scope:

Purpose and Scope

This Guide presents the procedures to be employed by ABS in the review and surveys of computer-based control system software. The objective of this Guide is to reduce software-related incidents that could negatively affect the security, safety and performance of such systems. Compliance with the procedures and criteria given in this Guide may result in the granting of the optional notation SSV to a vessel or offshore unit.This Guide emphasizes software verification of control systems and Hardware-In-the-Loop (HIL) testing. Criteria for the hardware, Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA), and security of computer-based control systems are given in other ABS Rules and Guides, such as the ABS Rules for Building and Classing Steel Vessels (Steel Vessel Rules), the ABS Guidance Notes on Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) for Classification, and applicable national and international standards.

This Guide is applicable to standalone or integrated computer-based control systems. Such a computerbased control system can be installed on a ship, offshore unit, fixed or floating offshore installation, or other type of facility. The computer-based system can be associated with a control system of any level of complexity, including those used for propulsion and navigation.

The procedures and criteria given in this Guide involve a number of parties concerned with software development and maintenance. These include Systems Providers (SP), Driller or Crew Organization (DCO), Ship Builder Integrator (SBI) or the Shipyard, Verification and Validation Organizations (V&V), Owner, Sub-suppliers, and Subcontractors involved in integrated system software development, implementation, operation, and maintenance. Refer to Subsection 1/7 for definitions of these involved parties.