Glossary
Browse the IADC Lexicon alphabetically or by category. Get comprehensive definitions of drilling industry terms.
Accessible
Definition(s)
Accessible (as applied to equipment)
Admitting close approach: not guarded by locked doors, elevation, or other effective means. (See accessible, readily.) 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 StandardsAccessible (as applied to wiring methods)
Capable of being removed or exposed without damaging the building structure or finish, or not permanently closed in by the structure or finish of the building. 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 StandardsAccessible, readily
Capable of being reached quickly for operation, renewal, or inspections, without requiring those to whom ready access is requisite to climb over or remove obstacles or to resort to portable ladders, etc. [See accessible (as applied to equipment).] 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 StandardsABS
Definition(s)
ABS
American Bureau of Shipping. Source: Rules for Classification and Construction, IV Industrial Services, 6 Offshore Technology, 9 Guideline for Personnel Transfers by Means of Lifting Appliances, Edition 2011, Germanischer Lloyd SE, Global Standards Source: International Association of Drilling Contractors, Appendix 2 to Health, Safety and Environment Case Guidelines for Offshore Drilling Contractors, Issue 3.3.2, February 2010. IADC Guidelines API RP 500, Recommended Practice for Classification of Locations for Electrical Installations at Petroleum Facilities Classified as Class I, Division 1 and Division 2, Third Edition, December 2012, 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 StandardsWidely-separated Locations
Definition(s)
Widely-separated locations
Widely-separated locations as the term applies to the location of lifeboats on self-elevating units, means locations on different sides or ends of the unit separated by sufficient distance or structure to protect the lifeboats in one location from a fire or explosion occurring at or near the lifeboats in another location on the unit. Locations across from each other at the apex of a unit with a triangular deck are not widely-separated locations unless there is a substantial solid structure between them. Source: Mobile Offshore Drilling Units, 46 CFR 107-109 (2013). RegulationsWatertight
Definition(s)
Watertight
Watertight means designed and constructed to withstand a static head of water without any leakage, except that watertight equipment means enclosed equipment so constructed that a stream of water from a hose (not less than 1 inch in diameter) under head of about 35 feet from a distance of about 10 feet, and for a period of 5 minutes, can be played on the apparatus without leakage. Source: Mobile Offshore Drilling Units, 46 CFR 107-109 (2013). RegulationsWater-tight
Equipment so enclosed that it meets at least a NEMA 250 Type 4 or 4X or an IEC IP 55 or 56 rating. 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 StandardsWatertight
Watertight means the capability of preventing the passage of water through the structure in any direction under a head of water for which the surrounding structure is designed. Source: IMO Resolution A.1023(26), Code for the Construction and Equipment of Mobile Offshore Drilling Units (2009 MODU Code), 2009. Global StandardsWatertight
“Watertight” means designed and constructed to withstand a static head of water without any leakage (étanche à l’eau). Source: Canada Oil and Gas Installations Regulations, SOR/96-111, Canada, current to May 1, 2014. Regulations Source: Canada Oil and Gas Installations Regulations, SOR/96-118, February 2013. Regulations Source: Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Installations Regulations, SOR/95-191, Canada, current to May 31, 2012. RegulationsWatertight
Watertight. Watertight means capable of preventing the passage of water through the structure in either direction with a proper margin of resistance under the pressure due to the maximum head of water which it might have to sustain. <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. LegislationWatertight
Watertight means having scantlings and arrangements capable of preventing the passage of water in any direction under the head of water likely to occur in intact and damaged conditions. In the damaged condition, the head of water is to be considered in the worst situation at equilibrium, including intermediate stages of flooding. . <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. LegislationWatertight
A closing appliance is considered watertight if it is designed to prevent the passage of water in either direction under a head of water for which the surrounding structure is designed. Source: Rules and Regulations for the Classification of Mobile Offshore Units, Part 4, Steel Unit Structures, June 2013, Lloyd’s Register, Global StandardsSurface Unit
Definition(s)
Surface Unit
Surface unit is a unit with a ship- or barge-type displacement hull of single or multiple hull construction intended for operation in the floating condition. Source: IMO Resolution A.1023(26), Code for the Construction and Equipment of Mobile Offshore Drilling Units (2009 MODU Code), 2009. Global Standards Source: IMO resolution MSC.267(85), International Code on Intact Stability, 2008 (2008 IS Code), 4 December 2008, International Maritime Organization. Regulatory Guidance Source: IMO Resolution MSC.267(85), adoption of the International Code on Intact Stability, 2008 (2008 IS Code), 4 December 2008, International Maritime Organization. Regulatory Guidance Surface Type Unit Surface type unit means a unit with a ship shape or barge type displacement hull of single or multiple hull construction intended for operation in the floating condition. Source: Mobile Offshore Drilling Units, 46 CFR 107-109 (2013). RegulationsStandard Fire Test
Definition(s)
Standard Fire Test
Standard Fire Test means the test in which specimens of the relevant bulkheads or decks, having a surface of approximately 4.65 square meters (50 square feet) and a height of 2.44 meters (8 feet) resembling as closely as possible the intended construction and including, where appropriate, at least one joint, are exposed in a test furnace to a series of temperature relationships approximately as follows: (1) At the end of 5 minutes, 538 °C. (1,000 °F.) (2) At the end of 10 minutes, 704 °C. (1,300 °F.) (3) At the end of 30 minutes, 843 °C. (1,550 °F.) (4) At the end of 60 minutes, 927 °C. (1,700 °F.). Source: Mobile Offshore Drilling Units, 46 CFR 107-109 (2013). RegulationsStandard Fire Test
Standard fire test means a test in which specimens are exposed in a test furnace to temperatures corresponding approximately to the standard time-temperature curve. Source: IMO Resolution MSC.307(88), International Code for Application of Fire Test Procedures, 2010 (2010 FTP Code), 3 December 2010, International Maritime Organization. Regulatory GuidanceStandard Fire Test
A standard fire test is one in which the specimens of the relevant bulkheads and decks are exposed in a test furnace to temperatures corresponding approximately to the standard time-temperature curve. The test methods shall be in accordance with the Fire Test Procedures Code. <Chapter II-2, Part A, regulation 3>. Source: IMO Resolution MSC.57(67), adoption of amendments to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), 1974, 5 December 1996, International Maritime Organization. LegislationStandard Fire Test
“Standard fire test” means a test conducted in accordance with Regulation 3.2 of Chapter II-2 of International Maritime Organization International Conference on Safety of Life at Sea; essai standard de résistance au feu. Source: Canada Oil and Gas Installations Regulations, SOR/96-111, Canada, current to May 1, 2014. Regulations Source: Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Installations Regulations, SOR/95-191, Canada, current to May 31, 2012. RegulationsStandard Fire Test
A standard fire test is a test in which specimens of the relevant bulkheads or decks are exposed in a test furnace to temperatures corresponding approximately to the standard time-temperature curve in accordance with the test method specified in the Fire Test Procedures Code. The specimen is to have an exposed surface of not less than 4,65 m2 and height (or length of deck) of 2,44 m resembling as closely as possible the intended construction and including where appropriate at least one joint. The standard time-temperature curve is defined by a smooth curve drawn through the following temperature points measured above the initial furnace temperature: At the end of the first 5 minutes - 576°C At the end of the first 10 minutes - 679°C At the end of the first 15 minutes - 738°C At the end of the first 30 minutes - 841°C At the end of the first 60 minutes - 945°C. Source: Rules and Regulations for the Classification of Mobile Offshore Units, Part 7, Safety Systems, Hazardous Areas and Fire, June 2013, Lloyd’s Register, Global StandardsStairtower
Definition(s)
Stairtower
Stairtower means a stairway that penetrates more than one deck within the same enclosure, or two or more stairways that (1) Are arranged vertically one above the other; or (2) Penetrate both the deck and the overhead within the same enclosure. Source: Mobile Offshore Drilling Units, 46 CFR 107-109 (2013). RegulationsSemi-enclosed Location
Definition(s)
Semi-enclosed location
For the purpose of this subpart “semi-enclosed location” means a location where natural conditions of ventilation are notably different from those on open decks due to the presence of structures such as roofs, windbreaks, or bulkheads. Source: Mobile Offshore Drilling Units, 46 CFR 107-109 (2013). RegulationsSemi-enclosed locations
Semi-enclosed locations are locations where natural conditions of ventilation are notably different from those on open decks due to the presence of structures such as roofs, windbreaks and bulkheads and which are so arranged that dispersion of gas may not occur. Source: IMO Resolution A.1023(26), Code for the Construction and Equipment of Mobile Offshore Drilling Units (2009 MODU Code), 2009. Global StandardsSemi-enclosed
Semi-enclosed locations are locations where natural conditions of ventilation are notably different from those on open decks due to the presence of structures such as roofs, windbreaks and bulkheads and which are so arranged that the dispersion of gas may not occur. Source: IEC 61892-7, Mobile and fixed offshore units – Electrical installations – Part 7: Hazardous areas. Global StandardsSelf-propelled Unit
Definition(s)
Self-propelled unit
Self-propelled unit means a unit that has propulsion machinery that provides for independent underway navigation. Source: Mobile Offshore Drilling Units, 46 CFR 107-109 (2013). RegulationsSelf-Elevating Unit
Definition(s)
Self-Elevating Unit
Self-elevating unit is a unit with movable legs capable of raising its hull above the surface of the sea and lowering it back into the sea. Source: IMO Resolution A.1023(26), Code for the Construction and Equipment of Mobile Offshore Drilling Units (2009 MODU Code), 2009. Global Standards Source: IMO resolution MSC.267(85), International Code on Intact Stability, 2008 (2008 IS Code), 4 December 2008, International Maritime Organization. Regulatory GuidanceSelf-Elevating Unit
Self-elevating unit means a unit with moveable legs capable of raising its hull above the surface of the sea. Source: Mobile Offshore Drilling Units, 46 CFR 107-109 (2013). RegulationsSelf-Elevating Unit
Self-elevating unit is a unit with moveable legs capable of raising its hull above the surface of the sea. Source: IMO Resolution MSC.267(85), adoption of the International Code on Intact Stability, 2008 (2008 IS Code), 4 December 2008, International Maritime Organization. Regulatory GuidanceSelf-Elevating Unit
Self-elevating units are mobile units which are designed to operate as sea bed-stabilised units in an elevated mode. These units have a buoyant hull with movable legs capable of raising the hull above the surface of the sea. The legs may be designed to penetrate the sea bed, or be attached to a mat or individual footings which rest on the sea bed. Source: Rules and Regulations for the Classification of Mobile Offshore Units, Part 1, Regulations, June 2013, Lloyd’s Register, Global StandardsSeagoing Condition
Definition(s)
Seagoing condition
Seagoing condition means the operating condition of the unit with the personnel, equipment, fluids, and ballast necessary for safe operation on the waters where the unit operates. For bottom-bearing mobile offshore drilling units (MODU), the term also applies in the bottom-bearing mode, but the lightest seagoing condition is considered to be the highest anticipated operating condition. Source: Mobile Offshore Drilling Units, 46 CFR 107-109 (2013). RegulationsRescue Boat
Definition(s)
Rescue Boat
Rescue boat means a boat designed to rescue persons in distress and to marshal survival craft. Source: Mobile Offshore Drilling Units, 46 CFR 107-109 (2013). RegulationsRescue Boat
Rescue boat has the same meaning as defined in SOLAS regulation III/3. Source: IMO Resolution A.1023(26), Code for the Construction and Equipment of Mobile Offshore Drilling Units (2009 MODU Code), 2009. Global StandardsRescue Boat
Rescue boat is a boat designed to rescue persons in distress and to marshal survival craft. <Chapter III, Part A, regulation 3>. Source: IMO Resolution MSC.47(66), adoption of amendments to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), 1974, 4 June 1996, International Maritime Organization. LegislationRetrieval
Definition(s)
Retrieval
Retrieval means the safe recovery of survivors. Source: Mobile Offshore Drilling Units, 46 CFR 107-109 (2013). RegulationsRetrieval
Retrieval is the safe recovery of survivors. <Chapter III, Part A, regulation 3>. Source: IMO Resolution MSC.47(66), adoption of amendments to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), 1974, 4 June 1996, International Maritime Organization. LegislationPoint of Access
Definition(s)
Point of access
Point of access means the place on deck of a vessel where a person steps onto or off of pilot boarding equipment. Source: Mobile Offshore Drilling Units, 46 CFR 107-109 (2013). RegulationsPilot Boarding Equipment
Definition(s)
Pilot boarding equipment
Pilot boarding equipment means a pilot ladder, accommodation ladder, pilot hoist, or combination of them as required by this subchapter. Source: Mobile Offshore Drilling Units, 46 CFR 107-109 (2013). RegulationsNovel Lifesaving Appliance or Arrangement
Definition(s)
Novel Lifesaving Appliance or Arrangement
Novel lifesaving appliance or arrangement means one that has new features not fully covered by the provisions of this subchapter but providing an equal or higher standard of safety. Source: Mobile Offshore Drilling Units, 46 CFR 107-109 (2013). RegulationsNovel Life-Saving Arrangement
Novel life-saving appliance or arrangement is a life-saving appliance or arrangement which embodies new features not fully covered by the provisions of this chapter or the Code but which provides an equal or higher standard of safety. <Chapter III, Part A, regulation 3>. Source: IMO Resolution MSC.47(66), adoption of amendments to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), 1974, 4 June 1996, International Maritime Organization. LegislationNovel Life-Saving Appliance
Novel life-saving appliance or arrangement is a life-saving appliance or arrangement which embodies new features not fully covered by the provisions of this chapter or the Code but which provides an equal or higher standard of safety. <Chapter III, Part A, regulation 3>. Source: IMO Resolution MSC.47(66), adoption of amendments to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), 1974, 4 June 1996, International Maritime Organization. LegislationNon-self-propelled Unit
Definition(s)
Non-self-propelled unit
Non-self-propelled unit means a unit which is not self-propelled. Source: Mobile Offshore Drilling Units, 46 CFR 107-109 (2013). RegulationsMuster Station
Definition(s)
Muster station
Muster station means the place where the crew and industrial personnel assemble before boarding a survival craft. Source: Mobile Offshore Drilling Units, 46 CFR 107-109 (2013). RegulationsMaster or Person in Charge
Definition(s)
Master or person in charge
Master or Person in charge means a person designated under § 109.107. Source: Mobile Offshore Drilling Units, 46 CFR 107-109 (2013). RegulationsMarine Evacuation System
Definition(s)
Marine Evacuation System
Marine evacuation system means an appliance designed to rapidly transfer large numbers of persons from an embarkation station by means of a passage to a floating platform for subsequent embarkation into associated survival craft, or directly into associated survival craft. Source: Mobile Offshore Drilling Units, 46 CFR 107-109 (2013). RegulationsMarine Evacuation System
Marine evacuation system is an appliance for the rapid transfer of persons from the embarkation deck of a ship to a floating survival craft. <Chapter III, Part A, regulation 3>. Source: IMO Resolution MSC.47(66), adoption of amendments to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), 1974, 4 June 1996, International Maritime Organization. LegislationLifejacket
Definition(s)
Lifejacket
Lifejacket means a flotation device approved as a life preserver or lifejacket.1Life-jacket
Device worn by personnel which has sufficient buoyancy and stability in water to turn the body of an unconscious person and keep the person’s mouth clear of the water.2Source(s)
1. Mobile Offshore Drilling Units, 46 CFR 107-109 (2013). Regulations 2. ISO 15544:2000, Petroleum and natural gas industries – Offshore production installations – Requirements and guidelines for emergency. Global Standards
Launching Arrangement
Definition(s)
Launching Appliance or Launching Arrangement
Launching appliance or launching arrangement means the method or devices for transferring a survival craft or rescue boat from its stowed position to the water. For a launching arrangement using a davit, the term includes the davit, winch, and falls. Source: Mobile Offshore Drilling Units, 46 CFR 107-109 (2013). RegulationsLaunching Arrangement
Launching appliance or arrangement is a means of transferring a survival craft or rescue boat from its stowed position safely to the water. <Chapter III, Part A, regulation 3>. Source: IMO Resolution MSC.47(66), adoption of amendments to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), 1974, 4 June 1996, International Maritime Organization. LegislationLaunching Appliance
Definition(s)
Launching Appliance or Launching Arrangement
Launching appliance or launching arrangement means the method or devices for transferring a survival craft or rescue boat from its stowed position to the water. For a launching arrangement using a davit, the term includes the davit, winch, and falls. Source: Mobile Offshore Drilling Units, 46 CFR 107-109 (2013). RegulationsLaunching Appliance
Launching appliance or arrangement is a means of transferring a survival craft or rescue boat from its stowed position safely to the water. <Chapter III, Part A, regulation 3>. Source: IMO Resolution MSC.47(66), adoption of amendments to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), 1974, 4 June 1996, International Maritime Organization. LegislationInternational Voyage
Definition(s)
International voyages
International voyages means voyages in international waters, as defined in chapter I of the 1974 SOLAS Convention, as amended. Source: IMO resolution A.1021(26), Guidelines for ships operating in polar waters, 18 January 2010, International Maritime Organization, Regulatory GuidanceInternational voyage
“International voyage” means a voyage by a ship entitled to fly the flag of one State to or from a port, shipyard, or offshore terminal under the jurisdiction of another State. Source: International Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti-fouling Systems on Ships,2001, LegislationInternational voyage
“International voyage” has the same meaning as stated in Regulation 2(d) of part A, chapter I in the International Convention for Safety of Life at Sea, 1974. (SOLAS 74), which is: “a voyage from a country to which the present Convention applies to a port outside such country, or conversely. The Coast Guard has interpreted this definition to include the following:- A voyage from a country to which SOLAS 1974 applies, to a port outside that country or the reverse;
- A voyage from any territory, including the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, all possesssions of the United States, and all lands held by the United States under a protectorate or mandate, whose international relations are the responsibility of a contracting SOLAS 74 government, or which is administered by the United Nations, to a port outside that territory or the reverse.