• International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk (the IBC
Code). This was adopted by IMO in 1983. Under the provisions of SOLAS Chapter VII and MARPOL Annex II all
chemical tankers constructed on or after 1 July 1986 must comply with the provisions of this Code.
Both Codes have been amended several times since their adoption, in order to keep them up to best practice in the industry.
The IBC Code also contains the current requirements for safe handling of cargoes, and should be available on board for
reference regardless of the age of the ship.
The relevant Code or Codes applying to a particular ship must be carried on board.
The IMO Codes are intended to produce a uniform set of regulations, allowing a ship to be issued with a Certificate of Fitness
indicating compliance with the relevant Code. The certificate is accepted by the nations to which the ship may trade as an
assurance of the ship's constructional safety, in a similar way to the international acceptance of Safety Equipment, Safety
Construction, Load Line and other certificates issued to signify compliance with IMO standards. As with other certificates, the
Codes require periodic re-inspection of the ship during its lifetime to maintain validity.
The implementation of these international regulations is through the approval by national administrations of a Procedures and
Arrangements (P&A) Manual, individually developed for each ship.
Main requirements of the IMO Codes
The IMO Codes address the safety of everyone involved and protection of the environment by ensuring that the ship will
remain afloat after an assumed extent of damage, thereby minimising potential pollution and the uncontrolled release of cargo
that could follow if a ship sank.
They set detailed requirements for specific aspects of the ship: materials of construction; the
separation of cargo, accommodation and machinery spaces; segregation of different types of cargoes; controls and
instrumentation for cargo handling equipment; control of conditions within cargo spaces and venting from them; piping and
pumping arrangements; electrical installations; fire fighting and extinguishing systems; and personal protective equipment.
The IMO Codes then list cargoes, identifying the hazards each presents during carriage by sea. Cargoes which are assessed as
presenting a safety or pollution hazard to such an extent as to warrant protection are required to be carried in designated ship
types providing the appropriate degree of protection. Three ship types are prescribed, with the most hazardous cargoes
receiving the most protection through further requirements applied to individual cargo tanks.
Chemical tanker familiarization training for newly joined crew member
It is essential on chemical tankers that everyone knows his ship's safety precautions thoroughly. Also the master/chief officer must assume responsibility for this. Newly signed on members of the crew should be familiarized about the following items and be shown around the ship to get detailed knowledge:
IMO codes guideline for modern chemical tankers
The IMO Codes address the safety of everyone involved and protection of the environment by ensuring that the ship will remain afloat after an assumed extent of damage, thereby minimising potential pollution and the uncontrolled release of cargo that could follow if a ship sank.
What is reactivity of noxious liquid chemicals while carrying at sea ?
The most common form of self-reaction is polymerisation. Polymerisation generally results in the conversion of gases or liquids into viscous liquids or solids. It may be a slow, natural process which only degrades the product without posing any safety hazards to the ship or the crew, or it may be a rapid, exothermic reaction evolving large amounts of heat and gases.
What is putrefaction process of liquid chemicals ?
Most animal and vegetable oils undergo decomposition over time, a natural process known as putrefaction (going off), that generates obnoxious and toxic vapours and depletes the oxygen in the tank. Tanks that have contained such products must be carefully ventilated and the atmosphere tested prior to tank entry .
Physical properties of various noxious liquid chemicals carried at sea
Specific Gravity (Density)
,Flash Point,Auto Ignition Temperature,Flammable / Explosive Limits,Vapour pressure/Boiling point,Freezing point/Melting Point....
Related info:
Preparations prior allowing personnel into cargo tanks / enclosed spaces
International regulations for preventing pollution from chemical tankers
Preparations for hot work and safety precautions
Main Info pages!
Home page |||
Chemical hazards |||
Cargo planning & Stowage |||
Cargo loading
|||
Cargo documents
|||
Safe stability
|||
Cargo care
|||
Preparation for unloading
|||
Inert gas systems
|||Gas freeing
|||
Nitrogen handling
|||
Chemical handling Safe practice
|||Handling equipments
|||
Cargo & Ballast pumps
|||
Cargo tanks
|||Tank cleaning
|||Special cargoes
|||Spills emergencies
|||Fire protection
Chemicaltankerguide.com is merely an informational site about various aspects
of chemical tankers and safety tips that may be particular value to those working in: Chemical Handling, Chemical Storage,
Liquefied Chemical Suppliers, Chemical Shipping, Chemical Transportation, Chemical Terminals, Bulk Chemical Services and
Chemical Processing. If you are
interested in finding out more about chemical tanker guideline please visit IMO official website. For any comment please
Contact us
Copyright © 2011 Chemical Tanker Guide.com All rights reserved.