РОССИЙСКИЙ МОРСКОЙ РЕГИСТР СУДОХОДСТВА ROSSIAN MARITIME REGISTER OF SHIPPING

ПРИЛОЖЕНИЕ К ПРАВИЛАМ И РУКОВОДСТВАМ РОССИЙСКОГО МОРСКОГО РЕГИСТРА СУДОХОДСТВА

ПРОЦЕДУРНЫЕ ТРЕБОВАНИЯ, УНИФИЦИРОВАННЫЕ ИНТЕРПРЕТАЦИИ И РЕКОМЕНДАЦИИ МЕЖДУНАРОДНОЙ АССОЦИАЦИИ КЛАССИФИКАЦИОННЫХ ОБЩЕСТВ

SUPPLEMENT ТО RULES AND GUIDELINES OF RUSSIAN MARITIME REGISTER OF SHIPPING

I ACS PROCEDURAL REQUIREMENTS, UNIFIED INTERPRETATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

НД № 2-020101-109-R-E

2018

Настоящее Приложение к правилам и руководствам Российского морского регистра судоходства содержит обязательные для применения процедурные требования и унифицированные интерпретации Международной ассоциации классификационных обществ (МАКО), а также рекомендации МАКО, ссылки на которые имеются в правилах и других нормативных документах Регистра.

Все материалы публикуются на английском языке.

Данный документ публикуется в электронном виде отдельным изданием и является обязательным Приложением к правилам Регистра.

The present Supplement to rules and guidelines of Russian Maritime Register of Shipping contains IACS Procedural Requirements and IACS Unified Interpretations compulsory for implementation, and IACS recommendations, which are referred to in the rules and other normative documents of the Register.

All materials are published in English.

The present document is published in electronic format as a separate edition and is a compulsory Supplement to the Register rules.

SOLAS regulation 11-1/3-6, paragraph 2.3

2.3 The construction and materials of all means of access and their attachment to the ship’s structure shall be to the satisfaction of the Administration. The means of access shall be subject to survey prior to, or in conjunction with, its use in carrying out surveys in accordance with regulation 1/10.

Interpretation

Inspection

The MA arrangements, including portable equipment and attachments, are to be periodically inspected by the crew or competent inspectors as and when it is going to be used to confirm that the MAs remain in serviceable condition.

Procedures

1.    Any Company authorised person using the MA shall assume the role of inspector and check for obvious damage prior to using the access arrangements. Whilst using the MA the inspector is to verify the condition of the sections used by close up examination of those sections and note any deterioration in the provisions. Should any damage or deterioration be found, the effect of such deterioration is to be assessed as to whether the damage or deterioration affects the safety for continued use of the access. Deterioration found that is considered to affect safe use is to be determined as “substantial damage” and measures are to be put in place to ensure that the affected section(s) are not to be further used prior effective repair.

2.    Statutory survey of any space that contains MA shall include verification of the continued effectiveness of the MA in that space. Survey of the MA shall not be expected to exceed the scope and extent of the survey being undertaken. If the MA is found deficient the scope of survey is to be extended if this is considered appropriate.

3.    Records of all inspections are to be established based on the requirements detailed in the ships Safety Management System. The records are to be readily available to persons using the MAs and a copy attached to the MA Manual. The latest record for the portion of the MA inspected is to include as a minimum the date of the inspection, the name and title of the inspector, a confirmation signature, the sections of MA inspected, verification of continued serviceable condition or details of any deterioration or substantial damage found. A file of permits issued is to be maintained for verification.

Technical Background

It is recognised that MA may be subject to deterioration in the long term due to corrosive environment and external forces from ship motions and sloshing of liquid contained in the tank. MA therefore is to be inspected at every opportunity of tank/space entry. The above interpretation is to be contained in a section of the MA Manual.

SOLAS regulation 11-1/3-6, paragraph 3.1

3    Safe access to cargo holds, cargo tanks, ballast tanks and other spaces

3.1    Safe access* to cargo holds, cofferdams, ballast tanks, cargo tanks and other

spaces in the cargo area shall be direct from the open deck and such as to ensure their complete inspection. Safe access to double bottom spaces or to forward ballast tanks may be from a pump-room, deep cofferdam, pipe tunnel, cargo hold, double hull space or similar compartment not intended for the carriage of oil or hazardous cargoes.

* Refer to the Revised recommendations for entering enclosed spaces aboard ships, adopted by the Organization by resolution A. 1050(27).

Interpretation

Access to a double side skin space of bulk carriers may be either from a topside tank or double bottom tank or from both.

The wording "not intended for the carriage of oil or hazardous cargoes" applies only to "similar compartments", i.e. safe access can be through a pump-room, deep cofferdam, pipe tunnel, cargo hold or double hull space.

Technical Background

Unless used for other purposes, the double side skin space is to be designed as a part of a large U-shaped ballast tank and such space is to be accessed through the adjacent part of the tank, i.e. topside tank or double bottom/bilge hopper tank. Access to the double side skin space from the adjacent part rather than direct from the open deck is justified. Any such arrangement is to provide a directly routed, logical and safe access that facilitates easy evacuation of the space.

SOLAS regulation 11-1/3-6, paragraph 3.2

3.2 Tanks, and subdivisions of tanks, having a length of 35 m or more shall be fitted with at least two access hatchways and ladders, as far apart as practicable. Tanks less than 35 m in length shall be served by at least one access hatchway and ladder. When a tank is subdivided by one or more swash bulkheads or similar obstructions which do not allow ready means of access to the other parts of the tank, at least two hatchways and ladders shall be fitted.

Interpretation

A cargo oil tank of less than 35 m length without a swash bulkhead requires only one access hatch.

Where rafting is indicated in the ship structures access manual as the means to gain ready access to the under deck structure, the term “similar obstructions" referred to in the regulation includes internal structures (e.g., webs >1,5m deep) which restrict the ability to raft (at the maximum water level needed for rafting of under deck structure) directly to the nearest access ladder and hatchway to deck. When rafts or boats alone, as an alternative means of access, are allowed under the conditions specified in resolution A. 1049(27) (2011 ESP Code), as amended, permanent means of access are to be provided to allow safe entry and exit. This means:

a)    access direct from the deck via a vertical ladder and small platform fitted approximately 2m below the deck in each bay; or

b)    access to deck from a longitudinal permanent platform having ladders to deck in each end of the tank. The platform shall, for the full length of the tank, be arranged in level with, or above, the maximum water level needed for rafting of under deck structure. For this purpose, the ullage corresponding to the maximum water level is to be assumed not more than 3m from the deck plate measured at the midspan of deck transverses and in the middle length of the tank. (See Figure below). A permanent means of access from the longitudinal permanent platform to the water level indicated above is to be fitted in each bay (e.g., permanent rungs on one of the deck webs inboard of the longitudinal permanent platform).

SOLAS regulation 11-1/3-6, paragraph 4.1

4 Ship structure access manual

4.1 A ship’s means of access to carry out overall and close-up inspections and thickness measurements shall be described in a Ship structure access manual approved by the Administration, an updated copy of which shall be kept on board. The Ship structure access manual shall include the following for each space:

.1 plans showing the means of access to the space, with appropriate technical specifications and dimensions;

.2 plans showing the means of access within each space to enable an overall inspection to be carried out, with appropriate technical specifications and dimensions. The plans shall indicate from where each area in the space can be inspected;

.3 plans showing the means of access within the space to enable close-up inspections to be carried out, with appropriate technical specifications and dimensions. The plans shall indicate the positions of critical structural areas, whether the means of access is permanent or portable and from where each area can be inspected;

.4 instructions for inspecting and maintaining the structural strength of all means of access and means of attachment, taking into account any corrosive atmosphere that may be within the space;

.5 instructions for safety guidance when rafting is used for close-up inspections and thickness measurements;

.6 instructions for the rigging and use of any portable means of access in a safe manner;

.7 an inventory of all portable means of access; and

.8 records of periodical inspections and maintenance of the ship’s means of access.

Interpretation

The access manual is to address spaces listed in paragraph 3 of the regulation 11-1/3-6.

As a minimum the English version is to be provided.

The ship structure access manual is to contain at least the following two parts:

Part 1: Plans, instructions and inventory required by paragraphs 4.1.1 to 4.1.7 of regulation II-1/3-6. This part is to be approved by the Administration or the organization recognised by the Administration.

Part 2: Form of record of inspections and maintenance, and change of inventory of portable equipment due to additions or replacement after construction. This part is to be approved for its form only at new building.

The following matters are to be addressed in the ship structure access manual:

1. The access manual is to clearly cover scope as specified in the regulations for use by crews, surveyors and port State control officers.

2.    Approval / re-approval procedure for the manual, i.e. any changes of the permanent, portable, movable or alternative means of access within the scope of the regulation and the Technical provisions are subject to review and approval by the Administration or by the organization recognised by the Administration.

3.    Verification of MA is to be part of safety construction survey for continued effectiveness of the MA in that space which is subject to the statutory survey.

4.    Inspection of MA by the crew and/or a competent inspector of the company as a part of regular inspection and maintenance (see interpretation for paragraph 2.3 of SOLAS regulation 11-1/3-6).

5. Actions to be taken if MA is found unsafe to use.

6. In case of use of portable equipment plans showing the means of access within each space indicating from where and how each area in the space can be inspected.

Refer to IACS Recommendation No.90 “Ship Structural Access Manual”

SOLAS regulation 11-1/3-6, paragraph 4.2

4.2 For the purpose of this regulation “critical structural areas” are locations which have been identified from calculations to require monitoring or from the service history of similar or sister ships to be sensitive to cracking, buckling, deformation or corrosion which would impair the structural integrity of the ship.

Interpretation

1)    Critical structural areas are to be identified by advanced calculation techniques for structural strength and fatigue performance, if available, and feed back from the service history and design development of similar or sister ships.

2)    Reference is to be made to the following publications for critical structural areas, where applicable:

Oil tankers: Guidance Manual for Tanker Structures by TSCF;

Bulk carriers: Bulk Carriers Guidelines for Surveys, Assessment and Repair of Hull Structure by IACS;

Oil tankers and bulk carriers: resolution A. 1049(27) (2011 ESP Code), as amended.

Technical Background

These documents contain the relevant information for the present ship types. However identification of critical areas for new double hull tankers and double side skin bulk carriers of improved structural design is to be made by structural analysis at the design stage, this information is to be taken in to account to ensure appropriate access to all identified critical areas.

SOLAS regulation 11-1/3-6, paragraph 5.1

5 General technical specifications

5.1 For access through horizontal openings, hatches or manholes, the dimensions shall be sufficient to allow a person wearing a self-contained air-breathing apparatus and protective equipment to ascend or descend any ladder without obstruction and also provide a clear opening to facilitate the hoisting of an injured person from the bottom of the space. The minimum clear opening shall not be less than 600 mm x 600 mm. When access to a cargo hold is arranged through the cargo hatch, the top of the ladder shall be placed as close as possible to the hatch coaming. Access hatch coamings having a height greater than 900 mm shall also have steps on the outside in conjunction with the ladder.

Interpretation

The minimum clear opening of 600 mm x 600 mm may have corner radii up to 100 mm maximum. The clear opening is specified in MSC/Circ.686 to keep the opening fit for passage of personnel wearing a breathing apparatus. In such a case where as a consequence of structural analysis of a given design the stress is to be reduced around the opening, it is considered appropriate to take measures to reduce the stress such as making the opening larger with increased radii, e.g. 600 x 800 with 300 mm radii, in which a clear opening of 600 x 600 mm with corner radii up to 100mm maximum fits.

Technical Background

The interpretation is based upon the established Guidelines in MSC/Circ.686.

Ref.

Paragraphs 9 of Annex of MSC/Circ.686.

SOLAS regulation 11-1/3-6, paragraph 5.2

5.2 For access through vertical openings, or manholes, in swash bulkheads, floors, girders and web frames providing passage through the length and breadth of the space, the minimum opening shall be not less than 600 mm x 800 mm at a height of not more than 600 mm from the bottom shell plating unless gratings or other foot holds are provided.

Interpretation

1.    The minimum clear opening of not less than 600 mm x 800 mm may also include an opening with corner radii of 300 mm. An opening of 600mm in height x 800mm in width may be accepted as access openings in vertical structures where it is not desirable to make large opening in the structural strength aspects, i.e. girders and floors in double bottom tanks.

2.    Subject to verification of easy evacuation of injured person on a stretcher the vertical opening 850 mm x 620 mm with wider upper half than 600 mm, while the lower half may be less than 600 mm with the overall height not less than 850 mm is considered an acceptable alternative to the traditional opening of 600 mm x 800 mm with corner radii of 300 mm.

3. If a vertical opening is at a height of more than 600 mm steps and handgrips are to be provided. In such arrangements it is to be demonstrated that an injured person can be easily evacuated.

Technical Background

The interpretation is based upon the established Guidelines in MSC/Circ.686 and an innovative design is considered for easy access by humans through the opening.

Ref.

Paragraphs 11 of Annex of MSC/Circ.686.

Technical Provision, resolution MSC.158(78), paragraph 1.3

1. Preamble

1.3 In order to address this issue, the Organization has developed these Technical provisions for means of access for inspections (hereinafter called the “Technical provisions”), intended to facilitate close-up inspections and thickness measurements of the ship’s structure referred to in SOLAS regulation 11-1/3-6 on Access to and within spaces in, and forward of, the cargo area of oil tankers and bulk carriers. The Technical provisions do not apply to the cargo tanks of combined chemical/oil tankers complying with the provisions of the IBC Code.

Interpretation

A "combined chemical/oil tankers complying with the provisions of the IBC Code" is a tanker that holds both a valid IOPP certificate as tanker and a valid certificate of fitness for the carriage of dangerous chemicals in bulk. i.e. a tanker that is certified to carry both oil cargoes under MARPOL Annex I and Chemical cargoes in chapter 17 of the IBC Code either as full or part cargoes.

The Technical provisions are to be applied to ballast tanks of combined chemical/oil tankers complying with the provisions of the IBC Code.

Technical Provision, resolution MSC.158(78), paragraph 1.4

1. Preamble

1.4 Permanent means of access which are designed to be integral parts of the structure itself are preferred and Administrations may allow reasonable deviations to facilitate such designs.

Interpretation

In the context of the above requirement, the deviation shall be applied only to distances between integrated PMA that are the subject of paragraph 2.1.2 of Table 1.

Deviations shall not be applied to the distances governing the installation of underdeck longitudinal walkways and dimensions that determine whether permanent access are required or not, such as height of the spaces and height to elements of the structure (e.g. cross-ties).

Technical Provision, resolution MSC.158(78), paragraph 3.1

3.1 Structural members subject to the close-up inspections and thickness measurements of the ship’s structure referred to in SOLAS regulation 11-1/ 3-6, except those in double bottom spaces, shall be provided with a permanent means of access to the extent as specified in table 1 and table 2, as applicable. For oil tankers and wing ballast tanks of ore carriers, approved alternative methods may be used in combination with the fitted permanent means of access, provided that the structure allows for its safe and effective use.

Interpretation

The permanent means of access to a space can be credited for the permanent means of access for inspection.

Technical Background

The Technical provisions specify means of access to a space and to hull structure for carrying out overall and close up surveys and inspections. Requirements of MA to hull structure may not always be suitable for access to a space. However if the MA for access to a space can also be used for the intended surveys and inspections such MA can be credited for the MA for use for surveys and inspections.

6. MPC6 (Rev. 1 Aug 2015)    Calculation of aggregate capacity of SBT    Document    is

applied from 1 July 2016

Применение: Руководство по применению положений международной конвенции МАРПОЛ 73/78, часть II, пункт 3.5.1.1.

Application: Guidelines on the Application of Provisions of the International Convention MARPOL 73/78, part VI, para 3.5.1.1.

7. MODU 1 (Rev.1 Oct 2015)    IACS Unified Interpretations for the application    Document    is

of MODU Code Chapter 2 paragraphs 2.1,2.2,    applied    from

2.3, 2.4 and revised technical provisions for means 1 January 2017 of access for inspections (resolution MSC. 158(78))

Применение: Правила классификации, постройки и оборудования плавучих буровых установок и морских стационарных платформ (2014), часть III, пункт 9.3.1.1.

Application: Rules for the Classification, Construction and Equipment of Mobile Offshore Drilling Units and Fixed Offshore Platforms (2014), Part III, para 9.3.1.1.

Рекомендации MAKO IACS Recommendations

Номер документа    Название    документа

Document number    Document name

1.    Rec. No. 47 (Rev.7 June 2013)    Shipbuilding    and    Repair Quality Standard

Применение: Правила классификационных освидетельствований судов в эксплуатации (2017), часть I (пункт 5.13), приложение 2 (пункт 5.1.12), приложение 3 (пункт 7).

Правила технического наблюдения за постройкой судов и изготовлением материалов и изделий для судов, часть I, приложение 3 (пункт 7.4)

Application: Rules for the Classification Surveys of Ships in Service (2017), Part I (para 5.13), Appendix 2 (para

5.1.12) , Appendix 3 (para 7).

Rules for Technical Supervision during Construction of Ships and Manufacture of Materials and Products for Ships, Part I, Appendix 3 (para 7.4)

2.    Rec. No. 55 (Rev.1 June 2016)    General    Cargo    Ships - Guidance for Surveys, Assessment

and Repair of Hull Structure Применение: Правила классификационных освидетельствований судов в эксплуатации (2017), часть I (пункт 5.13), приложение 2 (пункт 5.1.12), приложение 3 (пункт 6).

Методические рекомендации по техническому наблюдению за ремонтом морских судов с Приложениями (2016), Приложение 1.

Application: Rules for the Classification Surveys of Ships in Service (2017), Part I (para 5.13), Appendix 2 (para

5.1.12) , Appendix 3 (para 6).

3.    Rec. No. 76 (Corr.1 Sept 2007)    IACS    Guidelines    for Surveys, Assessment and

Repair of Hull Structure - Bulk Carriers Применение: Правила классификационных освидетельствований судов в эксплуатации (2017), часть I (пункт 5.13), приложение 2 (пункт 5.1.12), приложение 3 (пункт 2).

Методические рекомендации по техническому наблюдению за ремонтом морских судов с Приложениями (2016), Приложение 1.

Application: Rules for the Classification Surveys of Ships in Service (2017), Part I (para 5.13), Appendix 2 (para

5.1.12) , Appendix 3 (para 2).

4.    Rec. No. 96 (April 2007)    Double    Hull    Oil    Tankers - Guidelines for Surveys,

Assessment and Repair of Hull Structures Применение: Правила классификационных освидетельствований судов в эксплуатации (2017), часть I (пункт 5.13), приложение 2 (пункт 5.1.12), приложение 3 (пункт 10).

Методические рекомендации по техническому наблюдению за ремонтом морских судов с Приложениями (2016), Приложение 1.

Application: Rules for the Classification Surveys of Ships in Service (2017), Part I (para 5.13), Appendix 2 (para

5.1.12) , Appendix 3 (para 10).

5.    Rec. No. 132 (Dec 2013)    Human    Element    Recommendations    for structural design of lighting,

ventilation, vibration, noise, access & egress arrangements

Применение: Руководство по освидетельствованию условий труда и отдыха моряков на соответствие

требованиям Конвенции 2006 года о труде в морском судоходстве (2016), пункты 2.1.22, 4.7.3. Руководство по освидетельствованию жилых помещений экипажа (2015), пункты 2.1.16,

4.1.2.8.

Application: Guidelines on On-board Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC) Inspection (2016), paras 2.1.22, 4.7.3.

Guidelines on On-board Inspection for Crew Accomodation (2015), paras 2.1.16, 4.1.2.8.

6.    Rec. No. 142 (June 2016)    LNG    Bunkering    Guidelines

Применение: Правила классификации и постройки морских судов (2017), часть XVII, пункт 11.2.2.

Application: Rules for the Classification and Construction of Sea-Going Ships (2017), Part XVII, para 11.2.2.

7.    Rec. No. 146 (Aug 2016)    Risk    assessment    as    required    by the IGF Code

Применение: Правила классификации и постройки морских судов (2017), часть XVII, пункт 9.1.4.19.

Application: Rules for the Classification and Construction of Sea-Going Ships (2017), Part XVII, para 9.1.4.19.

8.    Rec. No.149 (May 2017)    Guidance    for    applying    the    requirements    of    15.4.1.2 and 15.4.1.3 of

the IGC Code (on ships constructed on or after 1 July 2016)

Применение: Правила классификации и постройки судов для перевозки сжижженных газов наливом (2018), часть VI, пункт 3.20.2.

Application:    Rules    for    the Classification and Construction of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk. Rules for the

Classification and Construction of Ships Carrying Compressed Natural Gas (2018), Part VI, para 3.20.2.

9.    Rec. No. 150 (May 2017)    Vapour    pockets    not    in    communication    with    cargo    tank vapour / liquid

domes on liquefied gas carriers

Применение: Правила классификации и постройки судов для перевозки сжижженных газов наливом (2018), часть VI, пункт 3.16.11.

Application:    Rules    for    the Classification and Construction of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk. Rules for the

Classification and Construction of Ships Carrying Compressed Natural Gas (2018), Part VI, para 3.16.11.

10.    Rec. No. 151 (July 2017)    Recommendation    for    petroleum    fuel    treatment    systems for marine

diesel engines

Применение: Правила классификации и постройки морских судов (2019), часть VIII, пункт 13.8.1.

Application: Rules for the Classification and Construction of Sea-Going Ships (2019), Part VIII, para 13.8.1.

УНИФИЦИРОВАННЫЕ ИНТЕРПРЕТАЦИИ МАКО

IACS UNIFIED INTERPRETATIONS

IACS Unified Interpretations (Ul) SC 191 for the application of amended SOLAS regulation II-1/3-6 (resolution MSC.151(78)) and revised Technical provisions for means of access for inspections (resolution MSC.158(78))

Note:

1.    This Ul is to be applied by IACS Members and Associates when acting as recognized organizations, authorized by flag State Administrations to act on their behalf, unless otherwise advised, from 1 January 2005.

2.    Rev.1 (May 2005) introduced new Annex to Ul SC 191. Rev.1 is to be applied by IACS Members and Associates from 1 July 2005.

3.    Rev.2 (Oct.2005) re-categorized the Annex to Ul SCI91 (Rev.1) as Recommendation No.91.

Rev.2 (Oct.2005 / Corr. Dec. 2005) is to be applied by IACS Members and Associates to ships contracted for construction on or after 1 May 2006.

Refer to IMO MSC/Circ. 1176.

4.    The ‘contracted for construction’ date means the date on which the contract to build the vessel is signed between the prospective owner and the shipbuilder. For further details about the date of ‘contract for construction’, refer to IACS Procedural Requirement (PR) No. 29.

5.    Rev.3 is to be applied by IACS Members and Associates from 1 October 2006.

6.    Rev.4 is to be applied by IACS Members to ships contracted for construction from 1 July 2012.

7.    Rev.5 is to be applied by IACS Members to ships contracted for construction from 24 June 2013.

8.    Rev.6 is to be applied by IACS Members to ships contracted for construction from 1 July 2015.

9.    Rev.7 is to be applied by IACS Members to ships contracted for construction from 1 July 2016.

SOLAS regulation 11-1/3-6, section 1

1    Application

1.1    Except as provided for in paragraph 1.2, this regulation applies to oil tankers of 500 gross tonnage and over and bulk carriers, as defined in regulation IX/1, of 20,000 gross tonnage and over, constructed on or after 1 January 2006.

1.2    Oil tankers of 500 gross tonnage and over constructed on or after 1 October 1994 but before 1 January 2005 shall comply with the provisions of regulation 11-1/12-2 adopted by resolution MSC.27(61).

Interpretation Oil tankers:

This regulation is only applicable to oil tankers having integral tanks for carriage of oil in bulk, which is contained in the definition of oil in Annex 1 of MARPOL 73/78. Independent oil tanks can be excluded.

Regulation 11-1/3-6 is not normally applied to FPSO or FSO unless the Administration decides otherwise.

Technical Background

Means of Access (MA) specified in the Technical provisions contained in resolution MSC. 158(78) are not specific with respect to the application to integral cargo oil tanks or also to independent cargo oil tanks. ESP requirements of oil tankers have been established assuming the target cargo oil tanks are integral tanks. The MA regulated under SOLAS regulation 11-1/3-6 is for overall and close-up inspections as defined in regulation IX/1. Therefore it is assumed that the target cargo oil tanks are those of ESP, i.e. integral cargo tanks.

Regulation 11-1/3-6 is applicable to FPSO or FSO if they are subject to the scope of ESP as contained in resolution A.1049(27) (2011 ESP Code), as amended.

Ref.

SOLAS regulation IX/1 and resolution A. 1049(27) (2011 ESP Code), as amended.

SOLAS regulation 11-1/3-6, paragraph 2.1

2.1 Each space shall be provided with a permanent means of access to enable, throughout the life of a ship, overall and close-up inspections and thickness measurements of the ship’s structures to be carried out by the Administration, the company, as defined in regulation IX/1, and the ship’s personnel and others as necessary. Such means of access shall comply with the requirements of paragraph 5 and with the Technical provisions for means of access for inspections, adopted by the Maritime Safety Committee by resolution MSC. 133(76), as may be amended by the Organization, provided that such amendments are adopted, brought into force and take effect in accordance with the provisions of article VIII of the present Convention concerning the amendment procedures applicable to the Annex other than chapter 1.

Interpretation

Each space for which close-up inspection is not required such as fuel oil tanks and void spaces forward of cargo area, may be provided with a means of access necessary for overall survey intended to report on the overall conditions of the hull structure.

SOLAS regulation 11-1/3-6, paragraph 2.2

2.2 Where a permanent means of access may be susceptible to damage during normal cargo loading and unloading operations or where it is impracticable to fit permanent means of access, the Administration may allow, in lieu thereof, the provision of movable or portable means of access, as specified in the Technical provisions, provided that the means of attaching, rigging, suspending or supporting the portable means of access forms a permanent part of the ship’s structure. All portable equipment shall be capable of being readily erected or deployed by ship’s personnel.

Interpretation

Some possible alternative means of access are listed under paragraph 3.9 of the Technical Provisions for means of access for inspection(TP). Always subject to acceptance as equivalent by the Administration, alternative means such as an unmanned robot arm, ROV’s and dirigibles with necessary equipment of the permanent means of access for overall and close-up inspections and thickness measurements of the deck head structure such as deck transverses and deck longitudinals of cargo oil tanks and ballast tanks, are to be capable of:

•    safe operation in ullage space in gas-free environment;

•    introduction into the place directly from a deck access.

When considering use of alternative means of access as addressed by paragraph 3.9 of the TP, refer to IACS Recommendation No.91 “Guidelines for Approval/Acceptance of Alternative Means of Access”.

Technical Background

Innovative approaches, in particular a development of robot in place of elevated passageways, are encouraged and it is considered worthwhile to provide the functional requirement for the innovative approach.