Sleeper accommodation modules are essential equipment for adding additional crew capacity to a facility, vessel, or project. Unfortunately, when adding sleeper accommodation modules to a project, too often, the only aspects that are focused on are the number of beds and the pricing. As a result, the features and specifications the modules have that would best suit the project are discounted or ignored. These features and specifications can be the difference between easy, comfortable accommodations and a costly, difficult experience.

Armoda has been supplying sleeper accommodation modules for a wide range of industries around the world. From our experience in the field, we have compiled a list of five features that should be considered when renting sleeper accommodation modules.

Five Features for Accommodation Modules

1) Multiple Certifications

Multiple certifications may seem like a strange feature to include. Still, there are many times at the beginning of the planning process that the exact certifications required for the facility or vessel are not known. At that point, the precise placement of the modules has not been decided. The final placement of the modules can change what certifications are needed. Making sure that the modules being considered for the project have multiple certifications from the main governing bodies is crucial in planning out the project without fear of having to start over halfway through the planning process because the location has changed. The certifications that Sleeper Accommodation Modules should include are:

• ABS
• USCG
• DNV
• EN
• SOLAS
• IMO
• UK HSE
• CE Marked

For a deeper dive into these certifications, you can check out our article on Offshore Classification Societies and Rule Requirements.

2) Number of Wet Units

When many people share a living space, one of the first places for issues to arise is the bathroom schedule. Whether the issue is showering in the morning or brushing teeth before bed, having multiple wet units in an accommodation module can cut down on interpersonal issues. For the typical 12-person accommodation module, there are generally two wet units per module. These units consist of a shower, toilet, and sink. This arrangement means splitting one unit between six people. However, there are accommodation modules that come with three units, which reduces the number of people per unit to four, providing much more privacy and a greater quality of life.

3) Bunk Amenities

A lot has changed over the past 10 years, and one of the most significant changes is the need for charging a wide variety of devices. With cellphones, tablets, and computers, every person today has two or three devices that they need to keep charged. Ensuring every bunk has an individual power outlet, and in some cases, USB power ports, is essential. A group of twelve, sharing three outlets, can lead to problems that make their way out of the bunk and into the work environment. By giving every bunk an outlet, there is ample charging space to plug-in devices.

4) Storage

Sleeper accommodation modules, by their design, are made to be as small as possible while still providing the necessary space to house the bunks, wet rooms, and office space for the project to which they are deployed. Because the goal is to take up as little space as possible while still meeting the project's needs, having useable storage is a highly prized commodity. Most modules will come with a small locker similar to those in a high school or middle school. Look for modules that go beyond this minimum. Instead of just open space under the bottom bunk, these modules will incorporate drawers and open space for work boots.

5) Entrance Doors

Often when a sleeper module is deployed, it houses crew members from different shifts. Having only one or two entrance doors to the module can mean traffic constantly flows through the module while others are trying to sleep. This disturbance can lead to crew members not getting enough sleep to perform their duties at safe and satisfactory levels. It can also lead to unnecessary conflict between members of the crew within the module. To alleviate these types of issues, look for modules that incorporate three entrance doors. These modules break the 12-person module into three separate sections, each with an entrance door. Splitting the module into three self-contained sections reduces the amount of sleep-interrupting movements and helps ensure the crew members are well-rested and ready to perform at their best.

Get These Five Features for Your Accommodation Modules

When looking for sleeper accommodation modules for your next project, don't forget to ask about these five features. Ensuring you get the right equipment and amenities for the job will keep the crew comfortable and productive. And, many are fast deploying accommodation modules. Armoda has deployed our fleet of accommodation modules to projects around the globe. Contact us today if you have any questions about these features or need accommodation modules for an upcoming project.