Russian Maritime Register of Shipping to class SOCAR crew boats

In February 2014, Russian Maritime Register of Shipping (RS) signed an agreement with Baku Shipyard LLC of Azerbaijan for the design approval of project 38М сrew boat high speed craft (designer – SHIPTECH, Singapore).

The new boats are intended for the transfer of specialised personnel employed at offshore oil and gas facilities. The boats will be one of the first orders placed with the newly built shipyard in Baku.

Under the terms of the design approval agreement, the RS experts are to review the design documentation of five ships under construction for compliance with the new RS requirements as well as other RS applicable normative documents and also, with statutory requirements coming within the terms of RS reference.

The new boats will be constructed as part of the Azerbaijan state programme for fleet renovation. The launch of the construction is planned for April-May 2014. The series is commissioned by the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR). In total, it is planned to build 10 boats.

The new RS requirements specially worked out for this ship type will be applied for the first time during the 38М сrew boat design development. If the boats comply with the new RS requirements (effective since January 2014), an additional descriptive mark ‘Crew boat’ may be added to the class notation upon the agreement with the flag administration. The new requirements apply to ships not engaged on international voyages. The personnel carried by such ships are to hold certificates of competence containing a statement of compliance with the Seafarers’ Training, Certification and Watchkeeping Code (STCW Code). As regards fire protection, machinery installations and machinery, systems and piping as well as life-saving appliances complement, the new RS requirements permit applying to the above ships the provisions of the International Code of Safety for High-speed Craft pertinent to cargo ships.
Reference: Russian Maritime Register of Shipping (RS) is one of the leading classification societies, established in 1913. RS activities are aimed at enhancing the safety of navigation, safety of life at sea, environment protection. RS is an EU-recognised member of IACS, associate member of INTERTANKO, INTERCARGO and BIMCO. RS is recognised by maritime administrations of over 70 flag states including 16 EU members.