IACS guidelines: Harmonizing Industrial Personnel Safety with SOLAS

Eda Zenic -

The International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) has published new Unified Interpretation SC303, which provides a detailed interpretation and guidelines on how to align the Industrial Personnel Safety Certificate (IPSC) with the existing SOLAS safety certificates. This harmonization is intended to ensure that safety protocols for industrial personnel on board ships are consistent with those already established under SOLAS regulations.

Key Points of the Document:

Uniform Implementation:

The guidelines in SC303 are to be uniformly applied by all IACS member societies starting from July 1, 2025. This ensures a standardized approach across the maritime industry, minimizing discrepancies in safety standards and practices.

Relevant SOLAS Regulations and IP Code:

The document specifically references SOLAS regulations XV/3.2, XV/3.3, and XV/5.1, which are part of the broader safety requirements for ships. Additionally, it mentions the IP Code (Industrial Personnel Code), particularly the guidelines outlined in MSC.527(106). These regulations and codes establish the framework for the safety of industrial personnel on board ships.

Initial and Maintenance Surveys:

The core of the document is structured around how and when initial and maintenance surveys should be conducted for the issuance and upkeep of the Industrial Personnel Safety Certificate. The surveys are meant to assess the safety measures in place on a ship and ensure they comply with both SOLAS and IP Code requirements.

Two Main Categories of Ships:

Ships under the Harmonized System of Survey and Certification (HSSC) Scheme:

  1. Cargo Ships:
    • The initial IPSC is issued at the first Safety Construction intermediate or renewal survey after July 1, 2024. For ongoing maintenance, the IPSC is aligned with annual or intermediate surveys related to the Cargo Ship Safety Certificate or Cargo Ship Safety Construction Certificate. The certificate is renewed based on the results of these surveys.
  1. High-Speed Cargo Craft:
    • The IPSC is issued during the third periodical or first renewal survey as per the 2000 High-Speed Craft (HSC) Code, after July 1, 2024. Maintenance of the IPSC is aligned with the periodical surveys of the High-Speed Craft Safety Certificate.

Ships not under the HSSC Scheme:

  1. Cargo Ships:
    • For these ships, the IPSC is issued at the first Safety Construction renewal survey after July 1, 2024, but no later than September 30, 2027. Maintenance surveys are aligned similarly with the Cargo Ship Safety Construction Certificate.
  1. High-Speed Cargo Craft:
    • The IPSC follows a similar process as those under the HSSC scheme, being issued or maintained based on periodical or renewal surveys under the High-Speed Craft Safety Certificate.

Detailed Survey Alignment:

  • Initial Survey:
    • For both categories of ships, the initial issuance of the IPSC is strategically timed to coincide with existing mandatory surveys required under SOLAS. This ensures that the introduction of the IPSC does not impose an additional burden on ship operators but is integrated into the existing survey schedules.
  • Maintenance Surveys:
    • Maintenance of the IPSC is tied to routine annual or intermediate surveys of the relevant safety certificates. This approach ensures that the IPSC remains valid and up-to-date, reflecting the current safety status of the ship.
  • Renewal Surveys:
    • The renewal of the IPSC is synchronized with the renewal of key SOLAS certificates, such as the Cargo Ship Safety Certificate or the High-Speed Craft Safety Certificate. This ensures that all safety certifications, including the IPSC, are renewed concurrently, simplifying compliance and administration for ship operators.

Purpose and Impact:

The primary purpose of this harmonization effort is to ensure that industrial personnel working on ships are afforded the same level of safety oversight as other crew members. By aligning the IPSC with existing SOLAS certifications, the IACS aims to streamline safety practices and ensure that industrial personnel are protected under the same rigorous standards that apply to the rest of the ship's operations.

The impact of this harmonization will likely include improved safety outcomes for industrial personnel, reduced administrative overhead for shipping companies, and greater consistency in how safety standards are applied across different types of vessels. Additionally, by setting a firm implementation date of July 1, 2025, the IACS provides ample time for the industry to adapt to these new requirements, ensuring a smooth transition and widespread compliance.