COP_2023_V7_pages

n Companies within the Industry should have staff development processes in place to capture and progress
skill generation;
n Training should be underpinned internally and externally through quality auditing. MASS Training course
recognition or accreditation must only be carried out by external organisations, bodies, or authorities with the
competence to do so.
14.4 APPLICABILITY
14.4.1 In determining the required knowledge, skills and attributed for MASS operators, owner/operators should
consider:
n The size of the MASS, e.g. MASS less than 24m in length, as defined by the Workboat Code; or by
n The Class of the Vessel - see MCA Guidance on Vessel classification and certification at
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/vessel-classification-and-certification;
n The types of operation: Line of sight or beyond the horizon; 500m zone; bathymetric survey; mine clearance;
pipeline survey; cargo operations; firefighting etc;
n The areas of operations: The MCA Workboat Code defines a range of areas of operation as included in
Chapter 1 of Part 2 of this Code;
n The Nature of the Cargo: appropriate training for the carriage and care of Dangerous Cargoes (see Chapter 18)
n The equipment fitted onboard and the need for suitable training to ensure its correct operation and understanding
of information presented.
14.5 OWNER/OPERATOR RESPONSIBILITIES
14.5.1 In line with the requirements of MGN 664 (M+F) Amendment 1: Certification process for vessels using innovative
technology, the organisation should implement a training, development and appraisal system for their MASS
Operators and related personnel. Training needs should be identified and facilitated such that an appraisal system
and competence scheme operate in an integrated manner.
14.5.2 It is the responsibility of the Owner/Operator to ensure that all MASS operators and related personnel are
adequately trained, developed and where appropriate certified to undertake their roles and responsibilities and
are able to demonstrate the competencies detailed in paragraph 14.8.
14.5.3 All companies operating and/or owning MASS of any size must:
n Provide for safe practices in MASS operations and a safe working environment;
n CContinuously improve safety management skills of personnel operating MASS vessels, including preparing
for emergencies related to both safety and environmental protection;
n Comply with all mandatory rules and regulations;
n Ensure that applicable Code, guidelines and standards recommended by IMO, Flag States, Classification
Societies and Recognised Organisations are taken into account.
14.5.4 Therefore, for MASS, the vessel operator, whether owner or charterer, must ensure that their personnel undertake
the required initial training, and that the operator(s) are completely familiar with the equipment installed on the
MASS, both for normal operations, unexpected events and emergency situations.
14.5.5 Where operators are dual-purpose or dual-qualified (e.g. RCC Operator and Payload Operator, or dual Deck/Engine
licensed), the MASS Operating Company should ensure that tasking of operators does not impose undue workload
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MASS UK Industry Conduct Principles and Code of Practice Version 7