A recent Marine Notice issued by the Bahamas Maritime Authority (BMA) describes the requirements for special purpose ships (SPS), highlights that the SPS Code remains non-mandatory, and defines who qualifies as Special Personnel on board.
Persons working regularly on board, certified medically fit and having received relevant safety training are considered by BMA to be special personnel with attributes that differ from a passenger.
Special personnel means all persons who are not passengers or members of the crew or children of under one year of age and who are carried on board in connection with the special purpose of that ship or because of special work being carried out aboard that ship.
Wherever in the SPS Code the number of special personnel appears as a parameter it should include the number of passengers carried on board, which must not exceed 12, BMA highlights.
Special purpose ship (SPS) means a mechanically self-propelled ship which by reason of its function carries on board more than 12 special personnel including passengers.
Special personnel” may include, but is not limited to, the following:
- scientists or technicians engaged in research, hydrographic or oceanographic surveys, or expeditions;
- personnel engaged in training and practical marine experience to develop seafaring skills suitable for a professional career at sea;
- salvage personnel on salvage ships, cable-laying personnel on cable-laying ships, seismic personnel on seismic survey ships, diving personnel on diving support ships, pipe-laying personnel on pipe layers and crane operating personnel on floating cranes; and remotely operated vehicle technicians.
The SPS Code recognises that special personnel are expected to be able-bodied with a fair knowledge of the layout of the ship and to have received some training in safety procedures and the handling of the ship’s safety equipment before leaving port but does not provide specific requirements.