1.3 Definitions
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Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - International Codes - 2008 SPS Code – Code of Safety for Special Purpose Ships, 2008 – Resolution MSC.266(84) - Chapter 1 – General - 1.3 Definitions

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 Maritime Safety 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:

  • .1 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

  • .2 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:

  • .1 scientists, technicians and expeditionaries on ships engaged in research, non-commercial expeditions and survey;

  • .2 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;

  • .3 personnel who process the catch of fish, whales or other living resources of the sea on factory ships not engaged in catching;

  • .4 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

  • .5 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”footnote means a mechanically self-propelled ship which by reason of its function carries on board more than 12 special personnelfootnote.

  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.


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