GB 40557-2021
Specification for safe navigation of inland waterways high speed passenger ship (English Version)
- Standard No.
- GB 40557-2021
- Language
- Chinese, Available in English version
- Release Date
- 2021
- Published By
- General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of the People‘s Republic of China
- Latest
- GB 40557-2021
- Scope
- This document specifies the basic requirements for safe navigation of inland river high-speed passenger ships, as well as the technical conditions required for safe navigation such as ship maneuvering, navigation and collision avoidance, crew and watch, passenger luggage and carry-on items. This document applies to inland river high-speed passenger ships navigating in my country's inland rivers and border rivers.
- Introduction
Interpretation of the core content of the standard
GB40557-2021 standard systematically regulates the technical requirements for safe navigation of high-speed passenger ships on inland rivers in my country for the first time, and formulates differentiated operation specifications for special ship types such as hydrofoil, hovercraft, and planing boats. The implementation of the standard will significantly improve the safety level of inland high-speed passenger transport.
Comparison of ship classification and technical characteristics
Ship type Defining characteristics Typical speed Special maneuvering requirements Hydrofoil vessel Supported by hydrofoil lift in non-displacement state ≥3.7▽0.1667m/s Large-angle turning is prohibited, and heading needs to be adjusted in beam waves Fully cushioned hovercraft Flexible skirt maintains full cushion support ≥18km/h Sudden descent is prohibited; low flying altitude is required in densely populated areas Catamaran Multi-hull joint structure ≥3.7▽0.1667m/s Single-machine navigation requires speed control parameters
Key safety control points
1. Navigation status management
Foil navigation state conversion: Before accelerating, it is necessary to confirm that the heel angle is ≤ the allowable value (usually 3°-5°). Sharp rudder turns are prohibited during the transition phase.
Wave height limit: When the actual wave height reaches the maximum allowable value for the ship's foil navigation (generally 1/3 of the foil chord length), it must immediately switch to the drainage state.
2. Response to special environments
- Non-open water period: Except for fully-lifted hovercraft, other types of high-speed passenger ships must stop sailing
- Poor visibility: When visibility is less than 1000m, AIS and radar monitoring must be strengthened
- Special sections: When passing through the bridge area, it is necessary to slow down to less than 10 knots 1 nautical mile in advance
Innovative requirements for crew duty
The standard clarifies for the first time the mandatory rotation system for driving duty for 2 hours:
- A single continuous driving time shall not exceed 120 minutes
- Two pilots must be deployed for a voyage of ＞2 hours
- The handover requires the completion of the "Navigation Status Confirmation Checklist"
Typical case: In 2022, a high-speed passenger ship on the Pearl River suffered a fatigue driving accident due to failure to implement a shift system.
Suggestions for the implementation of the standard
Response measures for shipping companies
- Establish a ship status conversion inspection procedure (especially hydrofoil displacement/foil navigation conversion)
- Develop an electronic sailing inspection system to achieve digital management of the table in Appendix A
- Carry out special ship type maneuvering simulation training every quarter
Regulatory focus
It is recommended that the maritime department focus on:
- Compliance of night navigation approval (Article 6.7 of the standard)
- Information integrity of entry and exit reports (including Appendix B statements)
- Evaluation of the effectiveness of passenger safety notification implementation
GB 40557-2021 history
- 2021 GB 40557-2021 Specification for safe navigation of inland waterways high speed passenger ship