Page 33: of Marine News Magazine (April 2015)

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INTERIOR DESIGN “Harvey Gulf has always considered the welfare of its crews, regardless of the regulations. The regulations are always a minimum standard to be met; however we have always strived to exceed the minimum standards for vessel design. In our new build construction vessel program, these vessels are designed in accordance with IMO requirements including

SPS and MLC2006. The design intent for these vessels is to be capable of servicing the offshore industry worldwide without limitation.” – Mike Carroll, Harvey Gulf’s Senior VP of

New Construction and Chief Naval Architect essarily agree that the SPS Code provides a suf? cient level ance? This, perhaps, is where it gets a little complicated. of protection thus their policy letter.” Mike Carroll explains, “Since the U.S. has not adopted

MLC aside, the world’s existing ? eet of merchant ton- MLC2006, it is not an issue to operate a vessel in U.S. wa- nage includes tens of thousands of vessels that probably ters not in compliance with MLC2006. On the other hand, can never comply without major re? tting. For example, this does become an issue for U.S. ? agged vessels if they en- those without gymnasiums and cinemas and don’t have the ter into waters of a country which has adopted MLC2006.” physical room for these and similar upgrades, but also are Separately, the U.S. Coast guard has issued a NVIC to registered in and/or will visit MLC compliant nations, still assist enrolled vessel owners with achieving a Statement have to address the code. And, while existing vessels are of Voluntary Compliance (SOVC) for their vessels. This grandfathered, they are still on the hook for documenta- will assist vessel owners with relieving any inspection issues tion relating to other elements of MLC 2006. when they cross into those country’s waters. Within the

American ? eet, there are actually a signi? cant number of

American Pie vessels which are designed in accordance with IMO regu-

For the U.S. ? ag owner/operator who might not care lations that are also intended to be used at some point in nearly as much about his mariners as perhaps Shane time outside of US waters. It is in this case that the SOVC

Guidry, how important is it for U.S. ? ag tonnage to comply may be needed. Carroll adds, “In the interest of being pro- with MLC and/or issue a statement of voluntary compli- active and to ensure that a vessel’s documents are in order, www.marinelink.com MN 33