IMO: 2009 MODU Code

Code for the Construction and Equipment of Mobile Offshore Drilling Units, 2009

In adopting the 2009 MODU Code, the Assembly recalled in particular that, since the adoption of the 1989 MODU Code, the Organization had adopted a significant number of amendments to many of the regulations of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974 (SOLAS) referenced in the Code. Furthermore, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) had adopted amendments to the Convention on International Civil Aviation, which impacted on the provisions for helicopter facilities as contained in the Code.

The 2009 MODU Code provides an international standard for MODUs of new construction, which facilitates their international movement and operation and ensures a level of safety for such units and for personnel on board, equivalent to that required by the 1974 SOLAS Convention and the Protocol of 1988 relating to the International Convention on Load Lines1966, for conventional ships engaged on international voyages.

The 2009 MODU Code supersedes the 1989 MODU Code, adopted by resolution A.649(16), for mobile offshore drilling units, the keels of which were laid or which were at a similar stage of construction on or after 1st January 2012.

This edition incorporates the 2013 (MSC.359(92)), 2014 (MSC.384(94)) and MSC.387(94)), 2016 (MSC.407(96)) and 2017 (MSC.435(98)) amendments to the Code. For mobile offshore drilling units constructed before 1 January 2012, the provisions of the previous MODU Codes (1989* and 1979†) apply, depending on the date of their construction.