tcvn 6171-1999 fixed offshore platforms regulations for the technical supervision and classification

VIETNAM STANDARDS TCVN 6171 : 1996

FIXED OFFSHORE PLATFORMS

REGULATIONS FOR THE TECHNICAL SUPERVISION AND

CLASSIFICATION

1. Application

1.1 These Regulations assign the requirements on the technical supervisions and

classifications of Fixed Offshore Platforms (herein after refered to as the

platforms) operating in Vietnamese continental shelf.

The Regulations are to be compulsory applied for the Stages: designing,

construction, operation, maintenance and technical supervision of platforms.

1.2 The technical supervision and classification for various types of platforms are

to be carried out by Viet nam Register or Shipping (VIRES).

1.3 Relevant Rules and Regulations of other Classification Societies for Material

Structures, Equipments and Safety, can be used if it is agreed by VIRES.

2. Classification

2.1 Class assignment

The platforms are designed. Fabricated, installed in accordance with, and under

the surveys in compliance with these Regulations will be assigned a class by

VIRES.

2.2 Maintenance of class

The platforms which have been classed with VIRES will maintain the assigned

class and character until, as a result of surveys inspections or test which have been

carried out, the platforms are found to be in fully compliance with the relevant

requirements in Section 3 of this Regulation.

Any damage or defect which may affect the class assigned is to be reported to

VIRES without delay and an application for surveys is to be submitted by

Owner/Operator or their Representative.

2.3 Character of classification and class notations

2.3.1 Character of classification


Platforms classed with VIRES will be assigned either of the following characters

of classification as applicable:

a. - VIRES - indicating that .the platform has been constructed under VIRES

supervision and is in compliance with the requirements of the Regulations and is

maintained in good and efficient technical condition;

b. - VIRES - indicating that the platform has been constructed under supervision

of another Classification Society recognized by VIRES, and after examination and

surveys it has been found to be in compliance with the requirements of the

Regulations and is maintained in good and efficient technical condition.

2.3.2 Class notations

2.3.2.1 Platforms classed with VIRES, depend on their specific conditions, will be

assigned one or more appropriate class notations appended to the character of

classification assigned to indicate the special features of the platform, e.g:

- Template Type

- Drilling Platform

- Production Platform

- Oil Storage Platform

- Accommodation Platform

2.3.2.2 Certificates and characters of classification

The characters of classification together with the class notations will be entered in

Certificates of Classification for Fixed Offshore Platforms in the order as

described above.

For instance: a fixed template type drilling platform constructed under the

supervision of VIRES and provided with effective corrosion protection, its

characters of classification and class notations are as follows :

- VIRES - Template Type Drilling Platform. Corrosion Control

2.4 Withdrawal of Class

The class assigned to a platform by VIRES will be withdrawn under any one of the

following conditions:

- If it is not submitted to surveys for maintenance of class as required in Section 3

at the proper time which is noted in the Certificate ;


- When the Owner fails to repair such damages and defects that affect the class of

the platform in accordance with VIRES requirements;

- When requested by the Owner of the platform.

2.5 Reclassification

When reclassification or class reinstatement is desired for a platform for which the

class previously was assigned by VIRES and has been withdrawn, a special survey

for reclassification, appropriate to the age and technical conditions of the platform,

will be carried out by VIRES.

If, at such survey, the platform is found that its conditions are fully compliance

with the Regulations. VIRES may reinstate its original class or assign such other

class as may be deemed necessary.

2.6 Certificate of Classification

2.6.1 Issurance of Classification Certificate.

Upon the completion of the construction survey, classification survey for first

entry or reclassification survey of a platform, if it is found that the platform

complies fully with the Regulations, a classification certificate will be issued to the

applicant by VIRES.

2.6.2 Endorsement of Classification Certificates :

The Classification Certificate for platforms issued by VIRES will continue to be

valid, provided that the platforms are subjected to the anual surveys for

maintenance of class as prescribed in Section 3 of the Regulations and the results

of the surveys are found satisfactory to the requirements of the Regulations .

2.6.3 Issuance of Provisional Classification Certificates :

Pending the issuance of the Classification Certificates, where a result of surveys is

found that the platform is in a fit an efficient condition and in compliance with the

regulations, VIRES may issue a corresponding Provisional Classification

Certificates to enable the platform to be put into service in the shonest possible

period of time.

The duration of a Provisional Classification Certificate is not to exceed six months

from the completion date of the surveys.


3. Surveys

3.1 Classification Survey during construction

3.1.1 Approval of plans and documents

3.1.1. 1 Prior to construction of a platform intended to be classed with VIRES the

Owner or their Agent have to submit to VIRES, for approval the documents and

plans as required in 3.1.1.2 below.

Additional plans and documents may be required, if considered necessary by

VIRES.

3.1.1.2 Plans and documents to be submitted to VIRES for approval:

a) Plans and documents of overall structure:

- Specifications for overall structure and equipment;

- General arrangement (including foundation, machinery, electrical installations

and equipment, arrangement of all spaces);

- Loadings for all decks;

- Structures analysis;

- Fatigue design or fatigue analysis of the structure;

- Construction profile and scantling calculations according to the Ru1es;

- Calculations for significant operational loading from drilling derrick, riser

tensioners and other similar significant landing;

- Decks and superstructures;

- Piles and template;

- Scantlings of principal machineries and boilers (including foundation of crane

and strength calculations);

- Arrangement of structural fire protection and thermal insulation;

- Arrangement of the fire doors, explosion-proof doors, windows and closing

appliances of openings;

- Tank sounding tables;

- Corrosion protection system;

- Construction and welding details and procedures (including fabrication, welding,

quality control. towing (including stability calculation), installation (including

piledriving), examination and tests, etc.);


- Disposition of hazardous areas;

- Fire control plan;

- Arrangement of mooring equipment;

- Helicopter deck and its strength calculations;

- Arrangement of fire fighting appliances.

- Operation manuals (parts relating to Safety)

b. Documents relating to the foundation and environment:

- Design specifications;

- Data of environmental conditions;

+ Sea states (including water depth. highest and lowest tidal level maximum riser

of sea surface without sweil, velocity and direction of Current and variation of the

current velocity with the depth of water, the height, period and direction of wave

and extreme sea water temperature);

+ Weather conditions (including velocity and direction of steady wind and gust

and the air temperature);

+ Earthquake;

Foundation (including information of general geological survey, topographic

survey general, outline of the soil encountered, geophysical investigation, sea bed

soil Structure investigation, determination of sea current and sea water near sea

bed, mechanical Strength of soil and soil mechanic calculation).

c. Plans and documents referring to machinery:

- Specifications of machinery;

- Specifications of pumping and piping systems;

- General arrangement of engine and boiler rooms, pump room and emergency

power station;

- Arrangement of schematic diagram of piping systems :

+ Steam piping;

+ Condensate boiler feed and blowoff piping;

+ Staning air piping;

+ Fuel oil piping;

+ Lubricating oil piping;


+ Cooling water piping;

+ Oil fuel heating piping;

+ Fire extinguishing, ventilating, air, sounding, draining and overflow piping;

- Arrangement and calculations of fire detection and fire extinguishing

installations;

- Torsional vibration calculation for shaning and strength calculations for it

principal components;

- Schematic diagrams and arrangement of inert gas system;

- Arrangement of slushing system;

- Arrangement of oil/gas processing systems;

- Arrangement of fuel oil system for helicopters and details of safety measures;

Plans of engines burning natural gas and purified crude oil and details of safety

measures;

- Piping arrangement of boiler burning natural gas and purified crude oil and detail

of safety measures;

- List of spare parts;

- Arrangement of boilers and pressure vessels

- Boiler construction.

d. Plans and documents referring to electrical installations:

- Specifications for electrical equipment (including technical specifications for the

products inspected by other classification societies recognized by VIRES);

- List of electrical equipment;

- Electric loading calculations;

- Calculations for short circuit currents at main busbars, sub-switchboard busbars

and the secondary side of transformers;

- Schematic diagrams and arrangement of main and emergency switchboards

(including battery charging and discharging panel);

- Electric power distribution diagrams, (including cable types, cross sections and

lengths, and circuit over-current protection values);

- Arrangement of electric power equipment;

- Schematic diagrams and arrangement of main lighting, emergency lighting and


temporary emergency lighting;

- Arrangement of electric equipment in hazardous areas (with the make and type

and construction of equipment indicated and to be provided with Inspection

Certificates issued by the competent organizations, if it is agreed by VIRES);

- Schematic diagrams of electric circuits for automatic control system;

- List of spare parts.

e) Any modification to the approved plans and documents is also to be submitted

to VIRES for approval.

3.1.2 Survey

3.1.2.1 Steel, welding consumables, steam turbines, diesel engines, boilers,

pressure vessels and other equipments and materials intended to be used or

installed on the platforms are to be inspected by VIRES in accordance with the

regulations on quality control of manufacture. They can be accepted by VIRES if

they hold Certificates of quality issued by recognized Organizations.

Only the materials and equipments holding certificate of quality can be used for

construction and repair of the platform.

3.1.2.2 Platforms are to be constructed in accordance with the approved plans.

During the construction VIRES are to be satisfied that the materials used,

workmanship and arrangements are satisfactory and comply with the approved

plans and the the relevant existing Rules and Standards.

3.1.2.3 During construction, the structures, equipment, machineries, pressure

vessels, piping systems, electrical installations, etc. of the platforms are to be

examined and tested in the presence of and to the satisfaction of VIRES in

accordance with the approved plans and requirements of the Regulations. The test

programmes are to be agreed with VIRES. The relevant test reports submitted by

the manufacturers and makers are to be checked and signed by VIRES.

3.2 Annual Survey

All platforms are to be surveyed once for every twelve months within 3 months

before or after each anniversary date of the fist or the latest Special Survey.

3.2.1 Structure

3.2.1.1 The platform is to be examined so far as is necessary and practicable, in


order that the Regulations are satisfied as to its general condition. The extent of the

survey will normally consist of a close visual examination of upper structure down

to and including the splash zone. Where access from fixed ladders and walkways

is not possible, staging may be required. Particular attention will be paid to the

following items as relevant:

a. Extent and thickness of any marine growth.

b. Corrosion.

c. Impact or other accidental

d. Condition of fenders.

3.2.1.2 In the event that when carrying out the surveys if there is some doubt of

possible problem, VIRES may, at its discretion, request supporting inspections of

specific area. e.g thickness calibrations of corroded areas, magnetic particle

inspection of welded joints, marine growth measurements, and records of

operating Manual.

3.2.1.3 The Annual Survey will also include a visual examination of all other

upper area structures with particular note being made of the followings:

a) Helideck, including condition of safety nets, markings and supporting structure.

b) Walkways and handrails.

c) Boat landing stations and rendering.

d) Accommodation modules: ventilation, cooling, heating and pressurization.

e) Non-slip surfaces on exterior and interior walkways.

f) Anti-pollution system or devices.

g) Drilling rig, equipment and tanks

h) Radio tower.

i) Flare tower/boom.

j) Crane pedestals.

k) Drains and venting.

I) Any alterations to deck weights.

m) Bridges.

3.2.1.4 Where any examination reveals defects of any kind VIRES may require

additional items to be inspected and any necessary remedial work is to be carried


out.

3.2.1.5 Where wells are drilled close to piling and there is reason to believe that

this may adversely effect the foundations, the drilling and well installation record

are to be examined as required by VIRES to establish whether reassessment of the

integrity of the foundations may be necessary .

3.2.2 Machinery and process plant

3.2.2.1 A general examination of machinery and process spaces is to be carried out

with particular attention being given to the essential systems, auxiliary machinery

and to the existence of any fire and explosion hazards. Emergency escape routes

are to be checked to ensure that they are free of obstruction.

3.2.2.2 Survey of the plant and process equipment is to be carried out taking

account of the maximum survey intervals shown in Table 1.

3.2.2.3 The scope of survey is to embrace but not necessarily be limited to the

following:

a) Rotating and reciprocating equipment to be examined and maintenance records

to be inspected;

b) Inspection of calibration and test records for safety devices, safety valves and

other over-pressure protection devices;

c) General examination and review of inspection of calibration and test records for

process and production pipelines; .

d) Examination of emergency generators and fire pumps with running tests;

e) General examination and review of Certification of lifting equipment;

f) Examination of pressure vessels and review of periodical are inspection

documentation;

g) General examination of production equipment and review of inspection

documentation:

h) General examination of drilling equipment and review of inspection

documentation;

i) Examination of selected systems and/or review of documentation, embracing;

- Identification of key items in the systems;

- Visual examination for wear and tear, corrosion and pitting and seals;


- Non destructive examination and thickness measurements;

- Critical parameters test for pressure, temperature and for sealing;

- System functions: Start operate and shut-down;

- Protection devices: relief valves and non-return valves:

- Control engineering fearores:

+ Instrumentation and monitoring equipment;

+ Alarms;

+ Interlocks and safety system

+ Operating of remote and automatic controls

+ Display and communication systems;

3.2.3 Electrical

3.2.3.1 The electrical machinery, the switchgear, cable and other electrical

equipment are to be generally examined under operating conditions so far is

practicable.

3.2.3.2 The emergency source(s) of power, its associated circuits and where fitted,

the transitional source(s) of power are to be tested.

3.2.3.3 The operation of identification lights, foghorns and navigation lights where

fitted is to be verified.

3.2.3.4 A general examination of electrical equipment in hazardous areas is to be

made to ensure that it is suitable for its application and that the integrity of the

equipment has not been impaired due to corrosion, missing bolts, etc. Tests are to

be made on alarms and interlocks associated with pressurized equipment or

spaces.

Table 1: Maximum survey intervals for plants and process equipment

Items Maximum time to completion of first survey from date of build (month)

Maximum intervals between subsequent surveys from date of build (month)

Fire and unfired pressure vessel, steam receivers, air receivers, etc., (see Notes 1,2,3 and 4)

15 Not to exceed 60

Safety valves and devices 15 Not to exceed 60




Diesel prime movers, gas turbine, air compressors, geared machinery, and pumps

15 Not to exceed 60

Pipe system, service and transfer within unit area (selected sections)

15 Not to exceed 60

Pipe hangers and expansion devices

15 Not to exceed 60

Heat exchanger clean and examine

15 Not to exceed 60

Air winches (except where used for manriding purposes)

30 Not to exceed 60

Tankage 30Not to exceed 60

Lifting appliances, including power and manual operated overhead travelling cranes, mobile cranes, wall or jib cranes, derrick cranes, chain blocks, runways, fixed and mobile gantries (see note 5)

6 6 or after repair or renewal of parts

lifting appliances-load and radius indicators and arlams (see note5)


Lifting appliances, hooks, ropes, chains, cluches, brakes, track wheels, pulleys, gear, limiting devices, anchoring arrangements (see note 5)


Radio tower, buner boom, drill derrick, crown block, 15 15




traveling, main hook and swivelElectrical equipment Not to exceed 60 Not to exceed 60Pressurization and ventilation system including fire dampers

15 15

Well control equipment Examination of maintenance recordsDrilling equipment Examination of maintenance recordsClosed and safe drains and venting systems including caissons

15 15

NOTES:

1. Definition of the extent of a pressure vessel:

- To first circumferential joint of externally welded attachment.

- To flange face connecting to external attachment.

- To first threaded connection on external attachment.

2. Where such vessels are so constructed that internal inspection is prevented by

normal means, agreed test are to be carried out to VIRES' s satisfaction.

3. Where it is impractical to present all pressure vessels for first inspection, a

sufficient number or vessels from each system shall be examined, as agreed

between the operator and VIRES, to establish the extent of the corrosion and

conditions of the system

4. All pressure vessels are to be subject to the Society's survey at least once in each

survey cycle, irrespective of any inspections initiated by the operator.

5. Periodic crane inspections are to be in accordance with the requirements of

VIRES Rules for Lifting Appliances in a Marine Environment.

3.2.4 Fire protection, detection and extinction

3.2.4.1 The fire protection, detection and extinction arrangements are to be

examined. The examination is to include:

- The identification of any agreed additions or modifications which have been


made to the arrangements since the previous survey. Any such additions and

modifications are to be accordance with the approved design. Any material or

equipment of supplied for addition or modification should have Certificate of

quality accepted by VIRES.

- Verification that all arrangement are in good condition and suitable for service

until the next survey is due.

3.2.4.2 Surveys carried out by the other National Authority of the country may be

accepted, at the discretion of VIRES, as meeting the requirements of 3.2.4.1.

3.2.5 Life-saving appliances, radio communications and safety of navigation

2.2.5.1 Where mandatory classification requirement is concerned, the installed

equipment is to be examined and tested as necessary to VIRES satisfaction.

3.2.6 Marine risers (gas, oil)

3.2.6.1 - ' The usual surveys will include close visual examination of risers down

to and including the splash zone with particular attention to the following:

- General inspection based on operational conditions under which the installation

has operated, e,g., thermal exposure, internal pressure or environmental loads.

- Verify adequacy of clearances between risers and the installation

- Check of condition of riser fastenings, clamps, bolts, flanges, etc.

- Visual inspection of protecting fenders in the splash zone for damage, loose

mounting or corrosion.

- Pressure testing of external protection cover in splash zone where applicable.

- Check of condition of paint or other anti-corrosive coating.

3.2.7 Corrosion protection

3.2.7. 1 A check of the corrosion protection system is to be carried out before or

during the first Annual Survey to verify that it is functioning in accordance with

the approved design. Thereafter, survey requirements are as shown in 5.2.7.

3.2.8 Operation Manual

3.2.8.1 VIRES will verify that an up-to-date approved copy of the Manual is

available on the installation.

3.3 Biennial Surveys

3.3.1 General


'3.3.1.1 Biennial surveys are carried out once for every 24 months in acordance

with section 3.2 and 3.3.2

3.3.1.2 Where, due to environmental conditions, it is impractical to carried out

underwater surveys about the due date, the work may be carried out during the

calm weather period preceeding or after the due date.

3.3.2 Underwater Surveys

3.3.2.1 Diving and in-water survey operations are to be carried out by firms

recognized by VIRES. Continued recognition by VIRES will be dependent on the

firm's standard of work being maintained to the satisfaction of VIRES.

3.3.2.2 Divers assisted surveys are to be carried out under the surveillance of

VIRES and in a manner which will, so far as is practicable, enable VIRES to

satisfy itself thai no critical defect, deterioration or omission has been overlooked.

3.3.2.3 The diving contractor must produce a report on completion of the

inspection. The detailed close visual inspections should be pennanently recorded

on video tape or still photographs.

3.3.2.4 The detailed scope of the survey is to be agreed with VIRES in each case.

3 . 3.2.5 Where agreed inspections indicate that deterioration cor defects are

occurring or where damage or alterations to the unit have occurred between route

survey, VIRES may require the divers to extent their inspections to items not

included in the agreed inspection list. Where necessary, additional cleaning may

also be required.

3.3.2.6 The diving contractor will require to have all the necessary equipment, e.g.

air diving and saturation diving equipment, cleaning tools, video recorders and

cameras, magnetic crack detection equipment, ultrasonic thickness gauges,

reference electrodes and high impedance voltmeters suitable for potential

measurements and diving staff who have been accepted by VIRES for underwater

non-destructive examination (N.D.E).

3.3.2.7 The survey is to include a general visual examination of the underwater

parts of the structure, riser, etc., (without cleaning) with particular attention to the

following:

a) For steel Structures:


- Estimation of marine growth, corrosion, pitting, abrasion and wall thickness.

- Survey for major damage.

- Close re-inspection of any repairs or alterations carried out at or since the last

Periodical Survey.

- Determination of location and extent of any debris including dropped objects and

spoil from drilling or cementing operations.

- General visual inspection for missing anodes, loose mountings, and condition of

sacrificial anodes.

- Potential measurements at agreed pre-determined high Stress areas and other

locations. Particular attention is to be paid to areas of coating breakdown. For

impressed current corrosion protection systems a potential survey will only be

required at alternate Biennial Surveys unless routine monitoring indicates that a

problem may exist.

- Seabed scour survey and check of anti-scour devices, if applicable.

- Check of the condition of mastic/sealants/paints.

- Check of the integrity of any cladding (e.g., "Monel' or copper nickel alloys.

etc.).

- Check of lateral and axial measurements between risers and the installation.

- Check of condition of riser fastenings, clamps, bolts, flanges, etc.

- Detection and possible mapping of damage to the riser and its accessories, or to

coating, due to presence or proximity of debris, chains, ropes, etc.

- For drilling installations, check of equipment above casing head, including

marine risers and blowout preventer.

- Where the well-control system is situated on the sea bed, check of the piping

down to and including Christmas tree, its control system and actuators, subsea

manifolds and devices to protect against physical damage.

3.4 Special Surveys

3.4.1 General

3.4.1.1 Special surveys are to be carried out, in general, at 4-yearly intervals.

When the special survey is impractical at due date a survey for extension of special

survey may be permitted by VIRES at the request of the owner or their agents.


In this case a general examination with a scope sufficient for ascertaining the

technical condition of the platform in particular that of primary structure and

bracing as well as of machinery and equipment is satisfactory for the intended

period of extension.

If the survey is in compliance with the Regulations, a period of extension not more

than 1 month will be granted to the platform.

In this case a general examination with a scope sufficient for ascertaining the

technical condition of the platform in particular that of primary structure and

bracing as well as of machinery and equipment is satisfactory foe the intended

period of extension.

If the survey is in compliance with the Regulations, a period of extension not more

than 12 months will be granted to the platform.

3.4.1.2 The requirements of 2.2 and 2.3 are to be complied with.

3.4.1.3 The platform is to be prepared as necessary for VIRES to gain proper

access for the careful inspection and examination of all items listed in this Section.

Proper staging is to be errected as necessary. Normal closed space are to be

thoroughly ventilated to ensure adequate levels of oxygen in the air, fuel tanks and

other similar spaces are to be gas freed as necessary and paint, lining, insulation

and other coating and coverings are to be removed locally, if required by VIRES.

3.4.2 Structure

3.4.2.1 A general examination of the underwater structure plus cleaning and close

visual inspection, supplemented with non-destructive examination of sdected

welds (e.g. rubular saddle welds) is required. The extent of this examination is to

be agreed with VIRES. These welds may be inspected at Special Surveys or pro

rata ona continuous survey basis.

3.4.2.2 For concrete structures a general inspection by the R.O. V. is required over

the surface of the structure. This would include embedment plates and any other

attachments to the structure. Divers inspection is only required at agreed locations

and will generally be for a particular problem identified by R. O. V. survey.

3.4.2.3 Differential settlement is to be assessed and the air gap to mean water level

is to be determined.


3.4.2.4 Careful examination is to be made of those pans of the structure

particularly liable to excessive corrosion, or to deterioration or damage, from

causes such as supply boat impact chafing or handling of drilling pipe, stores, etc.

and due to water collection in corers of bulkheads and on weather decks, etc.

3.4.2.5 The thickness of the material in any ponion of the structure where signs of

wastage are evident is to be established. Except where it can be demonstrated that

the Structure remains fit for its intended purpose, any pans which are found

defective or materially reduced in scantling are to be made good by materials of

approved scantlings and quality. Attention is to be given to the structure in way of

discontinuities. Surfaces are to be suitably protected by cathodic protection or

coatings as necessary. (Note: drilling of any primary bracing, beam, girder, etc.,

will not be permitted).

3.4.3 Machinery

The full requirements of 3 .2.2 are to be complied with.

3.4.4 Electrical Installations

2.4.4.1 The requirements of 3.2.3 together with the requirements of 3.4.4 are to be

complied with.

3.4.4.2 A test for insulation resistance is to be made where practicable on the

cables, switchgear, generators, friotors, heaters, lighting fitting, etc., and the

insulation resistance is to be not less than 100 000 ohms between all insulated

circuits and earth. The installation may be subdivided into any desired extent by

opening switches, removing fuses or disconnecting appliance for the purpose of

this test. In hazardous zones insulation resistance "tests are to be carried out when

the area concerned is gas free.

3.4.4.3 The fittings on main and emergency switchboards, section boards and

subdistribution fuse boards are to be examined and over-current protective devices

and fuses inspected to verify that they provide suitable protection for respective

circuits.

3.4.4.4 Generator circuit breakers are to be tested so far as practicable, to verify

that the protective devices including preference tripping relays, if fitted, operate

satisfactorily and are consistent with the overload capability of the prime movers.


3.4.4.5 The electric cables are to be, examined for sheath and insulation defects

and defective means of support. This examination will be carried out with the

minimum disturbance of fixtures or casing unless opening up is found necessary,

e.g. due to progressive reduction in insulation values.

3.4.4.6 The motors concerned with essential services together with associated

control and switchgear are to be examined, if considered necessary, operated under

working conditions.

3.4.4.7 Where transformers or electrical apparatus are oil immersed the Owner are

to arrange for samples of oil to be taken and tested for breakdown voltage, acidity

and moisture and the results made available to VIRES.

3.4.4.8 As alternative to the Complete Survey, the procedures detailed in 3.4.4.9

and 3.4.4.10 may be applied where the Owner has an agreed planned maintenance

scheme, i.e., an inspection and maintenance scheme which covers on a rotational

basis the entire electrical installation over maximum period of 5 years.

3.4.4.9 Maintenance records are to be examined at the time of the Annual Survey

and parts of the electrical installation where the scheduled maintenance is overdue

are to be thoroughly examined and tested.

3.4.4.10 Selected scheduled maintenance tests are to be witnessed and major items

of equipment opened for maintenance are to be examined to VIRES's satisfaction.

3.4.5 Control engineering systems

3.4.5.1 Remote and/or automatic controls, alarms and safeguards fined to the

utility, process and drilling equipment defined in Part 7 are to be tested to

demonstrate that they are in good working order.

3.4.5.2 A test of the emergency shut down system including its interface with the

fire and gas detection system and other automatic initiations, if fitted, is to be

carried out.

3.4.5.3 The public address system and platform status indicators are to be tested to

demonstrate they are in good working order.

3.4.6 Fire protection. detection and extinction

The extent of inspection at the Special Survey is the same as for Annual Survey,

see 3.2.4


3.4.7 Life-saving appliances, radio communications and safety of navigation

The extent of examination and testing at the Special Survey is to be as required for

an Annual Survey, see 3.3.5

3.5 Continuous surveys

3.5.1 A continuous survey will be alternative for a Special Survey at the request of

Owner. When agreement is established for Continuous Survey of a unit, an agreed

schedule of inspection is required to be drawn up an adhered to. All parts of the

structure, process plant, machinery, electrical, control and fire safety equipment

must be inspected and tested in rotation with a maximum interval of 5 years

between consecutive examination of each part.

3.5.2 The inspection and testing of each item, part, compartment or component

must be the same as that required for Special Survey.

3.5.3 The schedule for Continuous Survey is to take account of inspections

required at Annual Survey and Biennial Surveys. Special consideration will be

given to any detailed scheme of non-destructive examination of structural items,

submitted by the Owner.

3.5.4 If inspections during Continuous Survey reveal any defects, further parts are

to be opened up and examined as considered by VIRES.

3.5.5 Where this method of survey is adopted, the first survey cycle will normally

commence from the date of build. First surveys are normally made concurrently

with the first Annual Survey and the inspection schedule and content is to be

agreed prior to that time. VIRES reserves the right to revise the schedule in the

light of operational experience.

3.5.6 All report, documentation, inspection records, photographs, fi1ms and video

tapes generated by planned maintenance and inspection are to be made available to

VIRES on request.

3.6 Occasional Surveys

Platforms classed with VIRES to apply for an occasional survey in any one of the

following cases:

- Change of platform' s name, owner or port of registry;

- In the event of damage of the structure or machinery which affects the class;


- Postponement required due to special survey cannot be effected at the due date,

by the Owner

- Occasional survey applications other than above as required by the Owner. The

scope of survey will be defined for each particular case.

3.7 Survey of Repairs

3.7.1 When damage or defects are found in Structure, machinery and equipment

which affects the class it is to be reported to VIRES by the owner without delay

and in this case the platform's certificates cease to be valid. Location, character

and extent of the damages/defects are to be detailed in the report.

3.7.2 The repair procedure, repair works are to be approved and conducted under

supervision of VIRES.

Materials, machinery, equipment used for repair are to be holding certificates

recognized by VIRES and in accordance with the approved plans and documents

of the platform.

3.7.3 Only when the damages/defects have been repaired to the satisfaction of

VIRES the platform's certificates resume their validity.

4. Classification of installations not built under survey

4.1 Plans and documents

4.1.1 In transferring class of the platform constructed under supervision of another

Classification Society, plans and documents described in 3.1.1 are to be submitted

to VIRES by the owner or their agents.

4.1.2 In addition, historical records, and also 'as built' plans of primary and

secondary structure together with materials certificates and the survey reports

issued by the previous Classification Society are also to be submitted to VIRES.

4.2 Scope of Survey

For the class assignment a survey of not less severity than that of a Special Survey,

appropriate to the age of the platform, will be carried out.

Depending on the actual technical condition of the platform the scope of the

survey may be reduced or increased by VIRES in comparison with that required

by the Regulations.