Column-stabilized units
Clasification Society 2024 - Version 9.40
Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - International Codes - 1989 MODU Code – Code for the Construction and Equipment of Mobile Offshore Drilling Units, 1989 – Resolution A.649(16) - Chapter 3 – Subdivision, Stability and Freeboard - 3.5 Extent of damage - Column-stabilized units

Column-stabilized units

  3.5.10 In assessing the damage stability of column-stabilized units, the following extent of damage should be assumed:

  • .1 Only those columns, underwater hulls and braces on the periphery of the unit should be assumed to be damaged and the damage should be assumed in the exposed portions of the columns, underwater hulls and braces.

  • .2 Columns and braces should be assumed to be flooded by damage having a vertical extent of 3.0 m occurring at any level between 5.0 m above and 3.0 m below the draughts specified in the operating manual. Where a watertight flat is located within this region, the damage should be assumed to have occurred in both compartments above and below the watertight flat in question. Lesser distances above or below the draughts may be applied to the satisfaction of the Administration, taking into account the actual operating conditions. However, the required damage region should extend at least 1.5 m above and below the draught specified in the operating manual.

  • .3 No vertical bulkhead should be assumed to be damaged, except where bulkheads are spaced closer than a distance of one eighth of the column perimeter at the draught under consideration, measured at the periphery, in which case one or more of the bulkheads should be disregarded .

  • .4 Horizontal penetration of damage should be assumed to be 1.5 m.

  • .5 Underwater hull or footings should be assumed to be damaged when operating in a transit condition in the same manner as indicated in 3.5.10.1, 3.5.10.2, 3.5.10.4 and either 3.5.10.3 or 3.5.6, having regard to their shape.

  • .6 All piping, ventilation systems, trunks, etc., within the extent of damage should be assumed to be damaged. Positive means of closure should be provided at watertight boundaries to preclude the progressive flooding of other spaces which are intended to be intact.


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