SPS Vessels Siw

SPECIAL PURPOSE SHIP (SPS)
Siw Solstad, MNBNA844 SOLAS and Flag State Services

SPS - Content
General about SOLAS Certificates
What is a special purpose ship (SPS)?
Definitions, status of the Code
Differences between the new and old code.
Flag state interpretations
DNV Class notation SPS
Technical content of the Code
Accommodation support vessels
Statutory challenges
© Det Norske Veritas AS. All rights reserved. 2

SOLAS Certificates
Mandatory SOLAS certificates:
CCC – Cargo Ship Safety Construction Certificate

CEC – Cargo Ship Safety Equipment Certificate
CRC – Cargo Ship Safety Radio Certificate
PSSC – Passenger Ship Safety Certificate
HSC – High Speed Craft Safety Certificate
In addition ISM Certificate, ISPS Certificate & Dangerous Goods certificates

SOLAS Certificates
Non-Mandatory certificate:
SPS – Special Purpose Ship Safety Certificate
For cargo ships w/large number of workers that are not passengers or crew
engaged in the business of the ship.
The SPS is issued in addition to the CEC, CCC & CRC
Application of use is subject to decision by each Flag (not all Flags has
ratified the SPS Code).

Why an SPS Code?
If a vessel is having CEC, CCC & CRC only, all persons on board, except for 12, have to be
signed on as crew.
A ship carrying more than 12 passengers is per definition in SOLAS a passenger ship
---------------------------
SOLAS:
Persons carried in excess of crew are passengers
“Crew” means all persons carried on board the ship for
- Navigation of the ship
- Maintenance of the ship, its machinery, systems and arrangements essential for propulsion
- Providing services for other persons on board
A SPS is carrying special personnel that are neither crew members nor passengers as defined
in SOLAS because of the specialized nature of the work undertaken by these ships.

Special Purpose Ship
High number of ”special personnel”
Not engaged in running the ship
- Be able bodied
- Have a fair knowledge of the ship
- Have received some safety training
SPS Code developed for these ships

”Mini-SOLAS” with alternate provisions in different areas
dependent on number of persons (limits are 60 and 240)
Stability: SOLAS probabilistic damage stability criteria for
passenger ships, somewhat modified for ships
carrying a low number of persons.
WT doors, Double Bottom and Bilge Pumping requirements
as for a passenger ship.
Increased Fire Safety requirements
Steering Gear/ Emergency Source of power requirements
dependent on number of persons
Lifesaving – mix of cargo/pax requirements
Flag state practice variable
Not for MODU Code vessels and vessels used to “transport
and accommodate industrial personnel that are not working
on board”.

Ship types
Multi purpose offshore vessels
Crane vessels
Cable/pipe layers
Research ships
Pipe layers
Diving support vessels
Naval ships
Seismographic Research vessels
Training vessels
Fish and whale factory vessels.

Definitions, status of the Code
The original SPS Code was adopted in 1983 (Res. A.534(13)).
The 2008 SPS Code (MSC.266(84)) supersedes the previous SPS Code
from 13 May 2008 “for special purpose ships certified on or after” that date.
The Code is voluntary, it is up to the Administration to decide upon its
implementation, and IMO has by purpose not defined the term “new ships”
in order to give any Administration discretion to decide the effective date of
entry into force.
The Code applies to ships of 500 GT and above. However, the
Administration may also apply it to lesser tonnage.
It may also apply the Code to ships constructed before 13 May 2008.
The primary intent with the revision is to bring the Code up to date
with SOLAS, which has been subject to many amendments
through the years.

Differences between the new and old code
The most important differences between the new and old codes are:
“Persons”
- (all people on board, including crew) is the regulatory parameter in the new code as opposed to only special personnel in the previous code.
- The definition of special personnel is extended (more specified)
- Before: Number of SPS : 50 and 200

- Now: Number of persons: 60 and 240
Stability Requirements:
The previous code included a deterministic damage stability standard comparable with a 1-compartment “SOLAS-90” standard or better. The new code
includes the new (2009) SOLAS probabilistic damage stability criteria for passenger ships, somewhat modified for ships carrying a low number of
persons.
Generally
IMO resolution A.534(13) reflects the SOLAS convention in force prior to 1 January 2009, while resolution MSC.266(84) reflects the SOLAS convention
in force from 1 January 2009 onwards. It follows that the differences between the SOLAS provisions caused by accumulated amendments to various
chapters also constitute differences between the codes.

Definition of SPS personnel (2008 SPS Code)

Flag Interpretations per 20. November 2009
Adopted by :
- Cyprus (Cyprus Government Gazette, No. 4328 16.1.2009)
- India (Circular No. 3 2008)
- Australia (Marine Orders Part 50) – 2008 SPS Code mandatory from 1 January 2010
- St. Vincent and the Grenadines (Circular No. SOL 009)
- Singapore (Survey Circular No.3/2009)
-----------------------------------------------------------
- UK (MCA) – If vessel carry special personnel as defined in MGN 390(M)
- Gibraltar – Uses MGN 390(M)
Other Flags case by case:

- Norway (NIS Circular 1/2009)
- Marshall Island, Germany, Bahamas, Liberia, Malta.
Flags where DNV can not issue SPS:

Panama and Isle of Man (IOM)
Coastal state requirement:

India and Australia

DNV Class Notation SPS
The provisions in IMO’s SPS Code, Res. MSC.266(84), have been included in
class notation SPS where they are not already covered by Main Class and
General Cargo Ship requirements
Why an SPS notation?

IMO’s SPS Code is voluntary.
SPS class notation will signal compliance with the 2008 SPS Code even if the Flag
State has not adopted it
Easier to change flag to a Flag that uses the Code
Some port states requires a SPS standard for operation in their waters regardless of
flag state

Technical content of the 2008 SPS Code
Philosophy:
- Personnel are able bodied and with a fair knowledge of the layout of the ship and have received some training in safety
procedures and the handling of the ship's safety equipment. The special purpose ships on which they are carried need not
be considered or treated as passenger ships.
- The ships have a higher built in / inherent safety standard in
- Damage stability
- Subdivision, e.g. Watertight doors and Double bottom
- Bilge pumping
- Fire safety and escape
- But lesser standard in LSA: As for passenger ships (>60 P)
- Emergency Source of power.
- Steering Gear

Technical content of the 2008 SPS Code, cont.
Fire Safety:
<= 60 Persons: As for cargo vessels
60 < Persons < 240: As for passenger vessels with <= 36 passengers
Persons ≥ 240: As for passenger vessels with > 36 passengers
Damage stability/LSA (see also table next page):

As for passenger ships according to new SOLAS Ch. II-1 (from 1 January 2009)
- 240 persons or more: R index as for passenger ships
- 60 persons or less: R index is 0.8*R in new SOLAS Ch. II-1
- Between 61 and 239 persons: R index calculated by linear interpolation between the two
above

Damage stability/LSA:
Table 2-1 Compliance with chapters 2 and 8 of the SPS Code
Category I Category II, Category III

< 61 P 61- 239 P
≥ 240 P
Option I Option II
Damage stability: Damage stability: Damage stability: Damage stability:

As for passenger ships in As for passenger ships in As for passenger ships in accordance with As for passenger ships in accordance with
accordance with SOLAS Ch. accordance with SOLAS Ch. II-1, SOLAS Ch. II-1, where the ship is SOLAS Ch. II-1, where the ship is
II-1, where the ship is where the ship is considered a considered a passenger ship and special considered a passenger ship and special
considered a passenger ship passenger ship and special personnel are considered passengers. R- personnel are considered passengers. R-value
and special personnel are personnel are considered value calculated in accordance with II- calculated in accordance with II-1/6.2.3
considered passengers. R-value passengers. R-value calculated in 1/6.2.3 assigned as linear interpolation assigned as R.
calculated in accordance with accordance with II-1/6.2.3 assigned between 0.8R. (60 persons) and R (240
II-1/6.2.3 assigned as 0.8R. as linear interpolation between
persons)
0.8R. (60 persons) and R (240
persons)
LSA: LSA: LSA: LSA:

As for cargo ships other than As for passenger ships engaged in As for passenger ships engaged in full As for passenger ships engaged in full
tankers, full international voyages, international voyages, international voyages, ref. Ch.III in SOLAS
ref. SOLAS Ch. III ref. SOLAS Ch.III ref. Ch.III in SOLAS 1983 Am., 1983 Am.,
- 50% LB on each side - 50% LB on each side

- one rescue boat on each side - one rescue boat on each side
-davit launched liferafts for 25% -davit launched liferafts for 25%
-immersion suits for all persons -immersion suits for all persons
-Crew Emergency Plan/Muster list to be -Crew Emergency Plan/Muster list to be
approved approved

SOLAS Ch.II-1 Req. as for passenger vessels
SOLAS II-1 Reg. 9 – Double bottom requirements
SOLAS II-1/Reg. 13 – Watertight doors
- Max one sliding door pr. bulkhead within

spaces containing main and auxiliary machinery
- Outside damage zone B/5.
- Remote closing from navigating bridge within 60 sec.
- Closing from each side, power operated and hand-operated
- Closing from above the bulkhead deck.

Technical content of the 2008 SPS Code, cont.
Bilge pumping arrangement: As for passenger ships

Steering Gear: As for passenger ships for P ≥ 240
Emergency Source of power: As for passenger ships for P ≥ 61
Dangerous Goods requirement will apply if DG are carried.
P ≥ 61: Public address systems as on passenger ships (Ch.8.2):

SPS Code – Fire Protection
General:
Drawings for approval should indicate which SPS Code and maximum number of persons
MVZ bulkheads (WT subdivision, MVZ bulkheads and muster station(s) to be included on SFP
plan and Escape plan)
P ≥ 61 - Escape arrangement as a passenger vessel
Stairway calculations by FSS Code Chapter 13
Fire detection and alarm system
Ventilation (separate ventilation for each MVZ and Stairways)
Galley ventilation system
Sprinkler system
Fire water/Fire Pump capacity, ref. Reg.II-2/10.2
Low location lighting (LLL)
Material specification (calculations and certificates)
Safe Return to Port (SRtP)

Structural Fire Subdivision
MVZ - Main Vertical Fire Zone
P ≥ 240: The hull, superstructure and deckhouses shall be subdivided into

MVZ by “A-60” class divisions
60 < p < 240: The hull and superstructure in way of accommodation and
service spaces shall be subdivided into MVZ by “A” class divisions,
insulation according to tables 9.3 and 9.4

Structural Fire Subdivision
MVZ - Main
Vertical Fire
Zone
MVZ MVZ~40 m (max 48 m) MVZ MVZ
A-60 A-60 A-60

MVZ AreaMax=1600 m2 (1600/48 =33.33 m)
Means of Escape (II-2/13)
Applicable to SPS vessels ≥ 61 persons:
Always escape to a “safer” place, e.g. cabin-corridor-stairway.
One (primary) escape route always independent of WT & SWT doors.
One enclosed stairway in each main fire zone- shall give continuous fire
shelter to the embarkation area
Only public spaces, corridors, public toilets, special category spaces are
allowed to have direct access to staircases.
Dead ends’ not allowed.
Two exits when space > 28m2.
Room in room alarm to be limited.
Escape calculations, i.e width of doors and stairway to be calculated.

Stairways vs. Main Vertical Fire Zone
Fig.1: ECS serves one MVZ
Alt. 1
Alt. 2
Fig.2: ECS serves two MVZ
Fig.3: ECS serves two MVZ

Fire detection and alarm, Reg. 7
Loops or sections not to cross MVZ boundaries

Requirements for P ≥ 240:
- smoke detectors in accommodation spaces, service spaces and control stations
Requirements for 60 < p < 240:
- smoke detectors in corridors, stairways and escape routes in accommodation spaces plus
either
- a fixed fire detection system, or
- a sprinkler system
covering the remaining parts of accommodation spaces, service spaces and control
stations
New requirement in SOLAS 2006 Amendments, valid from 1 July 2010:
- fixed fire detection and fire alarm system shall be capable of remotely and individually
identifying each detector and manually operated call point,
- cabin detectors capable of emitting audible alarm

Sprinkler System, Reg. 10.6

P ≥ 240 : automatic sprinkler system arranged in all accommodation
spaces, service spaces and control stations
60 < p < 240 : automatic sprinkler system may be arranged
Other relevant requirements if P ≥ 61

Protection of openings (fire doors and windows)
Ventilation
Fire pumps
Fire main pressurised and one pump arranged with automatic start
Use of combustible materials
Furniture in stairways and corridors
Low Location Lighting (LLL)

Safe Return to Port
What is Safe Return to Port (SRtP)?
It is a SOLAS (statutory) requirement
- Introduced with SOLAS 2006 Amendments
- Coming into force from 1 July 2010
- Applicable for passenger ships having length of 120 m. or more or having three or more main vertical
zones
- By Chapter 6 Fire Protection of the 2008 SPS Code the vessels are to comply with "requirements of
chapter II-2 of SOLAS for passenger ships" if they have more than 60 persons on board meaning SRtP
requirements if L>120 m or 3 MVZ.
- Chapter 2 Stability and subdivision in the Code will require that new Reg. II-1/8-1 (on safe return to
port after flooding) will apply when a vessel is carrying 240 persons or more.
- Related to:
- Fire Scenarios,
- Stability (flooding) scenarios

The New Regulations:
SOLAS Reg. II-1/8.1:
- System capabilities after a flooding casualty on passenger ships
SOLAS Reg. II-2/21:

- Casualty threshold, safe return to port and safe areas
SOLAS Reg. II-2/22:

- Design criteria for systems to remain operational after a fire casualty

Accommodation support vessels
It is pointed out that the 2008 SPS Code is not intended for ships used to transport
and accommodate industrial personnel not working on board (accommodation
vessels).
DNV will recommend Passenger Ship Certificate (PSSC) to Accommodation vessels

and vessels used to transport personnel
Alternately MODU

Statement of compliance
Many vessels with high number of crew, particularly seismic vessels, are not built
and certified in compliance with the SPS Code.
On request from owners we may issue a so-called “Statement of fact” that simply
says which part(s) of the SPS Code the vessel is in compliance with or not.
Due to shore states requirements for full or partial compliance with the SPS Code
(India, Australia..)

Statutory Challenges
Statutory Challenges for Special Purpose Ships

The SPS Code is a non-mandatory Code and application is subject to decision by
each individual flag state administration.
DNV observe a world wide change in attitude from Flag State Administrations and
Coastal States with respect to certification of these vessels, both for new buildings
and for conversions/upgrades of existing ships.
The issue of eligibility of the different ship types for the new 2008 SPS Code
(MSC.266(84)) has been subject to increased scrutiny.

Statutory Challenges, cont.
DNV recommendations are as follows:
The 2008 SPS Code to be used.
For non-contracted new buildings and major conversions / upgrade projects there will be a
long term benefit in applying the 2008 SPS Code, ensuring compliance with an internationally
recognized standard. Port and coastal states are therefore less likely to question the standard
of the ship and the need to document the ships standard will be reduced.
For already contracted new buildings and major conversions / upgrade projects where the
statutory certification, type of certificates and related conditions are not yet formally
determined, Owners are advised to obtain formal confirmations from the flag state
administration without delay. Past practice can no longer be taken for granted unless
confirmed case by case by the flag state administration.
The Owner should prepare an initial submission or arrange a meeting with the flag state
administration in which the flag is introduced to the project, the Owners objectives and the plan
as to how these will be achieved. At this stage, the statutory items that will require the
involvement of the flag state administration should also be identified.

…The End

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SPECIAL PURPOSE SHIP (SPS)

Siw Solstad, MNBNA844 SOLAS and Flag State Services

SPECIAL PURPOSE SHIP (SPS)

© Det Norske Veritas AS. All rights reserved. 2

CCC – Cargo Ship Safety Construction Certificate

SPECIAL PURPOSE SHIP (SPS)

© Det Norske Veritas AS. All rights reserved. 3

SPECIAL PURPOSE SHIP (SPS)

© Det Norske Veritas AS. All rights reserved. 4

SPECIAL PURPOSE SHIP (SPS)

© Det Norske Veritas AS. All rights reserved. 5

SPS Code developed for these ships

SPECIAL PURPOSE SHIP (SPS)

© Det Norske Veritas AS. All rights reserved. 6

SPECIAL PURPOSE SHIP (SPS)

© Det Norske Veritas AS. All rights reserved. 7

The original SPS Code was adopted in 1983 (Res. A.534(13)).

SPECIAL PURPOSE SHIP (SPS)

© Det Norske Veritas AS. All rights reserved. 8

- Before: Number of SPS : 50 and 200

SPECIAL PURPOSE SHIP (SPS)

© Det Norske Veritas AS. All rights reserved. 9

SPECIAL PURPOSE SHIP (SPS)

© Det Norske Veritas AS. All rights reserved. 10

Other Flags case by case:

Flags where DNV can not issue SPS:

Coastal state requirement:

SPECIAL PURPOSE SHIP (SPS)

© Det Norske Veritas AS. All rights reserved. 11

Why an SPS notation?

SPECIAL PURPOSE SHIP (SPS)

© Det Norske Veritas AS. All rights reserved. 12

- The ships have a higher built in / inherent safety standard in

SPECIAL PURPOSE SHIP (SPS)

© Det Norske Veritas AS. All rights reserved. 13

Damage stability/LSA (see also table next page):

SPECIAL PURPOSE SHIP (SPS)

© Det Norske Veritas AS. All rights reserved. 14

Table 2-1 Compliance with chapters 2 and 8 of the SPS Code

Category I Category II, Category III

Damage stability: Damage stability: Damage stability: Damage stability:

LSA: LSA: LSA: LSA:

- 50% LB on each side - 50% LB on each side

SPECIAL PURPOSE SHIP (SPS)

© Det Norske Veritas AS. All rights reserved. 15

SOLAS II-1/Reg. 13 – Watertight doors

- Max one sliding door pr. bulkhead within

SPECIAL PURPOSE SHIP (SPS)

© Det Norske Veritas AS. All rights reserved. 16

Bilge pumping arrangement: As for passenger ships

SPECIAL PURPOSE SHIP (SPS)

© Det Norske Veritas AS. All rights reserved. 17

SPECIAL PURPOSE SHIP (SPS)

© Det Norske Veritas AS. All rights reserved. 18

MVZ - Main Vertical Fire Zone

P ≥ 240: The hull, superstructure and deckhouses shall be subdivided into

SPECIAL PURPOSE SHIP (SPS)

© Det Norske Veritas AS. All rights reserved. 19

MVZ MVZ~40 m (max 48 m) MVZ MVZ

A-60 A-60 A-60

SPECIAL PURPOSE SHIP (SPS)

SPECIAL PURPOSE SHIP (SPS)

© Det Norske Veritas AS. All rights reserved. 21

Fig.1: ECS serves one MVZ