symbols as applicable. For the majority of ships, the character assigned will be 100A1 or +100A1.

A full list of character symbols for which ships may be eligible is as follows:

+ This distinguishing mark will be assigned, at the time of classing, to new ships constructed under LR’s Special Survey in compliance with the Rules, and to the satisfaction of the Committee.

100 This character figure will be assigned to all ships considered suitable for sea-going service.

A This character letter will be assigned to all ships which have been built or accepted into class in accordance with LR’s Rules and Regulations, and which are maintained in good and efficient condition.

1 This character figure will be assigned to: (a) Ships having on board, in good and efficient condition, anchoring and/or mooring equipment in accordance with the Rules. (b) Ships classed for a special service, having on board, in good and efficient condition, anchoring and/or mooring equipment approved by the Committee as suitable and sufficient for the particular service.

N This character letter will be assigned to ships on which the Committee has agreed that anchoring and mooring equipment need not be fitted in view of their particular service.

T This character letter will be assigned to ships which are intended to perform their primary designed service function only while they are anchored, moored, towed or linked, and which have, in good and efficient condition, adequately attached anchoring, mooring, towing or linking equipment which has been approved by the Committee as suitable and sufficient for the intended service.

For classification purposes, the character figure 1, or either of the character letters N or T, is to be assigned.

In cases where the anchoring and/or mooring equipment is found to be seriously deficient in quality or quantity, the class of the ship will be liable to be withheld.