Mobile offshore drilling units should, fulfil the GMDSS requirements laid
down IMO‘s MODU Code, as revised in 1991. This revision introduced provisions based on
the GMDSS requirements. All GMDSS requirements should, as a general rule, be fulfilled.
However, for drilling units the requirement for duplication may be considered as
fulfilled if the radio installation complies with regulation 11.5.2 of the MODU Code as follows:
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.1 Each unit while stationary at the site, including when engaged in
drilling operations, should comply with all requirements prescribed in chapter
IV of the SOLAS Convention, 1974, as amended, that are
applicable to ship sailing trough the same area.
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.2 Taking into account the different types of accident which may
occur on the MODU, additional radio equipment should be installed in a room or
position, which could be the bridge or emergency control room, situated as far
as practical from the radio equipment fitted in compliance with section 11.5.1, so that a single accident in any part of the
MODU could deprive the MODU of all facilities for radiocommunications.
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.3 The additional radio equipment should comply with the following regulations of
the 1988 SOLAS amendment for MODUs drilling in:
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.1 sea area A1, the equipment prescribed in regulation IV/7.1.1;
.2 sea area A2, the equipment prescribed by regulations
IV/7.1.1 and IV/9.1.1;
.3 sea area A3, the equipment prescribed by regulations
IV/7.1.1 and IV/10.1.1, plus 10.2; or alternatively, as
required by regulations IV/7.1.1 and 10.2.1; and
.4 sea area A4, the equipment prescribed by regulations
IV/7.1.1 and IV/10.2.1.
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.4 If the acoustic noise level in a room fitted with operating
controls for radio equipment is so high or could be so high, during particular
operating conditions, that it may disturb or prevent proper use of the radio
equipment, adequate noise protection should be provided by mechanical or other
means, in association with the operating controls for the radio equipment.
Note: - All requirements of chapter
IV of the 1988 SOLAS amendments referring to "from the position the ship is
normally navigated" should be applied as meaning "from a position (or from the
positions), which is continuously manned and which is controlling the MODU. Watchkeeping
on DSC and other emergency and calling channels should be kept from a position which is
continuously manned. Watchkeeping and the operation of all radio equipment which are
required on board should be carried out by a person holding a GOC/GMDSS or ROC/GMDSS (if
only A1 installation) radio operator certificate.