IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee 97th Session held late November adopting interim recommendations on the safe carriage of more than 12 industrial personnel on board vessels engaged on international voyages.
Governments are invited to apply the Interim Recommendations, pending the planned development of the new chapter of SOLAS and the draft new code addressing the carriage of more than 12 industrial personnel on board vessels engaged on international voyages. The new SOLAS chapter and code will be developed under coordination by the Sub Committee on Ship Design and Construction (SDC).
The Interim Recommendations are aimed at addressing the safe and efficient transfer of technicians at sea, such as those working in the growing offshore alternative energy sector.
The Interim Recommendations define industrial personnel as all persons who are transported or accommodated on board for the purpose of offshore industrial activities performed on board other vessels and/or other offshore facilities and says they should not be considered as passengers within the meaning of SOLAS regulation I/2(e). Safety training and familiarization with safety procedures should be delivered to these personnel.
Offshore industrial activities covered by the Interim Recommendations would include the construction, maintenance, operation or servicing of offshore facilities related, but not limited, to exploration, the renewable or hydrocarbon energy sectors, aquaculture, ocean mining or similar activities.
Source: IMO
