Comments invited on draft proposal on bringing into force the international safety code for ships carrying industrial personnel
The Ministry of Transport and Communications requests comments on the draft government proposal on bringing into force the international code of safety for ships carrying industrial personnel and on implementing the directive on stability requirements. The deadline for submitting comments is 14 July 2023.
The IMO International Code of Safety for Ships Carrying Industrial Personnel, the so-called IP code adopted in 2022, plays a key role in maritime operations within the offshore sector, such as construction and maintenance of windfarms, which require a high number of skilled personnel.
The aim of the code is to create appropriate technological safety standards for ships that carry industrial personnel taking the specific risks related to personnel transfer operations into consideration. Industrial personnel refers to people transported or accommodated aboard a ship for the purpose of offshore industrial activities performed on board other ships or offshore facilities.
According to the draft proposal, the requirements of the amended directive on stability would be transposed into national legislation. The directive lays down provisions on specific harmonised stability requirements for ro-ro passenger ships, i.e. car/passenger ferries. The requirements improve the survivability of vessels in case of collision damage and provide a high level of safety for the passengers and the crew.
Next steps
The deadline for comments on the draft proposal is 14 July 2023. All organisations and private individuals may submit comments at www.lausuntopalvelu.fi. After the consultation process, the preparations will continue by public officials as part of their regular duties.
The amendments to the regulation on ships carrying industrial personnel are set to enter into force on 1 July 2024. The provisions on the implementation of the amended directive on stability requirements are due to come into force on 5 December 2024.
Inquiries:
Katja Viertävä, Senior Government Adviser, tel. +358 295 488 370, [email protected]
