1 It is important that masters and officers involved
in offshore supply operations should have relevant experience or training
before assuming their duties on offshore supply vessels. The focus
should be on onboard operational experience or a combination of operational
experience and simulator training.
2 Masters and officers should understand the unique
manoeuvring and handling characteristics common to offshore supply
vessels.
3 Prior to performing offshore supply operations,
the master and officers should:
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.1 have knowledge of the offshore industry and
the terms used in the various operations;
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.2 understand the importance of maintaining a
safe working distance at all times when working in an offshore location/installation;
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.3 have knowledge of vessel manoeuvring and station-keeping
under various weather conditions;
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.4 understand the specific design parameters of
the vessels; and
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.5 understand the need to have unrestricted oversight
and views of work areas.
4 While on board an offshore supply vessel, the
master and officers should:
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.1 have knowledge of the handling characteristics
and behaviour of vessels fitted with various propulsion arrangements;
and
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.2 be capable of operating the offshore supply
vessel in close proximity to an offshore installation and other vessels.
5 Masters should understand the need for other
personnel on board who are involved in performing offshore supply
operations to be familiarized with their duties.
Offshore supply vessels
performing anchor-handling operations
6 It is important that masters and officers in
charge of a navigational watch on board offshore supply vessels involved in
anchor-handling operations have relevant experience and training.
7 Prior to performing anchor-handling operations,
masters and officers in charge of a navigational watch should:
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.1 be well informed of the ship’s handling
characteristics in relation to anchor-handling, including, but not
limited to:
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.1.1 navigation and
position-holding;
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.1.2 ship-handling;
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.1.3 thorough knowledge of the
stability of offshore supply vessels, in particular the combination
of low GZmax, low open deck and large external forces.
Use of loading calculators and the conflict between a rigid and
stiff ship and good work environment on deck. Potential reduction
of stability from use of anti-rolling devices; and
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.1.4 operations in hazardous oil-field
areas, including locating any pipelines or other structures on the
seabed in the area where anchors or other mooring equipment is
likely to be used; and
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.2 be made thoroughly familiar with the use
of all instruments and systems fitted in the ship concerned and involved
in anchor-handling, including their capabilities and limitations,
including, but not limited to:
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.2.1 use of various thrusters,
conventional or azimuth propulsion;
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.2.2 pickup, handling, heavy lifting,
towing out, anchor-handling and laying of anchors for offshore
rigs, barges and installations;
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.2.3 towing of rigs, barges and other
vessels;
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.2.4 operation of lifting and towing
winches with up to 600 metric tons bollard pull;
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.2.5 detailed thorough knowledge of
the basis of operation of towing- and anchor-handling winches; in
particular, functions of load-limiting devices and release systems
and associated equipment as towing pins and stoppers; and
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.2.6 the significant difference
between emergency release of towing hooks and winches.
8 Masters and officers in charge of a navigational
watch when in charge of anchor-handling should have sufficient and appropriate
training and experience by having been supervised during a number of Rig-moves,
as deemed appropriate by the Administration. Training may be supplemented by
appropriate simulator training.