Glossary
Browse the IADC Lexicon alphabetically or by category. Get comprehensive definitions of drilling industry terms.
Safety Standby Vessel
Definition(s)
Safety Standby Vessel
A safety standby vessel is a sea going vessel designed, organised, equipped and maintained in such a way that she can carry out her tasks properly at all times. Source: NOGEPA Industrial Guideline No. 6, Standby Vessels, Netherlands, Version 1, June 2004. Global StandardsRescued
Definition(s)
Rescued
Rescued means being transferred to a safe haven alive. Source: NOGEPA Industrial Guideline No. 6, Standby Vessels, Netherlands, Version 1, June 2004. Global StandardsSubstantial Repair or Alteration
Definition(s)
Substantial Repair or Alteration
A substantial repair or alteration means any repair and/or alteration carried out, which may, in the opinion of an inspection body, affect the primary elements of the offshore container, or elements which contribute directly to its structural integrity. Source: NOGEPA Industrial Guideline No. 02, Offshore Containers, Netherlands, Revision 4, January 2006. Global StandardsPermanent Equipment
Definition(s)
Permanent Equipment
Equipment that is attached to the CCU that is not considered cargo.
Source: API Standard 2CCU, Offshore Cargo Carrying Units, First Edition, August 2017. Global StandardsPermanent Equipment
Equipment installed for production over the life of the well.
Source: API Technical Report 17TR7, Verification and Validation of Subsea Connectors, First Edition, April 2017. Global StandarPermanent Equipment
Equipment that is attached to the container and which is not cargo. This may include e.g. lifting sets, refrigeration units, shelves, securing points, garbage compactors. Source: NOGEPA Industrial Guideline No. 02, Offshore Containers, Netherlands, Revision 4, January 2006. Global StandardsOffshore Containers
Definition(s)
Offshore Containers
The European standard EN-12079 is since 1 April 1999 in place and per 1 September 2006 extended with part 2 (lifting sets) and part 3 (periodic inspection). This standard provides rules for design, construction, lifting sets, examination, testing and marking of offshore containers with a maximum gross weight of 25.000 kg. EN-12079:2006 defines offshore containers as: “Portable units for repeated use in the transport of goods or equipment, handled in open seas, to, from and between fixed and/or floating installations and ships”. The unit incorporates permanently installed equipment1 for lifting and handling and may include equipment for filling, emptying, cooling, heating etc.” The containers used in Dutch waters (including the continental shelf) for the transportation of goods to and from offshore mining installations are under the definition of offshore containers as per EN-12079:2006.2 Note 2: Units for exceptional and incidental use on an offshore mining installation, like temporary living quarters (TLQ’s), emergency power units, emergency sanitary units, emergency kitchen units are allowed to be fitted with so called “Corner block adaptors” to meet the criteria as mentioned in addendum 1 ( this incorporates that the individual units have to face an initial load test at 200 % of the maximum gross weight.). Source: NOGEPA Industrial Guideline No. 02, Offshore Containers, Netherlands, Revision 4, January 2006. Global StandardsPower Actuating System
Definition(s)
Power Actuating System (steering gear)
Power actuating system is the hydraulic equipment provided for supplying power to turn the rudder stock, comprising a steering gear power unit or units, together with the associated pipes and fittings, and a rudder actuator. The power actuating systems may share common mechanical components (i.e. tiller, quadrant and rudder stock) or components serving the same purpose. <Chapter II-1, regulation 3>. Source: IMO Resolution MSC.216(82), amendments to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, as amended, 8 December 2006, International Maritime Organization. Legislation Source: Rules and Regulations for the Classification of Mobile Offshore Units, Part 5, Main and Auxiliary Machinery, June 2013, Lloyd’s Register, Global StandardsSteering Gear Control System
Definition(s)
Steering Gear Control System
Steering gear control system is the equipment by which orders are transmitted from the navigating bridge to the steering gear power units. Steering gear control systems comprise transmitters, receivers, hydraulic control pumps and their associated motors, motor controllers, piping and cables. <Chapter II-1, regulation 3>. Source: IMO Resolution MSC.216(82), amendments to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, as amended, 8 December 2006, International Maritime Organization. Legislation Source: Rules and Regulations for the Classification of Mobile Offshore Units, Part 5, Main and Auxiliary Machinery, June 2013, Lloyd’s Register, Global StandardsFreeboard Deck
Definition(s)
Freeboard Deck
Freeboard deck. (a) The freeboard deck is normally the uppermost complete deck exposed to weather and sea, which has permanent means of closing all openings in the weather part thereof, and below which all openings in the sides of the ship are fitted with permanent means of watertight closing. (b) Lower deck as a freeboard deck At the option of the owner and subject to the approval of the Administration, a lower deck may be designated as the freeboard deck provided it is a complete and permanent deck continuous in a fore and aft direction at least between the machinery space and peak bulkheads and continuous athwartships. (i) When this lower deck is stepped the lowest line of the deck and the continuation of that line parallel to the upper part of the deck is taken as the freeboard deck. (ii) When a lower deck is designated as the freeboard deck, that part of the hull which extends above the freeboard deck is treated as a superstructure so far as concerns the application of the conditions of assignment and the calculation of freeboard. It is from this deck that the freeboard is calculated. (iii) When a lower deck is designated as the freeboard deck, such deck as a minimum shall consist of suitably framed stringers at the ship sides and transversely at each watertight bulkhead which extends to the upper deck, within cargo spaces. The width of these stringers shall not be less than can be conveniently fitted having regard to the structure and the operation of the ship. Any arrangement of stringers shall be such that structural requirement can also be met. (c) Discontinuous freeboard deck, stepped freeboard deck. (i) Where a recess in the freeboard deck extends to the sides of the ship and is in excess of one metre in length, the lowest line of the exposed deck and the continuation of that line parallel to the upper part of the deck is taken as the freeboard deck (see figure 3.3).
(ii) Where a recess in the freeboard deck does not extend to the sides of the ship, the upper part of the deck is taken as the freeboard deck.
(iii) Recesses not extending from side to side in a deck below the exposed deck, designated as the freeboard deck, may be disregarded, provided all openings in the weather deck are fitted with weathertight closing appliances.
(iv) Due regard shall be given to the drainage of exposed recesses and to free surface effects on stability.
(v) Provisions of subparagraphs (i) through (iv) are not intended to apply to dredgers, hopper barges or other similar types of ships with large open holds, where each case requires individual consideration.
<Chapter I, regulation 3>.
Source: IMO Resolution MSC.143(77), amendments to Annex B to the 1988 Load Lines Protocol, 5 June 2003, International Maritime Organization. Legislation
Freeboard Deck
Freeboard deck is the deck as defined in the International Convention on Load Lines in force. <Chapter II-1, regulation 2>. Source: IMO Resolution MSC.216(82), amendments to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, as amended, 8 December 2006, International Maritime Organization. LegislationFreeboard Deck
The freeboard deck is normally the uppermost complete deck exposed to weather and sea, which has permanent means of closing all openings in the weather part, and below which all openings in the sides of the unit are fitted with permanent means of watertight closing. For semisubmersible units, see also 5.2.4. Source: Rules and Regulations for the Classification of Mobile Offshore Units, Part 4, Steel Unit Structures, June 2013, Lloyd’s Register, Global StandardsHydrocarbon
Definition(s)
Hydrocarbon
Chemical compound composed solely of carbon and hydrogen. A catchall term used mainly for oil, gas, and condensate. Source: IADC UBO / MPD Glossary, December 2011. Global StandardsHydrocarbon
Chemical compound composed solely of carbon and hydrogen. Source: IADC UBO / MPD Glossary, December 2011. Global StandardsHydrocarbon
“Hydrocarbon” does not include coal; hydrocarburet. Source: National Energy Board Act, R.S.C., 1985, c. N-7, Canada, current to April 29, 2013. LegislationDangerous Goods
Definition(s)
Dangerous Goods
Dangerous goods are those goods referred to in regulation VII/2. <Chapter II-2, part A, regulation 3>. Source: IMO Resolution MSC.99(73), amendments to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, as amended, 5 December 2000, International Maritime Organization. LegislationDangerous Goods
Dangerous goods mean the substances, materials and articles covered by the IMDG Code. <Chapter VII, part A, regulation 1>. Source: IMO Resolution MSC.123(75), amendments to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, as amended, 24 May 2002, International Maritime Organization. LegislationDangerous Goods
Definition of dangerous goods Dangerous goods comprise of all articles or substances which are capable of posing a significant risk to health, safety or property when transported, and which are classified according to I.C.A.O. Annex 18, Technical instructions for the safe transport of dangerous goods by air and IATA. For the purpose of transportation dangerous goods have been divided into three (3) categories. They are: 1. Forbidden: Those, which are forbidden for transportation by air 2. Acceptable: Those items, which are acceptable for air transport, provided all the special provisions concerning packaging; quantity and compatibility are complied with. 3. Excepted: Known items in general use such as, after shave lotions, perfumes etc. this being directed at passengers and their baggage. Source: NOGEPA Guideline 14, Helideck Operations and Procedures Manual, Netherlands, Version 2, December 2011. Global StandardsOffshore Unit
Definition(s)
Offshore Unit
"Offshore unit" means any fixed or floating offshore installation or structure engaged in gas or oil exploration, exploitation or production activities, or loading or unloading of oil. Source: International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Co-operation, 1990. LegislationOffshore Unit
Offshore unit means a unit engaged in offshore operations including drilling, oil production, accommodation and other support functions and which generally operates within the territorial waters of a flag state, but excluding the ship types defined in Part 4 of the Rules for Ships. Source: Rules and Regulations for the Classification of Mobile Offshore Units, Part 1, Regulations, June 2013, Lloyd’s Register, Global StandardsSpace
Definition(s)
Space
"Space" means a permanent or temporary three-dimensional structure or compartment on a ship such as, but not limited to, cargo tanks or holds; pump or engine rooms; storage lockers; tanks containing flammable or combustible liquids, gases, or solids; other rooms; crawl spaces; tunnels (i.e. shaft alleys); or access ways. The atmosphere within a space is the entire volume within its bounds. Source: Resolution MEPC.210(63), 2012 Guidelines for safe and environmentally sound ship recycling, 2 March 2012, International Maritime Organization. Regulatory GuidanceSpace
Spaces are separate compartments such as tanks, pump-rooms, cofferdams and void spaces bounding cargo holds, decks and outer hull. Source: Rules and Regulations for the Classification of Mobile Offshore Units, Part 1, Regulations, June 2013, Lloyd’s Register, Global StandardsSpaces
Separate compartments including holds and tanks. Source: Rules for Classification – Offshore units, DNVGL-OU-0101, Offshore drilling and support units, DNV GL, July 2015. Global StandardsEntry, Cable (cable gland)
Definition(s)
Entry, Cable (cable gland)
A device permitting the introduction of an electric cable into an electrical apparatus. Source: API Recommended Practice 14FZ, Recommended Practice for Design, Installation, and Maintenance of Electrical Systems for Fixed and Floating Offshore Petroleum Facilities for Unclassified and Class I, Zone 0, Zone 1, and Zone 2 Locations, Second Edition, May 2013. Global Standards Source: API RP 14F, Design, Installation, and Maintenance of Electrical Systems for Fixed and Floating Offshore Petroleum Facilities for Unclassified and Class 1, Division 1 and Division 2 Locations, Fifth Edition, July 2008. Global StandardsEntry, indirect
Definition(s)
Entry, indirect
A method of connection of an electrical apparatus to the electrical circuits by means of a terminal box or a plug and socket connection which is external to the main enclosure, see IEC 60050, IEV 426-04-08. Source: API Recommended Practice 14FZ, Recommended Practice for Design, Installation, and Maintenance of Electrical Systems for Fixed and Floating Offshore Petroleum Facilities for Unclassified and Class I, Zone 0, Zone 1, and Zone 2 Locations, Second Edition, May 2013. Global Standards Source: API RP 14F, Design, Installation, and Maintenance of Electrical Systems for Fixed and Floating Offshore Petroleum Facilities for Unclassified and Class 1, Division 1 and Division 2 Locations, Fifth Edition, July 2008. Global StandardsEntry, Direct
Definition(s)
Entry, Direct
A method of connection of an electrical apparatus to the external circuits by means of the connecting facilities inside the main enclosure or in a terminal compartment having a free opening to the main enclosure see IEC 60050, IEV 426-04-07. Source: API Recommended Practice 14FZ, Recommended Practice for Design, Installation, and Maintenance of Electrical Systems for Fixed and Floating Offshore Petroleum Facilities for Unclassified and Class I, Zone 0, Zone 1, and Zone 2 Locations, Second Edition, May 2013. Global Standards Source: API RP 14F, Design, Installation, and Maintenance of Electrical Systems for Fixed and Floating Offshore Petroleum Facilities for Unclassified and Class 1, Division 1 and Division 2 Locations, Fifth Edition, July 2008. Global StandardsHazardous Atmosphere
Definition(s)
Hazardous Atmosphere
Atmosphere that has the potential to expose entrants to the risk of death, incapacitation, impaired ability to self-rescue (e.g. escape unaided from a permit required confined space), injury, or acute illness from one or more of the following causes:- flammable gas, vapor, or mist in excess of 10 % LEL;
- airborne combustible dust at a concentration that meets or exceeds its LEL;
- atmospheric oxygen concentrations below 19.5 % and above 23.5 %;
- atmospheric concentration of any substance for which a dose or OEL is published in applicable government regulations, safety data sheets (SDS), standards, or other published or internal documents and could result in responder exposure in excess of its dose or PEL;
- any other IDLH atmospheric condition.