The Common Structural Rules for Double Hull Oil Tankers (CSR-OT) and Common Structural Rules for Bulk Carriers (CSR-BC) were the most important rules put in place by IACS. The rules govern the construction and maintenance of bulk carriers and oil tankers, and comprise the technical standards that aim to ensure the safety and structural integrity of these ships.
Having first been adopted by the IACS Council in December 2005, the positive impact of the Common Structural Rules (CSR), in conjunction with the Enhanced Survey Programme (ESP) and the Performance Standard for Protective Coatings (PSPC), has been demonstrated in the casualty statistics. Together, these protocols represent the pinnacle of safety standards for oil tankers and bulk carriers constructed since the early 2000s. They are the only Rules that comply with the Goal-Based Standards (GBS) set by the IMO.
Having been developed, adopted and implemented as two separate sets of Common Structural Rules, it was subsequently decided to harmonise these rules in order to achieve greater consistency. There is now a single set of harmonised rules: Common Structural Rules for Bulk Carriers and Oil Tankers (CSR BC & OT).
To ensure that the goal of ensuring safer ships continues to be met, the Common Structural Rules have been regularly maintained. The evolution of these rules, through minor updates and more significant revisions, has helped ensure that they reflect the latest advances in data, technologies, materials and methodologies. In this way, the Common Structural Rules remain current and relevant in providing IACS members and other parties with the technical standards that uphold safety and quality in ship design and construction.
Further information on the current Common Structural Rules, as well as previous versions, can be found on these pages. This includes supporting technical background documents and a series of Q&As published by IACS to assist members and industry in implementing the CSR in a consistent manner.
A significant review of the Common Structural Rules is now underway, in order to improve the rules in line with the latest standards and data. More information can be found on these pages, including the reasons for the review, and proposed changes.
This review is supported by an extensive consultation process to give all interested parties the opportunity to engage with IACS over the proposed changes and share their expertise. We have also prepared a FAQ guide that covers the most popular questions about the CSR review.
