2009 MODU Code - (2020 Edition)

This edition of the 2009 MODU Code incorporates the 2013 (MSC.359(92)), 2014 (MSC.384(94) and MSC.387(94)), 2016 (MSC.407(96)) and 2017 (MSC.435(98)) amendments to the Code. For mobile offshore drilling units constructed before 1 January 2012, the provisions of the previous MODU Codes (1989 and 1979) apply, depending on the date of their construction.

In adopting the 2009 MODU Code, the Assembly recalled in particular that, since the adoption of the 1989 MODU Code, the Organization had adopted a significant number of amendments to many of the regulations of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974 (SOLAS) referenced in the Code. Furthermore, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) had adopted amendments to the Convention on International Civil Aviation, which impacted on the provisions for helicopter facilities as contained in the Code.

The 2009 MODU Code provides an international standard for MODUs of new construction, which facilitates their international movement and operation and ensures a level of safety for such units and for personnel on board, equivalent to that required by the 1974 SOLAS Convention and the Protocol of 1988 relating to the International Convention on Load Lines, 1966, for conventional ships engaged on international voyages.

The 2009 MODU Code supersedes the 1989 MODU Code, adopted by resolution A.649(16), for mobile offshore drilling units, the keels of which were laid or which were at a similar stage of construction on or after 1st January 2012.

This edition incorporates the 2013 (MSC.359(92)), 2014 (MSC.384(94)) and MSC.387(94)), 2016 (MSC.407(96)) and 2017 (MSC.435(98)) amendments to the Code.

For mobile offshore drilling units constructed before 1 January 2012, the provisions of the previous MODU Codes (1989* and 1979†) apply, depending on the date of their construction.

Chapter 1 General .

1.1 Purpose

1.2 Application

1.3 Definitions

1.4 Exemptions

1.5 Equivalents

1.6 Surveys and certification

1.7 Control

1.8 Casualties

1.9 Review of the Code

Chapter 2 Construction, strength and materials

2.1 General

2.2 Access

2.3 Design loads

2.4 Structural analysis

2.5 Special considerations for surface units

2.6 Special considerations for self-elevating units

2.7 Special considerations for column-stabilized units

2.8 Towing arrangements

2.9 Fatigue analysis

2.10 Materials

2.11 Anti-fouling systems

2.12 Protective coatings of dedicated seawater ballast tanks

2.13 Construction portfolio

2.14 Welding

2.11 Anti-fouling systems

2.12 Protective coatings of dedicated seawater ballast tanks

2.13 Construction portfolio

2.14 Welding

2.15 Testing

2.16 Drainage and sediment control

Chapter 3 Subdivision, stability and freeboard

3.1 Inclining test

3.2 Righting moment and heeling moment curves

3.3 Intact stability criteria

3.4 Subdivision and damage stability

3.5 Extent of damage

3.6 Watertight integrity

3.7 Freeboard

Chapter 4 Machinery installations for all types of units

4.1 General

4.2 Alternative design and arrangements

4.3 Machinery

4.4 Steam boilers and boiler feed systems

4.5 Steam pipe systems

4.6 Machinery controls

4.7 Air pressure systems

4.8 Arrangements for oil fuel, lubricating oil and other flammable oils

4.9 Bilge pumping arrangements

4.10 Ballast pumping arrangements on column-stabilized units.

4.11 Protection against flooding

4.12 Anchoring arrangements for surface and column-stabilized units

4.13 Dynamic positioning systems

4.14 Elevating systems for self-elevating units

Chapter 5 Electrical installations for all types of units

5.1 General

5.2 Alternative design and arrangements

5.3 Main source of electrical power

5.4 Emergency source of electrical power

5.5 Starting arrangements for emergency generators

5.6 Precautions against shock, fire and other hazards of electrical origin

5.7 Alarms and internal communication

Chapter 6 Machinery and electrical installations in hazardous areas for all types of units

6.1 Zones

6.2 Classification of hazardous areas

6.3 Openings, access and ventilation conditions affecting the extent of hazardous areas

6.4 Ventilation of hazardous spaces

6.5 Emergency conditions due to drilling operations

6.6 Electrical installations in hazardous areas

6.7 Machinery installations in hazardous areas

Chapter 7 Machinery and electrical installations for self-propelled units

7.1 General

7.2 Means of going astern

7.3 Steam boilers and boiler feed systems

7.4 Machinery controls

7.5 Steering

7.6 Electric and electrohydraulic steering gear

7.7 Communication between the navigating bridge and the engine-room

7.8 Engineers’ alarm

7.9 Main source of electrical power

7.10 Emergency source of electrical power

Chapter 8 Periodically unattended machinery spaces

for all types of units

8.1 General

8.2 Application

8.3 Fire protection

8.4 Protection against flooding

8.5 Bridge control of propulsion machinery

8.6 Communication

8.7 Alarm system

8.8 Special provisions for machinery, boiler and electrical installations

8.9 Safety systems

Chapter 9 Fire safety

9.1 Alternative design and arrangements

9.2 Structural fire protection

9.3 Protection of accommodation spaces, service spaces and control stations

9.4 Means of escape

9.5 Fire safety systems

9.6 Emergency escape breathing devices

9.7 Fire pumps, fire mains, hydrants and hoses

9.8 Fire-extinguishing arrangements for the drill floor

9.9 Fire-extinguishing arrangements in machinery spaces and in spaces containing fired processes

9.10 Portable fire extinguishers in accommodation, service and working spaces

9.11 Fire detection and alarm system

9.12 Flammable gas detection and alarm system

9.13 Hydrogen sulphide detection and alarm system

9.14 Fire-fighters’ outfits

9.15 Recharging of air cylinders

9.16 Arrangements in machinery and working spaces

9.17 Provisions for helicopter facilities

9.18 Storage of gas cylinders

9.19 Fire control plan

9.20 Operational readiness and maintenance

Chapter 10 Life-saving appliances and equipment

10.1 General

10.2 Alternative design and arrangements

10.3 Survival craft

10.4 Survival craft muster and embarkation arrangements

10.5 Survival craft launching stations

10.6 Stowage of survival craf

10.7 Survival craft launching and recovery arrangements

10.8 Rescue boats

10.9 Stowage of rescue boats

10.10 Rescue boat embarkation, launching and recovery arrangements

10.11 Lifejackets

10.12 Immersion suits and anti-exposure suits

10.13 Lifebuoys

10.14 Radio life-saving appliances

10.15 Distress flares

10.16 Line-throwing appliances

10.17 Operating instructions

10.18 Operational readiness, maintenance and inspections

Chapter 11 Radiocommunication and navigation

11.1 General

11.2 Training

11.3 Self-propelled units

11.4 Non-self-propelled units under tow

11.5 Units stationary at the site or engaged in drilling operation

11.6 Helicopter communications

11.7 Internal communications

11.8 Performance standards

11.9 Survey of the radio station

11.10 Navigation equipment

Chapter 12 Lifting devices, personnel and pilot transfer

12.1 Cranes

12.2 Lifting and hoisting equipment

12.3 Personnel lifts

12.4 Personnel and pilot transfer

12.5 Drilling derricks

Chapter 13 Helicopter facilities

13.1 General

13.2 Definitions

13.3 Construction

13.4 Arrangements

13.5 Visual aids

13.6 Motion-sensing system

13.7 Exemptions

Chapter 14 Operations

14.1 Operating manuals

14.2 Helicopter facilities

14.3 Material safety data sheets

14.4 Dangerous goods

14.5 Pollution prevention

14.6 Transfer of material, equipment or personnel

14.7 Procedures for entry into enclosed spaces

14.8 Diving systems

14.9 Safety of navigation

14.10 Emergency procedures

14.11 Emergency instructions

14.12 Training manual and onboard training aids

14.13 Practice musters and drill

14.14 Enclosed space entry and rescue drills

14.15 Onboard training and instructions

14.16 Records

14.17 Hazardous areas.

Chapter 15 Special measures to enhance safety

15.1 Atmosphere testing instrument for enclosed spaces

A??s a specialized agency of the United Nations, IMO is the global standard-setting authority for the safety, security and environmental performance of international shipping. Its main role is to create a regulatory framework for the shipping industry that is fair and effective, universally adopted and universally implemented.

In other words, its role is to create a level playing field so that ship operators cannot address their financial issues by simply cutting corners and compromising on safety, security and environmental performance. This approach also encourages innovation and efficiency.

Shipping is a truly international industry, and it can only operate effectively if the regulations and standards are themselves agreed, adopted and implemented on an international basis. IMO is the forum at which this process takes place.