Scope and Application This Guide presents the procedures and criteria to be employed by ABS in the review and survey of computer based control systems involving software development. The objective of the Guide is to reduce software related incidents that could negatively affect the performance of such systems. Compliance with the procedures and criteria given in this Guide may result in the granting of the optional notation ISQM to a vessel or offshore unit. This Guide emphasizes the software aspect of control systems. Criteria for the hardware@ Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA)@ and security of computer based control systems are given in other Rules@ Guides and other standards issued by ABS. These other criteria are to be satisfied in addition to those given in this Guide. The procedures and criteria given in this Guide rely on a structured process@ based on best practices@ for the engineering management of the software development process in the design@ construction and maintenance of computer based systems. Compliance with the process and criteria of this Guide is intended to increase safety@ accessibility@ reliability@ and ease of maintenance of computer based control systems. This Guide is applicable to stand-alone or integrated computer based control systems. Such a computer based control system can be installed on a ship@ offshore unit@ fixed and floating offshore installation@ or other type of facility. The computer based system can be associated with a control system of any level of complexity@ including those used for propulsion and navigation. The procedures and criteria given in this Guide will involve a variety of parties concerned with software development and maintenance. These include Systems Integrators (SI)@ Driller or Crew Organization (DCO)@ Ship Builder Integrator (SBI) or the Shipyard@ Verification and Validation Organizations (VV)@ Independent Auditor (IA)@ Owner@ Suppliers@ and Subcontractors involved in integrated system software development@ implementation@ operation and maintenance. It is the Ship Builder Integrator (Shipyard) and/or Owner's (refer to Section 2/3.1.1) responsibility to verify that the other involved parties are aware of the need to comply with this Guide.