Getting a rating certificate for your boat need not be a daunting task. This guide will assist with the measurement and application process.

IRC and ORC Rating Certificates in Australia
Measured ratings are becoming extremely popular with many clubs and organizing authorities supporting IRC, ORCi (ORC International) and ORC Club certificates for club events, ocean racing and regattas. 

The Ratings office has been working make the applications for rating certificates as smooth as possible. Currently all IRC applications are available on the Australian Sailing Recourses page the is the direct link is provided below. From this page all applications and information for each of the rating systems can be found. Applications are be made by selecting the required rating system then the type of application being applied for. All IRC applications except requests for certificate copies are costed based on the LH (length overall) shown on the certificate. ORC certificates charges at a flat rate per application.

IRC and ORCi certificates require that the measurements be audited by an appointed measurer. The list of measurers can be found on the AS resources page by using “Find an Official” and choosing the Qualification framework of “Measurer IRC and ORC.” The measurer will measure all the required parameters complete the applicable spreadsheet. This is returned to the owner or owner’s representative who is responsible for the submission of the application using the ratings portal where the spreadsheet can be uploaded when registering.

IRC Secondary Certificates
The IRC now offers boats the option of a secondary certificate which is new for this season. The secondary certificate allows the vessel to be configured for diverse types of racing for example inshore or offshore mode. A shorthanded certificate is now classed as a secondary certificate. The wording of the rule is given below.

To request a secondary certificate the vessel must already have a validated Primary Certificate. This certificate can be ordered via the Australian Sailing Resources page – Rating Certificates. 

IRC Rule 8.2.1: 8.2.1 
A boat may additionally hold a separate secondary valid certificate: 
(a) The secondary certificate will be clearly identified and shall only vary from the primary certificate in respect of, mainsail widths, E, P, headsail dimensions, flying headsail dimensions, single furling headsail allowance, the use of stored power, SPA, STL, SPL (spinnaker pole), spinnaker pole/bowsprit, whisker pole, number of spinnakers, number of flying headsails, aft rigging, use of moveable ballast, use of variable ballast, internal ballast; 
(b) The secondary certificate boat weight shall only vary from the primary certificate for a change in internal ballast. This change in boat weight is only permitted when both the primary and secondary certificates are ENDORSED in accordance with IRC Rule 8.5. 
(c) Owners shall declare the primary or secondary certificate to the race organiser before the rating deadline.

ORC International applications cannot currently be lodged directly through the portal and need to be sent directly to the rating office for processing. When applying for a new ORCi rating it is particularly important to contact the Rating Office to ensure a suitable offset file is available before engaging a measurer. If an approved offset file is not available, the process can become difficult and time consuming. A new vessel will always need to be inclined and it is recommended to weigh the boat at the same time. Vessels with existing ORCi ratings will require inclination if any modifications are made to the hull, rudders, or keel. The three-dimensional CAD drawings of the modifications must be supplied to assist with the update to the offset file. When significant changes are made to the vessel a plan review will need to be prepared and lodged with World Sailing, your Naval Architect will be able to assist with this process.

ORC Club is a self-measured certificate not requiring any measurement checks, unless required by the Organising Authority. The measurement manual and forms are available in the AS resources page in ORC Club section. When submitting a new application, the description of the design and series of vessel is important to assist the Rating Office to select the correct hull file.

To find out more about ORC and IRC ratings click here.
Information about which ratings need measurement is here.
Go to the Qualification Finder to find an ORC or IRC measurer.

By Chris Zonca https://www.sailing.org.au/about/ourstaff/