Amendments to the 1979 MODU Code: resolution MSC.545(107)

The International Maritime Organization has issued Resolution MSC.545(107), Amendments to the Code for the Construction and Equipment of Mobile Offshore Drilling Units, 1979 (1979 MODU Code), adopted on 8 June 2023.

This resolution enters into force on 1 January 2024.

The Maritime Safety Committee, recalling Article 28(b) of the Convention on the International Maritime Organization concerning the functions of the Committee,

Noting that mobile offshore drilling units continue to be moved and operated internationally,

Recalling that the Assembly, when adopting the Code for the Construction and Equipment of Mobile Offshore Drilling Units in 1979 by resolution A.414(XI), authorized the Committee to amend the Code as necessary after due consultations with appropriate organizations,

Recalling also that, in accordance with regulation II-1/3-5 of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), 1974, new installation of materials which contain asbestos is prohibited on all ships, which do not include MODUs,

Recognizing that the 1979 MODU Code does not contain any requirements for materials containing asbestos,

Having considered, at its 107th session, recommendations made by the Sub-Committee on Ship Design and Construction, at its ninth session (23 to 27 January 2022),

1 Adopts amendments to the 1979 Code, the text of which is set out in the annex to the present resolution;

2 Invites all Governments concerned to take appropriate steps to give effect to the annexed amendments to the 1979 MODU Code by 1 January 2024.

Annex: Amendments to the 1979 Modu Code

CHAPTER 2 – CONSTRUCTION, STRENGTH, AND MATERIALS

1 Section 2.7 is replaced by the following:

''2.7 Materials

2.7.1 Units should be constructed from steel or other suitable material having properties acceptable to the Administration.

2.7.2 For all MODUs, new installation of materials which contain asbestos should be prohibited.*

*Refer to the Unified interpretation on the implementation of regulation 2.10.3 of the 2009 MODU Code, regulation 2.8.2 of the 1989 MODU Code, and regulation 2.7.2 of the 1979 MODU Code (MSC.1/Circ.1671).''

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