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3.4 SHIP TYPE
3.4.1 MASS will have a number of different categories, according to criteria, including (but not limited to) the following:
n Purpose (e.g. Naval, Survey, Cargo, Workboat, OSV, Tug);
n GT, LOA and Load Line Length;
n Cargo Type (if applicable);
n Propulsion method.
3.4.2 This will inform the relevant IMO instruments that will apply and are addressed in other chapters of the Code.
These factors may also influence the LoC applied in certain phases of voyage. For example, it may be assessed
as inappropriate for MASS carrying polluting or dangerous cargos to be operated under LoC5 in high-traffic areas.
3.4.3 Size should be based on existing convention dimensions, defined in terms of length, GT, and similar – see MASS
classes in Table 2-1.
3.5 DEGREES OF AUTONOMY AND LEVELS OF CONTROL
3.5.1 The Code includes the Degrees of Autonomy which have been established by IMO for their Regulatory Scoping
Exercise and complementary Levels of Control which are in use by MASS owners and operators. There are
several sets of definitions which have been put forward so neither set of Degrees or Levels in this Code should
be considered definitive. They are issued as guidelines only.
3.5.2 The planned control methods (and associated LoC) should be clearly defined and it should be noted that these
may vary across different phases of a voyage.
3.6 ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS
3.6.1 This Section should identify any particular environmental demands imposed by the perceived role and/or operating
area of the vessel/craft and should specifically include the following factors:
n Ice Navigation requirement;
n Max / Min Sea temperatures;
n Max / Min Air temperatures;
n Humidity;
n Atmospheric pressure.
3.7 OPERATIONAL AND EVALUATION DEPLOYMENT PLANNING AND AUTHORISATIONS
3.7.1 Valuable experience has been gained over the last few years by the UK MASS Industry in completing the
necessary negotiations with the required Marine Waterspace Authorities in order to achieve the required
authorisation and approvals to operate. In most cases this experience has been developed via a series of “oneoff”
requests which has, of necessity, led to extended negotiation with the authorities nominally unfamiliar with
MASS operations and requirements, and an ‘Industry’ unfamiliar with the route to achieve all the necessary
contacts and approvals. In order to support this on-going requirement and assist this process (for both parties)
the following advice in this chapter is a culmination of current ‘best practice’.
MASS UK Industry Conduct Principles and Code of Practice Version 7
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