Statutory Alert: Alternative methods for lifeboat drills on mobile offshore units.
19 March, 2015
Applicability: Owners and operators of all offshore units certified to the MODU Code with or without drilling capability, propelled or non-propelled, including FPSOs and FSUs
Please note: this Class News is a reissue and replaces the version sent earlier today (Thursday 19 March). The links to the documents are now working.
The Code for the Construction and Equipment of Mobile Offshore Drilling Units, 2009 (the 2009 MODU Code) requires lifeboats to be launched and manoeuvred in the water at least once every three months, as far as is practicable. This has caused concerns in the offshore sector due to the potentially hazardous environmental conditions in the remote locations where units operate, which can prevent drills from being carried out safely.
A change to the Code (adopted by Resolution MSC.387(94) as new paragraph 14.12.4.3) now allows operators to use alternative drill methods, provided they are following the draft Guidelines on Alternative Methods for Lifeboat Drills on MODUs (MSC.1/Circ.1486).
Units certified to the 1979 and 1989 MODU Codes may also apply these guidelines.
The guidelines include requirements for equipment maintenance, inspections, servicing, and personnel competence and training in accordance with the Recommendations for the Training and Certification of Personnel on Mobile Offshore Units (Resolution A.1079 (28)).
For further information
Speak to one of our experts at your local Lloyd's Register office. Or contact us via:
foi-class@lr.org (Energy Compliance Services)