On 1 July 2024, the new SOLAS Chapter XV and International Code of Safety for Ships Carrying Industrial Personnel (IP Code) will enter into force. This new, mandatory, legislation covers the carriage of persons (‘Industrial Personnel’) on board for the purpose of offshore industrial activities performed on board other ships and/or offshore facilities.

From July 2024, ships greater than 500 gross tonnage will require an Industrial Personnel Safety Certificate (IP Certificate) if they carry more than 12 Industrial Personnel, or a combination of Industrial Personnel, Special Personnel (as per SPS Code) and passengers.

The new IP Code is based on the Code of Safety for Special Purpose Ships (2008 SPS Code), but with adaptations and provisions for the training of industrial personnel, the safe transfer of personnel and the carriage of dangerous goods in combination with industrial personnel. The carriage of toxic products, low-flashpoint products, and acids as cargo will not be allowed on IP ships carrying more than 60 persons on board. 

On 1 July 2024, the new SOLAS Chapter XV and International Code of Safety for Ships Carrying Industrial Personnel (IP Code) will enter into force. This new, mandatory, legislation covers the carriage of persons (‘Industrial Personnel’) on board for the purpose of offshore industrial activities performed on board other ships and/or offshore facilities.

From July 2024, ships greater than 500 gross tonnage will require an Industrial Personnel Safety Certificate (IP Certificate) if they carry more than 12 Industrial Personnel, or a combination of Industrial Personnel, Special Personnel (as per SPS Code) and passengers.

The new IP Code is based on the Code of Safety for Special Purpose Ships (2008 SPS Code), but with adaptations and provisions for the training of industrial personnel, the safe transfer of personnel and the carriage of dangerous goods in combination with industrial personnel. The carriage of toxic products, low-flashpoint products, and acids as cargo will not be allowed on IP ships carrying more than 60 persons on board.