IP Code for Existing Fleets: A Practical Guide for Shipping Companies

The International Code of Safety for Ships Carrying Industrial Personnel (IP Code) provides crucial safety standards for vessels transporting industrial personnel to offshore sites. Applicable from 01st July 2024, it concerns ships above 500 GT operating internationally that carry industrial personnel among more than 12 onboard individuals.

Existing fleets face unique retrofitting challenges to meet these requirements. This guide discusses practical actions, concerns, and solutions.

Understanding the IP Code and Its Purpose

Who Are Industrial Personnel?

• Transported for offshore industrial tasks on other ships/facilities.
• Different from Special Personnel (SP), who work onboard their accommodating vessel.

Regulatory Background

Before IP Code:

• 1983 and 2008 Special Purpose Ships (SPS) Codes
• SOLAS Passenger Ship requirements
• Ad-hoc requirements by flag states

IMO's Interim Recommendations (Resolution MSC.418(97)) laid groundwork, leading to harmonized IP Code standards.

When is IP Code Applicable?

• Over 12 Industrial Personnel onboard.
• Even one IP if total exceeds 12 (IP, SP, passengers).
• SPS certificate insufficient; IP Code compliance mandatory.

Transitional Scheme for Existing Ships

Ships authorized before 1 July 2024 may benefit from grandfathering provisions. Others must fully comply by the effective date.

How IP Code Impacts Existing Vessels

Key impact areas:

1. Safe Transfer of Personnel

• Modifications: Gangways, cranes, DP systems.

2. Subdivision and Stability

• Damage stability and continuous double-bottom requirements.

3. Machinery Installations

• Upgrades: Steering, bilge systems, emergency mechanisms.

4. Electrical Installations

• Additional emergency generators, battery backups.

5. Unattended Machinery Spaces

• Automation and enhanced monitoring systems.

6. Fire Safety

• Additional suppression systems, escape routes.

7. Life-Saving Appliances

• Increased survival crafts, better communication systems.

8. Dangerous Goods

• Enhanced containment and ventilation.

Applicable SOLAS '74 Requirements

Description	SOLAS 1974
Intact stability	A.167(ESIV) < 100 m
Damage Stability	Not Requested
Ballasting passenger ships	Pt B Ch. II-1 Reg. 9
Collision bulkhead	Pt. B Ch. II-1 Reg. 11
Double Bottoms	Pt. B Ch. II-1 Reg. 12
Watertight bulkheads testing	Pt B Ch. II-1 Reg. 14
Bulkhead openings	Pt B Ch. II-1 Reg. 15
Watertight doors/scuttles tests	Pt B Ch. II-1 Reg. 18
Watertight decks/trunks tests	Pt B Ch. II-1 Reg. 19
Stability Information	Pt B Ch. II-1 Reg. 22
Damage Control Plans	Pt B Ch. II-1 Reg. 23
Bilge Pumping Arrangement	Pt B Ch. II-1 Reg. 21.1 & 21.3
Machinery Installations	Pt C Ch.II-1 Reg. 26-38
Emergency installations	Pt C Ch.II-1 Reg. 39
Electrical Installations	Ch.II-1 Reg. 40, 41 & 44
Emergency Power (>50m)	Ch.II-1 Reg. 42/2.6.1
Unattended Machinery Space	Ch.II-1 Reg. 46-53
Fire Protection	Ch. II-2 as Cargo Ship
Life Saving Appliances	Ch. III as Cargo Ship
Radiocommunications	Ch. IV
Safety of Navigation	Ch. V

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who qualifies as ‘Industrial Personnel’?

• Individuals transported for specialized offshore tasks.

Does IP Code apply domestically?

• Primarily international voyages; flag states may extend domestically.

New safety requirements?

• Stability, fire protection, training, personnel transfer, dangerous goods carriage.

Required IP training?

• Survival techniques, firefighting, first aid, safety procedures.

Dangerous goods carriage?

• Stricter safety measures for hazardous cargo.

Non-compliance penalties?

• Detention, fines, legal action, insurance invalidation.

Exemptions/dispensations?

• Rarely granted, require equivalent safety measures approval.

Required documentation?

• IPSC certificate, SMS amendments, training records, compliance records.

Impact on Port State Control (PSC)?

• Increased scrutiny on certification, safety equipment, transfer procedures.

Compliance certification process?

• Initial surveys, annual maintenance surveys, renewal every five years.

Conclusion

The IP Code enhances offshore safety standards, presenting compliance challenges and opportunities for proactive shipowners.

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