At this 11th session of the Ship Design & Construction Subcommittee meeting, IADC was particularly interested to participate in, and continue its observation of, the following agenda items:
Further development of the Industrial Personnel (IP) Code and Associated Guidance
- IADC participated in the Drafting Group convened by the Subcommittee Chair during this session to finalize draft amendments to Part IV of the IP Code and consider alignment of provisions between the IP Code and the Special-Purpose Ship (SPS) Code. This effort resulted in the Drafting Group establishing recommendations to the Subcommittee to orient onboard person weight/mass criteria for stability calculations with those utilized in the SPS Code. The subcommittee also tasked this Drafting Group with consideration of additional operational guidelines to be entered into the IP Code. Further action was put on hold until additional user experience can be gained through application of the Code by authorities and other stakeholder groups.
Experience building phase for the Reduction of Underwater Radiated Noise (URN)
- IADC participated in the Subcommittee’s plenary discussion to progress work on URN. As a result, the Subcommittee established a Correspondence Group to assess results of commissioned URN studies conducted so far. This assessment will assist with formulating additional steps to monitor the maritime industry’s “experience building phase” (EBP) so more detailed objectives can be identified to inform further development of provisions in the areas of technical application.
Development of guidelines for emergency towing arrangements for ships other than tankers
- IADC observed discussion of reassessment of tow-force calculations to ensure alignment with amended emergency towing requirements for ships other than tankers to come into force on certain new vessels in 2028. IADC anticipates that class societies (organizations that establish and maintain technical provisions for ships) will develop necessary additions to class rules to account for emergency towing amendments before the 2028 implementation date.
IADC’s History with IMO
Since 1975, IADC has retained its observer delegate status at IMO. One of two upstream oil and gas associations having such access, IADC is prominently recognized and frequently referenced by the global maritime community for its specialization and proficiency in Mobile Offshore Drilling Units (MODUs) concerns. IMO member countries regularly consult with IADC on safety and environmental matters unique to MODUs.
