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Home › Survey & Certification › The IP Code: the Industrial Personnel Safety Certificate
Operational guide · Certification & surveys

The IP Code: the Industrial Personnel Safety Certificate

SOLAS XV uses the aggregate of industrial personnel, special personnel and passengers; application and transition distinguish new ships, pre-2024 cargo ships and high-speed cargo craft.

IP CodeIndustrial PersonnelSOLAS Chapter XVoffshore wind

Operational Explanation

The Industrial Personnel Safety Certificate supplements the relevant SOLAS certificates and is accompanied by a Record of Equipment. It is issued by the flag or authorized RO after the required verification; validity, survey dates and endorsements are harmonized with the relevant SOLAS certificates. Applicability requires the aggregate count of industrial personnel, special personnel and passengers, with separate consideration of transitional provisions.

Regulatory Reference

MSC.521(106), SOLAS XV; MSC.527(106), IP Code, Part I/3.

Scope of Application

Within SOLAS international-voyage scope: cargo ships and high-speed cargo craft of at least 500 GT constructed from 1 July 2024 and exceeding 12 under the aggregate-count rule. For earlier ships check SOLAS XV/3.2–3.4 and prior authorization. For domestic voyages or vessels below 500 GT check flag-specific application.

Procedure / How to Complete It

  1. Calculate aggregate IP + special personnel + passengers, with passengers ≤12.
  2. Check construction date, ship/craft type and prior authorisation.
  3. Authorised pre-2024 cargo: first intermediate or renewal, whichever first.
  4. Authorised pre-2024 HSC: third periodical or first renewal, whichever first.
  5. If not previously authorised, comply/certify before carrying >12 IP.

Practical Example

An HSC authorised before 2024 uses its third-periodical/first-renewal trigger, not the cargo trigger.

What Typically Goes Wrong

Counting only IP, saying authorisations cease to apply, or using one transition for cargo and HSC.

Common Mistakes Mistake Library

MistakeConsequenceHow to Avoid It
Counting only IP, saying authorisations cease to apply, or using one transition for cargo and HSC.Non-compliant decision or treatmentFollow the approved arrangement and applicable sources

What the PSCO Checks

Valid IP certificate and supplement, consistency with SOLAS certificates, numbers and categories of persons on board and authorized limits. Also check relevant evidence of fitness, training, familiarization and safe personnel transfers under the ship’s applicable regime.

Operational Tips

Preparation checklist

FAQ

Count only IP?
No; use the defined aggregate.
Does old authorisation automatically expire?
No; the rule sets a compliance deadline.
Same cargo/HSC trigger?
No.

Related Topics

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Last substantive revision of this page: 15 September 2026 · page fingerprint b1df96842d5f