2.  PROCEDURES

2.0  SCOPE

These safety standards are not intended to cover all possible cases, but only those where there is a clear-cut, widespread need for guidance, or to fill a gap not covered by laws and regulations. To the extent possible, these standards are organized as follows:

• Required by Regulations for All Vessels
• Required by Regulations for Certain Vessels
• Inspected Vessels
• Classed Vessels
• SOLAS Vessels
• Uninspected Vessels
• Other Regulations
• Required Standards Under RVSS
• Required By RVSS Under Certain Circumstances
• Recommendations And Best Practices

2.1  PROPOSED STANDARDS

Draft standards, or a statement of the need may be proposed by any UNOLS Member, or any other person or group having an interest in the safe operation of academic research vessels.  Proposed standards will be referred to the UNOLS Research Vessel Safety Committee to review and make recommendations for action.

2.2  ADOPTION

Standards approved by the Research Vessel Operators’ Committee (RVOC) will be transmitted to the UNOLS Council for consideration and adoption under the terms of the UNOLS charter.

2.3  APPLICABILITY

Use of these standards by UNOLS Members shall be as provided for under the terms of the UNOLS charter.

2.4  REFERENCE MATERIAL

The UNOLS Office will maintain and provide to Members pertinent reference materials, circulars, and other information.  The RVOC will provide assistance in interpretation of laws, regulations, and standards, and suggest assistance in areas not covered by these standards.

2.5  CHANGES TO RESEARCH VESSEL SAFETY STANDARDS MANUAL

Changes to laws, rules, or regulations, which affect or supplement these standards shall be brought to the attention of the member institutions by the RVOC.  Periodically, not later than every three years, the Research Vessel Safety Committee shall review the safety standards to ensure that they are current and complete.  Necessary changes shall be submitted by the Chair of the RVOC to the UNOLS Council for approval.

2.6  Record of Revisions to this Edition and Applicable Versions