scope:

Scope and Application

In accordance with MARPOL Regulation I/37(4), as circulated by Resolution MEPC.117(52), oil tankers of 5,000 dwt or more require access to shore-based damage stability and residual structural strength calculations from 1 January 2007.

ABS will consider vessels enrolled in the ABS Rapid Response Damage Assessment (RRDA) program to be in compliance with MARPOL 1/37(4).

Effective 4 April 1995; MARPOL 73/78 Annex I, Regulation 26 requires a Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plan (SOPEP) for all tankers of 150 gross tons or more and all other vessels of 400 gross tons or more. The "Guidelines for the Development of Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plans", IMO MEPC 54 (32), advises that detailed guidance to the vessel's master should be provided to take stability and stress into consideration when taking actions to mitigate the spillage of oil or to free the vessel from aground. While it does not require, it strongly suggests, that when there is excessive damage, consultation with shore-based technical assistance is appropriate before taking any action that may jeopardize the vessel.

Vessel's enrolled in the ABS RRDA program will be provided with such consultative support in the event of an incident.

Upon a Client's request, ABS will provide rapid response damage assessment support to the Client. Initially, a rapid response file will be developed which will include the vessel's hard copy drawing information and/or the electronically stored data to consider a damaged condition of the vessel.

The ABS RRDA team is activated when the Client notifies ABS through direct verbal communication at the 24-hour emergency number requesting assistance with a vessel incident.

The time from the initial activation of the ABS RRDA team and the provision of specific damaged stability and strength guidance is dependent on:

• Receipt of vessel information such as loading conditions and on-site damage assessment,

• Criticality of the situation, and

• The complexity of the problem.

The RRDA Program does not cover Salvage Engineering, class surveys, or surveys in connection with repairs, damages, conversions, compliance with outstanding recommendations, extensions, lay-up or reactivation, modifications/alterations, riding ship, change of flag, or new installations.

When requested by a flag Administration, ABS is obliged to provide details of its evaluations and files.

When a vessel is classed or issued with a Load Line by ABS, the ABS Classification Department will be advised that the RRDA team is evaluating damage on an ABS-classed or Load Line-only vessel. The ABS RRDA team will review the most recent status of the vessel available in the ABS records.

The ABS RRDA team will communicate response activity to the ABS Classification Department for consideration. However, a survey by Class Surveyors continues to be a requirement for subsequent evaluation of damage and repairs or when a Certificate of Fitness to Proceed is to be issued.

ABS does not act as a principal in the matter of salvage or repairs. ABS can only act in an advisory capacity, leaving it always to the Client to accept or reject such recommendations as ABS may make. ABS has no authority to order or contract for repairs, salvage, or other matters.