1 These Guidelines have been developed for the
design, construction and operation of offshore support vessels which
transport limited amounts of hazardous and noxious liquid substances
in bulk for the servicing and resupplying of offshore platforms, mobile
offshore drilling units and other offshore installations, including
those employed in the search for and recovery of hydrocarbons from
the sea-bed.
2 These Guidelines have been developed in accordance
with the provisions set forth in Regulation
11(2) of Annex II to MARPOL 73/78 and in recognition of the
need for standards which provide an alternative to the International
Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Dangerous
Chemicals in Bulk and the International Code for the Construction
and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk for these
types of vessels.
3 The Guidelines are intended to permit limited
quantities of these hazardous and noxious liquid substances to be
transported in bulk in offshore support vessels with minimum risk
to the vessel, its crew and the environment.
4 The basic philosophy of the Guidelines is to
apply standards contained in the International Code for the Construction
and Equipment of Ships Carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk and the
International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying
Liquefied Gases in Bulk to the extent that that is practicable and
reasonable taking into account the unique design features and service
characteristics of these vessels, as well as the limitation placed
on amounts to be carried.
5 The Guidelines for the Design and Construction
of Offshore Supply Vessels, 2006 (resolution
MSC.235(82)) adopted on 19 November 1981 are also applicable
to offshore support vessels subject to these Guidelines.
6 It is recognized that the technology of the
offshore industry is complex and subject to continued evolution as
is evidenced by the growing need for specialized vessels such as well-stimulation
vessels. To meet the needs of the industry the Guidelines should not
remain static. Therefore the Organization will periodically review
the Guidelines, taking into account both experience and technical
development. Amendments to the Guidelines involving requirements for
new cargoes will be circulated periodically as new cargoes are proposed
for carriage and the requirements are developed.