Class societies rules introductory book

Is there a good introductory book (or not so introductory) that eases up entrance into the world of class societies rules that deal with small craft (steel and aluminium)?

I know the general principles of ship strength, and although I manage more often than not to "push" my way through them (rules), I know that I'm still lacking the "general perspective". It is also the opinion of some that rules books 20 or 30 years ago were more easy to follow than nowadays. Nowadays, I literally find myself baffled with the explanations of some of them.

Therefore the question. Is there any book that deals with rules for small craft of steel and aluminium builds, that deal with classification society rules? I'm particularly interested in european societies, but any will do, as long as it is in english ...

 

There is no book except the guide itself.

Class societies themselves are very helpful and if you aren't designing with an experienced person then the feedback from a plan approval process is very valuable, and I'd suggest essential that your first few designs be properly reviewed or approved.

Probably your best course of action is to post your conundrums on this site and you'll get some help. In lieu of actually working with an experienced designer and learning from them this is the best you are going to get.

 

Speaking from an ABS user perspective, you can ease your way in by first looking at the higher level, generic parts. Part 1 - Rules for Conditions of Classification, Part 2 - Materials and Welding, and Part 7 - Surveys after Construction.

Then if you really are interested in smaller vessels, look at the Aluminum Vessels Rules as a simpler example. They're from 1975, so much smaller in volume, but still valid.

 

Thank you HReeve, I used that approach some time ago (so to speak). Also, reading old ABS rules (pre circa 1985') and then reading the new rules helped a great deal.

Nevertheless, even though, as I said, I usually "get through" sometimes I still find myself baffled by the explanations in various chapters. I still think the rules are nowadays rather complicated. If there are books that explain and comment on texts of laws, why shouldn't the same be for technical rules?