9.1 General
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Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - International Codes - DSC Code - Code of Safety for Dynamically Supported Craft – Resolution A.373(X) - Chapter 9 - Machinery - 9.1 General

9.1 General

  9.1.1 The ability of the propulsion system to alter the direction of thrust, if this is necessary to bring the craft to rest from maximum ahead speed in a reasonable time and distance, should be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Administration.

  9.1.2 The design, construction of, and materials used for the machinery of craft should be such that the probability of failure leading to hazard of the craft or occupants is remotefootnote.

  9.1.3 In the design and installation of machinery containing high energy rotating parts, consideration should be given to the likelihood of ejection of high energy debris in the event of failure. Where practicable, the debris should be contained, either within the machinery or by the provision of external guards. Where this is not practicable, the probability of disruptive failure leading to the ejection of debris which would hazard the craft, its occupants or any other person should be extremely remotefootnote.

  9.1.4 The Administration should be satisfied that the reliability of the machinery (i.e. its ability to continue to function), as installed in the craft, is adequate for its intended use. While the failure of the machinery will not always be a serious hazard to safety, machinery reliability is a necessary ingredient of safety in a great many craft applications. The Administration should take into account such factors as whether alternative power supplies are available and the worst intended conditions for the craft. They may take into account evidence arising from the use of the machinery in other applications (provided that any necessary marinization has been carried out and that no unsuitable modifications have been added), and evidence of testing other than in the craft.

  9.1.5 The Administration may accept machinery which does not show detailed compliance with the Code where it has been used satisfactorily in a similar application, provided that they are satisfied:

  • (a) that the design, construction, installation and prescribed maintenance are together adequate for its use in a marine environment; and

  • (b) that an equivalent level of safety will be achieved.

  9.1.6 Where only a small number of units of the particular type of machinery have been manufactured, the Administration should ensure that the detailed design, test, and quality control during manufacture provide at least comparable assurance to the operating experience obtainable from large numbers.

  9.1.7 A failure mode and effects analysis should be carried out, to the satisfaction of the Administration, for each type of machinery and its associated controls in the system of installation. In cases where faults can occur without being detected during routine checks of the machinery, the analysis should take into account the possibility of faults occurring simultaneously or consecutively.

  9.1.8 The Administration should be satisfied that the procedure used to control the quality of the machinery is adequate for the particular product.

  9.1.9 Each part of all machinery should be protected against corrosion and deterioration, with due regard to the maintenance it will receive, the environment in which it will operate and the hazard arising if corrosion occurs.

  9.1.10 The Administration should be satisfied that such information is made available by the manufacturers as is necessary to ensure that machinery can be installed correctly regarding such factors as operating conditions and limitations.

  9.1.11 All boilers and pressure vessels should be of a design and construction adequate for the purpose intended and should be so installed and protected as to minimize danger to persons on board. In particular, attention should be paid to the materials used in the construction and the working pressures and temperatures at which the item will operate and the need to provide an adequate margin of safety over the stresses normally produced in service. Every boiler and pressure vessel should be fitted with adequate means to prevent over-pressures in service and be subjected to a hydraulic test before being put into service, and where appropriate at specified intervals subsequently to a pressure suitably in excess of the working pressure.


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