scope:

General

A Management of Change (MoC) system is a combination of policies and procedures used to evaluate the potential impacts of a proposed change so that it does not result in unacceptable risks. Developing an effective MoC strategy requires establishing, documenting, and successfully implementing formal policies to evaluate and manage both temporary and permanent modifications in the facility or ship including equipment, materials, operating procedures and conditions, and personnel.

These Guidance Notes highlight key considerations for developing and maintaining a successful MoC process for ships and offshore facilities. The process is consistent with safety and environmental management systems (SEMS) best practices.

These Guidance Notes explain the core principles to be considered and describe key functions and interrelationships for consideration at various levels of a representative organization. Supplemented by models and examples to be used in planning and developing an effective MoC system, these Guidance Notes are intended to educate and assist management representatives and personnel responsible for initiating and coordinating changes.

Successful organizations are dynamic and constantly undergoing change in striving for innovative and cost effective solutions to achieve sustainability in a robust and competitive business environment. A disciplined management of change system will not only minimize significant impacts on safety and the environment, but will incorporate strategies in managing the associated business risks on quality, continued commerce, and security.