GB17380-2020
Regulation on aids to navigation for marking of offshore structures, China
中国海区水中建（构）筑物助航标志规定
GB 17380-2020 is a current mandatory Chinese national standard for Regulation on aids to navigation for marking of offshore structures, China. It appears in the Machinery compliance cluster with a product safety focus and has an implementation date of Dec 1, 2021.
Applicability depends on product scope, certification route, competent authority notices and transition rules. Requst for the translation or verify source before using this record in a compliance decision.
Compliance overview
Scope and applicability
This standard applies to the aids to navigation established for offshore structures with fixed positions in navigable waters of the China sea area. It covers various facilities including drilling platforms, offshore wind farms, independent wind turbines, wind measurement towers, and oceanographic data collection platforms. It is not applicable to structures specifically built as aids to navigation, nor does it apply to cross-sea bridges. Engineers and manufacturers involved in offshore energy and marine construction must evaluate this standard for Chinese maritime compliance.
Technical requirements
The standard mandates that the installation of aids to navigation must be synchronized with the construction of the offshore structures. Visual and radio aids are the primary requirements, with audible aids set as necessary. For visual aids, the standard specifies light characteristics, such as using a white light with a Morse (U) flash rhythm for single structures, and references GB 4696 for marking structure groups. It dictates that light fixtures must be installed at a specific height above the mean high water springs (MHWS), and the light range must meet minimum visibility thresholds considering background light interference. Additionally, structures must display yellow signboards with black text indicating their registered name or code. For radio aids, significant offshore structures must be equipped with radar beacons and Automatic Identification System (AIS) aids. The coding of radar beacons must be distinctly different from nearby ones to avoid confusion. Audible aids, such as synchronized fog signals, must be installed at specific heights, possess a minimum audible range, and automatically activate when atmospheric visibility drops below a defined threshold. A dedicated chapter addresses offshore wind farms, categorizing peripheral facilities into Significant Peripheral Structures (SPS) and Intermediate Peripheral Structures (IPS). Specific spacing and synchronized flashing requirements are mandated for SPS and IPS based on their mutual distances. The standard also specifies that if a navigation channel passes through a structure group, light buoys must be set to mark the channel limits.
Testing methods
While this standard primarily focuses on design and deployment rather than laboratory testing, it outlines specific evaluation and verification procedures for maritime visibility. It specifies criteria for evaluating the light range of visual aids under background light conditions and the audible range of fog signals. Verification of installation height parameters relative to the mean high water springs (MHWS) is required. Furthermore, it outlines assessment procedures for the spatial distribution and synchronization of aids marking offshore wind farm perimeters.
FAQs
What products and structures are regulated under GB 17380-2020?
It applies to aids to navigation for fixed-position offshore structures in navigable waters of China, including drilling platforms, offshore wind farms, and meteorological masts. It does not apply to cross-sea bridges or structures specifically built as aids to navigation.
Are there any significant updates from the previous GB 17380-1998 version?
The 2020 version introduces new requirements for offshore wind farms, adds general provisions, and modifies definitions and requirements for visual, radio, and audible aids. It also removes outdated requirements for secondary lights and temporary aids.
How does GB 17380-2020 differ from international IALA standards?
The standard aligns with international practices by referencing the IALA Recommendation O-139 for the marking of man-made offshore structures, while specifying mandatory requirements tailored to the Chinese maritime environment.
The summary above provides a high-level overview of GB 17380-2020. To ensure complete compliance for your offshore structures entering the Chinese maritime market, a precise and professional translation of the full technical specifications is essential. Purchase our high-quality English translation of GB 17380-2020 today to access all detailed parameters, diagrams, and testing procedures.
Applicability hints
- Type
- Safety
- CCS
- R63
- ICS
- 03.220.40
- Competent department
- Ministry of Transport
- Technical committee
- Ministry of Transport
Relationships
Replaces:GB 17380-1998