USA: ABS Releases Systems Verification Guide

ABS, the leading maritime and offshore classification society, has released the ABS Guide for Systems Verification (SV Guide) to provide guidance and requirements for systems verification to shipowners and operators. The Guide sets the requirements for the optional SV Notation.

System verification is a life cycle commitment to review specific systems on a vessel, offshore facility or installation. The SV Guide provides a series of steps owners and operators can take to increase confidence that systems can and will perform in a planned and specified fashion when the asset is in an operational, degraded or failed condition. By identifying shortcomings within software systems, owners and operators can reduce the potential for lost time.

“ABS developed the SV Guide in response to an industry need for a systems verification notation,” says ABS Vice President of Offshore Technology Bret Montaruli. “Clients are looking for a higher degree of confidence in their systems, and the SV Guide provides the guidelines they need to identify potential shortcomings in software systems. Major operators are beginning to realize the benefit of this notation and are now requiring it on vessels and offshore facilities.”

Applying ABS’ recommended techniques for systems verification can facilitate system optimization, allowing for alternatives to be tested and evaluated prior to selection and implementation. Systems verification is typically accomplished by connecting a simulation of systems and equipment to the target control system. Examples of system optimization include using remote I/O with central process stations; evaluating control network data rates; and selecting process components.

“System analysis requirements in ABS’ SV Guide and the SV Notation are in excess to those for basic classification,” Montaruli explains. “We are offering detailed requirements that set the standard for the verification process and allow clients to have the flexibility to meet their own needs. In doing so, ABS has positioned itself as one of the leading classification societies by developing quality products that set the standards of excellence.”