New international maritime regulations will become law next year,
aiming to improve safety standards for those transported offshore
to work on wind farm and oil gas installations.
The UK maritime offshore energy sector is currently expanding, in
particular due to the increase in the number of wind farms. This
growth has been fuelled by the UK Government's ambitions to
increase energy production from renewable sources to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions.
A new chapter has been added to the International Convention
for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), which includes the
International Code of Safety for Ships Carrying Industrial
Personnel (IP Code). The Maritime and Coastguard Agency has today
launched a consultation on these requirements, which will sit
within the proposed Merchant Shipping (Safety Measures for Ships
Carrying Industrial Personnel and Special Personnel) Regulations
2025.
Ships operating in the offshore sector are by definition cargo
ships, and because of this the number of passengers that can be
carried is 12. The construction standards for passenger ships are
more stringent than for cargo ships, in recognition of the larger
number of people that these ships can carry.
The IP Code sets a standard based on cargo ship requirements,
enhanced by requirements applicable to passenger ships, enabling
such ships to be able to carry more than 12 people that are
working offshore - industrial personnel - which by definition are
not passengers or part of the crew.
The IP Code also sets out standards including medical fitness,
personal survival, safety training and ship familiarisation,
which industrial personnel must comply with.
The MCA will also be taking the opportunity in these regulations
to include requirements for the carriage of special personnel.
The carriage of special personnel is governed by requirements in
the International Maritime Organization's Special Purpose Ships
Code. Taken with the IP Code, mandating the SPS Code will further
enhance safety standards for those working in the offshore
sector.
MCA Director of UK Technical Maritime Services Fraser Heasley
said:
The offshore sector has a fundamental place in how the world
operates today, and at the MCA we truly value the service and
dedication of these industrial and special personnel, and their
safety is a priority for us.
Implementation of the new SOLAS chapter, in particular the IP
Code, will mean significant safety improvements for those working
in the offshore sector.
The code is recognised internationally so standards are set
across the offshore sector, providing a global, level playing
field. Please make sure your feedback is heard by taking part in
our consultation.
For more information and to take part in the consultation visit
Consultation on the
Merchant Shipping (safety measures for ships carrying industrial
personnel and special personnel) regulations 2025.
