The "new SOLAS 2024" generally refers to the amendments to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), particularly the introduction of Chapter XV and the associated International Code of Safety for Ships Carrying Industrial Personnel (IP Code), which are aimed to enhance safety standards for ships carrying industrial personnel.
Details of SOLAS Chapter XV and the IP Code
The core of the "new SOLAS 2024" centers around the addition of SOLAS Chapter XV and the corresponding IP Code. These regulations establish minimum safety standards for:
- Ships Carrying Industrial Personnel: Vessels specifically designed or adapted to transport industrial personnel (e.g., technicians, engineers) to and from offshore installations, wind farms, or other work sites.
- Industrial Personnel Themselves: Ensuring the safety and well-being of the personnel being transported.
- Maritime Operations Involving Industrial Personnel: Addressing the unique risks associated with these specific types of maritime operations.
Key Objectives and Provisions
The primary objectives and provisions embedded within the new regulations encompass:
- Enhanced Safety Standards: Creating a safer environment for industrial personnel during maritime transport.
- Specific Risk Mitigation: Addressing hazards related to transferring personnel between ships and offshore installations, sea conditions, and the nature of the industrial work being performed.
- Ship Design and Equipment: Requirements for ship design, equipment, and operational procedures tailored for industrial personnel transport. This includes areas like accommodation, safety equipment, and means of transfer.
- Training and Certification: Standards for training and certification of crew members involved in transporting and managing industrial personnel.
- Harmonization and Standardization: Promoting consistent safety standards across different regions and operators.
