RULES FOR BUILDING AND CLASSING

MOBILE OFFSHORE DRILLING UNITS

2016

NOTICE NO. 1 – July 2016

The following Rule Changes were approved by the ABS Rules Committee on 23 May 2016 and
become EFFECTIVE AS OF 1 JULY 2016.

(See http://www.eagle.org for the consolidated version of the Rules for Building and Classing Mobile Offshore
Drilling Units 2016, with all Notices and Corrigenda incorporated.)

Notes - The date in the parentheses means the date that the Rule becomes effective for new construction based
on the contract date for construction. (See 1-1-4/3.3 of the ABS Rules for Conditions of Classification
– Offshore Units and Structures (Part 1).)

PART 4 MACHINERY AND SYSTEMS

CHAPTER 3 ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS
SECTION 2 ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS

11 Systems for Steering Gear Installed in Self-propelled Units

(Revise Paragraph 4-3-2/11.1, as follows:)

11.1 Power Supply Feeder (1 July 2016)

Each electric or electro-hydraulic steering gear is to be served by at least two exclusive circuits fed directly
from the main switchboard. However, one of the circuits may be supplied through the emergency switchboard.
For vessels fitted with alternative propulsion and steering arrangements, such as azimuthing propulsors,
where the propulsion power exceeds 2,500 kW per thruster unit, see 4-3-5/5.13.3 of the Steel Vessel Rules.
An auxiliary electric or electro-hydraulic steering gear associated with a main electric or electro-hydraulic
steering gear may be connected to one of the circuits supplying this main steering gear. The circuits
supplying an electric or electro-hydraulic steering gear are to have adequate rating for supplying all motors,
control systems and instrumentation which are normally connected to them and operated simultaneously.
The circuits are to be separated throughout their length as widely as is practicable.

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Notice No. 1 – July 2016

PART 4 MACHINERY AND SYSTEMS

CHAPTER 3 ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS
SECTION 3 ONBOARD INSTALLATION

3 Equipment Installation and Arrangement

3.7 Accumulator Batteries

3.7.5 Maintenance of Batteries (2008)
(Revise Item 4-3-3/3.7.5(a), as follows.)
3.7.5(a) Maintenance Schedule of Batteries (1 July 2016). Where batteries are fitted for use for
essential and emergency services, a maintenance schedule of such batteries is to be provided and
maintained.
The schedule is to include all batteries used for essential and emergency services, including system
batteries installed in battery rooms, battery lockers and deck boxes as well as batteries installed
within vendor supplied equipment. Examples of batteries included with equipment are:
• Computer equipment and programmable logic controllers (PLC) use in computer based systems
and programmable electronic systems, when used for essential or emergency services.
• Radiocommunication equipment, such as the equipment required by the IMO MODU Code,
Chapter 11.
The schedule is to be submitted for review, during their plan approval or the new building survey,
and is to include at least the following information regarding the batteries.
(Following text remains unchanged,)

(Revise Paragraph 4-3-3/3.31, as follows.)

3.31 High Fire Risk Areas (1 July 2016)

For the purpose of 4-3-3/5.17, the examples of the high fire risk areas are the following:
i) Machinery spaces as defined by 4-1-1/3.3, except spaces having little or no fire risk such as machinery
spaces which do not contain machinery having a pressure lubrication system and where storage of
combustibles is prohibited (e.g., ventilation and air-conditioning rooms, windlass room, steering
gear room, stabilizer equipment room, electrical propulsion motor room, rooms containing section
switchboards and purely electrical equipment other than oil-filled electrical transformers (above
10 kVA), shaft alleys and pipe tunnels, and spaces for pumps and refrigeration machinery not
handling or using flammable liquids).
ii) Spaces containing fuel treatment equipment and other highly flammable substances
iii) Galley and pantries containing cooking appliances
iv) Laundry containing drying equipment
v) Enclosed drilling and industrial spaces requiring a fixed fire extinguishing system by 5-2-3/1.3

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Notice No. 1 – July 2016

PART 4 MACHINERY AND SYSTEMS

CHAPTER 3 ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS
SECTION 5 SPECIALIZED INSTALLATIONS

1 High Voltage Systems

1.1 General
1.1.3 Air Clearance and Creepage Distance (1 July 2016)
(Revise Item 4-3-5/1.1.3(d), as follows:)
1.1.3(d) Creepage Distances (1 July 2016).
i) The minimum creepage distances for main switchboards and generators are given in the
Table below:

Nominal Minimum Creepage Distance for Proof Tracking Index

Voltage mm (in.)
V 300 V 375 V 500 V >600 V
1000-1100 26 (1.02)(1) 24 (0.94)(1) 22 (0.87)(1) 20 (0.79)(1)
< 3300 63 (2.48) 59 (2.32) 53 (2.09) 48 (1.89)
< 6600 113 (4.45) 108 (4.25) 99 (3.9) 90 (3.54)
≤ 11000(2) 183 (7.20) 175 (6.89) 162 (6.38) 150 (5.91)
Notes:
1 A distance of 35 mm is required for busbars and other bare
conductors in main switchboards
2 Creepage distances for equipment with nominal voltage above
11 kV shall be subject to consideration.

(Renumber Item 4-3-5/1.1.3(e) as Subitem ii), as follows:)

ii) The minimum creepage distances for equipment other than main switchboards and
generators are given in the Table below:
(Table remains unchanged.)

(Delete Item 4-3-5/1.1.3(f).)

(Add new Subitem 4-3-5/1.1.3(d)ii), as follows:)

iii) Creepage distances between live parts and between live parts and earthed metal parts are
to be in accordance with IEC 60092-503 for the nominal voltage of the system, the nature
of the insulation material, and the transient overvoltage developed by switch and fault
conditions.

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Notice No. 1 – July 2016

1.9 Equipment Installation and Arrangement

1.9.2 Protective Arrangements
(Revise Item 4-3-5/1.9.2(b), as follows:)
1.9.2(b) Warning Plate (1 July 2016). At the entrance of such spaces, a suitable marking is to be
placed which indicates danger of high-voltage and the maximum voltage inside the space. For
high-voltage electrical equipment installed outside these spaces, a similar marking is to be provided.
An adequate, unobstructed working space is to be left in the vicinity of high voltage equipment for
preventing potential severe injuries to personnel performing maintenance activities. In addition, the
clearance between the switchboard and the overhead/deckhead above is to meet the requirements of
the Internal Arc Classification according to IEC 62271-200.

1.9.3 Cables
(Revise Item 4-3-5/1.9.3(h), as follows:)
1.9.3(h) Test after Installation (1 July 2016). A voltage withstand test is to be carried out on each
completed cable and its accessories before a new high voltage installation, including additions to
an existing installation, is put into service.
An insulation resistance test is to be carried out prior to the voltage withstand test being conducted
For cables with rated voltage (Uo/U) above 1.8/3 kV (Um = 3.6 kV) an AC voltage withstand test
may be carried out upon advice from high voltage cable manufacturer. One of the following test
methods to be used:
i) An AC test voltage for 5 min with the phase‐to‐phase voltage of the system applied
between the conductor and the metallic screen/sheath.
ii) An AC voltage test for 24 h with the normal operating voltage of the system.
iii) A DC test voltage equal to 4Uo may be applied for 15 minutes.
For cables with rated voltage (Uo/U) up to 1.8/3 kV (Um = 3.6 kV), a DC voltage equal to 4Uo
shall be applied for 15 minutes.
After completion of the test, the conductors are to be connected to earth for a sufficient period in
order to remove any trapped electric charge.
The insulation resistance test is then repeated.
The above tests are for newly installed cables. If due to repairs or modifications, cables which
have been in use are to be tested, lower voltages and shorter durations should be considered.

1.13 Design Operating Philosophy (2014)

(Revise Subparagraph 4-3-5/1.13.4, as follows.)
1.13.4 Accessibility (1 July 2016)
An adequate, unobstructed working space of at least 2 m (6 ft) is to be left in the vicinity of high
voltage equipment for preventing potential severe injuries to personal performing maintenance
activities. Where the clear space around a location where activity is taking place is less than 2 m
(6 ft), then the activities are to be covered in sufficient detail to take into account the work
involved and the possible need to have clear and safe access for emergency medical evacuation.
Where recommended by the switchgear manufacturer, the working space may be reduced to a
minimum of 1.5 m (5 ft) due to special considerations such as the use of arc resistant switchgear.
Activities that do not require operation at the switchboard (e.g., telephones or manual call points)
should not require the operator to be within 2 m (6 ft) of the switchboard.

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Notice No. 1 – July 2016

PART 6 RULES FOR EQUIPMENT AND MACHINERY CERTIFICATION

CHAPTER 1 MATERIAL, MARINE EQUIPMENT AND MACHINERY CERTIFICATION
SECTION 7 ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS AND CONTROL EQUIPMENT

15 High Voltage Systems

15.3 Machinery and Equipment

15.3.2 Switchgear and Control-gear Assemblies (2014)
(Revise Item 6-1-7/15.3.2(d), as follows:)
15.3.2(d) Shutters (1 July 2016). The fixed contacts of withdrawable circuit breakers and switches
are to be so arranged that in the withdrawn position, the live contacts of the bus bars are
automatically covered. Shutters are to be clearly marked for incoming and outgoing circuits. This
may be achieved with the use of colors or labels.

(Revise Item 6-1-7/15.3.2(f), as follows:)

15.3.2(f) Arc Flash and Associated Installation Requirements (1 July 2016)
i) Internal Arc Classification (IAC). Switchgear and control gear assemblies are to be Internal
Arc Classified (IAC). Where switchgear and control gear are accessible by authorized
personnel only accessibility Type A is sufficient (IEC 62271-200; Annex AA; AA 2.2).
Accessibility Type B is required if accessible by non-authorized personnel. Installation and
location of the switchgear and control gear is to correspond with its internal arc classification
and classified sides (F, L and R).
ii) Calculations, in accordance with the applicable parts of Standard IEEE 1584 or other
recognized standard, are to be made to establish:
• The maximum current that can flow in the case of an arc fault
• The maximum time and current that could flow if arc protection techniques are adopted
• The distance, from the location of the arc flash, at which the arc flash energy would
be 1.2 calories per cm2 if the enclosure is open
iii) In addition to the marking required by the equipment design standard, arc flash data consistent
with the Design Operating Philosophy and the required PPE is also to be indicated at each
location where work on the HV equipment could be conducted.

15.3.3 Transformers
(Revise Item 6-1-7/15.3.3(a), as follows:)
15.3.3(a) Application. Provisions of 6-1-7/15.3.3 are applicable to power transformers for essential
services. See also 6-1-7/11. Items 6-1-7/15.3.3(c) and 6-1-7/15.3.3(d) are applicable to transformers
of the dry type only. These requirements are not applicable to transformers intended for the following
services:
• Instrument transformers.
• Transformers for static converters.
• Starting transformers.
Dry type transformers are to comply with the applicable Parts of the IEC Publication 60076-11.
Liquid filled transformers are to comply with the applicable Parts of the IEC 60076 Series. Oil
immersed transformers are to be provided with the following alarms and protections:

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Notice No. 1 – July 2016

• Liquid level (Low) – alarm

• Liquid temperature (High) – alarm
• Liquid level (Low) – trip or load reduction
• Liquid temperature (High) – trip or load reduction
• Gas pressure relay (High) – trip

PART 7 SURVEYS
CHAPTER 2 SURVEYS AFTER CONSTRUCTION
APPENDIX 1 LAY-UP AND REACTIVATION OF LAID-UP MOBILE OFFSHORE DRILLING
UNITS

(Revise Appendix 7-2-A1, as follows:)

1 Lay-up of Mobile Offshore Drilling Units

Upon the owner’s written notification to ABS of a unit’s lay-up, the unit’s life cycle status and the Record
will be updated to reflect the change in status. Surveys due during lay-up will be held in abeyance until the
unit reactivates, at which time the surveys are to be brought up to date.

1.1 Optional Verification of Lay-up

At the Owner’s request, ABS will review, survey, and confirm the actions taken to preserve and protect a
unit while in lay-up. The ABS Guide for Lay-up and Reactivation of Mobile Offshore Drilling Units contains
detailed guidance for Lay-up Procedures, along with the requirements for Initial Verification Surveys and
Annual Surveys.

3 Reactivation of Mobile Offshore Drilling Units

For units returning to service from lay-up, regardless of whether ABS has been informed that the unit has
been in lay-up or whether lay-up preparations have been reviewed by ABS, a Reactivation Survey is required.
The ABS Divisional Offshore Survey Department is to be contacted for details of the requirements.
The Reactivation Survey requirements for the unit are subject to special considerations based on the survey
status at the time of the commencement of lay-up, the length of the lay-up period, and the conditions under
which the unit has been maintained during that period. Additional information relating to Reactivation
Surveys can be found in the ABS Guide for Lay-up and Reactivation of Mobile Offshore Drilling Units.

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