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Weather precautions for seagoing chemical tankers

Assessing wind conditions
: Most chemical vapours are heavier than air, so cargo vapours released during loading, gas freeing or accidental spills may concentrate in lower areas on deck, especially in conditions with little or no wind. Strong wind may create low pressure on the lee side of deckhouses or other structures, and thereby cause vapour to be carried in that direction. Personnel should be alert to either possibility.


chemical tanker navigation at sea
Avoiding electrical storms

During electrical storms in the immediate vicinity of the ship, all operations that may evolve flammable vapours should be stopped, including tank cleaning, gas freeing and ballasting.


Cold weather countermeasures

During cold weather, precautions should be taken to prevent equipment and systems from freezing. Attention should be given to pneumatic valves and control systems, fire lines and hydrants, steam driven equipment, cargo heating systems, pressure/vacuum valves etc. If fitted, heating arrangements should be used. Any water that has collected in a system should be drained off. Cooling water systems should be dosed with anti-freeze or drained.

Water in a fire main or spray system should be circulated continuously, where possible. Special attention must be paid to emergency showers and eye-wash stations to ensure the availability of facilities.



Related info:

Effects of Tugs and other craft alongside chemical tankers

Mooring precautions for chemical tankers at berth

Means of access (gangways or accommodation ladders) safety precautions



Following reference publications provide useful guidance and international regulations for carrying hazardous chemicals at sea.

  • SOLAS (latest consolidated edition)
  • MARPOL – 73/78 (latest consolidated edition)
  • BCH / IBC Code
  • International Safety Guide for Oil Tankers and Terminals (ISGOTT)
  • Tanker Safety Guide (Chemicals)
  • Ship to Ship Transfer Guide (Petroleum)
  • Safety in Oil Tankers
  • Safety in Chemical Tankers
  • IMDG Code
  • Supplement to IMDG Code (Including MFAG and Ems)
  • SOPEP
  • Clean Seas Guide for Oil Tankers
  • FOSFA (for Oils, Seeds and Fats)
  • Prevention of Oil Spillage through Cargo Pumproom Sea Valves
  • CHRIS Guide (USCG)
  • Chemical Data Guide for Bulk Shipment by Water (Condensed Chris)
  • MSDS for particular cargo carried
  • Chemical Tank Cleaning Guide


Our detail pages contain somewhat larger lists of resources where you may find more useful information.



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