MGN 457 (M) – Oil Recovery Vessel Code – Withdrawal in Favour of Alternative Arrangements (link)
This Marine Guidance Note addresses the withdrawal of the Marine Safety Agency’s ‘Code of Practice for Vessels Engaged in Oil Recovery Operations’, also known as “the Black Code”. This Code addressed the provisions considered necessary for Offshore Supply Vessels (OSVs) when engaged in the task of oil recovery in the event of an accidental spill.
The Notice explains that the prescriptive requirements placed on operators of oil recovery vessels in the Black Code have the potential to be counter-productive to the intended outcome of recovering oil after a spill. Withdrawal of the Code eases the mandatory provisions in favour of an improved risk-based approach.
The Notice explains the Alternative Arrangements to provide an equivalent level of safety and environmental protection. It also outlines the factors considered in the decision to withdraw the Code.
Source: MCA