The MCA has released guidance and clarifications on application of the special purpose ships code through MGN 674

Published on: 18 August 2022

The MCA has released MGN 674(M) Application of the special purpose ships code.

The International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), 1974, as amended, and UK Merchant Shipping legislation allow a cargo ship to carry up to 12 passengers in addition to the crew. The SOLAS Convention recognises that a passenger is "every person other than the master and members of the crew or other persons employed or engaged in any capacity on board a ship on the business of that ship". A ship carrying more than 12 passengers by definition is a passenger ship, and is subject to enhanced constructional and operational requirements to ensure the safety of the passengers.

The MCA recognises that there are ships which are designed and operate in specialist roles when carrying more than 12 persons in addition to the crew, and under conditions that make compliance with passenger ship requirements inappropriate. Where such persons are not passengers, in that they will be working regularly on board, are certified medically fit and have received relevant safety training to do so, the MCA considers these persons to be special personnel with attributes that differ from a passenger.

The Special Purpose Ships Code (SPS Code) provides appropriate levels of safety for cargo ships carrying more than 12 persons in aggregate (i.e., including both special personnel and passengers), in addition to the crew. Application of the SPS Code provides beneficial operational flexibility for ships engaged in activities, other than as normal cargo-carrying ships. The SPS Code provisions for training and certification of special personnel on board offer practical alternatives to the SOLAS and STCW Conventions.

This Marine Guidance Note (MGN 674) replaces MGN 515 and Provides guidance on the application of the IMO Special Purpose Ships Code to UK ships, and to those that are non-UK ships operating from UK ports and/or in the UK Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) (The UK's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) covers the same geographical area as the UK Continental Shelf), in the offshore and other sectors, including the use of alternative and equivalent IMO codes and guidelines.

MGN 674 can be downloaded from the gov.uk website here - MGN 674(M) Application of the Special Purpose Ships Code - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)