1.1 The purpose of the Code is to present
mandatory and recommendatory stability criteria and other measures
for ensuring the safe operation of ships, to minimize the risk to
such ships, to the personnel on board and to the environment. This
introduction and part A of the Code address the mandatory criteria
and part B contains recommendations and additional guidelines.
1.2 Unless otherwise stated, this Code contains intact
stability criteria applicable to ships and other marine vehicles of 24 m in length and
above, as listed below. The Code also provides intact stability criteria applicable to
the same ships and marine vehicles when engaged in certain operations:
-
.1 cargo ships;
-
.2 cargo ships carrying timber deck cargoes;
-
.3 passenger ships;
-
.4 fishing vessels;
-
.5 special purpose ships;
-
.6 offshore supply vessels;
-
.7 ships engaged in anchor handling operations;
-
.8 ships engaged in harbour, coastal or ocean-going
towing operations and escort operations;
-
.9 ships engaged in lifting operations;
-
.10 mobile offshore drilling units;
-
.11 pontoons; and
-
.12 cargo ships carrying containers on deck and
containerships.
1.3 Administrations may impose additional
requirements regarding the design aspects of ships of novel design
or ships not otherwise covered by the Code.