Further to this Directorate's decision  regarding certification of offshore vessels, Accommodation Barges etc., which carry more than 12 offshore personnel, under the provision of SOLAS 1974 as Passenger Vessel or under the relevant provisions of Special Purpose Ships Safety Code, a number of queries have been received seeking various clarifications. 

          It may be noted by the ship owners that all the self propelled vessels engaged in offshore operation and carrying more than 12 offshore personnel on board are required to be certified either as a passenger ship under the provisions of SOLAS 1974 as amended  or as special purpose ship  under the provisions of Code of Safety for Special Purpose Ships as amended. In so far as the non propelled vessels, such as Accommodation  Barges  are concerned, their hull, equipments, Auxiliary Machinery, Structural Fire arrangement, stability / damage stability and safety equipment should comply with the relevant provisions of the Special Purpose Ship Safety Code and a certifying letter to this effect from the vessel's class (  holding IACS membership) or flag should be available on board.

 If the flag administration of such vessels, has equivalent rules covering above aspects then certification under these rules shall also be acceptable.        

 Sd/-
(S.G.Bhandare)
Asstt.Director General of Shipping