IMO MODU Code 2009:

Changes Affecting
Builders & Designers
Joseph Rousseau
Director, Offshore Technology & Business Development
ABS
1
Agenda

Background of IMO
MODU Code
 Discussion of SOLAS
and other Codes
 History: 1979 to today

General areas updated in
2009

Specific changes that
affect designers and
builders
 Arranged by section of
the Code
2
International Maritime Organization (IMO)

United Nations specialized agency having

responsibility for:
 Safety and security of shipping
 Prevention of marine pollution by ships

Member Governments use IMO to draw up
internationally agreed standards that can be
applied to all ships

Source: www.imo.org

3
Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention

SOLAS covers
 Construction (structures, subdivision and stability,
machinery, electrical, fire safety), lifesaving, radio
communication, navigation safety, cargo safety,
safety management, maritime security

Applicability to MODUs
 Not applicable: in
general…defer to
MODU Code instead

4
Recent SOLAS Changes

SOLAS removed and revised some

earlier requirements which were
transferred to mandatory Codes, such as:
 Fire Safety Systems Code (FSS)
2007
 Fire test Procedures Code (FTP)
1998
 Lifesaving Appliances Code (LSA)
2003

Applicability of these codes to
MODUs: recommended, where applicable

5
Other Conventions/Codes

Convention on the International Regulations for

Preventing Collision at Sea (COLREG): all vessels,
including MODUs

International Safety Management (ISM) Code: includes
cargo ships ≥ 500 gt, including MODUs – but only if self-
propelled

International Ship and
Port Facility Security
(ISPS) Code: includes
cargo ships ≥ 500 gt,
including MODUs –
but only if self-propelled

6
Code for the Construction & Equipment of
Mobile Offshore Drilling Units (MODU Code)

First adopted by Res. A.414(XI) in 1979

 For equivalent safety to ships under SOLAS and

ILLC

Superseded by Res. A.649(16) in 1989

Subsequent revisions
th
 MSC 59 Session 1991 adopted MSC/Circ.561 radio

communication and GMDSS

 Res. MSC38(63) in 1994 for:

• Harmonized system of survey;

• New provisions for helicopter
facilities
• Recommendations for DPS
 Res. A.830(19) 1995
• Recommending implementation
of Code for Alarms and Indicators 7
Code for the Construction & Equipment of
Mobile Offshore Drilling Units (MODU Code)

Applicability of MODU Code

 Recommendatory
 Applicable only when adoption by the
flag State as condition for registration
 Countries adopted MODU Code:
• Panama, Liberia, Bahamas, Singapore,
Marshall Islands, Vanuatu
 Some flag States adopt case-by-case
approach

MODU Safety Certificates issued for units complying
with the Code
 For all MODUs, non-self-propelled and self-propelled

8
2009 MODU Code

Resolution A.1023(26) at 2009 Assembly

 Applies to keels laid on or after 1 January 2012

Began as an IMO effort to harmonize helideck

requirements with ICAO

IADC Working Group was formed to discuss additional

revisions:
 Improvements to 1989 Code
 SOLAS/Load Line
amendments
 Other IMO Resolutions and
Circulars
 Classification input
9
Revision to MODU Code

Incorporates recent Codes and Resolutions

 LSA Code
 FSS Code
 1988 Load Line Protocol
 Means of Access MSC.133(76), A.864(20)
 Management of sediments in ballast
water A.868(20)
 Training standards A.891(21)
 Recycling, hazardous materials A.962(23)
 Anti-fouling Convention
 Coatings for ballast tanks MSC.215(82)

10
Changes from 1989 MODU Code

Guidance on casualty investigations

Residual stability for jackups after damage

Elevating systems: machinery, control, alarms

Maintenance of lifesaving appliances

Standards for lifting and hoisting appliances

Number and type of fire extinguishers

Bow height considerations for jackups

IEC standards for electrical systems and equipment

Helideck based on ICAO and UK CAA CAP 437

11
Background Information

IADC Companion to the 2009 MODU Code –

International Association of Drilling Contractors
 Comparative text of 1989 and 2009 Codes
 Available at www.iadc.org

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 Significant Changes for
Designers & Builders:
Specific Updates by Chapter

13
2. Construction, Strength & Materials

Means of access for inspection added

Similar to SOLAS
 Permanent means of access for each space
 Temporary where not practical for permanent
 Safe access for holds, tanks, ballast spaces
 Access manual (may be part of operating manual)
 Definition of critical structural
areas
 Size of openings – horizontal
and vertical

14
2. Construction, Strength & Materials

Design loads may be applied based on “intended

areas of operation”
 Correlates to classification concept of restricted service

Added requirements for towing fittings
 Based on Guidelines for Safe Ocean Towing
MSC/Circ.884
 For normal and
emergency tow

15
2. Construction, Strength & Materials

Material requirements added

 Design for temperature extremes
 Minimization of hazardous materials – based on
Guidelines on Ship Recycling, A.962(23)
 Asbestos completely prohibited

Coating requirements included for ballast tanks
 Based on Performance
Standard for Protective
Coatings (PSPC) for
ships, MSC.215(82)

16
2. Construction, Strength & Materials

Welding criteria changed

 To meet “recognized standard” in accordance with
recognized class society requirements

Drainage and sediment control requirements
introduced
 Ballast and preload tanks and piping to allow effective
drainage and removal of sediments
 Coatings need to avoid trapping sediments and harmful
organisms
 Based on ballast water management standards for
ships, resolution A.868(20) and the BWM Convention

17
3. Subdivision, Stability & Freeboard

Movable equipment that can be lowered or stowed is to

be indicated in operations manual

Range of stability added for self-elevating units,
for flooding of any single compartment
 Same as ABS MODU Rule
requirements

Valves at watertight boundaries to be
locally operable as well as remotely

Watertight doors to withstand pressure
after flooding up to freeboard or
bulkhead deck
 Prototype testing and testing after
installation added
18
3. Subdivision, Stability & Freeboard

Watertight doors or hatches may be quick-acting type:

 On jackups
 On semisubmersibles above the deepest load line
draft ONLY

Remotely operated doors to meet SOLAS II-1/25-9.2

Doors and hatches used only for inspection access may
be considered equivalent to those normally closed while
afloat

Freeboard to meet 1988 Protocol to Load Line
Convention
 Consideration of jackup geometry for
relief from bow height and reserve
buoyancy requirements

19
4. Machinery Installations

Vents for fuel oil service and settling tanks and lub oil
tanks to be arranged to reduce risk of contamination in
case of broken vent pipe(s)

Each type of fuel serving propulsion or vital systems to
have two service tanks
 Capacity of each tank: eight hours at MCR for propulsion or
at normal operating load for generation

High pressure fuel line requirements added
 Jacketed piping system, leakage collection, alarms
 Insulation if temperature > 220°C
 Screens or other protection to avoid leakage/spray onto hot
surfaces, into intakes or other ignition sources
 Joints to be kept to minimum

20
4. Machinery Installations

Anchors, cables, shackles must be designed and

manufactured to an internationally recognized
standard
 Documentation of testing to be retained on board

Cable tensions to be automatically recorded at
manned control station

21
4. Machinery Installations

New section for elevating systems on jackups

 Designed and constructed for lifting and lowering loads in
operations manual
 Able to withstand forces in design environment
 Elevation to be maintained after loss of power (electric,
hydraulic or pneumatic)

Central jacking control station required
 Alarms for overload, out-of-level, RPD
 Instrumentation to measure inclination,
power consumption, brake release status
 Communication with a location at
each leg

22
5. Electrical Installations

Requirement added for electromagnetic compatibility

of electrical and electronic equipment
 Reference to IMO Resolution A.813(19)

For electrical generation that is necessary for
propulsion:
 Main busbar to be subdivided into at least two parts
 Parts to be connected by circuit breakers or other
approved means
 Generating sets and duplicated
equipment should be equally
divided between the parts*

*As far as practicable 23

5. Electrical Installations

Added specific list of items at the helideck which are

to be supplied by the emergency source of power:
 Perimeter and helideck status lights
 Illumination for wind direction indicator
 Obstruction lights, if any

Testing now required for transitional power sources
which are part of the emergency power system

Updated reference standard for IP ratings for
electrical alarm or control consoles and other
enclosures for safety systems, to IEC 60529

24
5. Electrical Installations

Added reference to Code on Alarms and Indicators,

IMO Assembly resolution A.1021(26)

General alarm to be audible in “normally accessible”
areas of the unit, including open decks

General alarm to include additional warnings:
 Toxic gas (H2S) Maersk Explorer drillers cabin - 122607-R6-27A

 Combustible gas

General alarms to be
described in operations
manual

25
5. Electrical Installations

Added requirement for public address (PA) system

PA be audible in spaces that are “normally accessible to
personnel during routine operations”

PA to be able to make announcements from specific
locations:
 Emergency response center
 Navigation bridge
 Engine control room
 Ballast control room
 Jacking control station
 A location near the drilling console

26
5. Electrical Installations

High noise areas to have visual signals in addition to

audible signals

Internal communication must permit “transfer of
information between all spaces where action may be
necessary in case of an emergency”

27
6. Equipment in Hazardous Areas

Added reference to IEC 60079-10:2002, Part 10

for hazardous areas

Specific hazardous areas included:
 Well test equipment areas
 Helicopter fuel storage areas
 Acetylene cylinder storage areas
 Battery rooms
 Paint lockers
 Flammable gas or vapor vents
 Diverter line outlets

28
6. Equipment in Hazardous Areas

Updated Zone 0 definition

 “Mud” re-specified as “non-degassed mud”
 Changed “oil and gas products” to “produced oil and
gas”
 Added oil that has a closed-cup flashpoint below
60°C or flammable gas and vapor

Updated Zone 1 definition
 Added “outdoor locations below the drill floor and
within a radius of 1.5 m from a possible source of
release such as the top of a drilling nipple”

29
6. Equipment in Hazardous Areas

Updated Zone 2 definition

 Added outdoor areas that are within 1.5 m of a
Zone 1 area
 Removed outdoor areas that are within 3 m of a
source of release like a drilling nipple

Added requirement for gas-tight door to be self-
closing in order to consider a space as Zone 2 if it
has direct access to a Zone 1 space

Clarified that airlocks between non-hazardous and
Zone 1 spaces must have two gas-tight doors

30
6. Equipment in Hazardous Areas

Added prohibition on using holdback devices on

self-closing gas-tight doors separating hazardous
areas

Added minimum required 12 air changes per hour
for hazardous enclosed mud processing spaces

Expanded ventilation requirement so that ducts
passing through a less hazardous area are to be
under pressured

Added requirement to separate ventilation systems
for hazardous and non-hazardous spaces

31
6. Equipment in Hazardous Areas

Specified priority on emergency conditions, so that

dynamic positioning machinery and equipment may be
selectively shutdown to retain well integrity

Cable standards added, referencing IEC 61892-1 to 7

Clarified requirements for electrical equipment in
hazardous areas
 Identified considerations for all zones (zone, gas group,
temperature classification)
 Removed zone-by-zone requirements (intrinsically safe,
flameproof, pressurized, etc.)

Added reference to IEC standards for manufacturing,
testing, marking and installation in 60079 series

32
6. Equipment in Hazardous Areas

Added electrical protection types which may be used

 e.g. intrinsic safety, pressurized enclosure, flameproof
enclosure

Added corresponding relationships for zones,
gas/vapor groups and electrical equipment groups

Added temperature class guidance based on
maximum surface temperature and gas/vapor
ignition temperature

Included minimum electrical group and temperature
class for equipment in the hazardous well and mud
processing areas

*Equipment specially approved for the zone by a recognized organization 33

7. Equipment on Self-propelled Units

Added requirement that control systems for propulsion,

control and safety must be independent or designed so
that a failure in one system does not degrade the other(s)

New provisions for automation systems:
 Warning of imminent propulsion system slowdown or
shutdown
 System to control, monitor,
report, alert and take safety
action while allowing manual
intervention
 Manual intervention to be
prevented if it would lead
to total failure of equipment
in short time

34
7. Equipment on Self-propelled Units

Additional communication needed, between

navigating bridge and emergency steering position
(if provided)

Communication between bridge and engine room
need not be a telegraph, but still must provide visual
indication of orders and responses in both locations

If electrical power is needed to restore propulsion, it
must be able to do so within 30 minutes of blackout
 Must be done in conjunction with other machinery that
is to be restored

Emergency power to steering gear increased to 30
minutes duration (from 10 minutes)
35
8. Periodically Unattended Mach’y Spaces

Starting of the fire pumps to be from a normally

manned control station, plus navigation bridge if any

36
9. Fire Safety

Added reference to FTP Code for structural fire

protection

Added requirement for fire insulation to be carried at
least 450 mm past a penetration, intersection or
terminal point

Prohibited hold-back hooks on self-closing doors in
all fire rated bulkheads (was previously for stairs)
 Remote release hold-back
arrangements are permitted,
but must be fail safe

37
9. Fire Safety

Accommodations, control spaces and control

stations are not to be adjacent to hazardous areas
unless it is not practicable to separate them
 Fire and blast studies necessary in such cases
 Minimum rating included in table of fire ratings
between spaces

Added requirement for “A”– class divisions to extend
from deck to deck and to deckhouse side or other
boundaries

Added text for enclosed air spaces in vertical
direction
 To be closed off at each deck

38
9. Fire Safety

Updated combustible veneer requirements

 Maximum thickness 2.5 mm (was 2 mm)
 Maximum calorific value 45MJ/m2

Changed primary deck covering requirement to compliance
with FTP Code
 Now only applicable within accommodation, service
spaces, and control stations

Changed paint, varnish and
other finishing requirements to
compliance with FTP Code
 Smoke and toxicity levels to
comply

39
9. Fire Safety

Added requirements for ventilation penetrations with area equal

to or less than 0.02 m2
 To be lined with steel sheet sleeve with thickness 3 mm and length
at least 200 mm

Ventilation systems for machinery spaces of Category A, galleys,
and hazardous areas must be separated from each other and
from ventilation systems serving other spaces
 To be stiffened and supported where passing through
accommodation, service spaces, and control stations

Now require two fire dampers in galley exhaust duct
 One at galley end of duct, with
automatic and remote manual
operation
 One at exhaust end, remote manual
operation

40
9. Fire Safety

New escape lighting requirements

 Lighting or photoluminescent strip indicators in addition
to emergency lighting
 Markings to show escape routes and exit locations
 If electric, must be supplied from emergency power
 Failure of a light or cutting of a strip is not to affect
operation of remaining lighting
 Escape route signs and fire equipment location
markings to be photoluminescent or lighted
 Lights and photoluminescent material to meet FSS
Code

41
9. Fire Safety

Changes to escape ladders in Category A machinery

spaces
 Ladders to be steel or equivalent
 More detail for ladder enclosure*
• Ladder attachments must be insulated from heat transfer
• Size at least 800 x 800 mm with self-closing door
• Fire rating based on tabular bulkhead and deck ratings
 Removed provision permitting single escape in certain
circumstances

Added reference to FSS Code for stairways and corridors
when used as escape routes

Added reference to FSS Code for all fire safety systems

*Enclosure is needed when space has 2 ladders leading to exits above (same as 1989 Code) 42
9. Fire Safety

Emergency escape breathing devices (EEBDs)

introduced into the Code
 Devices to comply with FSS Code
 For machinery spaces of Category A containing
internal combustion propulsion machinery:
• 1 in engine control room (if in machinery space)
• 1 in each workshop unless there is direct escape
• 1 at each level of escape ladder designated as 2nd escape
 For other Category A machinery spaces:
• 1 at each level of escape ladder designated as 2nd escape
 For other machinery spaces:
• As required by flag Administration

43
9. Fire Safety

Added specific lengths for fire hoses – to be at least

10 m but no longer than
 15 m in machinery spaces
 20 m in other spaces and on open decks
 25 m on open decks with maximum width greater than
30 m

Updated international shore
connection reference, to
revised SOLAS and FSS Code

44
9. Fire Safety

Changed requirements for portable fire

extinguishers
 Added reference to MSC.1/Circ.1275 for ships
 Inserted table of additional extinguishers depending
on location (e.g. drill floor, helidecks, control station
for electrical power, etc.)
 Additional extinguishers to be
suitable for hazards in their
locations, based on
Resolution A.951(23)
Improved Guidelines for
Marine Portable Fire
Extinguishers

45
9. Fire Safety

Changed smoke detector locations: now required in

accommodation spaces rather than just sleeping
quarters

Added requirement for fixed fire detection and alarm
system in:
 Periodically unattended machinery spaces
 Machinery spaces which use automatic and remote
control instead of continuous manning
 Main propulsion and power generation spaces with
automatic and remote control, under continuous
supervision from a control room

46
9. Fire Safety

Added requirement for hydrogen sulfide detection

and alarm system
 Fixed system at drilling area, mud processing and
well test area
• Gives audible and visual alarm at main control points
• If alarm unanswered for two minutes, automatic
activation of the toxic gas alarm and helideck status
light (omnidirectional red warning light)
 Two portable detectors to be kept on board

47
9. Fire Safety

Helicopter facilities updated to incorporate some

aspects of CAP 437 and ICAO
 Fire rating to be “steel or equivalent” unless directly on
top of accommodation, where A-60 to be provided
(previously all helidecks were to be at least A-0)
 Cantilevered helidecks must have structural analysis
after any fire that may affect structural integrity
 Where helideck is over a deckhouse
• No openings are permitted on top or bulkheads
• Windows must have steel shutters
• Structural analysis required after any fire that may affect
structural integrity
 Two widely spaced access/escape locations needed

48
9. Fire Safety

Helideck firefighting equipment updated

 Appliances to be located “in close proximity”
 Each dry powder extinguisher must be at least 9 kg
 Foam system design capabilities further specified
 Two firefighter outfits specifically for helideck
 Miscellaneous tool listing such as wrench, ladder,
crowbar, pliers, screwdriver, fire blanket, etc.

Added drainage requirements for helideck*
 To be steel or equivalent and
independent of other systems
 Must lead directly overboard, without
spillage on other parts of unit

*Subject to existing requirements for drainage where helicopter refueling is carried out 49
10. Lifesaving

Updated references to SOLAS are provided and LSA

Code is implemented for MODU

Added provision for lifeboats to be protected from fire

Added free fall lifeboats as alternative to davit
launched boats

Minimum size specified for muster stations: 0.35 m2
per person

Added requirement for location of survival craft and
davit launched life rafts
 Minimum 2 m above waterline in most severe damage
condition

50
10. Lifesaving

Modifications to rescue boat requirements

 Launching and recovery arrangements must also be
considered when designating life boat as rescue boat
 Inflatable rescue boats must be stowed fully inflated
 Embarkation and recovery arrangements must allow
for a stretcher
 Foul weather recovery strops to be provided

Added requirements for remotely
located survival craft positions
 Additional lifejackets
 Additional immersion suits

51
11. Radio & Navigation

Removed coastal State radio guidance

Clarified that self-propelled units are to meet SOLAS
radio requirements at all times (not just while
underway)
 Removed self-propelled, escorted vessels from
sections dealing with non-self-propelled units

Modified radio requirements
 Radio equipment to be in accessible and protected
area of there is no navigation bridge
 Removed provisions which required additional radio
equipment beyond SOLAS

52
11. Radio & Navigation

Added section regarding navigation requirements

 MODUs to comply with SOLAS Chapter V
 Exemptions are permitted under SOLAS Chapter
V/3*

*SOLAS Chapter V/3 permits

 General exemptions for vessels without mechanical means of propulsion
 Partial or conditional exemptions based on particular locations/voyages
53
12. Lifting & Transfers

Crane manual is to include additional information

regarding testing of any emergency lowering system for
personnel transfer

Added requirements for all lifting and hoisting equipment
 Equipment and supporting structure to meet class or
industry standard
 Information to be provided on board indicating the rated
capacity under the applied standard

New section on personnel and pilot transfer
 Personnel transfer nets and platforms to be approved
 May be used to transfer pilots per SOLAS V/23

54
13. Helicopter Facilities

Updated in general, to harmonize with ICAO

requirements

Helideck size now based on overall length (“D”)

Helideck for single rotor helicopter
 Size containing a circle of diameter at least equal to D
(0.83D for benign environment)
 Obstacle-free and limited obstacle sectors above
helideck
 5:1 falling gradient within the
210 degree obstacle-free sector
below helideck

55
13. Helicopter Facilities

Arrangements for tandem rotor helicopters are now

subject to special consideration by Administration

Added helideck peripheral net angle of 10 degrees

Added requirements for wind direction indicator

Changed helideck markings
 Maximum allowable helicopter mass now included

Perimeter lights to be green in color

Added provisions for marking obstacles and highest
point on unit

Added toxic gas status light to deter landings

56
Summary

First revision since 1989 Code

Entry into force: keels laid on or after 1 January 2012

Incorporates many recent codes and requirements
added to SOLAS

MODU Code remains the instrument which will be
applied by many flag States for safety aspects of
MODUs

There are additional requirements for owners and
some minor changes not addressed today

57
www.eagle.org

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