Defines general principles for designing and assessing structures subjected to known or foreseeable types of actions. These principles apply worldwide and include all types of offshore structures, including bottom founded and floating structures. Applies to all types of materials and to the design of complete structures, including substructures, topside structures, vessel hulls, foundations and mooring systems. Defines design principles which apply to the successive stages in construction, to use of the completed structure and to its abandonment. Also usually applies to reassessment or modification of existing structures and quality control issues.