The requirement applies to all newbuildings provided with SOLAS certificates that are keel laid after 1 July 2014. For vessels in operation, the requirement applies from the first periodical or renewal safety equipment survey carried out after 1 July 2014, whichever comes first. The requirement also applies to units provided with a MODU Code certificate.ExplanationAt MSC.91 (November 2012), new requirements were adopted stipulating that all ships shall have ship-specific plans and procedures for recovery of persons from the water. The plansand procedures shall identify the equipment intended to be used and the measures to be taken to minimise the risk to shipboard personnel while recovering persons from the water. A guideline has been developed stating that existing life-saving and other equipment carried on board may be used, conventionally or unconventionally, to recover persons. The guidelinementions other useful circulars relating to recovery techniques and survival. It also lists matters that shall be considered when developing the plans and procedures, such as a risk assessment, certain criteria on how the recovery shall be carried out and crew competence (drills).DNV GL will not require these plans and procedures to be approved unless the relevant flag administration explicitly states otherwise.ReferencesMSC.338(91): Amended SOLAS chapter III, reg, 17-1 “Recovery of persons from the water”MSC.1/Circ.1447: “Guidelines for the development of plansand procedures for recovery of persons from the water”