1 This Code has been developed to provide an international
standard for mobile offshore drilling units of new construction which
will facilitate the international movement and operation of these
units and ensure a level of safety for such units, and for personnel
on board, equivalent to that required by the International
Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, as amended,
and the Protocol of 1988 relating to the International
Convention on Load Lines, 1966, for conventional ships engaged
on international voyages. It is not intended that the provisions of
the Code of Safety for Special Purpose Ships be applied in addition
to the provisions of this Code.
2 Throughout the development of the Code, it was
recognized that it must be based upon sound design and engineering
principles and experience gained from operating such units; it was
further recognized that design technology of mobile offshore drilling
units is not only a complex technology but is continually evolving
and that the Code should not remain static but be re-evaluated and
revised as necessary. To this end the Organization will periodically
review the Code, taking into account both experience and future development.
3 Any existing unit which complies with the provisions
of this Code should be considered eligible for issuance of a certificate
in accordance with this Code.
4 This Code is not intended to prohibit the use
of an existing unit simply because its design, construction and equipment
do not conform to this Code. Many existing mobile offshore drilling
units have operated successfully and safely for extended periods of
time and their operating history should be considered in evaluating
their suitability to conduct international operations.
5 The coastal State may permit any unit designed
to a lower standard than that of the Code to engage in operations
having taken account of the local conditions (e.g., meteorological
and oceanographic). Any such unit should, however, comply with safety
requirements which in the opinion of the coastal State are adequate
for the intended operation and ensure the overall safety of the unit
and the personnel on board.
6 This Code does not include requirements for
the drilling of subsea wells or the procedures for their control.
Such drilling operations are subject to control by the coastal State.