IMO issues unified interpretations of SOLAS and IP Code

Eda Zenic -

The International Maritime Organization issued the document MSC.1/Circ.1680 providing unified interpretations of SOLAS regulation XV/5.1 and paragraph 3.5 of part 1 of the International Code of Safety for Ships Carrying Industrial Personnel (IP Code). This guidance aims to harmonize the Industrial Personnel Safety Certificate with SOLAS safety certificates.

This circular was published on 28 June 2024.

The Maritime Safety Committee, at its 108th session (15 to 24 May 2024), approved the Unified interpretation of SOLAS regulation XV/5.1 and paragraph 3.5 of part 1 of the International Code of Safety for Ships Carrying Industrial Personnel (IP Code) on the harmonization of the Industrial Personnel Safety Certificate with SOLAS safety certificates. This approval aims to provide more specific guidance on the initial and maintenance surveys as required in SOLAS regulations XV/3.2, 3.3, and 5.1, as set out in the annex.

Member States are invited to use the annexed unified interpretations as guidance when applying SOLAS regulations XV/3.2, 3.3, and 5.1 and to bring them to the attention of all parties concerned.

The annex includes a table detailing the procedures for initial and maintenance surveys for the issuance and renewal of the Industrial Personnel Safety Certificate for different types of ships under both the Harmonized System of Survey and Certification (HSSC) scheme and non-HSSC scheme.

For Cargo Ships and High-Speed Cargo Craft, the initial, maintenance, and renewal surveys must align with the respective surveys for the Cargo Ship Safety Certificate or High-Speed Craft Safety Certificate.

Specific timings and conditions for these surveys are provided to ensure compliance with both the IP Code and SOLAS regulations.