The latest edition of the UK Workboat Code, Edition 3, introduced in December 2023, offers comprehensive guidance on safety regulations for towing vessels, workboats, and pilot boats. Notably, it incorporates provisions for remotely operated vessels, reflecting technological advancements in the maritime sector, says an article published on riviera website.
Summary
- Mandated by The Merchant Shipping (Small Workboats and Pilot Boats) Regulations 2023.
- Provides unified safety regulations for the UK’s commercial support craft.
- Includes specific provisions for unmanned vessels and alternative fuel technologies.
- Covers design, construction, operations, and emergency response.
- Operators must maintain comprehensive logs and voyage data records for at least 30 days.
- Data includes weather conditions, vessel movements, equipment status, and incidents.
Legal Framework
The Workboat Code Edition 3 is mandated by The Merchant Shipping (Small Workboats and Pilot Boats) Regulations 2023, providing a unified set of regulations for the safety certification of the UK’s commercial support craft.
Guidance For Remotely Operated Vessels
Edition 3 includes specific provisions and guidance for remotely operated vessels, acknowledging the emergence of unmanned vessels and alternative fuel technologies. This guidance covers various aspects, including design, construction, operations, and emergency response.
Data Logging And Transmission
Operators of remotely controlled vessels are required to maintain comprehensive working logs and voyage data records, capturing critical information such as weather conditions, vessel movements, equipment status, and incidents. Data must be retained for at least 30 days and made available for investigation purposes.
Emergency Response And Safety Measures
The code mandates the installation and operation of alarms, emergency response equipment, and fire-fighting systems onboard remotely operated vessels. Critical equipment must have redundancy, and emergency power systems should be separate from main systems to ensure operational resilience.
Connectivity And Communication Systems
Robust connectivity and communication systems are essential for remotely operated vessels. The code specifies requirements for radiocommunications and mandates the provision of secondary communication systems to ensure vessel safety and command capabilities in case of primary system failures.
Towing And Equipment Requirements
Remotely operated vessels equipped for towing operations must adhere to specific requirements, including towing arrangements, towline specifications, and safety procedures for rapid release. Training and risk assessment protocols are also outlined to ensure personnel competency and operational safety.
Supplementary Guidelines
To complement Edition 3, the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) issued Marine Information Notice 698, offering best practice guidelines for workboats and pilot boats certified under the new code.
Conclusion
The updated UK Workboat Code Edition 3 provides a comprehensive framework for the safe operation of towing vessels, workboats, and pilot boats, with specific provisions to accommodate the evolving landscape of remotely operated vessels and emerging technologies in the maritime industry.
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Source: riviera
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