In supercession of the S.D. Circular No. 1 of 2007 dated 23^rd January, 2007 and Amendment to S.D. Circular No. 1 of 2007 dated 30^th September, 2008 regarding certification of Offshore vessels, Accommodation barges, etc. under the provisions of Special Purpose Ships Code (SPS Code), it has been decided that the Special Purpose Ships, which are intended to be chartered for operations in Indian waters will be required to comply with the following provisions for grant of licence.   

(1)               Self propelled vessels built after 13^th May, 2008 shall fully comply with SPS Code 2008 [MSC Resolution 266(84)] 

(2)               Where a ship built before 13^th May, 2008, does not fully comply with the SPS Code provisions but is certified to meet a safety standard that closely approximates that of the Code, the Directorate, after due examination of the technical aspects of the vessel, if satisfied that compliance with the relevant provisions of the said Code would be unreasonable, having regard to the type of ship, its equipment and its intended voyage, exempt the ship from compliance with that provision, as long as the exemption is consistent with the Code. 

(3)               Owners / Operators should however observe due diligence and take all necessary safety precautions if such vessels are deployed in the offshore fields keeping in view the condition of sea and weather. 

     The above stipulations shall apply to Indian Flag vessels as well. 

     This issues with the approval of Director General of Shipping.


                           Sd/-
               (Suresh Kumar, R.M.)
Deputy Chief Ship Surveyor-cum-Sr. DDG (Tech.)