1 These Guidelines have been developed for the
design and construction of new offshore supply vessels with a view
to promoting the safety of such vessels and their personnel, recognizing
the unique design features and service characteristics of these vessels.
3 Recognizing that for certain limited areas of
operation and service characteristics it is unreasonable to apply
these Guidelines in full, the possibility of relaxations has been
introduced by the concept of “near-coastal voyage”.
4 Provisions for offshore supply vessels carrying
more than 12 industrial personnel are not included in these Guidelines.
5 When an offshore supply vessel is used for special
purposes, such as diving assistance or oceanographic surveys, the
persons on board in connexion with these special purposes should be
treated as special personnel.
6 The content of these Guidelines was reviewed
in 2006 in order to update the references contained therein, to enhance
subdivision and damage stability requirements, to remove duplication
of the content between the Guidelines and the IS Code and
to introduce an appropriate documentation of compliance with the Guidelines.