Other news from ISM News Update no. 128:

• NSI statements
• NSI statement regarding SOLAS chapter III
• NSI statement regarding SOLAS chapter IV
• Merchant Shipping Protection Regulations
• Rood Boven Groen SOPEP service
• Interim guidance to shipping related to the situation in Ukraine

New SOLAS chapter XV – Safety Measures for Carrying Industrial Personnel

The IMO has adopted a new mandatory international code for ships carrying industrial personnel (IP code). It will be made mandatory through a new Chapter XV in SOLAS, which will come into force on July 1, 2024.

SOLAS defines “industrial personnel” (IP) as persons transported or accommodated on board for offshore industrial activities such as wind farms and oil rigs.

Ships built before July 1, 2024, with a large number of persons on board, that are not certified according to the Code of Safety for Special Purpose Ships, 2008 (SPS Code 2008) or MSC. 418(97), may encounter difficulties in complying with the IP Code if they wish to transport more than twelve industrial personnel after July 1, 2024.

Ships constructed under the SPS Code of 1984 – Resolution A.534(13), which currently carry Special Personnel (SP) and industrial personnel but are not authorized by their flag to operate in accordance with Resolution MSC. 418(97), may experience problems with meeting the stability requirements of the IP Code.

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