At MSC.91 (November 2012), new requirements were adopted stipulating that all ships shall have ship-specific plans and procedures for recovery of persons from the water. The plans and procedures shall identify the equipment intended to be used and the measures to be taken to minimise the risk to shipboard personnel while recovering persons from the water. A guideline has been developed stating that existing life-saving and other equipment carried on board may be used, conventionally or unconventionally, to recover persons. The guideline mentions other useful circulars relating to recovery techniques and survival. It also lists matters that shall be considered when developing the plans and procedures, such as a risk assessment, certain criteria on how the recovery shall be carried out and crew competence (drills).
The new regulation SOLAS III/17-1 makes it mandatory to have on board Plans and Procedures for Recovery of Persons from Water. The requirement applies to all newbuildings provided with SOLAS certificates that are keel laid after 1 July 2014. For vessels in operation, the requirement applies from the first periodical or renewal safety equipment survey carried out after 1 July 2014, whichever comes first. The requirement also applies to units provided with a MODU Code certificate.
Streamlined Naval Architects have already developed various ship specific plans and procedures for recovery of persons from the water complying with the MSC.91 new requirements and can offer their services for the preparation of subject manual.
