A stand-alone standard
From the outset, it has been the intention of WG 18 to prepare as near to a 'stand-alone' standard as possible, without the need to refer to the 92-series of IEC Publications, even though the new standard would repeat many of the clauses already contained in PUb. 92, Electrical installations in ships. This decision was taken in light of the outcome of enquiries made within the offshore oil industry in the UK during the preparation of drafts for the Institution of Electrical Engineers 'Offshore Recommendations'. The industry was quite emphatic that it required a publication dedicated to its needs and not one which was part of, or necessitated reference to, the Institution's. 'Ships Regulations and Recommendations'.
Repetition of text from existing IEC publications
When initially setting up the WGs strategy for preparing drafts, it was difficult to see how repetition could be avoided when producing a 'stand-alone' standard. However, one possibility worth considering was a redrafting of the clauses/sub-clauses taken from the '92-series' by a careful 'massaging' of the relevant words without losing their original intent.
The matter of 'repetition' was raised in WG 18 and concern was expressed over the possibility that the current course of action could be in conflict with clause 5.6 of the IEC/ISO Directives, Part 2. Actions should therefore be taken to seek an assurance that proposals prepared by WG 18 will not be rejected by Central Office on the grounds of 'repetitions'.
A meeting were held at IEC Central Office to discuss the subject. The outcome was that the requirements of the Directives, Part 2, 5.6 are not applicable in this case and a dispensation was given.
Future maintenance of the standard
As stated above, some of the text is repeated from exisisting IEC publications. However, the text of these sources might change due to a revision or an amendment. A system will therefore be developed, to monitor any change in the sources. If necessary, the IEC 61892 will be amended to reflect changes in the sources.
Future topics
WG 18 is aware of that many topics are as yet not included in the IEC 61892 series. Among those are a) system design requirements, b) equipment requirements and c) installation requirements for：
drilling;
UPS-systems;
adjustable speed motor drives;
electrical submersible pumps;
diesel-electric fire pumps;
cable systems of glands, slices, transits, support systems;
electrical power supply to a unit from an external source of electrical power.
It is decided to include missing topics in amendments later, rather than try to cover all topics in the first edition of IEC 61892.
(The table of contents is included in Annex A)
