17.1 General
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Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - International Codes - DSC Code - Code of Safety for Dynamically Supported Craft – Resolution A.373(X) - Chapter 17 - Operational Requirements - 17.1 General

17.1 General

  17.1.1 The Dynamically Supported Craft Construction and Equipment Certificate, the Dynamically Supported Craft Permit to Operate, or certified copies thereof, a copy of the operating section of the Technical Manual, and a copy of such elements of the Maintenance Manual as the Administration may require, should be carried on board.

  17.1.2 The craft should not be intentionally operated outside the worst intended conditions and limitations specified in the Dynamically Supported Craft Permit to Operate, in the Dynamically Supported Craft Construction and Equipment Certificate, or in documents referred to therein.

  17.1.3 A commercial service should not be commenced unless there is in force a Dynamically Supported Craft Permit to Operate issued by the Administration.

  17.1.4 The Administration should issue a Dynamically Supported Craft Permit to Operate when it is satisfied that the operator has made adequate provision from the point of view of safety generally, including the following matters specifically, and should revoke the Permit if such provisions are not maintained to their satisfaction:

  • (a) the suitability of the craft for the service intended having regard to the safety limitations and information contained in the Dynamically Supported Craft Construction and Equipment Certificate and documents provided with that Certificate;

  • (b) the arrangements for obtaining weather information on the basis of which the commencement of a voyage may be authorized;

  • (c) provision in the area of operation of a base port fitted with facilities in accordance with 1.4.1 1;

  • (d) the designation of responsibility for delaying or cancelling the commencement of a particular voyage, e.g. in the light of the weather information available;

  • (e) crew complement required for operating the craft, the supervision of passengers and cargo;

  • (f) crew qualifications and training, including competence in relation to the particular type of craft and service intended;

  • (g) restrictions with regard to working hours and rest periods of the crew;

  • (h) the maintenance of crew competence in regard to operation and emergency procedures;

  • (i) safety arrangements at terminals and compliance with any existing safety arrangements as appropriate;

  • (j) traffic control arrangements and compliance with any existing traffic control, as appropriate;

  • (k) restrictions and/or provisions relating to position fixing, to operation by night or in bad visibility, including the use of radar and/or other electronic aids to navigation, as appropriate;

  • (l) additional equipment which may be required, due to the specific characteristics of the service intended specifically for night operation; an approved searchlight controllable from the craft's control position should be installed to the satisfaction of the Administration;

  • (m) communications between craft, coast radio stations or base port radio stations, emergency services and other vessels, including radio sets to be carried, frequencies to be used and watch to be kept;

  • (n) the keeping of records which the Administration may at any time verify, should be required for:

    • (i) ensuring the craft is operated within the specified parameters;

    • (ii) noting those items required for the safety of the craft and safety of life at sea;

    • (iii) purposes of any law to which the craft is subject;

  • (o) arrangements to ensure that equipment is maintained in compliance with the Administration's requirements, and to ensure co-ordination of information as to the serviceability of the craft and equipment between the operating and maintenance elements of the operator's organization;

  • (p) the existence and use of adequate instructions regarding:

    • (i) loading of the craft so that weight and centre-of-gravity limitations can be effectively observed and cargo is, when necessary, adequately secured;

    • (ii) the provision of adequate fuel reserves;

    • (iii) action in the event of reasonably foreseeable emergencies.

  17.1.5 The Administration should determine the maximum allowable distance from a base port or place of refuge after assessing the provisions made under 17.1.4.


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