scope:

Introduction 

This Offshore Standard (OS) describes requirements for Integrated Software-Dependent Systems (ISDS). An ISDS is an integrated system for which the overall behaviour is dependent on the behaviour of its software components. This standard describes required activities for the design, construction, integration, commissioning and operations of units with ISDS onboard. It describes roles and responsibilities for the organizations involved in such activities.

Equipment and systems have become more complex, automated, with a higher level of integration. This trend is accelerating with time. This continuing evolution provides owners of units with opportunities but also it introduces challenges to the management of such systems, for their full life cycle. When an owner strives for high production and a safe installation, demands have to be set upon the systems that control the installation.

The main challenge for Integrated Software Dependent Systems (ISDS) is how to engineer the various system elements into a single system that meets all the necessary requirements, in terms of safety, functionality, reliability, etc. Selecting and connecting system elements that may individually satisfy the requirements is not sufficient. The challenge extends to the integration of the system elements and an understanding of their operation within the system, in particular the effect both negative and positive that system elements may have on each other, in order to deliver the emerging properties of the system.

This OS presents applicable best practices related to work processes and quality assurance for the full lifecycle of ISDS, where control, monitoring and safety systems serving several functions can be integrated, or connected via communication networks.

This OS is directly applicable to Mobile Offshore Units and special ships based on established designs, although it may be applied in other contexts, as well. Refer to DNV Recommended Practice D201 for additional guidance for innovative projects.