Chapter 01 General
1.1 The purpose of the Code is to recommend design criteria, construction standards and other
safety measures for special purpose ships.
1.2 Application
1.2.1 Except as provided in 8.3, the Code applies to every special purpose ship of not less than
500 gross tonnage certified on or after 13.May 2008. The Administration may also apply these
provisions as far as reasonable and practicable to special purpose ships of less than 500
gross tonnage and to special purpose ships constructed before 13 May 2008.
1.2.2 This Code does not apply to ships meeting the Code for the Construction and Equipment of
Mobile Offshore Drilling Units (MODU Code).
1.2.3 The Code is not intended for ships used to transport and accommodate industrial personnel
that are not working on board.
1.3 Definitions
1.3.1 For the purpose of this Code, the definitions given hereunder apply. For terms used, but not
defined in this Code, the definitions as given in SOLAS apply.
1.3.2 “Breadth (B)” means the maximum breadth of the ship, measured amidships to the moulded line
of the frame in a ship with a metal shell and to the outer surface of the hull in a ship with a
shell of any other material. The breadth (B) should be measured in metres.
1.3.3 “Crew” means all persons carried on board the ship to provide navigation and maintenance of
the ship, its machinery, systems and arrangements essential for propulsion and safe navigation or
to provide services for other persons on board.
1.3.4 “IMDG Code” means the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code, adopted by the fety
Committee by resolution MSC.122(75), as amended.
fety Committee by resolution MSC.122(75), as amended.
1.3.5 “Length (L)” means 96% of the total length on a waterline of 85% at the least moulded depth
measured from the top of the keel, or the length from the foreside of the stem to the axis of the
rudder stock on that waterline, if that be greater. In ships designed with a rake of keel, the
waterline on which this length is measured should be parallel to the designed waterline.
The length (L) should be measured in metres.
1.3.6 “LSA Code” means the International Life-Saving Appliance Code, adopted by the Maritime Safety
Committee by resolution MSC.48(66), as amended.
1.3.7 “Organization” means the International Maritime Organization.
1.3.8 “Passenger” means every person other than:
- the master and the members of the crew or other persons employed or engaged in any capacity on board a ship on the business of that ship; and
- a child under one year of age.
1.3.9 “Permeability” in relation to a space is the ratio of the volume within that space which is
assumed to be occupied by water to the total volume of that space.
1.3.10 “SOLAS” means the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, as
amended.
1.3.11 “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
this Code the number of special personnel appears as a parameter, it should include the number of
passengers carried on board which may not exceed 12.
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 and include the following:
- scientists, technicians and expeditionaries on ships engaged in research, non-commercial expeditions and survey;
- personnel engaging in training and practical marine experience to develop seafaring skills suitable for a professional career at sea. Such training should be in accordance with a training programme approved by the Administration;
- personnel who process the catch of fish, whales or other living resources of the sea on factory ships not engaged in catching;
- 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
- other personnel similar to those referred to in .1 to .4 who, in the opinion of the Administration, may be referred to this group.
1.3.12 “Special purpose ship”1 means a mechanically self-propelled ship which by reason of its
function carries on board more than 12 special personnel2.
1.3.13 “Training programme” means a defined course of instruction and practical experience in all
aspects of ship operations, similar to the basic safety training as offered by the maritime
institutions in the country of the Administration.
1.4 Exemptions
A ship which is not normally engaged as a special purpose ship and which undertakes an exceptional
single voyage as a special purpose ship may be exempted by the Administration from the provisions
of this Code, provided that it complies with safety requirements which in the opinion of the
Administration are adequate for the voyage which is to be undertaken by the ship.
1.5 Equivalents
1.5.1 Where the Code requires that a particular fitting, material, appliance, apparatus, item of
equipment or type thereof should be fitted or carried in a unit, or that any particular provision
should be made, or any procedure or arrangement should be complied with, the Administration may
allow any other fitting, material, appliance, apparatus, item of equipment or type thereof to be
fitted or carried, or any other provision, procedure or arrangement to be made in that unit, if it
is satisfied by trial thereof or otherwise that such fitting, material, appliance, apparatus, item
of equipment or type thereof or that any particular provision, procedure or arrangement is at least
as effective as that required by the Code.
1.5.2 When an Administration so allows any fitting, material, appliance, apparatus, item of
equipment or type thereof, or provision, procedure, arrangement, novel design or application to be
substituted hereafter, it should communicate to the Organization the particulars thereof, together
with a report on the evidence submitted, so that the Organization may circulate the same to other
Governments for the information of their officers.
1.6 Surveys
Every special purpose ship should be subject to the surveys specified for cargo ships, other than
tankers, in SOLAS, which should cover the provisions of this Code.
1.7 Certification
1.7.1 A certificate may be issued after survey in accordance with 1.6 either by the Administration
or by any person or organization duly authorized by it. In every case the Administration assumes
full responsibility for the certificate.
1.7.2 The certificate should be drawn up in the official language of the issuing country in a form
corresponding to the model given in the annex to the Code. If the language used is neither English
nor French, the text should include a translation into one of these languages.
1 Some sail training ships may be classified by the Administration as “not propelled by mechanical means” if fitted with mechanical propulsion for auxiliary and emergency purposes.
2 Where a ship carries more than 12 passengers, as defined in SOLAS, the ship should not be considered a special
purpose ship as it is a passenger ship as defined by SOLAS.
Annex Form of safety certificate for special purpose ships
FORM OF SAFETY CERTIFICATE FOR SPECIAL PURPOSE SHIPS
SPECIAL PURPOSE SHIP SAFETY CERTIFICATE
This Certificate should be supplemented by a Record of Equipment (Form SPS)
(Official seal) (State)
Issued in compliance with the provisions of the
CODE OF SAFETY FOR SPECIAL PURPOSE SHIPS, 2008
as adopted by resolution MSC.266(84)
under the authority of the Government of
(name of the State)
by
(person or organization authorized)
Particulars of ship*
Name of ship .....................................................................................................................................
Distinctive number or letters .............................................................................................................
Port of registry ..................................................................................................................................
Gross tonnage ....................................................................................................................................
Sea areas in which ship is certificated
to operate (SOLAS regulation IV/2) .................................................................................................
IMO number ......................................................................................................................................
Ship’s special purpose .......................................................................................................................
Date on which keel was laid or ship was of a similar
stage of construction or, where applicable, date on
which work for a conversion or an alteration or
modification of a major character was commenced .........................................................................
* Alternatively, the particulars of the ship may be placed horizontally in boxes.
THIS IS TO CERTIFY:
1 That the ship has been surveyed in accordance with the provisions of 1.6 of the Code.
2 That the survey showed that:
2.1 the ship complied with the provisions of the Code as regards:
.1 the structure, main and auxiliary machinery, boilers and other pressure vessels; and
.2 the watertight subdivision arrangements and details;
2.2 the ship complied with the provisions of the Code as regards structural fire protection,
fire safety systems and appliances and fire control plans;
2.3 the life-saving appliances and the equipment of the lifeboats, liferafts and rescue boats
were provided in accordance with the provisions of the Code;
2.4 the ship was provided with a line-throwing appliance and radio installations used in
life-saving appliances in accordance with the provisions of the Code;
2.5 the ship complied with the provisions of the Code as regards radio installations;
2.6 the functioning of the radio installations used in life-saving appliances complied with
the provisions of the Code;
2.7 the ship complied with the provisions of the Code as regards shipborne
navigational equipment, means of embarkation for pilots and nautical publications;
2.8 the ship was provided with lights, shapes, means of making sound signals and distress signals
in accordance with the provisions of the Code and the International Regulations for Preventing
Collisions of Sea in force;
2.9 in all other respects the ship complied with the relevant provisions of the Code.
3 That an Exemption Certificate has/has not* been issued.
4 That the ship has/has not* been provided with certificates issued under SOLAS, as
amended.
This certificate is valid until
.....................................................................................………
Completion date of the survey on which this certificate is based (dd/mm/yyyy): ……….... Issued at
....................................................................................................
............................
(Place of issue of certificate)
................................................
............................................................
(Date of issue) (Signature of
authorized official issuing the certificate)
(Seal or stamp of the issuing authority, as appropriate)
----------------------------------------------
* Delete as appropriate.
ENDORSEMENT FOR ANNUAL SURVEYS RELATING TO HULL, MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT REFERRED TO IN SECTION 2.1
OF THIS CERTIFICATE
THIS IS TO CERTIFY that, at a survey required by 1.6 of the Code, the ship was found to comply with
the relevant provisions of the Code.
Annual survey: Signed
...........................................................
(Signature of authorized official)
Place ..............................................................
Date ...............................................................
(Seal or stamp of the Authority, as appropriate)
Annual survey: Signed
...........................................................
(Signature of authorized official)
Place ..............................................................
Date ...............................................................
(Seal or stamp of the Authority, as appropriate)
Annual survey: Signed
...........................................................
(Signature of authorized official)
Place ..............................................................
Date ...............................................................
(Seal or stamp of the Authority, as appropriate)
Annual survey: Signed
...........................................................
(Signature of authorized official)
Place ..............................................................
Date ...............................................................
(Seal or stamp of the Authority, as appropriate)
ENDORSEMENT FOR ANNUAL AND PERIODICAL SURVEYS RELATING TO LIFE-SAVING APPLIANCES AND OTHER
EQUIPMENT REFERRED TO
IN SECTIONS 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8 AND 2.9 OF THIS CERTIFICATE
THIS IS TO CERTIFY that, at a survey required by 1.6 of the Code, the ship was found to comply with
the relevant provisions of the Code.
Annual survey: Signed
...........................................................
(Signature of authorized official)
Place ..............................................................
Date ...............................................................
(Seal or stamp of the Authority, as appropriate)
Annual/periodical* survey: Signed
........................................................... (Signature of authorized official)
Place ..............................................................
Date ...............................................................
(Seal or stamp of the Authority, as appropriate)
Annual/periodical* survey: Signed
........................................................... (Signature of authorized official)
Place ..............................................................
Date ...............................................................
(Seal or stamp of the Authority, as appropriate)
Annual survey: Signed
...........................................................
(Signature of authorized official)
Place ..............................................................
Date ...............................................................
(Seal or stamp of the Authority, as appropriate)
*
Delete as appropriate.
ENDORSEMENT FOR PERIODICAL SURVEYS RELATING TO RADIO INSTALLATIONS REFERRED TO IN SECTION 2.5 OF
THIS CERTIFICATE
THIS IS TO CERTIFY that, at a survey required by 1.6 of the Code, the ship was found to comply with
the relevant provisions of the Code:
Periodical survey: Signed
...........................................................
(Signature of authorized official) Place
..............................................................
Date ...............................................................
(Seal or stamp of the Authority, as appropriate)
Periodical survey: Signed
...........................................................
(Signature of authorized official) Place
..............................................................
Date ...............................................................
(Seal or stamp of the Authority, as appropriate)
Periodical survey: Signed
...........................................................
(Signature of authorized official) Place
..............................................................
Date ...............................................................
(Seal or stamp of the Authority, as appropriate)
Annual survey: Signed
...........................................................
(Signature of authorized official) Place
..............................................................
Date ...............................................................
(Seal or stamp of the Authority, as appropriate)
ENDORSEMENT FOR THE EXTENSION OF THE CERTIFICATE
The ship complies with the relevant provisions of the Code and this Certificate should, in
accordance with 1.7.3, be accepted as valid until
.............................................................................
Signed ...........................................................
(Signature of authorized official) Place
..............................................................
Date ...............................................................
(Seal or stamp of the Authority, as appropriate)
APPENDIX
Record of Equipment for the Special Purpose Ship Safety Certificate (Form SPS)
This Record should be permanently attached to the Special Purpose Ship Safety Certificate.
RECORD OF EQUIPMENT FOR COMPLIANCE WITH THE CODE OF SAFETY FOR SPECIAL PURPOSE SHIPS
1 Particulars of ship
Name of ship
....................................................................................................
.....................
Distinctive number or letters
.................................................................................................
Number of persons on board (including passengers)
for which certified
....................................................................................................
.............
Minimum number of persons on board with required qualifications to operate
the radio installations
....................................................................................................
........
2 Details of life-saving appliances
1 Total number of persons for which life-saving
appliances are provided . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Port side Starboard side
2 Total number of lifeboats
2.1 Total number of persons accommodated by them
2.2 Number of partially enclosed lifeboats (regulation III/31 and LSA Code, section 4.5)
2.3 Number of totally enclosed lifeboats (regulation III/31 and LSA Code, section 4.6)
2.4 Other lifeboats
2.4.1 Number
2.4.2 Type
3 Number of motor lifeboats (included in the total lifeboats shown above)
3.1 Number of lifeboats fitted with searchlights
4 Number of rescue boats
4.1 Number of boats which are included in the total lifeboats shown above
5 Liferafts
5.1 Those for which approved launching appliances are required
5.1.1 Number of liferafts
5.1.2 Number of persons accommodated by them
5.2 Those for which approved launching appliances are not required
5.2.1 Number of liferafts
5.2.2 Number of persons accommodated by them
6 Number of lifebuoys
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7 Number of lifejackets
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8 Immersion suits
8.1 Total number
8.2 Number of suits complying with the requirements for lifejackets
9 Number of thermal protective aids*
10 Radio installations used in life-saving appliances
10.1 Number of radar transponders
10.2 Number of two-way VHF radiotelephone apparatus
* Excluding those required by the LSA Code, paragraphs 4.1.5.1.24, 4.4.8.31 and 5.1.2.2.13.
3 Details of radio facilities
Item Actual provision
1 Primary systems
1.1 VHF radio installation
1.1.1 DSC encoder
1.1.2 DSC watch receiver
1.1.3 Radiotelephony
1.2 MF radio installation
1.2.1 DSC encoder
1.2.2 DSC watch receiver
1.2.3 Radiotelephony
1.3 MF/HF radio installation
1.3.1 DSC encoder
1.3.2 DSC watch receiver
1.3.3 Radiotelephony
1.3.4 Direct-printing radiotelegraphy
1.4 Inmarsat ship earth station
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2 Secondary means of alerting .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3 Facilities for reception of maritime safety information
3.1 NAVTEX receiver
3.2 EGC receiver
3.3 HF direct-printing radiotelegraph receiver
4 Satellite EPIRB
4.1 COSPAS-SARSAT
4.2 Inmarsat
5 VHF EPIRB
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6 Ship’s radar transponder
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4 Methods used to ensure availability of radio facilities (SOLAS regulations IV/15.6 and
15.7)
4.1 Duplication of equipment
....................................................................................................
.
4.2 Shore-based maintenance
....................................................................................................
..
4.3 Of-sea maintenance capability
..............................................................................................
5 Details of navigational systems and equipment
Item
1.1 Standard magnetic compass*
.................................................................................................
1.2 Spare magnetic compass*
....................................................................................................
..
1.3 Gyro compass*
....................................................................................................
..................
1.4 Gyro compass heading repeater*
...........................................................................................
1.5 Gyro compass bearing repeater*
...........................................................................................
1.6 Heading or track control system*
..........................................................................................
1.7 Pelorus or compass bearing device*
......................................................................................
1.8 Means of correcting heading and bearings
...........................................................................
1.9 Transmitting heading device (THD)*
....................................................................................
2.1 Nautical charts/Electronic chart display and information system (ECDIS)**
.......................
2.2 Back up arrangements for ECDIS
.........................................................................................
2.3 Nautical publications
....................................................................................................
........
2.4 Back up arrangements for electronic nautical publications
..................................................
3.1 Receiver for a global navigation satellite system/terrestrial radionavigation
system*, **
....................................................................................................
.........................
3.2 9 GHz radar*
....................................................................................................
.....................
3.3 Second radar (3 GHz/ 9 GHZ**)*
..........................................................................................
3.4 Automatic radar plotting aid (ARPA)*
.................................................................................
3.5 Automatic tracking aid*
....................................................................................................
....
3.6 Second automatic tracking aid*
.............................................................................................
3.7 Electronic plotting aid*
....................................................................................................
.....
4 Automatic identification system (AIS)
.................................................................................
5.1 Voyage data recorder (VDR)**
.............................................................................................
5.2 Simplified voyage data recorder (S-VDR)**
.........................................................................
6.1 Speed and distance measuring device (through the water)*
..................................................
6.2 Speed and distance measuring device (over the ground in the forward and
athwartship direction)*
....................................................................................................
......
6.3 Echo sounding device*
....................................................................................................
......
7.1 Rudder, propeller, thrust, pitch and operational mode indicator*
......................................... 7.2 Rate of turn indicator*
....................................................................................................
....... 8 Sound reception system*
....................................................................................................
... 9 Telephone to emergency steering position*
.......................................................................... 10 Daylight
signalling lamp*
....................................................................................................
. 11 Radar reflector*
....................................................................................................
................. 12 International Code of Signals
................................................................................................ 13
IAMSAR Manual, Volume III
..............................................................................................
* Alternative means of meeting this requirement are permitted under regulation V/19. In case
of other means, they should be specified.
** Delete as appropriate.
THIS IS TO CERTIFY that this Record is correct in all respects.
Issued at
....................................................................................................
............................
(Place of issue of the Record)
................................................
............................................................
(Date of issue) (Signature of duly
authorized official issuing the Record)
(Seal or stamp of the issuing authority, as appropriate)
***