code_of_practice_V3_2019

1.18 It is important to stress that, whilst all reasonable measures have been taken to develop standards which will
result in the production of safe and seaworthy MASS, total safety at sea can never be guaranteed. Therefore,
owners/operators of a MASS are encouraged to take out an appropriate policy of insurance. It is advised such
insurance provide cover against any foreseeable claims that may arise. It is advised, if a policy of insurance is in
force, that a copy of the Certificate of Insurance be either displayed (if practicable) or available for inspection.
2 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS
2.1 MASS operations will also need to respect any environmental designations applicable to the area in which the
MASS operates. For example, in England, Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are designated in territorial waters to
protect marine wildlife of national and international importance. These include Special Areas of Conservation
(SACs), Special Protection Areas (SPAs), Sites of Specific Scientific Interest (SSSIs), Ramsar sites (if applicable)
and Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs). A large proportion of estuaries, for example, will have one or more of
these designations. Operating a MASS in designated areas, particularly at times of the year when there is the
potential for disturbance to wildlife (e.g. migrating birds), may be an activity which requires assent from the relevant
environmental or conservation authority and their advice should be sought.
2.2 The Code also summarises the requirements for environmental protection and carriage of cargoes and dangerous
goods where appropriate. These are covered by other regulations which should be consulted for full details.
3 HEALTH AND SAFETY REGULATIONS
3.1 The Owner/Operator of a MASS is responsible for the health and safety of anyone working on or around the
MASS. When the Owner/Operator employs support crew, the Merchant Shipping and Fishing Vessels (Health
and Safety at Work) Regulations 1997 (SI 1997 No. 2962) and other regulations made under these apply.
Regulations applicable to offices ashore should be considered for Remote Control Centres.
3.2 Every employer is to be aware of any risks affecting workers and others and to ensure that appropriate measures
are taken to minimise them through improving procedures or equipment where necessary. Employers must instruct
those affected about the risks and how to ensure their own health and safety and the health and safety of others.
3.3 The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) impose duties on the employer, self-
employed person, and to any person who has control to any extent of work equipment.
4 AUTHORISATION OF ROS
4.1 The Code has been developed with input from a number of elements of the UK MASS industry. It is hoped that
Maritime Administrations may be able to use the Code as a basis for their instructions to their Recognised
Organisations (RO), or other flag State authorised bodies, to facilitate due regulatory compliance.
4.2 The potential for authorisation of RO has been influenced by the requirement to have a local capability for the
efficient handling of the needs of owners and operators of some classes of MASS. Authorised RO are generally
permitted to charge for undertaking Code of Practice examination and certification processes as a provision of
their authorisation. Arrangements for charges will be made directly between the RO (or the RO's authorised
person) and the party requesting such services.
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MASS UK Industry Conduct Principles and Code of Practice Version 3