FPSOs and FSUs
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Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - Circulars - Maritime Safety Committee - MSC/Circular.1111 – Guidance Relating to the Implementation of SOLAS Chapter XI-2 and the ISPS Code – (7 June 2004) - Annex 1 - Guidance Relating to the Implementation of SOLAS Chapter XI-2 and the ISPS Code - FPSOs and FSUs

FPSOs and FSUs

  18 The Committee recalled that MSC 77 decided that neither of the two types of floating production, storage and offloading units (FPSOs) and floating storage units (FSUs), were ships subject to the provisions of SOLAS chapter XI-2 and of part A of the ISPS Code, but, however, they should have some security procedures in place to prevent “contamination” of ships and port facilities which are required to comply with the provisions of chapter XI-2 and of part A of the ISPS Code. This decision is reflected in paragraph 3 of MSC/Circ.1097 on Guidance relating to the implementation of SOLAS chapter XI-2 and the ISPS Code.

  19 MSC/Circ.1097 offers no advice as to the specific security measures or procedures that should be taken by a ship which is required to comply the provisions of SOLAS chapter XI-2 and of part A of the ISPS Code (SOLAS ship) when such a ship is engaged in ship-to-ship activities with either an FPSO or an FSU. If a SOLAS ship interfaces with an FPSO or an FSU it is deemed to be equivalent to interfacing with a non-SOLAS ship. The SOLAS ship's Ship Security Plan should contain security measures and procedures covering such an interface as recommended in paragraph B/9.51 of the ISPS Code. This could include the conclusion of a Declaration of Security with the FPSO or FSU indicating the security measures each ship undertook during the interface.

  20 As FPSOs and FSUs operate as part of offshore oil production facilities, it can be expected that the State on whose continental shelf or within whose Exclusive Economic Zone the activity is being undertaken will have developed appropriate security measures and procedures under its national law to protect its offshore activities.

  21 Conference resolution 7, adopted by the 2002 SOLAS Conference, in operative paragraph 1, invites Contracting Governments to establish, as they may consider necessary, and to disseminate, as they deem fit, appropriate measures to enhance the security of ships and of port facilities other than those covered by SOLAS chapter XI-2. This invitation covers both FPSOs and FSUs and Contracting Governments will be aware of the need to avoid contamination of SOLAS ships interfacing with such non-SOLAS ships.

Parent topic: Annex 1 - Guidance Relating to the Implementation of SOLAS Chapter XI-2 and the ISPS Code
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